Sandy proves to be windfall for Times Square hotels

Times Square
Times Square

Hotels in Times Square had nearly 90 percent occupancy after Hurricane Sandy made landfall, DNAinfo reported, citing Times Square Alliance data. In addition, average room rates increased to amounts more typically seen in peak travel season. In November alone, hotels in the area reached their highest occupancy rates since 2003, with average room rates ticking in at $307.

“It was a strong month across the board. For Broadway, for pedestrian traffic. Much of that was gathering pre-storm,” Times Square Alliance communications director Gia Storms told DNAinfo. “This reinforces how important the travel and tourism industry is as a whole.”

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But at the Muse Hotel, located at 130 West 46th Street, hotel rates dipped to accommodate both city residents and tourists displaced by the storm. According to the hotel’s general manager, displaced guests were not affected by the storm — they were excited for the upcoming holidays. [DNAinfo]Zachary Kussin