Row NYC Hotel 2026: Reviews, History & Current Status

The Row NYC Hotel, a 1,300-room property at 700 8th Avenue, has undergone one of the most dramatic transformations in recent New York hospitality history. From its origins as the Hotel Lincoln in 1928 to its peak as the famed “Lullaby of Broadway” Milford Plaza, through a $140 million renovation and rebranding in 2014, the hotel has repeatedly reinvented itself. Most recently, it served as an emergency migrant shelter before closing for renovations in 2023 and reopening in 2026. This article traces that journey with verified facts and current guest perspectives.

Last checked: 2026-05-21

Address: 700 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY ·
Floors: 27 stories ·
Style: Modern hotel with historic roots (built 1929) ·
Pet policy: Pet-friendly ·
Known for: Theatre District proximity and recent migrant housing controversy

What Happened to the Row Hotel, NYC?

The Row NYC Hotel has experienced multiple major transitions throughout its nearly century-long history. Understanding what happened requires tracing the property from its origins through recent developments.

Closure and Renovation

In 2023, Row NYC ceased operations as a conventional hotel. This closure followed years of serving as an emergency shelter—first for homeless New Yorkers during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently for asylum-seeking migrants beginning in late 2022. The City of New York had entered contracts worth tens of millions of dollars to use Row NYC and similar hotels as temporary migrant shelters, a policy that drew significant public attention and debate.

According to coverage by THE CITY, an NYC-focused news outlet, Row NYC was portrayed as one of the largest sites in the city’s emergency migrant shelter system during 2023–2024, with reports of overcrowding and strained facilities. The New York Times documented the city’s use of the hotel for asylum-seekers beginning in November 2022.

Following the end of the shelter contracts, the property closed for a comprehensive renovation program. The hotel officially reopened in 2026 after this multi-year renovation, with the official website now listing available bookings for guests.

What this means: The closure in 2023 marked the end of a turbulent period during which the hotel operated far outside its original hospitality mission. The 2026 reopening represents a deliberate return to serving tourists and business travelers.

Migrant Housing Controversy

The decision to house migrants at Row NYC was not without controversy. NBC New York reported on the hotel’s conversion into a homeless shelter during the pandemic, noting significant media coverage and local concern. The New York Post documented complaints from neighbors about quality-of-life issues in the surrounding Times Square area during the shelter-use period.

The NYC Comptroller’s Office recorded contracts worth tens of millions of dollars flowing to hotels including Row NYC for shelter purposes. This arrangement was part of a broader city policy during the migrant crisis that saw numerous midtown Manhattan hotels repurposed for emergency housing.

Is ROW NYC a Good Hotel?

Evaluating whether Row NYC meets guest expectations requires examining multiple data points, including verified review patterns and the property’s stated amenities.

Guest Reviews and Ratings

TripAdvisor reviews for Row NYC are highly varied, with many recent reviewers describing small rooms and dated conditions while praising the central Times Square location. On Google Reviews, the property averages roughly mid-2 to low-3 stars out of 5, reflecting a balance between budget travelers satisfied with location and others critical of cleanliness and noise levels.

Several editorial reviews provide additional context. Frommer’s notes that the hotel’s hallways and elevators can feel crowded and worn, reflecting the high volume of guests that pass through the property. The Telegraph describes the hotel as offering “pod”-style compact rooms, with many standard rooms under 200 square feet—smaller than typical U.S. hotel accommodations.

Post-renovation feedback emerging in 2026 indicates more positive sentiment, though the volume of recent reviews remains limited as the property ramps up operations. The hotel’s positioning as an affordable option in one of the world’s most expensive hotel markets continues to attract budget-conscious travelers, particularly first-time visitors to New York who prioritize location over luxury.

Amenities and Services

The hotel’s amenities package reflects its positioning as a large-scale, value-oriented property. Row NYC offers pet-friendly accommodations, making it suitable for travelers visiting with companion animals. The on-site City Kitchen food hall, which opened in 2015, provides multiple food and beverage options within the property, though the hall’s operations may have been affected during the shelter-use period and subsequent renovation.

The renovation program reportedly included updates to public spaces and guest rooms. The property historically featured a contemporary, neon-lit lobby aesthetic following its 2014 rebranding, according to Architectural Digest coverage of the earlier transformation.

What to watch: Travelers should be aware that mandatory facility fees and occupancy taxes significantly increase the effective nightly price, as is common among large midtown Manhattan hotels. Room rates are dynamic and seasonal, often appearing lower in initial listings before additional charges are applied.

Will ROW NYC Reopen?

The question of whether Row NYC would return to conventional hotel operations has been definitively answered: the property reopened in 2026 following its multi-year renovation. For more information on the hotel’s history, you can consult this Ritz Carlton Melbourne guide. Ritz Carlton Melbourne guide

Renovation Timeline

The journey to reopening followed a specific sequence. After serving as a migrant shelter through much of 2023, the property transitioned to renovation status. The timeline reflects both the scale of the property—with over 1,300 rooms across 28 stories—and the complexity of returning a building used for emergency housing back to hospitality standards.

The renovation follows an earlier major renovation program. In 2010, Rockpoint Group and Highgate Holdings purchased the then-Milford Plaza hotel for approximately $200 million, announcing a $140 million renovation program the following year. That renovation transformed the property through rebranding as The Milford NY – Times Square before launching as Row NYC in February 2014.

Current Status

As of March 2026, Row NYC has resumed operations as a conventional hotel. The official website (rownyc.com) lists available bookings, and industry coverage has documented the reopening. LODGING Magazine reported on the property’s return to the hospitality market.

The bottom line: Row NYC has reopened and is actively accepting reservations. Travelers can book directly through the property website or through major online travel agencies.

Where Is Row NYC Hotel Located?

Row NYC occupies a prominent position in midtown Manhattan, offering guests immediate access to some of New York City’s most famous attractions.

Nearby Attractions

The hotel sits at 700 8th Avenue at West 44th Street, placing it within the heart of the Theatre District. Multiple Broadway theaters are within walking distance, making the property particularly attractive to visitors attending shows. Times Square itself is a block away, with its iconic lights, entertainment venues, and retail options.

Other notable nearby attractions include Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden, both accessible via short walks or public transit. The property’s position on 8th Avenue provides straightforward access to other Manhattan destinations.

Transportation Options

Penn Station is approximately a 15-minute walk from Row NYC, providing access to Amtrak, NJ Transit, and the Long Island Rail Road. The property is served by multiple subway lines, with stations within walking distance on 8th Avenue and Broadway. Three major airports serve the New York metropolitan area: JFK International, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty International, each accessible via public transit or taxi service.