citizenM New York Times Square takes a very different approach to a typical Midtown hotel: compact rooms, an extra-large bed, tablet-controlled lighting and temperature, stylish communal spaces and a rooftop bar — all within easy reach of Times Square and Broadway.
The trade-off is space. Rooms are intentionally small, so this hotel makes the most sense for solo travelers and couples who care more about location, design and atmosphere than having a large traditional hotel room.
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🗓 Quick Facts: citizenM New York Times Square
| Category | Boutique |
| Neighborhood | Midtown, near Times Square |
| Rooms | 217, tablet/app-controlled lighting, temperature, TV |
| Rooftop | 21st-floor Cloud Bar, open 24/7 |
| Check-in | Self-serve kiosk, contact-free |
| Times Square | 1-minute walk |
🏨 The Rooms
Every one of citizenM’s 217 rooms comes with a wall-to-wall window, an XL king-size bed in high-thread-count Italian linens, and a tablet (or the citizenM app) that controls the lights, blackout blinds, temperature, and TV. Bathrooms feature Hansgrohe rain showers, and guests can stream their own Netflix, Prime, or Disney+ accounts to the TV via Chromecast for free. Rooms run genuinely compact by design — the same efficient European format the brand has used successfully in cities like Rotterdam and Glasgow — but reviewers consistently say they look and function well above their footprint.
💡 Insider Tip: citizenM rooms are deliberately compact and designed for a maximum of two guests. They work especially well for solo travelers and couples traveling light, but may feel tight if you’re bringing several large suitcases or want plenty of space to spread out.
🍽️ The Cloud Bar & Living Room Lobby
The 21st-floor Cloud Bar, open around the clock, offers skyline views and cocktails that reviewers consistently call one of the best hotel-bar scenes in this price range anywhere in Midtown. Downstairs, the Vitra-furnished living room lobby swaps a traditional front desk for a soaring, art-filled communal space, and canteenM serves 24-hour food and drink including barista coffee. Three outdoor terraces and a 24/7 fitness center with yoga facilities round out the amenities.
💡 Insider Tip: canteenM’s 24-hour food service is genuinely useful for late arrivals or jet-lagged nights — the hot and cold buffet breakfast also covers vegan and vegetarian options well.
🗺️ The Neighborhood: Times Square
The hotel sits genuinely a minute’s walk from Times Square and Broadway’s theaters, with 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue both within five minutes and Central Park and Columbus Circle also close by. The Museum of Modern Art is about a 10-minute walk, and eight subway lines run right outside the door — a genuine advantage for exploring beyond Manhattan’s core sights.
💡 Insider Tip: With eight subway lines just outside, this is genuinely one of the best-connected Times Square hotels for exploring boroughs beyond Manhattan without a long walk to transit first.
✅ Who Should Stay at citizenM New York Times Square and Is It Worth It?
Stay here if: You want a central Midtown location, modern design and smart-room technology and don’t need a large hotel room.
Think twice if: You’re traveling with children, carrying lots of luggage or want a spacious room with a traditional hotel layout.
Best for: Couples, solo travelers, short NYC trips, Broadway weekends and travelers who prioritize location and design over room size.
citizenM New York Times Square is worth considering if you want to stay close to Broadway and Midtown attractions without paying for a large traditional hotel room you may barely use.
Its biggest strengths are location, modern design, communal spaces and smart-room features. The biggest compromise is room size.
For a couple or solo traveler spending most of the day exploring New York, that trade-off can make a lot of sense. If you want a spacious room or are traveling with more than two people, look elsewhere.
Not sure citizenM is right for you? Compare it with my luxury, mid-range and budget picks in New York City Hotels Compared: Luxury vs Mid-Range vs Boutique vs Budget.
❓ citizenM New York Times Square FAQ
Are the rooms at citizenM New York Times Square small?
Yes. Compact rooms are part of the citizenM concept. They’re designed to use a smaller space efficiently rather than provide the size of a traditional upscale hotel room. This works particularly well for solo travelers and couples, but may not suit travelers who want lots of floor or luggage space.
How many people can stay in a citizenM room?
citizenM rooms are designed for a maximum of two guests. If you’re traveling with children, friends or a larger group, you’ll need additional rooms or a different hotel setup.
Is citizenM New York Times Square good for couples?
Yes. The central location, modern design and compact room concept can work particularly well for couples planning to spend most of their trip exploring the city. If having a large room is important to you, however, compare it with more traditional NYC hotels before booking.
Is citizenM New York Times Square good for families?
It generally makes more sense for couples and solo travelers because rooms are designed for a maximum of two people. Families who need multiple beds, connecting space or more room for luggage may find a traditional hotel more practical.
Does citizenM New York Times Square have a rooftop bar?
Yes. The hotel has cloudM, its rooftop bar. Opening hours and access arrangements can change, so check the current details during your stay.
Is citizenM New York Times Square close to Broadway?
Yes. Its Midtown location puts you close to Times Square and many Broadway theaters, making it particularly convenient if seeing a show is a priority during your trip.
Can you control the room with a tablet?
Yes. Smart-room technology is one of citizenM’s signature features, allowing guests to control several room functions from a tablet rather than relying only on traditional switches and controls.
Is citizenM New York Times Square worth staying at?
It’s a strong option if you prioritize location, contemporary design and smart features over room size. Travelers wanting a spacious traditional hotel room should consider another property, while couples and solo travelers planning to spend most of their time exploring NYC may find the compact design a worthwhile trade-off.
Plan the Rest of Your New York Trip
Comparing citizenM against NYC’s other top picks? Here’s everything else you need.
This post contains an affiliate link to Expedia. The Wandering Adventurer may earn a small commission if you book through our link, at no extra cost to you.
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