Is Margaritaville Resort Times Square worth it? Pros, cons and who should stay
Yes — Margaritaville Resort Times Square is worth considering if you want a family-friendly, island‑themed hotel right in the Theater District with a year‑round heated rooftop pool and multiple on‑site bars and restaurants. It’s best for travelers who prioritize a lively Times Square location and rooftop access; budget-minded guests should factor in the mandatory nightly resort fee and on‑site dining costs.
In this guide
Location and getting around
Margaritaville Resort Times Square sits at 560 7th Ave in Midtown Manhattan, steps from Times Square and Broadway. The hotel lists Bryant Park, Macy’s and Madison Square Garden as short walks away.
Subway connections are excellent: Times Square–42nd Street and Port Authority stations serve multiple lines right at or near the property, so you can reach most Manhattan neighborhoods and airport transfer points by public transit.
- Address: 560 7th Ave, New York, NY 10018
- Closest transit: Times Square–42 St (multiple lines) and Port Authority
- Walkable to: Bryant Park, Broadway theaters, Macy’s, Madison Square Garden
| Nearby place | Approx. access |
|---|---|
| Times Square | Directly outside / 1‑minute walk (hotel info) |
| Bryant Park | About a 5–6 minute walk |
| Madison Square Garden | About an 8‑minute walk |
Rooms and who should stay in them
Rooms are island‑inspired and arranged across several types and floors. Options include Premium Room, 1 King Bed (Floors 24th-28th), Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed (Floors 15th-23rd), Standard Room (Floors 8-14th), Superior Room, and multiple two‑bed and suite configurations such as Suite, with Sofa bed.
If you want higher-up skyline views, the Premium Room lines (Floors 24–28) are positioned on upper floors; families who need extra sleeping space can choose the Suite, with Sofa bed (Mobility Accessibility Features) or the standard Suite, with Sofa bed.
- Premium Room, 1 King Bed (Floors 24th-28th) — offers 1 King Bed or alternatives listed on the hotel's room page
- Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed — mid‑level floors (15th–23rd)
- Standard Room variants — lower mid‑floors (8th–14th)
- Suite, with Sofa bed — includes 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed; mobility‑accessible suite version is available
| Guest type | Best room |
|---|---|
| Couples who want skyline views | Premium Room, 1 King Bed |
| Families needing extra bed | Suite, with Sofa bed |
| Budget or short stays | Standard Room or Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed |
Rooftop pool, fitness and on-site amenities
The resort advertises a heated rooftop pool on the 6th floor with lifeguard coverage, private cabanas, poolside food and drinks via LandShark Bar & Grill, and year‑round operation with seasonal hours. Pool hours change by season (8:00 AM–8:00 PM in warm months; 10:00 AM–4:30 PM in colder months).
The FINS UP! Fitness Center is available 24 hours to guests and is included in the nightly resort fee. The property does not have an on‑site spa; it partners with an off‑site spa (Oasis Day Spa) about a 15‑minute walk away for treatments.
- Rooftop pool: 6th floor, heated and open year‑round with a lifeguard on duty
- Pool access: priority access included in the resort fee; pool is primarily for hotel guests (day passes/cabanas may be available separately)
- Fitness: FINS UP! Fitness Center — 24‑hour access included with the resort fee
- Spa: no on‑site spa; partner spa off‑site
| Amenity | What to know |
|---|---|
| Rooftop pool | Heated, lifeguard on duty; guest access or paid day passes/cabanas |
| Fitness center | 24‑hour access included with resort fee |
| Spa | No on‑site spa; partner located off‑site (~15 minute walk) |
Dining and nightlife on site
Margaritaville Resort Times Square has multiple on‑site outlets open to guests and the public: Margaritaville Restaurant & Tiki Bar (two stories), LandShark Bar & Grill (poolside on the 6th floor), 5 O'Clock Somewhere Bar (multi‑level rooftop on the 31st/32nd floors), License to Chill Bar (5th floor), and Joe Merchant’s Coffee & Provisions.
Breakfast is not included with rooms; a la carte breakfast at LandShark Bar & Grill is listed and priced by the hotel. Dining alone does not guarantee rooftop pool access.
- Margaritaville Restaurant & Tiki Bar: open daily, serves breakfast/lunch/dinner (reservations encouraged)
- LandShark Bar & Grill: poolside dining, daily hours listed by the hotel
- 5 O'Clock Somewhere Bar: rooftop cocktails and light bites; published hours vary by source
- Joe Merchant’s Coffee & Provisions: coffee and quick snacks
| Venue | Primary offering |
|---|---|
| Margaritaville Restaurant & Tiki Bar | American/Caribbean menu; signature items like Cheeseburger in Paradise |
| LandShark Bar & Grill | Poolside casual fare (seafood, burgers) and breakfast a la carte |
| 5 O'Clock Somewhere Bar | Rooftop cocktails and light bites with skyline views |
Fees, policies and practical details
A mandatory nightly resort fee applies (the resort lists $49.95 plus tax per night). The resort fee includes priority pool access, two bottled waters daily, Wi‑Fi, 24‑hour fitness center access, in‑room coffee, luggage storage and streaming capabilities. The resort may waive the fee for select corporate or group rates.
Check‑in begins after 3:00 PM and check‑out is by 12:00 PM (noon). Guests must be at least 18 years old to reserve or check in, though children of all ages are welcome to stay. The hotel accepts credit cards for guaranteed reservations and may request ID and a card or cash deposit at check‑in.
- Resort fee: mandatory (hotel lists $49.95 + tax/night); inclusions are listed on the property's site
- Check‑in/out: after 3:00 PM / by 12:00 PM
- Minimum age: 18 to reserve or check in; children welcome
- Parking and transport: self‑parking available on‑site for a fee; no free airport shuttle
| Policy | Hotel statement |
|---|---|
| Pet policy | One pet up to ~25 lbs allowed per reservation for a $100 fee; pets not allowed at rooftop pool |
| Children | Up to 3 children 12 and under stay free using existing bedding |
| Mobile check‑in | Contactless check‑in/check‑out and mobile room access available |
Pros, cons and who should stay
Pros: The hotel places you in the Theater District with immediate access to Times Square and many subway lines, offers a year‑round heated rooftop pool and multiple themed dining and bar options, and provides family‑friendly rooms including suites with sofa beds.
Cons: The nightly mandatory resort fee is separate from the room rate and can add to cost; on‑site dining and drinks are not included and can be pricey in Manhattan. If you want a quiet, residential neighborhood or the lowest possible nightly room rate, this central, themed property may not be the best match.
- Good for: families, Broadway/theater visitors, guests who want a rooftop pool and central Midtown base
- Not ideal for: travelers on a strict budget who want all‑inclusive pricing or those seeking a quiet, residential neighborhood
- Consider: adding resort fee and food/drink costs into your total budget when comparing options
| Traveler | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Families with kids | Recommended — kids welcome and rooftop pool is family‑friendly |
| Couples wanting skyline cocktails | Recommended — rooftop bars and 5 O'Clock Somewhere offer skyline views |
| Budget solo travelers | Consider alternatives — resort fee and dining can increase total cost |
