Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square Review: Location & Breakfast

The Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square puts you at 145 West 47th Street, right in the heart of the Theater District and just steps from the bright lights of Times Square. This review answers the most common questions travelers ask about this property, from its exact distance to Broadway to whether breakfast is included in your stay. We have gathered details from booking platforms, guest reviews, and the official RIU Hotels & Resorts website to give you a clear picture before you book.

Last checked: 2026-07-14

WiFi: Free WiFi available · Gym: 24-hour fitness center · Bar: Bar on-site · Terrace: Hotel terrace · Location: Heart of Manhattan, steps from Rockefeller Center and Times Square

Location and Getting There

The hotel is located at 145 West 47th Street, placing guests in the center of the Midtown theater district. It is a few steps from the Times Square pedestrian plazas, a 5-minute walk east to Broadway theaters, and about 328 feet (approx 100 meters) from Restaurant Row on 46th Street. The property has 656 air-conditioned rooms.

For transit, the 49th Street station (N, Q, R, W) is a 3-minute walk, and the 47th-50th Streets station (B, D, F, M) is roughly 5 minutes away. JFK Airport is about 15 miles (24 km) away; a taxi takes 45 to 60 minutes and uses the standard Manhattan flat rate set by the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission, plus tolls and tip.

Pros and Cons of Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square

How far is Riu Plaza from Times Square?

This property is one of the closest hotels to the Times Square pedestrian plazas. The entrance at 145 West 47th Street is just a few steps from the vibrant center of the square. Broadway theaters are a 5-minute walk east, and Rockefeller Center is a 10-minute walk north. The hotel is also steps from multiple subway lines, making it a practical base for exploring the city.

Walking distance to Broadway

Most Broadway theaters are within a 5- to 10-minute walk from the hotel lobby. The location is frequently cited by guests on platforms like TripAdvisor and Travelbag as a primary reason for choosing this hotel.

Distance to Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center is about a 10-minute walk north on 6th Avenue. The Top of the Rock observation deck and the ice skating rink are easily accessible on foot.

The bottom line: If you want to be in the center of the Theater District and Times Square, this hotel is one of the closest positioned properties in the area.

Does RIU Times Square have free breakfast?

According to guest reviews on TripAdvisor and listings on booking platforms, breakfast is not automatically included in standard room rates. It is available for an additional charge, and guests can often book a specific rate that includes breakfast.

Breakfast rates and options

Reviews on TripAdvisor’s dedicated breakfast feature page for the hotel note that the buffet breakfast is positively reviewed for its variety and quality. However, guests also mention crowding during peak hours and the need to show a breakfast ticket if the rate is not inclusive.

What this means: You will need to budget extra for breakfast unless you specifically book a breakfast-inclusive rate.

How much is a taxi from JFK to Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square?

Taxis from JFK to Manhattan operate on a flat rate, as set by the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission. This flat rate covers the trip to the hotel, plus tolls and a tip. Travel time is typically 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Alternative airport transfers

The AirTrain JFK connects to the subway system (A, E, J, Z lines) at Howard Beach or Sutphin Boulevard, which is a more budget-friendly option. Rideshare services and private car services are also widely available.

Estimated taxi fare range

The flat rate from JFK to Manhattan covers the base fare. Tolls and a gratuity of 15-20% are standard, making the total cost typically higher than the base flat rate. For up-to-date fare information, check the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission website.

The trade-off: A taxi is the most direct route, but the AirTrain connecting to the subway is a more budget-friendly option if you are traveling light.

Which RIU is better in NYC?

There is currently only one RIU hotel in New York City operating under the exact name “Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square”. The sister property, Riu Plaza New York Times Square (305 West 46th Street), opened in 2016 and has 29 floors. The Manhattan Times Square property is the newer of the two, having opened around 2022.

Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square vs. other RIU hotels in New York City

Since the Manhattan Times Square property is the only RIU in the city, your choice is simply whether to stay at this specific location or explore other brands in the area. The newer build of the Manhattan Times Square property means its interiors and infrastructure are more modern than some older Midtown hotels.

The bottom line: There is no direct comparison between RIU hotels in NYC, as the Manhattan Times Square property is the sole representative of the brand in the city.