HOTEL EDISON
Classic Style at the Historic Hotel Edison Times Square
The Hotel Edison Times Square is a moderately-priced, 4-star hotel located in the heart of the Theater District. This large property features 812 guestrooms and carries a famous Art Deco look from the year 1931. Most guests leave positive reviews about its old-school charm and very central location. It offers a unique feel compared to the newer glass towers nearby. Travelers often choose it for dependable Midtown Manhattan hotel accommodations with a bit of history.
Steps from Broadway and Local Favorites
The hotel is only two blocks away from the 49th Street subway station for easy travel. You can walk just one block to reach the center of the Times Square “bow-tie” area. The famous Theater District surrounds the building, with many stages only seconds away. Rockefeller Center is a short five-block walk to the east. The Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum (https://www.intrepidmuseum.org) is about seven blocks west. For a meal, the famous Junior’s Restaurant (https://www.juniorscheesecake.com) is only two blocks away. Ellen’s Stardust Diner (https://www.ellensstardustdiner.com) is a popular three-block walk for families.
Practical Features Guests Enjoy
Midtown Manhattan is more than just a transit hub; it is the heartbeat of the city’s storied past and its electric present. To truly experience the “Center of the Universe,” choosing a hotel with character and history is essential.
Below is a deep dive into two of the most iconic stays in the district, where the walls tell stories of old New York and the front doors open to the world’s most famous attractions.
1. The Hotel Edison: An Art Deco Time Capsule
When you step into the Hotel Edison, you aren’t just checking into a room; you’re stepping back into 1931. Opened during the height of the Art Deco movement—the same year the Empire State Building was completed—this 812-room landmark was actually named after Thomas Edison, who famously turned on the lights at its grand opening. To understand the gravity of the era this hotel was born into, you can explore the rich history of New York City and its architectural evolution.
The Experience: Jazz, Gin, and Grandeur
The Edison has maintained its “Old Hollywood” glamour through decades of change. The lobby is a masterclass in Art Deco design, featuring ornate murals and gilded finishes.
- The Culinary Pulse: Inside, you’ll find Bond 45, a high-energy Italian kitchen known for its vegetable antipasto bar and dry-aged steaks. For a nightcap, The Rum House is widely considered one of the best bars in the city, offering world-class cocktails and live nightly jazz that transports you to a bygone era.
- Location Highlights: Located at 228 West 47th Street, you are “zero blocks” from the Times Square bow-tie. You are mere seconds from the Theater District, and a short 5-block stroll to the ice skating and shopping at Rockefeller Center.
Is it right for you?
Solo travelers often praise the Edison for its “eyes on the street” environment. Because it sits on a block that is busy until the early hours of the morning, it is a top recommendation in our guide on safety precautions for solo female travelers in NYC.
Pro-Tip: Book the “Signature” rooms for a modern, renovated experience, but appreciate the thick, historic walls that provide a rare quietude in the city that never sleeps.
Some guests report that the older “Classic” rooms feel small and that the elevators can be quite slow.
Seasonal Rates and Smart Booking
Nightly rates during the cold winter months can drop to around $175. Prices during the spring and fall usually stay between $300 and $450 per night. The peak season is December, when prices often climb above $600 for the holidays. To find the lowest rates, book your stay at least three months early for a trip in January. Checking for mid-week stays can also save you a lot of money.
Visit New York’s Recommendation
The Hotel Edison Times Square is a great pick because it offers a historic Broadway experience at a fair price. It is the perfect home base for theater fans who want to be steps from the stage.
