I recently shared how I was Embarking on the Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Challenge, where I’d need to stay 16 nights within 90 days of enrolling to earn Marriott Platinum Elite Status. I decided to go mattress running in New York City, and my first was the AC Hotel New York Times Square.
This property is located near Times Square and features 290 guest rooms and is a Marriott Category 5 property with free night awards starting at 35,000 points per night for a standard award.
As a Gold Elite member, I was welcomed by the friendly front desk agent, who informed me that I was upgraded to a higher floor room. I was proactively offered a 2pm late check-out, and given a bottle water upon my arrival. The lobby was quite busy in the early afternoon, with many guests checking in.
AC Times Square exterior
AC Times Square exterior
King guest room at the AC Times Square
King guest room at the AC Times Square
As you enter the room, there’s a makeshift closet, however there’s no doors. There’s also a refrigerator and a microwave and a safe.
Bathroom featuring a walk-in shower
Korres bath amenities in the shower
Complimentary computers for guests to use
24 hour fitness center
Lobby area
Lobby area
Bottom Line
If you’re headed to New York City, and looking to stay near Times Square, then you may want to consider the AC New York Times Square. According to their website, it doesn’t appear that they have any suites, so if you’re an elite member keep that in mind if you’re looking for an upgrade.
The hotel does have a rooftop lounge called Castell, which opens at 4pm daily and features both an indoor and outdoor space.
As this was my first stay at Marriott’s AC brand, I would say that I was overall impressed and would stay with this brand in the future. The property offered modern accommodations at an affordable price.
Have you stayed at the AC New York Times Square before? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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When and if the time comes for me to do my platinum challenge, I plan to do it in China or maybe Spain or even India, where cheap Courtyards and/or AC hotels can be had.
As a Bonvoy Ambassador I also tried out the AC brand recently in Europe (where I believe the brand originated) and was impressed. Simple modern efficient and a great use of small space.Great service and staff too.
Thanks for the review. I’ll check the TS location next time.
I stayed at an AC in Florence and vowed never again. It’s basically a Motel 6 but indoors. The entire place is beyond plain. A Hampton Inn is nicer. Or with Marriott, a Fairfield has more amenities. AC is basic with positively nothing to offer. It’s a bed and a shower I suppose. Little else. Actually really nothing else. If a bed and shower is needed and truly nothing more (a sitting area in the room or in the lobby, an even remotely partil breakfast, in room coffee, a clock, etc) then it’s adequate if the price is very low. I wouldn’t pay any decent amount for an AC however. Again, a bed and shower is all you’re getting. if that is the need then ok. Otherwise, go somewhere nicer.
I’m not a fan of AC, but have stayed twice in Portland due to the price/location in regard to my client there. I personally don’t like the hard floors in an AC unless I’m on the top floor because noise seems to be even more of a problem than with carpeting. If it is winter, there is barely room for a coat and also my business clothes for the week that need to be hung up. I really miss having a clock in the room. I know everyone has cell phones, but I like to be able to roll over and see the time without having to fish out my cell phone in the dark. Finally, the $10/STAY (not night like Courtyard) breakfast credit for whatever levels get it is nowhere close to enough to be able to get one breakfast and they don’t even have a nice pantry like Courtyard where you can use the credit. $10 in place of a breakfast benefit at almost every other brand is downright insulting.
Did you prefer the AC hotel or the Courtyard in Midtown West?