Editorial take
Who should book The Knickerbocker?
If this is your first New York trip, shortlist The Knickerbocker for a practical reason: Central luxury, Broadway trips, architecture and history. The name, star rating and lobby photos matter, but the real test is whether the location helps your days feel easier.
It is less compelling if you want quiet streets, large family rooms or strong value for money. Before booking from the UK, compare the final price after taxes and property fees, check the exact room setup and make sure your airport arrival route is not needlessly awkward.
Location and map
Where is The Knickerbocker?
The hotel sits at 42nd Street and Broadway on the southern edge of Times Square, about as central as Manhattan gets, with Bryant Park two blocks east when you want a calmer break.
Nearby
Times Square, Bryant Park, Broadway theatres, Grand Central and Fifth Avenue shopping.
Closest subway
Times Square-42 St and 42 St-Bryant Park, both a few minutes on foot
Hotel facts
What to know before booking.
First-timer context
Why The Knickerbocker might feel special.
What it is known for
- The original Knickerbocker opened on 23 October 1906, closed as a hotel in 1920 and spent decades as offices before returning as a hotel on 12 February 2015.
- The famous claim that the martini was invented here in 1912 by bartender Martini di Arma di Taggia has been debunked: it traces to a 1972 book by John Doxat rather than any contemporary record.
- Enrico Caruso, the Metropolitan Opera tenor, kept a suite at the hotel during its first era.
New York moments
- F. Scott Fitzgerald and the actor-composer George M. Cohan were both associated with the original hotel.
- William Randolph Hearst launched his 1909 New York mayoral campaign from the Knickerbocker.
- In 1919 Red Sox owner Harry Frazee worked out the sale of Babe Ruth to the Yankees here, one of the most consequential deals in baseball history.
On screen
- The Knickerbocker trades on its Beaux-Arts architecture and Times Square corner rather than a signature film role.
Review questions
What travellers keep asking.
Was the martini really invented at the Knickerbocker?
Almost certainly not. The story is repeated everywhere, but it traces back to a 1972 book rather than to any record from the period, so treat it as folklore rather than history.
Is the Knickerbocker too central for a first trip?
It sits directly on Times Square, which suits Broadway-led short breaks. Light sleepers and travellers who want neighbourhood atmosphere should compare Bryant Park, NoMad or Midtown East instead.
Booking checklist
Check these before you reserve.
Total price
Look beyond the nightly rate. Check taxes, destination fees, breakfast and cancellation.
Room layout
For New York, room size, bathroom privacy, bed type and storage can matter more than star rating.
Arrival route
Match the hotel to your airport, luggage and arrival time, especially after an overnight UK flight.
Related guides
Read this before choosing.
Sources and update notes
Last updated: 17 August 2026. Hotel rates, fees, rules and transport details can change.