New Times Square Hotel Plans a Free-Fall Ride
A planned Times Square hotel could offer something more unusual than a rooftop view: a free-fall thrill ride in the same building. Hyatt and developer Extell announced The StandardX Times Square on 28 October 2026, with an opening planned for 2028. The property would sit in Manhattan’s Theatre District, putting guests close to Broadway while adding an attraction that could interest visitors staying elsewhere in the city.
The hotel will anchor a skyscraper with an enclosed drop ride and an observation deck more than 1,000 feet above Manhattan. A rooftop pool, bars, restaurants and nightlife venues are also planned. StandardX is The Standard’s simpler, more casual sister brand, although Hyatt has not presented this flagship as a budget hotel. Its design takes inspiration from the surrounding theatres, with more elaborate public spaces than bedrooms.
“Usually, that means putting people in the middle of an interesting neighborhood, with everything happening right outside the door. In Times Square, a lot of it will be happening right inside the building. I love that. It’s energetic, theatrical and completely over the top."
What to Expect at The StandardX Times Square
- Location: 255 West 45th Street, Manhattan.
- Opening: Second half of 2028, provisional.
- Rooms: About 1,800.
- Rates: Unannounced; reservations not open.
- Ride: Enclosed free-fall; ticket price unknown.
- Deck: Over 1,000 feet high.
- Facilities: Rooftop pool, restaurants, bars.
- Access: Ride/deck inclusion unconfirmed.
- Transport: A, C, E subway nearby.
- Best for: Broadway trips, nightlife.
Broadway fans would be on the same street as the Imperial Theatre and John Golden Theatre, both a short walk from the proposed entrance. The nearby 42 St–Port Authority subway station serves A, C and E trains; the E line also connects with JFK’s AirTrain at Jamaica. Hyatt says the restaurants and shared areas will welcome people who are not staying overnight, expanding the appeal beyond hotel guests.
A simpler hotel concept does not guarantee a cheap Times Square stay. Once rates are published, compare the total with neighbouring hotels and find out whether the pool, ride or deck costs extra. New York City rules require upfront disclosure of mandatory hotel fees and allow penalty-free cancellation for certain service disruptions, including unavailable advertised amenities. That may matter if the hotel opens before all its facilities are ready.