New York’s Times Square is a neon theater—big shows, bigger billboards, and an energy that goes late and loud. If you want a 5-star Hotels experience with Broadway at your doorstep, you’ll find it. If you’re chasing the star trail—“Where do celebrities stay in NYC?”—you’ll also find the honest answer: many A-listers sleep near Times Square but often prep and party elsewhere (Upper East Side for the Met Gala; Central Park/Columbus Circle for view-heavy privacy).
This long-form playbook covers both—so you can pick a property that fits your vibe, your schedule, and your screen-time dreams.
What does “5-star” mean in Times Square—and what matters most?
A true 5-star Times Square hotel balances location, privacy, soundproofing, and service. You’ll want:
- Quick access to theaters (5–10 minute walks), plus transit links for downtown/Upper East Side events.
- Noise control (double-pane windows, interior-facing suites).
- Experience-driven F&B that justifies staying in when crowds peak outside.
- Wellness and meeting spaces for glam squads, stylists, or brand teams if you’re in town for premieres or press days.
Pro move: Book corner or high-floor suites that face away from the brightest screens. Ask for “quiet-stack” rooms and confirm window specs. Staff will tell you which lines are hush-hush favorites.
The best 5-star hotels (or 5-star-level) in or next to Times Square
1) The Times Square EDITION (Broadway’s chicest luxury playground)
The EDITION is Times Square’s style statement: sleek, Yabu Pushelberg minimalism, an in-house nightlife venue (Paradise Club), and multiple dining concepts from chef John Fraser—so you can eat exceptionally without leaving the building. For theatergoers and industry folks coordinating press junkets, it’s turnkey.
Who loves it & why:
- Fashion/entertainment travelers who want design-led rooms and chef-driven restaurants.
- Guests hosting cocktail hours before/after a Broadway show—Paradise Club is built for a moment.
A creative director flying in for a two-day campaign shoot books EDITION to avoid cross-town schleps: client dinners at The Terrace & Outdoor Gardens, late-night team debrief at Paradise Club, then a 5-minute walk to a morning theater takeover. EDITION Hotels
2) New York Marriott Marquis (Times Square’s view king—and NYE HQ)
This 1,900-plus room landmark is famous for ball-drop–facing rooms and events. If your dream is sipping champagne while confetti rains down below, you want the Marquis’s special New Year’s rooms or its ticketed NYE celebration. Inside, the property handles big crews, show casts, and conference groups with ease. Marriott marriottmarquistimessquare.com
Pain point solved: You don’t fight street pens or cold weather on Dec 31; you watch the show from climate-controlled comfort—the ultimate Times Square flex. Marriott
3) The Knickerbocker (Astor pedigree with Times Square immediacy)
Opened by John Jacob Astor IV in 1906, The Knick is a slice of Gilded Age glamor steps from the subway and Bryant Park. Its rooftop, St. Cloud, delivers that only-in-New-York skyline energy without the shoulder-to-shoulder mayhem outside. Historically, this 5-star hotel has hosted the glitterati; today, it’s a serene, modern counterpoint to the chaos below. The Knickerbocker Wikipedia
A couple planning a proposal books a terrace table at St. Cloud timed to a Broadway curtain call—city soundtrack included, no crowd crush required.
Are there truly “5-star only” choices inside Times Square?
Times Square skews large, event-friendly luxury rather than ultra-boutique palaces. The EDITION is the neighborhood’s most aggressively upscale, design-forward option, while Marriott Marquis and The Knickerbocker deliver location with high-end trimmings (and some suites categorically feel five-star).
For full-blown, hush-hush celebrity privacy, many stars opt for Central Park/Upper East Side or Tribeca, then commute to shows and premieres. jfrestaurants.com
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Where do celebrities stay in NYC? (The honest Hotels map)
If you’re hoping to share an elevator with Met Gala royalty or spot a fashion house’s rolling rack, head uptown:
- The Mark (Upper East Side): The starriest lobby on Met Gala day; PEOPLE and Vogue document an annual celebrity migration here, often 60+ VIPs plus glam teams. Expect orchestrated exits and a post-Gala lobby scene that’s practically a second red carpet. People.com
- The Carlyle and The Pierre: Sister address book to The Mark each first Monday in May; NBC New York recommends early arrivals if you’re hoping for a glimpse. NBC New York
- Mandarin Oriental, New York (Columbus Circle): Beloved for panoramic views, spa privacy, and brand-level celebrity ties (the group’s “Fan” campaign is literally built on celeb affinity). Reported guests include Jerry Hall, Dennis Hopper, and Liam Neeson. Mandarin Oriental
- Four Seasons Hotel New York (57th Street): After a long closure, the legendary Midtown icon reopened in November 2024; famous for sky-high suites and ultra-attentive service. Four Seasons Press Room
- St. Regis New York (55th & Fifth): Salon-de-luxe with celebrity lore from Marilyn Monroe to Salvador Dalí; Dalí famously hosted Andy Warhol in his suite in 1965. Architectural DigestBeyond
- Waldorf Astoria (Park Ave): Synonymous with Old Hollywood—Frank Sinatra kept an apartment in The Towers; the property’s much-anticipated return is slated for 2025 after a massive restoration (rooms reduced as much of the building is now residences).
- The Bowery Hotel (Noho/East Village): A privacy-first favorite where Oyster has documented celeb sightings (Ashley Olsen, Blake Lively, Rachel Bilson, Sarah Silverman).
Truth bomb: On Met Gala weekend, Times Square isn’t the celebrity sleepover spot; the Upper East Side is. But for Broadway openings or TV upfronts, you’ll catch stylists and publicists circulating around EDITION and The Knick, while stars retreat uptown or downtown after the flashbulbs.
How to choose your NYC luxury base (by scenario and Hotels option)
You’re here for Broadway and want walkability:
Pick The Times Square EDITION or The Knickerbocker. Request higher floors facing away from the billboards. Plan a late dinner inside the hotel—chef John Fraser’s brasserie at the EDITION means you’re eating well without a trek. EDITION Hotels
You’re here for New Year’s Eve:
Book New York Marriott Marquis and lock a ball-drop–facing room/package. Decide early; inventory is limited and the view is the experience. Marriott
You want a celebrity-style privacy bubble with A-list amenities:
Stay at The Mark, The Carlyle, The Pierre, Mandarin Oriental, St. Regis, or Four Seasons. These hotels are wired for VIP movement (private entrances, discreet teams, in-room glam, and salon partners). Mandarin Oriental
You’re a foodie who wants dinner theater vibes without the crowd:
EDITION’s restaurants + Paradise Club deliver culinary punch and nightlife in one address. EDITION Hotels
You’re celebrity-curious and don’t mind downtown:
The Bowery Hotels lobby bar scene and guest list are consistently interesting (and mercifully un-Times-Square). oyster.com
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How celebrities use hotels in NYC (and how to copy the playbook)
Met Gala mechanics (Upper East Side triangle):
Designers book entire floors at The Mark/Carlyle/Pierre for fittings. Glam teams run from room to room. Publicists coordinate elevator holds and driveway choreography for clean “car-to-step” shots. On show day, lobby energy peaks 3–6 pm—Vogue and PEOPLE routinely document the procession. If you want to see it, you must be early and respectful.
Press junkets & premieres (Midtown West):
PR teams favor EDITION or nearby luxury properties for junket suites (neutral design + daylight), then step to Broadway theaters for screenings. The goal is proximity + control: fewer variables, fewer delays.
Wellness & recovery (Columbus Circle):
After late shows or fittings, celebs need a quiet spa and anticlimactic room service. Mandarin Oriental’s reputation for spa serenity and skyline soaking tubs makes it a repeated pick.
Long-stay discretion (Tribeca/Noho):
For writing, rehearsals, or private dinners with friends, The Bowery and The Greenwich (De Niro’s hotel) are low-flash, high-comfort choices often mentioned in editor lists.
Real-world snapshots
- “Starriest lobby in the world”: On Met Gala day, The Mark becomes its own media moment—stars depart in waves as photographers stage outside; PEOPLE and Vogue have chronicled how the hotel effectively hosts a “second red carpet.”
- NYE without frostbite: Guests at the Marriott Marquis toast midnight with direct ball-drop views; the property runs dedicated celebrations that sell out annually.
- Historic glamour reborn: The Knickerbocker preserves Gilded Age roots with a modern sleep; its timeline charts a comeback from Astor-era icon to landmark to 21st-century rooftop favorite.
- Legends upstairs: St. Regis hosted Dalí (who once entertained Andy Warhol in his suite), while the Waldorf long housed Sinatra—NYC hotel mythos you can still step into today (and, with the Waldorf, again in 2025).
- A Midtown icon returns: Four Seasons Hotel New York resumed reservations Nov 15, 2024, re-establishing a top-table option for discreet high-rollers.
Price, value, and timing (smart strategies for luxury Hotels NYC)
- Midweek vs. weekend: Theater demand spikes weekends; prices follow. Book Sun–Thu for calmer lobbies, easier table access, and better upgrade odds.
- Event calendars: Watch for New Year’s Eve, Fashion Week, UN General Assembly, Met Gala, and major premieres—they warp availability across Midtown and the UES.
- Loyalty leverage: Marriott Bonvoy elite benefits can make EDITION/Marquis stays significantly sweeter (late checkout, suite nights). St. Regis and some Four Seasons experiences skew fewer published perks but higher baseline service. New York Post
- Suite math: A 1,000-sq-ft suite that fits a family and nanny may be cheaper than two rooms + extras, especially where rollaways are discouraged.
- Transfer time = money: If your events are clustered around Fifth Avenue or the Met, staying UES saves 30–45 minutes per trip when Midtown gridlock spikes.
Rooms and suites to bookmark
- EDITION – high floors + terrace access: For skyline ambiance without leaving the property—and an easy wander to the Paradise Club.
- Marquis – ball-drop view categories: Confirm direct Times Square facing; not all views are equal. Ask reservations to specify the angle.
- Knickerbocker – corner rooms toward Bryant Park: Quieter at night, classic views by day; quick hop to the NY Public Library.
- The Mark – grand suites for glam teams: The footprint handles hair/makeup, racks, and photographers; the driveway works for high-security arrivals.
- Mandarin Oriental – Central Park/river view lines: Pair with spa bookings for a “lock-the-world-out” afternoon.
- Four Seasons – sky-high suites: For milestone celebrations where in-room dining is the night out. Reopened availability started Nov 15, 2024.
Safety, privacy, and etiquette (especially if you’re celeb-curious)
- Be kind to boundaries: Hotels are private property. If you linger in a lobby, keep it brief and respectful.
- Don’t block driveways or elevators: On Met Gala day, the hotel’s security flow is everything. Obstruction = swift removal.
- No flash, no problem: If you happen to see someone famous, a smile beats a lens. Staff will appreciate it—and so will your neighbors.
Neighbourhood cheat sheet (Times Square + celebrity zones)
- Times Square core (EDITION/Marquis/Knick): Front-row access to Broadway, TKTS, late-night eats.
- Bryant Park/Library side: A calmer square—with winter skating and summer movies.
- Columbus Circle (Mandarin): Immediate park access, shopping at The Shops at Columbus Circle, major subway hub.
- Upper East Side (The Mark/Carlyle/Pierre): Museum Mile, Met Gala orbit, elite salons, designer ateliers.
- Noho/Tribeca (Bowery/Greenwich): Downtown film crowd, discreet dining rooms, loft-style suites.
Frequently asked questions (trending now)
1) Are there true 5-star hotels directly in Times Square?
Yes—the Times Square EDITION positions itself as the neighborhood’s flagship luxury address, with chef-led dining and nightlife built in. Other properties like The Knickerbocker deliver luxe rooms and rooftops with top-tier history and service.
2) Which hotel or Hotels has the best New Year’s Eve view package?
New York Marriott Marquis. It actively markets NYE with exclusive ball-drop views and ticketed celebrations. Book early.
3) Where do celebrities get ready for the Met Gala?
The Mark is the epicenter; The Carlyle and The Pierre also see heavy star traffic. Local outlets and nationals like PEOPLE and Vogue cover the scene every year.
4) What hotel should I choose if I want spa-level recovery after shows?
Mandarin Oriental is renowned for its spa and cinematic views—great for decompression days.
5) Did the Four Seasons New York reopen?
Yes. Reservations reopened for arrivals beginning November 15, 2024 after a long closure.
6) Is the Waldorf Astoria open?
The Waldorf’s full hotel reopening is slated for 2025 following a landmark restoration; much of the building has been converted into residences, reducing room count and reshaping the experience.
7) Where can I stay downtown and still have a chance of celeb sightings?
The Bowery Hotel is a long-standing favorite with documented sightings; it’s stylish and relatively low-key.
8) What’s the best Times Square hotel for a proposal or milestone?
The Knickerbocker’s rooftop (St. Cloud) is photogenic without getting swallowed by street crowds. Time it with a Broadway curtain call for dramatic soundscape.
9) Do Times Square luxury hotels have serious dining programs?
Yes—The Times Square EDITION concentrates multiple concepts by chef John Fraser, including The Terrace & Outdoor Gardens and a cabaret/performance venue.
10) If I want a “celebrity experience,” should I actually stay in Times Square?
If your trip is Broadway-heavy, absolutely. If you’re chasing that Met Gala aura or old-school glamour, consider The Mark, Carlyle, Pierre, St. Regis, Four Seasons, or Mandarin Oriental—then taxi to shows. NBC New YorkArchitectural Digest
11) Which hotel is best for families who still want glam?
Marquis for space and views; St. Regis for butler-level polish steps from Fifth Avenue. (St. Regis celebrity history adds storytelling for kids who love “legends.”)
12) Can I actually see celebrities leaving The Mark?
Yes, but timing and etiquette matter. Lines form hours before the Met Gala; be respectful—security controls access and crowd behavior.
Field notes (do what the pros do)
- Book for the event, not just the address. If your anchor is NYE, the Marquis is unbeatable. If it’s the Met Gala or fashion appointments, the UES is king.
- Control your commute. Use Columbus Circle (Mandarin) for Lincoln Center/Upper West Side, UES hotels for Museum Mile, Times Square for Broadway.
- Add 30% buffer time. Midtown traffic eats schedules; celebs solve this with private entrances and elevator holds—you’ll solve it by staying close to your main events.
- Leverage on-property experiences. At EDITION, make dinner the headliner; at Knickerbocker, reserve the rooftop; at Mandarin, calendar the spa; at St. Regis, book afternoon tea or a Butler-arranged mini-celebration.
Sample 3-day luxury itinerary (Times Square base + celebrity detours)
Day 1 – Arrival & Broadway
Check in at The Times Square EDITION. Unpack and head to The Terrace & Outdoor Gardens for a vegetable-forward pre-theater dinner. Catch a musical; cap the night at Paradise Club downstairs.
Day 2 – Midtown Icons & Spa Reset
Morning stroll to Bryant Park/NYPL. Transfer to Mandarin Oriental spa pass (or day suite) for a skyline soak and massage. Dinner in Columbus Circle or return to EDITION’s brasserie for an easy night.
Day 3 – Upper East Side Glam Loop
Taxi to The Mark; visit nearby Madison Avenue boutiques and the Met. If you’re in town early May, swing by in the afternoon to witness the lobby buzz from a respectful distance.
Rapid-fire pointers (20% bullets you can action now)
- If your trip is built around New Year’s Eve: Book Marriott Marquis NYE rooms early; confirm direct ball-drop views by line—don’t assume.
- If you want Times Square luxury without sensory overload: Choose EDITION and request a high, interior-oriented room; dine onsite.
- If you want historic luxe in the thick of it: The Knickerbocker overlooking the square; target St. Cloud rooftop reservations at sunset.
- If you want a “celebrity hotel” moment: The Mark during Met Gala week; The Carlyle for Cafe Carlyle jazz; The Pierre for Fifth Avenue elegance.
- If you need spa-level recovery with views: Mandarin Oriental. Book treatments around sunset.
- If you’re a design obsessive: EDITION’s Yabu Pushelberg aesthetic + Fraser’s restaurants is a one-address night out.
- If you want downtown discretion: The Bowery has the vibe and receipts for celeb sightings—minus Midtown intensity.
- If you want the city’s classic grand-hotel story: Plan for the Waldorf Astoria revival in 2025; meanwhile, tour the public art in other landmarks.
- If you collect hotel legends: Peek inside St. Regis (Dalí/Warhol lore) or cocktail at King Cole Bar before dinner.
- If you’re booking for work (junket/press): EDITION’s spaces photograph clean; ask for natural-light suites and confirm background noise levels.
Sources & data notes (selected)
- Met Gala hotels & celebrity flow: PEOPLE and Vogue coverage of The Mark; NBC New York overview; GQ analysis of hotel staging.
- Times Square EDITION dining/nightlife: EDITION Hotels and JF Restaurants pages. EDITION Hotels
- NYE at Marriott Marquis: Official Marriott NYE pages. marriottmarquistimessquare.com
- Knickerbocker history: Hotel’s own timeline and Wikipedia landmark entry.
- Celebrity stays outside Times Square: Mandarin Oriental “Fan” celebrity ties and third-party reports; Bowery sightings (Oyster).
- Four Seasons & Waldorf status: Four Seasons press office; New York Post (2025) on Waldorf’s reopening timeline. Four Seasons Press Room+1New York Post
- St. Regis celebrity history: Architectural Digest suite profile; St. Regis Magazine (Dalí/Warhol).
Final word: How to make your stay feel like a premiere
From the Multiple Hotels option, pick a hotel that suits your event geography: EDITION or Knickerbocker for Broadway sprints; Marquis for NYE; Mandarin for wellness-with-a-view; The Mark/Carlyle/Pierre for high-fashion theatrics; St. Regis/Four Seasons for classic Midtown polish; Bowery for creative-class anonymity.
Build your nights around on-property experiences (dinner, spa, rooftops), and your days around walkable itineraries. That’s the celebrity trick—you control the variables, you curate the moments, and New York does the rest.
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