Last Updated on May 21, 2023
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The bright lights of the Broadway signs. The swift sounds of rush hour traffic, no matter what time of day. The mix of people from all walks of life from all over the world. This all happens in the center of New York City: Times Square.
Although the neighborhood is definitely known more as a tourist wonderland than a hangout spot for locals, I’ve recently shifted my perspective on that when I visited LUMA Hotel Times Square.
In the midst of NYFW, this New York hotel kindly hosted me for a two-night stay. It definitely made long days of running from show to show a bit easier. The hotel’s location gives easy access to just about every subway station, which is so convenient when there’s traffic from every corner.
Read on for my full LUMA Hotel Times Square review to decide whether a stay is worth it for you.
LUMA Hotel Times Square Review: Inside a NYFW Staycation
Checking In
I checked into the hotel on a Monday night after a full day of New York Fashion Week shows. Starting off, I headed over to the alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet Fall/Winter presentation at Highline Stages, then the Libertine and Anna Sui shows at Spring Studios.
By the time I arrived, it was about 8pm. I stayed in a suite on the 28th floor with a king bed and a view directly facing where the glittering Times Square Ball usually drops. This is the perfect location if you want to have a party on New Year’s Eve without being outside in the cold and crowd.
One common theme you’ll find throughout the contemporary style hotel is its luminosity, hence the name “LUMA”. The back-lit mirrors in the bathroom make it so easy to see clearly when putting on makeup and getting ready. Even the Etro amenities are packaged colorfully.
Dining at Ortzi Restaurant
After setting my bags down, I toured the space, which included a mini living room, a flat-screen TV, and bright-colored decor throughout.
At 8:30pm, I went downstairs for a dinner reservation with a guest at the hotel’s restaurant, Ortzi (which is now Aperibar Times Square). I’ve been there once for drinks at the wine bar with a friend, but I was excited to try a meal there.
Ortzi was inspired by the cuisines of Spain and France, as well as Basque culture. They also offer daily continental breakfast.
What we ordered:
Drinks:
Vida Mia Four Roses Bourbon, Honey, Lemon, Cucumber
Mi Sol: White Rum, Jalapeño Dark Rum, Milk Liqueur, Cinnamon Syrup, Allspice Dram, Pineapple, Lime
Appetizers:
Patacas Roasted Sunchoke: Crispy Quinoa, Cauliflower, Fresno Chile Romesco
Chorizo A La Sidra Chorizo Cooked in Cider: Spanish Cider, Sweet Potato, Thyme, Bay Leaf
Entrées:
Vieiras Sea Scallops: Butternut Squash Purée, Pancetta, Trumpet Mushrooms, Pickled Mustard Seeds
Bisteca Grass-fed Hanger Steak: Roasted Piquillo Peppers, Chimichurri, Potato Purée
The Ortzi team also sent over a surprise dish. It was a Long Island Crescent Duck with a coriander-fennel crust, espelette-pickled radish, and orange jus.
For dessert, I had the Chocolate Caliente (Spanish Hot Chocolate Bar). Yes, it’s as amazing as it sounds. It came with crushed peppermints, chocolate chips, marshmallows, mini churros, and Canela whipped cream. It probably wasn’t the best idea to have something so sweet late at night — but I couldn’t resist!
NYFW Adventures
On Tuesday morning, I went through my closet to pick out an outfit for the Lagos Jewelry breakfast at a restaurant on the Lower East Side. I went with a cozy red sweater, houndstooth pants, a blue winter coat, and a burgundy handbag.
During the break, I had a tour of the LUMA Hotel with the staff. They showed me around the building and a few different guest rooms (there are 130 in total).
Some of the room layouts have two king beds, which are great for girls’ trips or family getaways. Guests who stay at LUMA Hotel also get a pass to work out at PureGym Bryant Park (formerly Blink Fitness) right around the corner.
The hotel is also within walking distance of iconic spots like the New York Public Library, the Empire State Building, the Museum of Broadway, and more.
NYFW Staycation: LUMA Hotel Features & Amenities
Since the hotel is so modern, all the USB ports are strategically placed. I love the little desk station where I can write, and the fast WiFi is another plus.
Underneath every bed in the hotel, there’s a drawer filled with four essentials. Just pull the blue “Open Me” ribbon on the bed, and you’ll find a sleep therapy machine, hairdryer, mirror, and iron.
Wednesday morning came along, and I ordered breakfast to the room from Ortzi. The cutlery was delivered by a robot butler that’s about three feet tall and is just adorable. It can deliver everything from extra towels to bath supplies.
Checking Out & Overall Thoughts: LUMA Hotel Times Square Review
At 11am, I checked out, although I could get used to staying at LUMA Hotel! Since I was planning to attend the Maison Atia presentation that morning in Midtown West, I kept my bags in the hotel’s storage room and picked them up later that day.
As I walked outside, it was finally sunny after a week of on-again, off-again rain. I reached for my gold Lafont Paris sunglasses in my bag and realized they were missing, so I ran back to the hotel. The front desk staff were so helpful and unlocked my room door upstairs, where we found them on the floor next to the bed. I must have accidentally dropped them while looking out at the city view.
I glanced out the window one more time to take in the view and to appreciate how beautiful New York truly is. And that moment in itself was worth the trip back.
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