Ideally located in mid-Manhattan, just blocks from some of the most iconic sights in the city, the Sofitel New York Hotel provides luxury accommodation for business and pleasure travelers alike. This exploration of the hotel’s many amenities and the local attractions will aid anyone searching for the optimal hotel choice in Manhattan.
Accommodation type: 4-star hotel
No. of Rooms and Suites: 398
Pricing: starts at $230 for single rooms, $550 for suites
High season: April through December
Nearest airport: LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Suitable for: couples, honeymooners, families, pets, sightseers and business travelers.
Awards:
- Emporis Skyscraper Award, 2000
- Gold Travvy Award 2016, Best Luxury Hotel in U.S. and Canada
- Condé Nast Traveler Gold List, 2007
Accommodation
Built to echo the Parisian Moderne style, the Sofitel New York Hotel features limestone blocks and a spiraling tower made of glass. Although the building finished construction in 2000, it blends harmoniously with many of New York’s older skyscrapers due to its incorporation of Art Deco elements. This is especially evident in its on-site French-themed restaurant, Gaby.
The spacious lobby features inlaid marble floors and a multi-story rotunda with a dramatic spiral staircase. The rooms and suites spread across 30 floors, many of them boasting views of famous sights like the Chrysler Building. Guest rooms offer all modern luxuries, outfitted in sleek style, with abstract artwork, bold use of color and minimalist furnishings. The staff is bilingual in English and French, in keeping with the hotel’s dedication to maintaining a Parisian ambiance throughout.
Facilities
- Gaby Restaurant – Featuring contemporary French cuisine which includes staple elements like escargots and foie gras. The menu also incorporates seasonal ingredients such as Maine lobster and Massachusetts scallops. The Art Deco ambiance mixes flawlessly with the Parisian cuisine, a fusion exemplified in creative menu offerings like the Franburger, a French-themed take on the classic American cheeseburger.
- Gaby Bar – A stunning mahogany bar is the centerpiece of this cosmopolitan Art Deco-themed pub. They offer cocktails, fine wines, and appetizers reminiscent of Spanish tapas. Visitors can luxuriate in the chic setting just steps from Midtown Manhattan.
- Fitness Center – Treadmills, weights, yoga mats, exercise balls and stationary bikes are a feature of this sleek workout area. They also have fresh towels and a state-of-the-art sound system.
Complimentary Activities
Complimentary concierge service includes booking tickets for Broadway shows and sightseeing itinerary planning. In addition, Free Wi-Fi, valet parking, use of business facilities and accommodation packages that include complimentary meals are all part of the Sofitel New York Hotel.
Travel Options
At eight miles and around 20 minutes of travel time, LaGuardia Airport is the closest and most convenient airport for traveling to the Sofitel New York Hotel. It’s also an excellent option for domestic flights to New York City. International flights are much more likely to land at John F. Kennedy Airport. It’s located approximately 15 miles from the hotel and an estimated 40-minute travel time.
The Sofitel Hotel New York is just two blocks from the 42nd Street (Times Square) subway station. It takes mere minutes to reach this station by foot, and travelers can easily connect to all points in the city. However, the concierge can also arrange taxi service for guests if they don’t wish to take public transportation.
Main Attractions around the Sofitel New York Hotel
1. New York Public Library
An iconic sight featured in films and television, the New York Public Library has stunning architectural elements. That includes the likes of frescoed ceilings, ornate woodwork and extensive use of marble. Set in Bryant Park, visitors can enjoy the library’s historic interior before strolling through the open green spaces that border 6th Avenue. A charming carousel, exquisite flowerbeds, and impromptu art festivals are just a few of the highlights of the park.
2. Times Square
Most famous for its New Year’s festivities, this historic part of Midtown is fun at any time of year if you enjoy the bright lights and shopping in flagship stores. Broadway shows and comedy sets abound in the area, as well as busking musicians and local talents providing sidewalk entertainment. Much of the area is pedestrian-friendly and provides good opportunities for photography enthusiasts to snap some pictures.
3. Rockefeller Center
In winter, this famous landmark sports an enormous Christmas tree with millions of lights and an ice skating rink. Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy perusing its collection of artwork and sculpture. The complex of buildings spans the distance between 5th and 6th Avenues and includes the 30 Rock building, made famous by the television comedy of the same name. The building has an observation deck offering spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline.
4. Radio City Music Hall
Part of the Rockefeller Center complex, the Radio City Music Hall came to fame in the 1930s. Its world-renowned Rockettes are still a central feature of performances to this day. The interior of the hall retains its early Art Deco styling, complete with statues and murals. Shows include Rockette numbers, a Christmas Spectacular, performances by talents such as Cirque du Soleil and even sports performances.
5. The Empire State Building
A must for any visit to Manhattan, this skyscraper is one of the most famous in the world. Built in 1930, it enjoyed a reputation as the tallest building in the world for over 40 years. Art Deco in styling, its heights are often lit in colored lights to commemorate state visits of world dignitaries or holiday observances. Visiting its observation deck is the perfect way to experience the building in all its glory, beginning with the thrilling elevator ride to the top. Expansive views over the city make it one of the most memorable attractions in New York City.
Final Words
As a center of art, history, culture, and gastronomy, New York City is a destination almost unmatched throughout the world. Located in the heart of Manhattan’s vibrant streets, the Sofitel New York Hotel offers stylish and luxurious accommodation for a wide range of travelers. It shows an exemplary attention to detail and dedication to the comfort of its guests. For a convenient, in-town setting and unparalleled service, the Sofitel New York Hotel performs beyond expectations. It’s a beautiful addition to the New York skyline, just like the NoMad Hotel.