Bright Lights, Big City

New York is called the city that never sleeps – but that doesn’t mean you won’t require a bit of shut-eye as a visitor.

You will, especially if you, like most Big Apple tourists,get drawn into the hustle and bustle of schlepping from one iconic attraction to the next – including the Statue of Liberty, Broadway, the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge.

If one of those hotspots is Times Square – with its flashing neon lights and giant digital billboards – you’ll want the scoop on one of Midtown’s newest accommodations, the 21-floor AC Hotel New York Times Square. The 290-room hotel is a convenient base to explore all the city’s offerings and is ideally located half a block from Times Square and near the Garment District and the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Broadway’s finest shows play in theaters nearby. Bryant Park is a short stroll away, and Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center are about a 10-minute walk. Central Park is only three stops away on the subway.

Opened in spring 2018, the sleek Marriott property blends an urban vibe with classic features, paying homage to the brand’s Spanish roots. The lifestyle AC brand, founded in 1998 by Spanish hotelier Antonio Catalan (hence the AC), aims to provide travelers everything they need with beautiful design and a sense of harmony, according to Toni Stoeckl, global brand leader of lifestyle brands at Marriott International.

“We believe the AC Hotel is an opportunity to have purposeful design that enriches our lives and everything we do for our travelers, so they have a moment to pause, get to exhale and recharge and re-energize for their day ahead,” Stoeckl says in a YouTube tour of the hotel. “There’s a sense of tranquility and serenity when you walk in, so you get to recharge, even though you are at the heart of Times Square. It’s your personal refuge.”

The lobby entrance stretches 23 feet high, with an open, modern grand staircase to the lower level illuminated by a skylight-clad roof. Walking in, guests will notice signature materials, including Venetian terrazzo, quarter-sawn walnut millwork and the dark patina of statuary bronze. Well-lit and open, the lobby provides a perfect backdrop for some of the hotel’s impressive art installations.

Artwork in public spaces, ranging from sculpture to abstract painting, comprises a mix of local, national and international artists commissioned via Indiewalls, including Steve Zolin, Sarah West, Sam Smyth, Bob Madden and Alyse Radenovic. Guest room walls showcase Richard Silver’s photography of New York’s iconic architecture, such as the Oculus and Fulton Center hubs.

No-frill guest rooms, with a classic -modern style, provide an oasis from life outside. Some rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies, giving guests stunning city views. Blackout shades keep rooms dark when you’ve had enough city lights for the day. Lavender sachets, made fresh daily, are provided at turndown to promote better sleep. 

For workout aficionados, a 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center can be found on the lower level, which also houses a business center for printing boarding passes and checking emails. An AC Market provides locally sourced items such as Hell’s Kitchen hot sauces. 

Two food and beverage experiences can be found on the property, including the beloved restaurant Boqueria, which serves up lively Spanish tapas and a convivial spirit in a spot adjacent to the hotel lobby. The restaurant features a location-specific breakfast menu; a large rotisserie; and time-honored favorites like Pan Con Tomate, Pulpo a la Plancha and Paella de Mariscos from Catalan Executive Chef Marc Vidal. Small dishes range from cheese plates and jamón to octopus, pork belly and lamb skewers. 

“In addition to our delicious tapas offerings for lunch and dinner, this location [Boqueria has several in the city] also serves breakfast, so you can start your day here with traditional Pan Con Tomate and Tortilla Española or a hearty Revuelto egg scramble,” says Chef Vidal. “We have a long chef’s counter along the perimeter of our busy open kitchen, so you can relax over a glass of sangria and observe all the action in here after a day of seeing the sights around town.”

Castell, a Barcelona-inspired rooftop tapas bar, serves up views of New York’s skyline along with shareable plates; happy hour rituals; and cocktails, including the brand’s signature gin and tonic. Customers munch on almonds with smoked Spanish paprika – delightful when paired with a glass of rosé. It’s the perfect way to end a day in the city that never sleeps. O

AC Hotel New York Times Square is located at 260 W. 40th St., New York. For more information, call 212-398-2700 or visit marriott.com.