Curtain rises on huge newbuild hotel in the Big Apple
by Lauren Jade Hill | 06 Mar 2022 | Hotel Openings, Projects

RIU Hotels & Resorts has announced the launch of Hotel Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square, which sports a fun concept referencing the iconic Broadway shows on its doorstep.
This dynamic property benefits from a prime location in the heart of Manhattan.
Theatrical inspiration
The newly opened Hotel Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square promises to immerse guests in its vibrant setting amid the famous theatres of Broadway, just a stone’s throw from Times Square, with a design aesthetic drawing inspiration from the city’s thespian heritage. Everything from the interiors and artwork to the architectural detailing reflects the influence of Broadway’s stage designs, starting in the lobby with a host of oversized masks inspired by The Phantom of the Opera.
It represents Mallorca-based RIU Hotels & Resorts’ second hotel in the Big Apple after Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square, which made its debut in 2016.
Luis Riu, CEO of RIU Hotels & Resorts, said: “When we opened our first hotel in New York, one of my lifelong dreams came true. Words can’t express how we all felt when we saw RIU’s name right in the heart of Manhattan.
“Today, we’ve taken a very exciting step, once again overcoming the great challenge of building a hotel from scratch in one of the world’s most competitive cities. I couldn’t be any prouder of the team behind this project and the opportunity to see our brand in the cultural and financial capital of the United States.”
Making a mark in the city
The hotel encompasses 656 guestrooms in a newbuild structure rising 47 floors high. The ground floor features the hotel’s lobby and Grab&Go cafeteria, with fitness space on the level below, while the next floors up host parking and a restaurant serving RIU’s signature buffet breakfast.
Guestrooms, which occupy the seventh floor and above, all boast the brand’s modern and elegant style, with the facility fee affording access to additional services including free wifi, luggage storage, a bottle of water in the room and unlimited gym access.
With the addition of this new property, there are now nine Riu Plaza hotels across the world. Future openings are planned for Chicago, Toronto and London.
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ABOUT THE CHAIN
RIU Hotels & Resorts was founded in Mallorca, Spain in 1953 as a small summer business for the Riu family, and is currently owned by TUI and the Riu family, and run by the third generation of the family.