Tucked just steps from the bright lights of Broadway and the nonstop energy of Times Square, The Sanctuary Hotel New York feels like a stylish secret hiding in plain sight. The award-winning boutique hotel blends sleek modern luxury with an undeniably sexy atmosphere, offering travelers a more intimate and elevated way to experience Midtown Manhattan. During my stay this week, I quickly realized this wasn’t your typical Times Square hotel experience. From the edgy interiors to the rooftop dining scene above the city, it delivers a chic escape that makes you want to extend your checkout time and stay on site just a bit longer.

I stayed in the Sanctuary Deluxe King room, and honestly, I was obsessed. The space felt refined yet cozy, with plush robes, spa-inspired details, and a rainfall shower that instantly elevated the experience. But the most unforgettable feature? The glass shower setup. It definitely caught me off guard in the best way possible. For guests bold enough to leave the curtain open, it creates a playful shower experience that somehow feels both luxurious and daring. If you’re more practical than provocative, it comes with a stylish curtain that conceals it with ease.

The room itself came packed with everything you could need for a Manhattan stay including WiFi, an HD flat-screen TV, minibar, iHome stereo, vanity mirror, Signature Sanctuary bath amenities, and movies on demand. Naturally, I had to test the entertainment options and ended up ordering Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 from bed after a long night out in the city. Room service is also available from the hotel’s popular dining venues, which means you can order elevated rooftop favorites and sushi directly to your room without ever changing out of the robe. 

Haven Rooftop

Perched above the hotel, Haven Rooftop feels like a hidden oasis floating above Times Square. The indoor-outdoor design, lush atmosphere, and skyline views create the perfect Midtown escape whether you’re visiting for cocktails, brunch, or dinner. I visited for an epic Mother’s Day brunch that completely exceeded expectations. The spread included steak, lobster, shrimp cocktail, and countless indulgent options that made the experience feel more like a celebration than a meal. Between bites and cocktails, it was impossible not to appreciate the energy of the rooftop and the fact that this entire experience exists just blocks from some of New York City’s busiest streets. 

A brunch spread at Haven Rooftop

The food menu at Haven Rooftop is packed with elevated comfort favorites and crowd-pleasers ranging from sliders and Buffalo wings to Branzino, Steak Au Poivre, and their signature ‘Havenly’ Chicken. Pairing it with one of their cocktails like the Cloudtini or Solstice makes the experience even better. Guests staying at the hotel also receive priority access to the rooftop, which is a major perk considering how popular rooftop dining in Midtown can get.

The Lobster Roll at Haven Rooftop

For sushi lovers, the hotel is also home to Sushi Lab Rooftop, a gorgeous canopied rooftop sushi destination from Executive Chef Frankie Chen. The menu offers creative twists on traditional Japanese cuisine with inventive nigiri, sashimi, maki, and small plates, but the real star is the omakase experience. Guests can choose the 12-course Chef’s Experience for $69 or the signature Lab Experiment featuring 15 courses with luxurious additions like fresh truffle and caviar.

Hidden within the hotel is also The Chemistry Room, an intimate omakase destination designed for diners seeking a more immersive culinary experience. The 13-course tasting menu showcases seasonal ingredients and beautifully curated bites that make the meal feel like a true sensory journey.

Beyond the hotel itself, the location could not be more ideal for visitors wanting to experience the best of New York City. Staying in Midtown means you are within walking distance of Broadway theaters, Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, Fifth Avenue shopping, Radio City Music Hall, and countless restaurants and nightlife destinations. It’s one of the few areas where you can genuinely step outside your hotel and immediately feel the pulse of the city surrounding you.

What makes The Sanctuary Hotel especially memorable, though, is the balance it strikes between excitement and escape. Times Square can often feel overwhelming, but stepping inside the hotel immediately creates a calmer, more intimate atmosphere. Whether you’re heading upstairs for rooftop cocktails, indulging in omakase, ordering a movie from bed, or simply enjoying that unforgettable glass shower moment, the hotel manages to turn even small details into part of the experience. 

The Sanctuary Hotel New York                                                                                                                          132 West 47th Street                                                                                                   https://www.sanctuaryhotelnyc.com