I stayed in a Lion King themed hotel suite in New York. Here’s also how to find themed suites.
New York City has hundreds of hotels and it can be intimidating to choose the best one for your trip. I felt the same way when planning my first trip to the “Big Apple” just a few weeks ago. Between the diversity of neighborhoods, a seemingly complex public transportation system, an overwhelming number of restaurants and too many hotels to choose from, my trip could have quickly turned into a disaster. But one thing I knew I wanted to do was stay in one of the themed suites at a hotel in New York.
There are only a handful of themed hotel suites in New York at any given time. I was lucky enough to get a reservation for a Lion Kingthemed suite at the Hilton New York Times Square. So, what’s it like to stay in a themed suite in a city that never sleeps, and what other options are available? I’m sharing my overnight experience in the LION KING Royal Suite, as well as other themed hotel suites in NYC that are worth splurging on.
My experience with the LION KING Royal Suite
From the moment I walked into the Hilton New York Times Square, I knew I was in for a treat. While Times Square itself was overwhelming, the hotel was a serene refuge from flashy billboards, wandering knockoff characters, and chain restaurants. I entered the LION KING Royal Suite, which is themed to the Broadway rendition of the Disney animated classic.
The newly launched suite was curated by Devin Sparkles Design, who also happens to be one of Broadway’s top walk-in closet designers. The two-room suite includes a spacious living room with two sofas and a huge dining table. The latter came in handy when I didn’t want to venture out for dinner. I ended up having food delivered to the hotel and the table was nice to eat. The show features artist renderings of costumes and stage plays from The LION KING on Broadway. There were also unique lighting effects to make the space seem like it was still a savannah sunset.
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The second room was a large bedroom with a TV and a private bathroom. What really surprised me the most about the suite was the bathroom because it featured some pretty realistic fake plants and insects that reminded me of the “Hakuna Matata” scene from the movie. The room was plenty big for two people and the bed was comfortable. And even though the hotel was on the edge of Times Square, I didn’t hear much noise in the suite.
Those who book the LION KING Royal Suite also benefit from numerous amenities. The first is a unique, autographed costume of one of the actors from the musical. You can also schedule a wake-up call for Tshidi Manye, who plays Rafiki in the series. Two Lion KingThemed cocktails or mocktails, THE LION KING on Broadway merchandise and a s’mores dessert are also available.
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Overall, I loved the four-person suite and would book the room again, especially if I’m going to New York with someone who likes Broadway or Disney musicals.
More Themed Hotel Suites in New York
Unless you plan to spend several weeks in New York, which is entirely possible since there are so many things to do, you won’t be able to stay in every New York themed hotel suite in a single trip. If you want to book just one suite for your trip, these are the best in town.
Wicked “Stay Like” Suite at the New York Hilton Midtown
Universal images Wicked has taken over my social media feeds since its theatrical debut on November 22. If you can’t get enough of the Emerald City, check out the ‘Stay Like’ section Wicked Suite at the Hilton Midtown in New York. The four-person themed hotel suite in New York City is available for booking through January 26, 2025. Although the suite’s schedule is limited, you still have time to stay in this perfectly pink and green suite.
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The suite’s entryway features Emerald City-inspired wallpaper and a custom-designed door. Then, as you walk through the front gate, you will see a living space similar to the Sorcerer’s Throne Room. The lounge also has a beverage bar and plenty of green accents.
The suite’s bedroom is Elphaba and Glinda themed, split right down the middle with all the pink and green you could want. Elphaba’s side is entirely devoted to Shiz University and its enchanted forest. Next, the pink Glinda side of the room features custom wallpaper with designs straight from the movie. There is also a cherry blossom canopy above the bed.
Of course, the theming is just the beginning of the hotel’s themed suite in New York. Guests can enjoy an in-room happy hour with pink and green drinks. When you wake up in the morning, you’ll find a floating balloon filled with breakfast pastries waiting for you. And you will receive a multitude of gifts to take home. These include a backpack of the Wicked x Béis baggage collection, Wicked-Beekman 1802 inspired and OPI x products Wicked nail polish. You’ll also receive movie tickets from Fandango to see the film at home or in New York.
AladdinTimes Square Palace Suite at the Hilton New York Times Square
If you can’t get enough of Disney on Broadway, you might consider checking in at AladdinTimes Square Palace Suite at the Hilton New York Times Square. The Corner Studio Suite with a king-size bedroom for four overlooks the Manhattan skyline, but you’ll almost forget you’re in New York. The room is filled with show prints highlighting the costumes and stage designs for Aladdin the musical.
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One of the cutest Aladdin-The thematic touch in the room is the magic lamp with a neon sign behind it so it looks like Genie’s puff of smoke. The bathroom has a Cave of Wonders theme with mirrors and gold accents. Plus, there are plenty of gems and pearls lying around for the “diamond in the rough” to ogle.
Your stay here includes two cocktails and two mocktails to enjoy. In the morning, you will receive a wake-up call from Michael James Scott, who plays Genie in the series, and a free breakfast.
Tony Awards Terrace Suite at Sofitel New York
Travelers who can’t get enough of the theater will love the Tony Awards Terrace Suite at Sofitel New York. The hotel is in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, so you’re close to everything New York has to offer, including several Broadway theaters, art galleries, museums, restaurants and more.
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Although the suite’s terrace offers great views of the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building, the interior is also full of things to see. The room features Tony memorabilia such as award-winning screenplays, a songbook, opening night photos, invitations, posters, posters from the 1960s and much more.
The Tony Awards themed hotel suite in New York is one of a kind among the city’s themed rooms. The 650 square foot room is located on the 24th floor of the hotel and offers a king bed. You’ll find a range of luxury amenities, including a Bose music system, a marble bathroom with a rain shower and separate bathtub, and Balmain amenities.
The Éloïse Suite at the Plaza
Since 1907, the Plaza has been New York’s premier hotel. Families who love the children’s book character Eloise, a six-year-old who lives at the hotel, can check into her room with the Eloise Suite at the Plaza.
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The incredible suite has two different layouts, one being simply the Eloise Suite with an attached bathroom. Alternatively, the suite can be connected to the neighboring bedroom to make it a larger space for families. The Eloise master suite was designed by Betsey Johnson and is perfectly pink. In the closet you will find Eloise’s clothes and her favorite things are on the shelves. Customers can also use all of Eloises’ items.
With your reservation, you will also receive an Eloise-themed gift bag, a bathrobe, a welcome letter from Eloise, candy and pink lemonade to enjoy. Your family can also enjoy afternoon tea in the iconic Palm Court with an Eloise-themed tea menu.
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