Review: Hilton Garden Inn Times Square North [2023]

The Hilton Garden Inn Times Square North is one of three Hilton Garden Inns in the Times Square area in New York City. It has been recently remodeled and rebranded (previously a Cambria Hotel). While the hotel is in a solid location in proximity to Times Square, it isn’t on a busy street and there are several restaurant options nearby which I enjoyed during my visit. The hotel did have a few quirks though, which I’ll mention in this review.

Booking The Room

I always book Hilton hotels direct with Hilton. This is because I have Diamond status with Hilton through my Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. I paid $307.02 per night for a standard King room.

Checking In at Hilton Garden Inn Times Square North

The Hilton Garden Inn Times Square North lets you check in digitally via the Hilton App, and use your phone to unlock your room. I noticed on the morning of my arrival that the hotel upgraded me to a City-view room, and I was able to select my room. I chose the 21st floor (top floor), however, I ended up arriving earlier than expected and my room wasn’t ready so I ended up staying on the 11th floor. I’m actually glad it worked out this way as the hotel only has two elevators. I didn’t feel like I had to wait long to get to my floor, but I’m almost certain it would have been somewhat annoying if I kept my original room.

My Room at the Hilton Garden Inn Times Square North

Last year when I was up in New York, I stayed at another Hilton Garden Inn in the area. While the location was great, the hotel was dated. It looks like that hotel is no longer part of Hilton so I was really looking forward to seeing my room this time as the Hilton Garden Inn Times Square North is freshly remodeled. I was thoroughly impressed when walking into my room! The room felt spacious enough for New York standards — and the view was great.

Dining at Hilton Garden Inn Times Square North

The Chazz Palminteri Italian Restaurant is onsite, and the main dining option for the hotel. While I didn’t have a chance to dine there, my colleague did. She mentioned the food was decent but a bit pricey.

Breakfast at the hotel is technically served via Chazz Palminteri’s but in the back dining area (to the right of the elevator in the lobby. The main restaurant entrance isn’t open during breakfast hours). There is a hot buffet along with dry options consisting of muffins, danishes, and bagels.

Hilton Honors Gold and Diamond members get a $10 per day dining credit when staying at the Hilton Garden Inn Times Square North. Unfortunately, this doesn’t go very far in New York City – it is enough for two sad-looking muffins and coffee or tea). Your credit can be applied for the hot buffet, which is $25 per person.

I wasn’t very impressed with the dining at the hotel, so I opted to use my daily credit for snacks at the pantry in the lobby.

With that said, there are several solid restaurants within walking distance from the hotel. I recommend checking out Nino’s 46th for Italian, Emporium Brasil for Brazilian cuisine, and Pavé bakery. There are also a couple of pizza places nearby if you’re craving a NY slice.

My Take on Hilton Garden Inn Times Square North

The Hilton Garden Inn Times Square North is a great hotel if you need to be in Times Square or the Midtown business district in Manhattan. It is recently remodeled and is in a relatively quiet spot despite its proximity to Times Square. While the dining isn’t the best, you’re in New York which means impressive tastes are just a short walk away. My room was spacious and the bathroom was well-lit with strong hot water pressure. This hotel will definitely be on the top of my list next time in New York.