The heart of Manhattan just got a major hospitality upgrade. Hyatt announced the grand opening of the Hyatt Regency Times Square today, adding a massive 795-room property right in the center of the action. Located on Broadway between 48th and 49th Streets, this new hotel puts you steps away from the neon lights and endless energy that define New York City.

For points enthusiasts, this opening represents a fresh redemption opportunity in one of the world's most expensive hotel markets. Let's break down everything you need to know about maximizing value at this highly anticipated property.

Hotel Overview: What You're Getting

The Hyatt Regency Times Square brings serious scale to Midtown Manhattan. With 795 rooms across 23 standard room types and 3 suite categories, there's plenty of award availability for different travel needs.

Key highlights include:

• Prime Broadway location between 48th and 49th Streets
• One of Manhattan's largest hotel fitness centers
• On-site lounge and grab-and-go dining options
• Direct access to Times Square-42nd Street Station with multiple subway lines
• Standard rooms measuring 323 square feet (generous for NYC standards)

"Hyatt Regency Times Square is the most exciting recent addition to New York City's hotel landscape," said Mohit Malhotra, General Manager. The property emphasizes the Regency brand's focus on seamless experiences for both business and leisure travelers.

Source: Hyatt Newsroom Official Announcement

Points Requirements: Category 6 Pricing

This property slots into World of Hyatt Category 6, putting it in the higher tier of the World of Hyatt awards program. Here's your points breakdown:

• Off-Peak: 21,000 points per night
• Standard: 25,000 points per night
• Peak: 29,000 points per night

For context, that's the same category as properties like the Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach and many premium urban hotels worldwide. The question becomes: are you getting solid value for those points?

Cash Rates vs. Points Value Analysis

Based on initial rate checks, you're looking at significant cash rates that vary dramatically by season:

Typical cash pricing:

• Standard nights: $350-$450
• Busy periods: $500-$600
• Peak dates (holidays): $800+
• Occasional deals: $260-$300

Let's run the math on redemption value:

• At $350 cash rates: 21,000 points = 1.67 cents per point (cpp)
• At $450 cash rates: 25,000 points = 1.8 cpp
• At $600 cash rates: 29,000 points = 2.07 cpp

Those are solid values that easily exceed the typical 1.5-1.7 cpp baseline for Hyatt redemptions. When cash rates climb above $450, using points becomes increasingly attractive.

The sweet spot appears to be during peak travel periods when cash rates spike but award pricing remains capped at 29,000 points.

Room Categories and Space

Standard rooms at 323 square feet put this property ahead of many Manhattan competitors where 250-300 square feet is common. You won't feel cramped, though the rooms follow modern minimalist design principles.

Room options include:

• 23 standard room types (including accessible options)
• 1 Bedroom Suite: 646 square feet
• Penthouse Suite: 969 square feet

One notable design choice: standard rooms don't include traditional desks. If you're planning to work extensively from your room, this might influence your stay decision.

Location Advantages for First-Time Visitors

The Times Square location delivers maximum convenience for tourists wanting to hit NYC's greatest hits. Times Square-42nd Street Station offers access to multiple subway lines, making it easy to explore:

• Broadway shows: Walking distance to most theaters
• Central Park: 15-minute subway ride
• Financial District: Direct subway access
• Brooklyn attractions: Multiple connection options

This positioning makes the hotel particularly valuable for first-time NYC visitors who want to maximize sightseeing without complex transit planning.

When to Book vs. When to Skip

Best use cases for this property:

• First NYC visit focused on tourist attractions
• Peak travel periods when cash rates exceed $500
• Business trips requiring Midtown Manhattan access
• World of Hyatt members seeking consistent brand experience

Consider alternatives if:

• You prefer quieter neighborhood experiences
• Your NYC plans focus on specific boroughs like Brooklyn
• You're sensitive to tourist crowds and street noise
• You need extensive in-room workspace

Booking Strategy and Alternatives

Given the premium location and brand-new status, booking during the initial months may require advance planning. Peak dates like New Year's Eve will likely command maximum cash rates, making points redemptions particularly valuable.

Alternative Hyatt properties in NYC:

• Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach (if considering Hawaii instead)
• Hyatt House properties for extended stays

For earning additional Hyatt points before your stay, consider maximizing World of Hyatt meetings and events or taking advantage of periodic Hyatt promotional offers.

Bottom Line

The Hyatt Regency Times Square fills a significant gap in Manhattan's premium hotel landscape. At 21,000-29,000 points per night, you're getting solid value when cash rates exceed $400 - which they frequently will in this location.

The property works best for travelers who want convenient access to NYC's tourist core and don't mind paying premium rates (whether cash or points) for that convenience. With 795 rooms, award availability should be more reliable than smaller boutique properties.

Is it worth burning points? Absolutely, during peak travel periods when cash rates spike. For off-peak visits when rates drop to $300, you might find better point values elsewhere in the Hyatt portfolio.

Ready to start earning Hyatt points? Check out the World of Hyatt loyalty program to maximize your future stays.