New Crowne Plaza Times Square Flagship Opens
hotel

New Crowne Plaza Times Square Flagship Opens

IHG's new Crowne Plaza Times Square is now open in Manhattan. Learn how this flagship property serves blended travelers and how to use IHG One Rewards points.

A New Era for the Crowne Plaza Brand

Crowne Plaza opened its new flagship hotel in Manhattan’s Times Square this month to serve travelers who combine business trips with leisure activities. This flagship property represents a change for the brand as it moves to accommodate the growing trend of blended travel in major urban centers.

The Rise of Blended Travel in Manhattan

The concept of “blended travel” is a common trend. Many travelers now extend business trips into long weekends to explore new cities. This rise in blended travel is tied to increased remote work flexibility. Professionals often have the ability to work from different locations, which allows them to turn a midweek meeting into a long weekend stay.

This shift requires hotels to provide more than just a bed and a desk. Travelers need environments that transition easily from a professional workspace to a place for relaxation. By placing this flagship in Times Square, IHG positioned itself at the center of New York City’s most active district. This location is ideal for travelers who need to be near major transit hubs and Broadway theaters. For guests arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or LaGuardia Airport (LGA), the hotel is a central base that makes navigating Midtown Manhattan easy.

The move toward a flagship model in a high-traffic area suggests IHG wants to move the Crowne Plaza brand into a more prominent role within its portfolio. While Holiday Inn focuses on the midscale market and InterContinental targets the luxury tier, this new property occupies the middle ground. It offers a sophisticated environment for the modern professional who also wants to enjoy the city’s attractions.

Physical Amenities for the Modern Traveler

The hotel includes several facilities designed for the professional who works while they travel. The lobby features a modern, open design that supports both social interaction and solo work. It includes dedicated co-working areas with ample power outlets and ergonomic seating. High-speed Wi-Fi is available in all guest rooms and public spaces to ensure reliable connectivity.

For those who need to hold formal meetings, the hotel provides rooms equipped with advanced audiovisual technology and smart screens. These spaces are built to support professional presentations and video conferencing. Additionally, the hotel has a fitness center with the equipment necessary to maintain a workout routine during a short stay. These amenities allow guests to remain productive without leaving the property.

The hotel’s location in Midtown Manhattan offers excellent transit connections. Guests can access several subway lines within a short walk, including the 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, W, and 7 lines. This makes travel to other parts of the city efficient. The Port Authority Bus Terminal is also nearby for travelers using regional bus services.

Dining is another practical advantage of this location. The hotel is steps away from many Midtown restaurants and the various food options in Times Square. Whether you need a quick bite between meetings or a sit-down meal near a Broadway theater, options are plentiful within a few blocks. This proximity reduces transit time and makes it easier to manage a busy schedule.

Maximizing IHG One Rewards at the New Flagship

For frequent travelers, the decision to stay at a new property often depends on loyalty benefits. Staying at this Manhattan location allows guests to earn and redeem points through the IHG One Rewards program.

When you plan a trip, you should understand the value of your points. IHG One Rewards points generally have a value of 0.5 to 0.6 cents per point. If you hold an IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, you can use points to cover stays or take advantage of milestone rewards. You can also transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. This transfer option is a useful way to increase your balance for a high-demand stay in New York.

One advantage of the IHG ecosystem is how it handles reward certificates. Many travelers use Free Night Certificates earned through credit cards or milestone rewards. Unlike Marriott Bonvoy, which caps point top-offs at 25,000 points to cover the difference between a certificate and a room rate, IHG allows unlimited point top-offs. This offers a clear advantage in expensive markets like New York, where a standard certificate might not cover the full cost of a premium room in Times Square.

Another benefit is the reward redemption structure. IHG offers a 4th night free on award stays. This is more useful for short-term travelers than the 5th night free policy offered by Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy. If you plan a four-day trip to New York, you get more value out of your points at this Crowne Plaza than at many of its competitors. Check your current IHG One Rewards tier or monitor Chase transfer windows before you book to maximize these benefits.

How This Property Compares to NYC Alternatives

The Manhattan hotel market is highly competitive. Choosing between a Crowne Plaza, a Marriott, or a Hyatt depends on your specific needs and loyalty status.

Compared to the Marriott Marquis, which also sits in the Times Square area, the Crowne Plaza focuses on the “work-from-anywhere” demographic. While Marriott has a larger overall footprint, IHG’s flexibility with certificate top-offs offers a clear advantage for those who rely on credit card rewards.

If you are a Hyatt loyalist, you might find that Hyatt points often have a higher individual value, but the IHG footprint is much larger. This gives you more options for where to stay if you want to keep your stays within a single ecosystem. For travelers who want a luxury experience, the InterContinental brand within the IHG portfolio is a direct competitor to brands like the Park Hyatt or the Ritz-Carlton. The Crowne Plaza provides professional amenities without the extreme price of the city’s ultra-luxury hotels.

Final Verdict for Reward Travelers

The new Crowne Plaza Times Square is a practical choice for travelers who need to balance work and play in New York City. It is especially valuable for IHG One Rewards members who want to use free night certificates and the 4th night free reward. However, travelers should expect the noise and crowds that come with being in the center of Times Square. Check your IHG One Rewards status before you book your next trip to Manhattan.

Learn more in our Guide to IHG One Rewards.

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