Finding a place to crash in Manhattan is usually a trade-off. You’re either paying five hundred bucks a night for a room the size of a walk-in closet, or you’re staying so far out in the boroughs that you spend half your vacation on the N train. Honestly, the Four Points by Sheraton Midtown - Times Square shouldn't be as good as it is. It’s a Marriott Bonvoy property, which usually means "predictable corporate vibes," but this specific spot on 40th Street hits a weirdly perfect sweet spot for people who actually want to see New York without going broke or losing their minds in the middle of a tourist trap.
It’s located at 326 West 40th Street.
If you know the city, you know that’s right near Port Authority. That sounds gritty. It is gritty. But that’s the secret. You are literally two blocks from the neon chaos of Times Square, yet you’re tucked away just enough that you can actually hear your own thoughts when you walk out the front door.
The Reality of Staying at Four Points by Sheraton Midtown - Times Square
Most people book this place because they see "Times Square" in the name and assume they’ll be waking up to Elmo waving at them through the window. That’s not what happens here. This hotel is technically in the Garment District/Hell's Kitchen border zone. You’ve got the New York Times building right there. You’ve got Dean & DeLuca (well, what’s left of that vibe) and real-deal coffee shops nearby.
The rooms are exactly what you expect from a Four Points—clean, functional, and equipped with those Four Points by Sheraton Four Comfort Beds—but the views are the sleeper hit. If you get a room on a high floor facing north, you get that iconic, towering Midtown skyline. It feels like you’re in a movie. If you face south, you see the industrial beauty of the lower west side.
Let’s talk about the elevator situation. It’s a skinny building. 33 floors. 244 rooms. Sometimes the wait for the lift feels like a lifetime during the 10:00 AM checkout rush. That’s just the New York tax. You deal with it.
Why the Location Actually Works
You can walk to the Hudson Yards in fifteen minutes. You can hit the High Line. You can be at a Broadway show in ten. Most importantly, you are steps away from every subway line known to man at the Times Square–42nd Street station.
- Pro tip: Don't eat the hotel breakfast every day. You're in Hell's Kitchen. Walk three blocks north to 8th or 9th Avenue.
- The hotel has a fitness center, but honestly, walking 20,000 steps on the New York pavement is all the cardio anyone needs.
- There is a rooftop bar. It’s called Sky Room. It’s one of those places that feels very "Old New York nightlife" with some of the best views of the Empire State Building you can find without paying for an observation deck.
Is it quiet? Sort of.
People ask if it’s loud. It’s Manhattan. There are sirens. There are trucks. But the Four Points by Sheraton Midtown - Times Square has surprisingly decent soundproofing for a mid-range hotel. You aren't going to get that "library silence" of a Park Avenue five-star, but you won't feel like the honking is happening inside your pillowcase either.
The staff here are seasoned. They’ve seen everything. If you need a late checkout or a place to store your bags because your flight isn't until 8:00 PM, they handle it with that brisk, efficient New York attitude that some people mistake for rudeness but is actually just high-level competence.
A Note on the "Resort Fees" and Value
New York hotels love their "Destination Fees." It’s a bummer. At the Four Points, this often includes some credit for food or beverage and maybe some laundry perks. Always check your folio. If you're a Marriott Titanium or Ambassador member, you might get some of this waived or get better upgrades, but even for the casual traveler, the points-to-value ratio here is usually much higher than the neighboring "designer" hotels that charge double for a smaller bed.
Navigating the Neighborhood Like a Local
If you’re staying at the Four Points by Sheraton Midtown - Times Square, do yourself a favor and avoid the chain restaurants on 42nd Street. You are right near some of the best cheap eats in the city.
- Los Tacos No. 1: Just a short walk away. Best tacos in the city, period.
- Best Bagel & Coffee: On 35th Street. Expect a line, but it’s the real deal.
- The Playwright: If you want a pint and a burger without the Times Square markup.
The 40th Street corridor can feel a little hectic at night because of the bus terminal nearby, but it’s heavily trafficked and generally safe. Just keep your head up and walk like you have somewhere to be. That’s the New York way.
Actionable Insights for Your Stay
To get the most out of this specific hotel, keep these points in mind:
Request a high floor away from the elevators. The building is narrow, and the mechanical noise can hum on the lower levels. The higher you go, the better the light and the less street noise you’ll deal with.
Use the mobile key. The lobby can get crowded with tour groups or business travelers checking in all at once. Having the Marriott Bonvoy app set up lets you skip the line and head straight to your room.
Check the "Sky Room" hours. It’s a popular spot for locals and workers in the nearby towers, so it can get packed on Friday nights. Go on a Tuesday or Wednesday for a sunset drink to have the view (mostly) to yourself.
The Port Authority connection. If you’re coming in from Newark (EWR), you can take the Newark Airport Express bus which drops you off literally right around the corner. It’s way cheaper than a $90 Uber and often faster during rush hour.
Skip the hotel car service. They’ll offer to call you a "car" to the airport. It’s usually a private livery service that costs significantly more than a standard yellow cab or a Lyft. Just walk to the corner and hail a yellow taxi; there are thousands of them right there.
The Four Points by Sheraton Midtown - Times Square isn't trying to be a boutique masterpiece. It’s a workhorse. It’s for the traveler who wants a comfortable bed, a hot shower, and a location that puts the entire city within reach without the pretension of a luxury lobby. It’s functional. It’s reliable. In a city that can be as exhausting as New York, that reliability is worth its weight in gold.