A few months ago, I had the chance to meet the Director of Sales for Margaritaville Resort Times Square, who invited me to check out the property next time I was in the New Yor City area. Fast forward a few months later, I found myself in NYC for a conference. I decided it was the perfect opportunity to book an overnight stay there the night before the conference, and see if it could be a good fit for a small retreat. I love when I have the chance to explore new venues, and this was a great chance to experience the resort firsthand.

The moment I stepped into my room, I was struck by how much natural light filled the space. It had a bright, airy feel that made it instantly welcoming. The layout was cozy and efficient, perfect for a solo stay, though it might feel a little snug for two people. I stayed in a deluxe room that was definitely more spacious than the typical hotel rooms in New York City. That said, there was plenty of room to move around comfortably and unwind after a long day.

I noticed a few details of the room right away. Instead of a traditional iron, there was a steamer, which I found to be a convenient touch. There was also a refrigerator and a Keurig coffee maker, making it easy to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee in the morning. The bathroom towels were big and plush, however I did find it odd that the hotel didn’t have the usual toiletries, like complimentary lotion.

Since I had some work to finish before my conference, I decided to work from my room. The desk was sufficient, but the chair lacked a backrest, which isn’t ideal for long work sessions. I also noticed that the nearest outlet was located behind a lamp, so charging my laptop required a bit of rearranging. If I had an extended period of work time, I probably would have opted to move to the lobby or find a more comfortable spot in the hotel, as there is plenty of space for both working and socializing. Overall, I’d say this hotel is geared more toward leisure travelers than business travelers.

The bathroom was clean and modern, but a bit compact. The water pressure was on the lighter side, but acceptable.

One feature I really liked was the electronic privacy button. Instead of dealing with a door hanger that can easily fall off, this system lets you set your privacy preference with the touch of a button. Noise-wise, I could hear some activity in the hallway, but the rooms themselves felt quiet and peaceful, and I did not hear my neighbors at all.

One of the main reasons I wanted to check out this hotel was the rooftop pool—and it didn’t disappoint. As soon as I heard they had one, it went straight to the top of my list. Since my stay was in February, it was too cold to enjoy it, but I did get a good look. The space has a relaxed, lounge-style vibe with plenty of room, and it made me want to come back during the summer to experience it properly. Especially since rooftop pools are a rare find at NYC hotels.

Absolutely! Margaritaville Resort Times Square has a fun, laid-back energy that makes it a great choice for a quick city getaway. The location is fantastic, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting.

As for hosting a retreat here, I’m still thinking about it. The vibrant feel of the hotel is appealing, but for a group setting, I’d want to explore how well it would accommodate guests looking for a bit more space. That said, I could definitely see this being a great spot for a lively, city-based retreat with a fun, casual vibe.

Overall, it was a great experience, and I’m glad I took the time to check it out. If you’re looking for a stay that blends comfort with a little tropical fun right in the middle of Times Square, this might be the perfect spot.

If you're planning a retreat or group trip and could use some support with the details, schedule an event consultation.