The Knickerbocker Hotel NYC: 6 Times Square Review & Booking Guide

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NYC Hotel & Travel Guide Β· 2026 Edition

The Knickerbocker Hotel NYC Guide: 6 Times Square History & St. Cloud Rooftop

The Knickerbocker Hotel NYC Guide: addresses, subway lines, walking distance and 2026 NYC nightly rates with tax math.

By Matthew S Crawford Β· Updated October 2026 Β· Verified NYC Rates & Tax Math

Quick answer

The Knickerbocker Hotel NYC sits at 6 Times Square, at the corner of Broadway and West 42nd Street, in the middle of Midtown Manhattan. It is a landmark-style building facing the crossroads of the Theater District, Bryant Park and the Times Square subway complex.

The Knickerbocker Hotel NYC at 6 Times Square on Broadway and 42nd Street

The Knickerbocker Hotel NYC sits at 6 Times Square, at the corner of Broadway and West 42nd Street, in the middle of Midtown Manhattan. It is a landmark-style building facing the crossroads of the Theater District, Bryant Park and the Times Square subway complex.

That position makes the location the main selling point. A guest steps out into the brightest, busiest part of New York City, so the trade-off is noise and crowds. Confirm the current brand, amenities and policies before booking, because hotel operations change. Ask which room categories sit on quieter floors, and compare the rate with other Midtown Manhattan options before deciding.

Astor-Era History and the Times Square New Year’s Eve Connection

The building is commonly associated with the early 1900s and with the Astor family, and it is often linked to the history of New Year’s Eve celebrations in Times Square. Treat those stories as local lore and confirm dates with the hotel or a reliable history source.

The history gives a boutique hotel feel to a very large setting. Guests who enjoy architecture can look for period details in the lobby and faΓ§ade, though renovations may have changed interiors. Ask the front desk what remains from the original building. Photos on the booking page may not show the oldest features, so ask for current images.

The Knickerbocker hotel in Times Square
Photo: Kidfly182, CC BY 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

St. Cloud Rooftop Bar and Skyline Cocktails Above Times Square

St. Cloud is the rooftop bar associated with the hotel in the title. Confirm that it is open, along with hours, reservation rules, dress code, weather closures and whether hotel guests receive priority. Rooftop venues in New York City are usually seasonal or weather dependent.

Views above Times Square can include screens, towers and the Theater District. Arrive early on weekend evenings and expect lines. Prices at rooftop bars tend to be higher than street-level pubs, so check the menu and any minimum spend before planning a group visit. Weeknights are usually calmer than weekends, and an early table gives the best skyline light.

Subway Lines at Times Square-42nd Street and Bryant Park

The 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, W, S and 7 trains stop at Times Sq-42 St, and the A, C and E stop at 42 St-Port Authority a short walk west. The B, D, F and M stop at 42 St-Bryant Park. This is one of the most connected spots in the subway system.

The fare is $3 per ride with OMNY tap-to-pay, per the MTA. The S shuttle runs to Grand Central, about a three-minute ride, an estimate. Confirm service changes in the MTA app, especially on weekends when track work can reroute trains. Allow extra time with luggage, since transfers between platforms can involve stairs and long corridors.

Broadway Theaters and TKTS Within Walking Distance

Dozens of Broadway theaters are within walking distance. The New Amsterdam Theatre at 214 West 42nd Street is steps away, and most Theater District houses are a five to fifteen minute walk, an estimate. Check the current production at any theater before planning a night out.

The TKTS booth at Father Duffy Square, Broadway at West 47th Street, sells same-day discounted tickets. Confirm hours, lines and any second location. After a late curtain, stay on lit, busy avenues and use a rideshare if the walk feels uncertain. Pre-theater dinners near Eighth Avenue are cheaper than those on Broadway itself, a general pattern worth confirming.

The Hotel Knickerbocker at Broadway and 42nd Street, about 1907
Photo: Library of Congress, no known restrictions

Bryant Park, the Public Library and Grand Central Terminal Nearby

Bryant Park, the main branch of the New York Public Library at 476 Fifth Avenue and Grand Central Terminal at 89 East 42nd Street are all within a short walk to the east. A stroll along West 42nd Street covers about ten to fifteen minutes, an estimate.

Bryant Park hosts seasonal events such as a winter village and rink. Confirm dates and fees each year. These nearby landmarks give guests quieter options when Times Square becomes overwhelming in the evening. The library’s reading rooms and the park lawn make a free break between shows and meals.

Luxury Hotel Rates and Room Categories in Midtown Manhattan

Rates reflect the central location. In 2026 the working tiers are roughly $195-$295 budget, $320-$480 mid-range and $650-plus luxury hotel pricing, all estimates. A weekend or holiday stay in this block can price toward the upper end of the mid-range or into luxury.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Knickerbocker Hotel NYC

This section answers common questions about staying at 6 Times Square. Policies, fees and venue status change, so confirm every detail with the hotel before relying on it.

The answers describe typical patterns, not guarantees. Use the hotel’s front desk and the MTA app for same-day information on rooftop access and subway service.

Is the Knickerbocker a good hotel for first-time visitors?

It suits travelers who want Broadway and subway access at the door. Expect crowds and noise, and confirm room categories before booking.

Is the St. Cloud rooftop open to non-guests?

Access rules vary by season and event. Confirm hours, reservations and dress code directly with the venue.

How far is Grand Central from the hotel?

Walking east along 42nd Street takes about ten to fifteen minutes, an estimate. The S shuttle also connects Times Sq-42 St to Grand Central.

Keep reading

Times Square & Broadway Guide Β· The Knickerbocker Β· Broadway and NYC Show Questions Answered Β· Hotels Near the Minskoff Theatre in NYC Β· The Algonquin Hotel Β· Where to stay in NYC Β· NYCHotelss 20 Best Picks Β· Cheap hotels in NYC Β· All NYC guides

About the author. Matthew S Crawford grew up on Long Island, in Massapequa and then Deer Park. He runs NYCHotelss, an independent NYC hotel guide. Details change. Check rates, hours and policies before you book.