Times Square in New York City is a forest of hotels. Everywhere you look, you can find a big name or a local boutique boasting the best place to stay to have access to the hustle and bustle of New York City. However, if you aren’t careful, you can fall into the tourist traps of the area same as staying near Disney World, the Las Vegas Strip, or San Francisco’s Pier 39. There are dozens of overpriced options everywhere you look, so it can be easy to just choose one and risk it. But, there is an option near Times Square that can help you avoid those fears, all while experiencing all the best cultural moments of the Big Apple. Kimpton Theta New York – Times Square is the perfect mix of home and the road, even calling itself “Mid-Town’s Living Room.” I got a chance to stay at the property and sit down with the General Manager, Mark Pandaleon, to discover what makes this hotel different from all the rest.
Kimpton Theta New York –Times Square is more than a hotel; it is an urban oasis in the heart of Manhattan. We focus on creating experiences that go beyond the rooms and immerse our guests in our culture– like rooftop aperitivo experiences at our rooftop Bar Sprezzatura, to wellness touches like in-room yoga mats, and bicycle rentals for exploring the city on two wheels – Mark Pandaleon, GM Kimpton Theta New York – Times Square
‘Mid-Town’s Living Room’

One of the most tired marketing concepts in the hotel industry is the “home away from home.” The idea that you could leave home and experience something new while retaining all the comforts of home. But who wants that? If I am leaving home, I want new comforts, better comforts. I want to experience an elevation to my home. Especially if I am going to New York City. The concept of leaving my home and entering someone else’s. I learn about them, I experience home through their eyes. I connect with them. Leaving home and entering Kimpton Theta was like slipping into another world. The social offerings, like a daily happy hour at the bar and events, gave the feeling of experiencing NYC at my fingertips.
“This year, we’re inspiring guests and locals to build deeper connections with our hotel by transforming into “Midtown’s living room” – and evolving into a space where visitors can experience thoughtfully curated social offerings – from our monthly Mahjong & Martinis series in partnership with So Bam Fun to daily wine hours to socialize with other guests,” Pandaleon says. “Our communal spaces and guest rooms are modern and thoughtfully designed to enhance the feeling of serenity, with the bustle of the city at your fingertips. Offering ample space with plenty of room to spread out (a real luxury in NYC!), our boutique hotel is the perfect stay whether you are traveling for business or leisure.”
An old-fashioned above the rest

Speaking of happy hour at the bar…
I am a fan of a good old-fashioned. As a matter of fact, every time I travel somewhere, my foodie friends always ask how the food was, and I always respond with “I had steaks and old-fashionds, why do you ask me these things?” I test old-fashioned cocktails everywhere I go, and Bar Sprezzatura is one of my favorites in the city. The entire vibe of the bar is unmatched. And, of course, it is a rooftop bar, so you get views of the city you can’t get anywhere else.
“Bar Sprezzatura is designed to make guests feel as though they’ve discovered a hidden gem nestled within the buzz and bustle of the city,” says Pandaleon. “It was envisioned as an intimate escape from the relentless pace of Midtown Manhattan, transporting guests to the elegance of the Italian Riviera. Even in a busy city, we achieve that relaxed, yet elevated ambiance with indoor and outdoor seating that showcases the skyline and fosters conversation and connection. Every element is thoughtful, from the warm lighting and coastal-inspired design to the carefully crafted menu of signature spritzes, creative martinis, and elevated small plates.”
The culture of New York City

The choices of hotels to stay at in Times Square are bountiful. However, if you are looking for a place that brings the culture of NYC to you while giving you access to the city around you, you can’t beat Kimpton Theta‘s mix of location and activation. The bar is one of the best in the city, in my opinion. The location is easy to navigate to anything around. And they offer bikes (if you’re brave enough to ride a bicycle throughout the heart of the city, I am definitely not). New York City is main character energy, and KT is a great supporting role.
“Our guests will feel the city’s bustle at their fingertips and will discover that great cultural moments and memories can be made right here at Kimpton Theta New York. As an oasis just off Times Square, guests can experience NYC on their own terms, whether that means enjoying pre-theater drinks on our rooftop with sweeping views, learning a new skill at one of our many cultural events, exploring nearby parks and galleries, or hopping on a complimentary bike to discover hidden corners of Manhattan. Guests to our hotel come as strangers and leave as friends. Kimpton Theta New York is more than just a place to stay, but a character in your NYC story!”