Every street in New York City tells a story.
45th Street between Broadway and Eighth Avenue happens to tell quite a few.
At the moment, the north side of “Shubert Alley” houses seven (!) Broadway shows. 2024 Tony winners “The Outsiders” and “Stereophonic” sit right next to each other. On the southeast corner is the legendary “Lion King” musical. Aughts film adaptations “The Notebook” and “Water For Elephants” are just a few hundred feet apart. The show-stopping “Suffs” and the Patti Lupone-Mia Farrow two-hander “The Roommate” also line the busy block.
In the middle of all the commotion is the 45-floor Marriott Marquis.
And, if you’re visiting Midtown to binge on Broadway — or here for business, sightseeing or any of the other million reasons to visit the Big Apple — the 1,971-room hotel has everything any weary traveler could ever need and more.
Built in 1985, the massive Marquis features many amenities including a 24-hour gym with state-of-the-art equipment; an expansive breakfast buffet boasting every meat, pastry and egg option one could ever dream up; a snazzy selfie station; the classy, business-minded M Club; tasteful rooms adorned with modern arts and sizable LGTVs; multiple high-end restaurants and bars; futuristic, whizzing, see-through glass elevators and, of course, very, very, very close proximity to the best of Broadway.
Plus, the Marriott also houses the Marquis Theatre. Upcoming shows at the venue include “Elf The Musical” featuring Sean Astin as Santa (Rudy!) and a “Stranger Things” prequel musical in spring 2025.
Somehow, this magical building has as many perks as the block it sits on has theaters.
That shouldn’t scare budget-minded tourists away, though.
“It’s approachable bougie,” Marriott marketing manager Maria Medved told the New York Post about the hotel where scenes from “Succession” and “Billions” were filmed.
What exactly does that mean?
For a closer look, here’s everything you need to know and more about the Marriott Marquis.
Heck, some might even say, this is the hotel’s story.
Broadway shows near the Marriott Marquis
As noted above, the Marquis is located smack dab in the heart of Broadway next to a number of shows on the north and side of the street.
To make sure you’re fully in the loop, here are 12 (!) plays and musicals within 100 feet of the Marriott Marquis.
Marquis Theater
We’d be absolutely remiss if we didn’t pay tribute to the Marquis’ own Marquis Theater.
Located in the building’s third floor, the theater is dark at the moment but will re-open Nov. 9 when “Elf The Musical” takes over for the holiday season. The show stars Grey Henson (“Girls5Eva”) as Buddy The Elf and Sean Astin (“Goonies,” “Lord of the Rings,” “Stranger Things,” “Rudy”) will inhabit the role of Santa.
You can find tickets to the performance of your choosing at the Marquis Theatre here.
Marriott Marquis hotel rooms
After a long midtown night out taking in a show, you’ll likely want to get back to your room for some much-needed R&R.
This is where the Marriott excels.
Their spacious, tasteful rooms — ranging from single-bed studios to executive suites — all feature high-definition flatscreen LGTVs; attractive, modern yet comfortable furniture (I sank right into my couch); hip wall art; luxurious bathrooms (with easy-to-use shower heads for once in a hotel); digital clocks that charge your phone (!) and plush beds that should have you conked out in no time.
Over the course of my two-day stay at the Marquis, I slept beautifully both nights. No melatonin, no sleep aids necessary. Just a dark room and cozy bed where the mattress felt like it was made out of pillow.
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Marriott Marquis design
When you enter ground floor of the Marquis building, you’re not actually in the hotel.
No, you need to approach the sci-fi-like elevators (that, oddly enough, look a bit like larger-than-life lipstick cases) and jet up to the eighth floor.
Once you’ve arrived, take it all in. The Marriott is, as the kids say, built different.
The open-air concept with the futuristic elevators seemingly stretches all the way to the heavens. Even though the hotel was constructed in 1985, it feels more like something from Tokyo twenty years from now; the Marquis is sleek, angular and awe-inspiring.
You can see everything from the freeing eighth floor; all you have to do is look up.
Now that we’ve gotten through the view, we recommend getting a lay of the land. Check out the swanky M Club (more on that later), classy eateries (more on those later too) and outdoor patio aka The Perch. While there, if you look closely enough, you’ll see the Times Square New Year’s Eve ball just waiting to drop.
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Marriott Marquis dining options
Room service isn’t the only option at the Marriott Marquis.
From morning until late at night, the hotel serves a wide array of cuisines that should satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
Starting in the morning, one can opt for their expansive breakfast buffet which features staples like crispy bacon, sizzling sausage, hearty eggs and trusty oatmeal as well as a variety of pastries (please don’t sleep on the delectable chocolate croissants), bagels, yogurts and cereals.
Plus, there’s a drool-worthy ham carving station. Yes, really.
Take your plates and bowls (we’re not counting how many your grab) to the business and family-friendly M Club, snag a coffee or two, take a seat and enjoy.
In the event you’d prefer a more standard experience, the Broadway Lounge offers upscale options like avocado toast (they really don’t skimp on the ‘cado, I got a healthy heaping as you’ll see below), fresh fruit platters and bagels topped with a generous helping of smoked salmon.
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While chowing down, you can either admire the Midtown skyline or glance at the movie theater-sized TVs playing cable news and live sports.
Come lunch and dinner time, one can dine at either the aforementioned Broadway Lounge or Revel and Rye, which sit kitty-corner next to each other and boast upscale New American cuisine.
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My party opted for the Broadway Lounge after drinks at Revel and Rye. We started with Ryan’s Spicy Chicken (which wasn’t all that hot in our humble opinion) and a fried shrimp basket that was served with a lively aleppo aioli.
The app party didn’t stop there. Foccacci with blistered tomatoes, caramelized red onion, parmigiano-reggiano and infused garlic oil came next. Even though I knew the mains were on their way, I couldn’t stop filling up on this bready hor d’oeuvre. The charcuterie plate was no slouch either.
Finally, my entree, steak frites, arrived. Time to loosen the ol’ belt.
My tender hunk of beef swam in red wine reduction next to a bed of tastefully seasoned herb frites. It’s a generous portion and a takeout box may be necessary.
Somehow, when all was said and done, our party decided we needed dessert and opted for the Marquis Strawberry Tower, which more than lives it up to its lofty title.
Haagen Daaz vanilla ice cream layered with strawberry compote and vanilla cake bites are topped with mini cheesecake bites, whipped cream, sprinkles, pirouette cookies, Twizzlers and a Swirly Pop. Bring a team to finish this one and thank us later.
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Marriott Marquis gym
OK, after all that, you’re probably realizing that a walk in Central Park won’t burn all the calories you just downed (at least if you enjoyed yourself as much as I did).
If that’s the case, you may want to visit the Marquis’ breathtaking 23rd-floor gym overlooking the city. Complete with 16 treadmills, ellipticals, stair masters, Peloton bikes and free weights along with machines, you can easily get in any type of workout here.
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Miscellanious Marriott Marquis perks
Just when you thought you’d heard everything about the Marquis, we’re just getting started.
As noted above, the M Club lounge serves as a comfortable respite for weary businesspeople looking to unwind with their laptop or curl up with a good book. On weekdays, they serve light refreshments starting at 5 p.m. Think pizza, mozzarella salad, mozzarella sticks, charcuterie and soft drinks.
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Traveling with kids?
Make sure to ask for a hotel passport that sends them on a scavenger hunt all over the Marquis. Best of all, if they finish, there’s a gelato prize waiting for them at the end.
Also, grab a selfie with the little ones (or whole family) at the golden “Wonderful” selfie station. Boom. Holiday card complete. You’re welcome.
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Speaking of the holidays, the Marriott beefed up their Christmas event offerings after high demand last year. In addition to “Elf The Musical,” they’ll also host 25 days of Christmas events starting Dec. 1. Highlights includes the Very Merry Santa Brunch (Dec. 14), Broadway stars singing Christmas carols and cookie-decorating classes.
Final verdict
The rooms are inviting yet stylish. The hotel’s decor is stunning. The food is delicious (and the portions are quite generous). The gym has everything you’d need and more. The M Club will make you feel like you’re at home. The elevators make you feel like you’re living in “Blade Runner” (and are as close to a Midtown amusement park ride you’ll get). Plus, there’s a Broadway theater in the Marquis.
Basically, you don’t even have to leave your hotel to experience Broadway and have a night on the town.
But if you do, there are a dozen shows on your block.
That’s their story–now go make your own at the Marriott.
Other huge Broadway shows
In the off chance you’re staying at the Marquis and have already seen all 12 (!) shows on Shubert Alley, here are just five more huge productions within walking distance that you won’t want to miss live.
• “Wicked”
• “Once Upon A Mattress”
• “Moulin Rouge”
• “Chicago”
• “Book of Mormon”
Curious which 2024 Tony winners are still around? Take a look at our comprehensive list to find out.
This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
