Paramount Times Square – A Generator Hotel brings a design‑driven, social‑lobby experience to one of Manhattan’s busiest blocks. Housed in a 1928 building once home to the Diamond Horseshoe nightclub, this 605‑room property trades traditional luxury for vibrant communal spaces and an unbeatable location less than a minute’s walk from Times Square. Generator’s official site frames it as a “stylish, social” stay where the lobby is the centrepiece.

Last checked: 2026-06-06

Address: 235 West 46th Street, New York, NY 10036 · Zip Code: 10036 · Number of Rooms: 605 · Distance to Times Square: 558 feet · On-site Amenities: Fitness center, cafe, bar, 24-hour front desk

Snapshot: Paramount Times Square – A Generator Hotel

1 Location

• 235 West 46th Street, New York, NY 10036 (Expedia)

2 Brand

• Operated by Generator, a lifestyle hostel‑hotel brand (Generator official)

3 Room count

• 605 rooms (Expedia)

4 Key amenities

• Lobby fireplace, on‑site café and bar, 24‑hour fitness centre, luggage storage (Expedia)

Attribute	Detail
Address	235 West 46th Street, New York, NY 10036
Zip Code	10036
Number of rooms	605
Distance to Times Square	558 feet
On‑site amenities	Fitness centre, café, bar, 24‑hour front desk

Paramount Times Square – Specifications

Specification	Detail
Year built	1928 (1 Shot Travel NYC)
Architect	Thomas W. Lamb (same source)
Historic nightclub venue	Diamond Horseshoe (c. 1938‑1951) (same source)
Average guest score (Booking.com)	6.6/10 from ~4,192 reviews (Booking.com)

Is Paramount Times Square a good hotel?

The answer depends heavily on what you value. For travellers who prioritise location, social atmosphere, and design over spacious, amenity‑packed rooms, this property can be an excellent choice. Hotels.com guests repeatedly call out the “great location” and “interesting lobby” while noting that rooms are “adequate” rather than lavish. Booking.com aggregates a middling 6.6/10 from more than 4,100 reviews – a score that reflects the trade‑off between an unbeatable address and modest in‑room comforts.

What amenities does it offer?

Paramount Times Square provides the essentials for a city‑break stay: a 24‑hour front desk, a fitness centre, luggage storage, and on‑site dining. The lobby houses a café and a bar, and the two‑story space is designed as a social hub with a fireplace, communal seating, and occasional live music. Expedia also notes multilingual staff and tour/ticket assistance. What it lacks are luxury extras like a spa, pool, or room service – consistent with Generator’s lifestyle‑hostel model.

What do guests say?

Repeated themes appear across review platforms. “The location is perfect. The ambiance is eclectic. Fun lobby to relax and hang out,” wrote one Expedia customer. Conversely, a TripAdvisor reviewer stated: “The hotel itself is fine … Rooms however are poor, quite small and need refurbishment.” Two separate Booking.com guests complained that standard rooms lack refrigerators and microwaves, and that bathroom supplies (washcloths, towels) can be insufficient for longer stays.

Generalisation requires at least three supporting reviews. Across Booking.com, Hotels.com and TripAdvisor, the pattern holds: the lobby is praised while rooms draw criticism for size and age. The bottom line: If you plan to spend most of your time out exploring, the central location and social lobby may outweigh the compact accommodation. For quiet long‑stays or business travel, a full‑service chain might suit better.

Where is the Paramount Times Square in New York City?

Neighborhood

The hotel sits at 235 West 46th Street, in Manhattan’s Theater District – a corridor lined with Broadway theatres, restaurants, and souvenir shops. It is less than a block (558 feet) from Times Square, placing guests right at the crossroads of Midtown. Expedia describes the area as Manhattan’s entertainment district, steps from the subway and major attractions.

Nearby landmarks

Within a five‑minute walk you can reach Rockefeller Center (0.7 mi), the Museum of Modern Art (0.8 mi), and Bryant Park (0.5 mi). Broadway’s flagship theatres – including the Majestic, the Richard Rodgers, and the Shubert – are essentially on the hotel’s doorstep. TripAdvisor reviewers consistently highlight the convenience for catching a show. What this means: for sightseers and theatre‑goers, few hotels offer a more concentrated location.

How far is Paramount Hotel from Central Park?

Distance

Central Park is approximately 1.5 miles north of the hotel – a 30‑minute walk or a quick ride via subway, taxi, or ride‑share. The park’s southern entrance at Columbus Circle is the closest access point.

Travel options

Five main ways to get there: walking (30‑40 min), subway (15‑20 min with lines B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W, 1, 2, 3, 7), taxi/ride‑share (10‑15 min), bus (M104 or M7), or a combination with the Times Square‑42nd Street station just around the corner. Google Maps confirms multiple transit routes. The trade‑off: the hotel’s Times Square proximity is excellent for entertainment but adds about 30 minutes round‑trip to any Central Park visit.

Paramount Times Square reviews

Overview of guest ratings

Aggregated scores place this property in the middle range. Booking.com gives it 6.6/10 based on ~4,192 reviews; Hotels.com shows similar marks. TripAdvisor’s cumulative rating (not numerically given in sources) is described as “middling” by user comments.

Common praises and complaints

Praises focus on the location and lobby. “Great location, great price for a New York centrally located hotel. Minutes from Times Square. Nice and interesting lobby. Rooms are adequate,” wrote a Hotels.com guest. Complaints centre on room size, noise, and minor fees. Two separate Booking.com reviewers mentioned the lack of a fridge and poor towel supply. The historic building contributes to small elevators and older infrastructure, noted in the YouTube stay video.

The pattern: Guests who treat the hotel as a base for active, out‑and‑about city breaks tend to be satisfied; those expecting spacious, quiet, amenity‑rich accommodation are more critical.

Location and getting there

The hotel is served by the Times Square‑42nd Street subway station, which connects to nearly a dozen lines. LaGuardia Airport is approximately 8 miles away (roughly 30-40 minutes by taxi), while John F. Kennedy International is about 14 miles (roughly 45-60 minutes by taxi). The Port Authority Bus Terminal and Penn Station are each within 10‑15 minutes’ walk. For drivers, parking is available at nearby commercial garages – the hotel does not offer its own lot. According to 1 Shot Travel NYC, luggage storage costs US$2 per bag before check‑in and US$3 after check‑out – a detail worth noting for early‑arrival or late‑departure guests.

Alternatives in the area

Several comparably priced hotels offer different trade‑offs. The Row NYC (700 ft from Times Square) is larger and often cheaper but receives similar critiques about room size. The M Social Hotel Times Square provides slightly larger rooms with a modern design. For travellers seeking quiet, the Westin New York at Times Square (next door) offers standard brand consistency and soundproofing, though at a higher price point. TripAdvisor comparisons show Paramount’s advantage in lobby vibe and location over these alternatives – but its rooms fall behind on space and amenities.

“"The location is perfect. The ambiance is eclectic. Fun lobby to relax and hang out."”

– Anonymous guest review, Expedia customer

“"Great location, great price for a New York centrally located hotel. Minutes from Times Square. Nice and interesting lobby. Rooms are adequate."”

– Anonymous guest review, Hotels.com customer

Related reading: Magic Castle Hotel Los Angeles: Club Access & Hotel Guide � Ilikai Hotel Review: Ownership, Amenities & What to Expect

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best restaurants near Paramount Times Square?

The immediate Theater District is dense with dining options. Popular choices include Junior’s (for cheesecake and diner fare), Carmine’s (family‑style Italian), and Gallagher’s Steak House. Many Broadway theatres have their own pre‑theatre menus.

Is Paramount Times Square a Generator Hotel?

Yes, it is officially part of the Generator brand, which operates lifestyle hostel‑hotels worldwide. The official site is paramount.staygenerator.com, and the brand’s positioning emphasises social, design‑driven spaces.

Where can I see photos of the hotel?

Official images are available on the hotel’s Generator website. Additional guest photos can be found on Booking.com, Expedia, and TripAdvisor listing pages. A detailed video walk‑through is available on YouTube (1 Shot Travel NYC).

What is the nearest subway station?

Times Square‑42nd Street station is approximately 558 feet from the hotel, serving lines B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W, 1, 2, 3, and 7. It is a one‑minute walk.

Does the hotel have a fitness centre?

Yes, a 24‑hour fitness centre is available on site. It includes basic cardio and strength equipment, consistent with the hotel’s mid‑range positioning.

Sources

1. Booking.com guest reviews (aggregate score 6.6/10)
2. Expedia hotel information page
3. Hotels.com listing and aggregated guest comments
4. TripAdvisor reviews for Paramount Times Square
5. 1 Shot Travel NYC – YouTube video review of a stay at Paramount Times Square
6. Google Maps – transit and distance data