Hotel St James Review: An Honest Stay in the Heart of New York City

When planning a trip to New York City, one of the biggest challenges travelers face is finding a hotel that balances location, comfort, and affordability. Midtown Manhattan hotels are notoriously expensive, and many budget options sacrifice convenience or cleanliness. This is where Hotel St James quietly stands out.

Located just steps from Times Square, Hotel St James has built a reputation as a no-frills, well-located, and reasonably priced hotel that appeals to tourists, theatergoers, and repeat visitors who prioritize location over luxury. In this in-depth review, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Hotel St James — from rooms and amenities to location, pros and cons, and whether it’s the right hotel for your NYC stay.

Overview of Hotel St James

Hotel St James is a classic Midtown Manhattan hotel that has been welcoming guests for decades. Unlike many modern boutique hotels, this property keeps things simple, focusing on the essentials rather than trendy extras.

• Hotel Name: Hotel St James
  
  

• Location: West 45th Street, Midtown Manhattan
  
  

• Category: Budget / Mid-range hotel
  
  

• Ideal For: Tourists, theater lovers, budget-conscious travelers
  
  

The hotel’s biggest selling point is its exceptional location. Situated just off Times Square, guests can walk to Broadway theaters, restaurants, and major NYC landmarks within minutes.

Location: One of the Best in Midtown Manhattan

If location is your top priority, Hotel St James delivers exceptionally well.

The hotel sits on West 45th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenue, placing it right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Despite being so close to Times Square, the street itself is relatively quiet, offering a welcome break from the constant buzz just steps away.

Nearby Attractions

Staying at Hotel St James puts you within walking distance of many of New York City’s most iconic spots:

• Times Square (2-minute walk)
  
  

• Broadway theaters (surrounding blocks)
  
  

• Rockefeller Center (7-minute walk)
  
  

• Bryant Park (5-minute walk)
  
  

• Grand Central Terminal (10-minute walk)
  
  

• Fifth Avenue shopping (10-minute walk)
  
  

For first-time visitors especially, the convenience of this location can’t be overstated. You can explore most of Midtown on foot, saving both time and transportation costs.

Rooms at Hotel St James

Rooms at Hotel St James are best described as simple, clean, and functional. This is not a luxury hotel, and it doesn’t try to be. Instead, it offers exactly what many travelers need after a long day of sightseeing: a comfortable place to sleep in an unbeatable location.

Room Types

The hotel offers several room configurations, including:

• Single Rooms
  
  

• Double Rooms
  
  

• Twin Rooms
  
  

• Triple Rooms
  
  

This variety makes Hotel St James suitable for solo travelers, couples, friends, and even small families.

Room Features

Most rooms include:

• Comfortable beds with clean linens
  
  

• Flat-screen TV
  
  

• Air conditioning
  
  

• Free Wi-Fi
  
  

• In-room safe
  
  

• Private bathroom
  
  

While the décor may feel slightly dated, rooms are generally well-maintained and clean, which is often more important than style when traveling in a busy city like New York.

Cleanliness and Comfort

One of the most commonly mentioned positives in Hotel St James reviews is cleanliness. Housekeeping is consistent, and rooms are refreshed daily.

Beds are firm but comfortable, and most guests report getting a good night’s sleep — especially considering the hotel’s proximity to Times Square. Many rooms face interior spaces or the quieter street, which helps minimize noise.

That said, light sleepers may want to request a higher floor or a room away from the street for maximum quiet.

Amenities and Services

Hotel St James keeps amenities simple, but what it offers is practical and useful.

What You’ll Find

• 24-hour front desk with helpful staff
  
  

• Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
  
  

• Luggage storage (ideal for early arrivals or late departures)
  
  

• Elevator access
  
  

• Daily housekeeping
  
  

What You Won’t Find

• No on-site restaurant or bar
  
  

• No gym or spa
  
  

• No room service
  
  

For many travelers, these omissions are not deal-breakers, especially given the countless dining and entertainment options just outside the door.

Dining Options Near Hotel St James

While Hotel St James does not have its own restaurant, the surrounding area more than makes up for it.

Within a few minutes’ walk, you’ll find:

• Classic New York diners
  
  

• International restaurants
  
  

• Coffee shops and bakeries
  
  

• Fast-casual options and food courts
  
  

Popular nearby dining spots include casual pizza joints, upscale steakhouses, and late-night eateries catering to theater crowds. Whether you want a quick breakfast or a post-Broadway dinner, you’ll have endless choices.

Broadway and Theater Convenience

One of the biggest reasons travelers choose Hotel St James is its proximity to Broadway theaters.

Many major theaters are located on the same block or just around the corner. This makes the hotel especially appealing for:

• Broadway fans
  
  

• Theater professionals
  
  

• Visitors attending multiple shows
  
  

Being able to walk back to your hotel in minutes after a late performance is a huge convenience and a standout advantage of staying here.

Value for Money

In a city where hotel prices can quickly spiral out of control, Hotel St James offers strong value.

While rates vary by season, the hotel is often priced lower than nearby chain hotels with similar locations. Guests are essentially paying for location first, with comfort and cleanliness as reliable bonuses.

For travelers who plan to spend most of their time exploring the city rather than staying in the hotel, this value proposition makes a lot of sense.

Pros and Cons of Hotel St James

Pros

• Unbeatable Midtown Manhattan location
  
  

• Excellent access to Broadway and Times Square
  
  

• Clean and comfortable rooms
  
  

• Friendly, helpful staff
  
  

• Good value compared to nearby hotels
  
  

Cons

• Dated décor
  
  

• Limited amenities
  
  

• No on-site dining
  
  

• Not a luxury experience
  
  

Being aware of these pros and cons helps set realistic expectations, which is key to enjoying your stay.

Who Should Stay at Hotel St James?

Hotel St James is ideal for:

• First-time NYC visitors
  
  

• Theater lovers and Broadway attendees
  
  

• Budget-conscious travelers
  
  

• Tourists who prioritize location
  
  

• Solo travelers and couples
  
  

It may not be the best choice for travelers seeking luxury, modern design, or resort-style amenities. However, for practical travelers, it often exceeds expectations.

Guest Experience and Service

The staff at Hotel St James are frequently praised for being friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable. Front desk agents are accustomed to assisting tourists and can provide directions, luggage assistance, and general advice about getting around the city.

Check-in and check-out are typically smooth, and the hotel’s smaller size contributes to a more personal feel compared to large chain properties.

Accessibility and Transportation

Another advantage of staying at Hotel St James is access to public transportation.

Multiple subway lines are located within a short walk, making it easy to reach:

• Lower Manhattan
  
  

• Central Park
  
  

• Museums
  
  

• Airports
  
  

For visitors unfamiliar with NYC’s subway system, staying in Midtown simplifies navigation and reduces travel time.

Final Verdict: Is Hotel St James Worth It?

For travelers seeking a clean, affordable hotel in one of the best locations in New York City, Hotel St James is absolutely worth considering.

It may not have flashy design or luxury amenities, but it excels where it matters most: location, cleanliness, comfort, and value. The ability to step outside and immediately experience the energy of Times Square — while still having a quiet place to rest — is a rare balance.

If your goal is to explore New York City, see Broadway shows, and stay within walking distance of major attractions without overspending, Hotel St James delivers a dependable and satisfying experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hotel St James

Is Hotel St James close to Times Square?
Yes, Hotel St James is just steps away from Times Square and surrounded by Broadway theaters.

Does Hotel St James offer free Wi-Fi?
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

Is Hotel St James good for families?
The hotel offers multi-bed rooms, making it suitable for small families, though amenities are limited.

Is Hotel St James noisy at night?
Despite its central location, many guests report that rooms are relatively quiet, especially on higher floors.

Final Thoughts

In a city filled with overpriced and overhyped accommodations, Hotel St James remains a practical, honest choice. It doesn’t try to impress with luxury — instead, it wins travelers over with reliability and one of the best locations in Midtown Manhattan.

If you value location over luxury and experience over extravagance, Hotel St James might be exactly what you’re looking for.