New Reason to Visit Times Square

Let’s face it: Once you’ve done the obligatory outing to New York City’s Times Square, you may be more inclined to avoid this multi-block area than to deliberately seek it out. Occupying a space from West 42^nd Street to West 47^th Street and characterized by a jumble of traffic, flashing advertisements, neon signs and street performers, it’s probably not the first address that occurs to travelers in search of city elegance and romance. Thankfully, that all changed with the recent opening of Times Square EDITION — a virtual haven of luxury and sophisticated calm in the midst of Times Square’s orchestrated chaos.

The New York EDITION, Loft Room

A worldwide collaboration between hotelier Ian Schrager and Marriott International, the EDITION brand has become code for luxury imbued with a true sense of place, encapsulating the nuance’s of each of the brand’s carefully chosen locations. My husband and I just spent a week at the new EDITION, and while we still don’t love Times Square, we absolutely adored this property and a host of perks that include a world-class, on-site entertainment venue, multiple restaurants led by Michelin-starred chef John Fraser, the oh-so-cool fireplace room, and Schrager’s signature Living Room concept space.

The New York EDITION Lobby Bar. Photo: Nikolas Koenig

The second of two New York addresses, the Time Square property is located in the upper space of 701 7^th Ave. Guests enter a serene corridor facing a glowing green orb and travel to the 10^th-floor lobby to check in. The reception desk is backdropped by a wall of greenery that imbues an Eden-like sensation; one that’s carried out even more fully in The Terrace Restaurant and Outdoor Gardens. For fine dining and plenty of atmosphere, 701 West delivers with plush shades of electric blue and chartreuse green velvet — plus a hint of speakeasy illicitness.

The superbly trained staff proved to be one of the hotel’s best features, and every space has been curated to offer a superlative guest experience. Our corner suite (one of 452 guestrooms) with its deep sofa and chair, thick rug, spa-worthy bathroom (oh that soaking tub …) and floor-to-ceiling views of Midtown and the East River was more than generously proportioned for a Midtown hotel, and was decorated in an elegant palette of creams and fawn tones that feel just right after the crush of the city. But the option to bring in that element of New York was always there in the form of a wide balcony perfect for contemplating the bustling hustle below.

One of the unique features of the new property is the Paradise Club, a dining-performance venue that offers evening parties from Thursday through Saturday nights, presided over by top DJs or showcasing live performances. There’s also a multisensory dinner show titled “The Devouring: A Marriage of Heaven and Hell” by Brooklyn-based House of Yes that’s followed by a chance to work on your best moves on the dance floor. The space is a worthy tribute to Schrager’s nightclub heritage, calling on his past as the co-founder (with Steve Rubell) of New York’s legendary Studio 54 back in 1977. Because of the blend of service, stunning spaces, great food and serenity, the new EDITION is quite likely to become our personal go-to for future New York City visits.