To explore New York, or to be close to your business contacts, the chances are you will need to stay in Midtown, the hub of New York. Footsteps away from the famous shopping street, 5th Avenue, is the Sofitel New York stylishly French in its contemporary décor, sophisticated artwork, brasserie cuisine…a sort of culture clash. However the staff reflect the cosmopolitan nature of the City so despite architectural and design differences you are not shocked to discover that you are in fact in New York rather than Europe when you leave the hotel.
The hotel’s location is special, it affords easy access to the most celebrated attractions in midtown – including the dazzling and bright lights of Time Square, the show tunes from the world famous Broadway theatres, as well as the finest and most exotic artwork in galleries and museums. As for the business traveller, some of the major corporate headquarters are in the locality and let’s not forget the President’s New York residence – not sure if that makes you want to stay or go, but expect the unexpected in this area!
Whatever your political view, you should not shy away from staying at this hotel. Open since 2000, the 30-story, limestone and glass tower showcases Neo Art Deco interiors by renowned French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. Expect to be welcomed with the formality of an upscale private club blended with the warmth of a comfortable home. The small entrance did not suggest the surprising interior. Walking through the expansive lobby with its sleek lines evoking the timeless style of the nearby Chrysler building, the dramatic curved staircase, green marble fireplaces, vibrantly patterned carpets, and shelves filled to the brim with French and American art books – everything exemplified the creative energy of the Manhattan art world. There is enough here to keep any art enthusiast happy.
Despite Sofitel’s 398 guest rooms, there was a sense of boutique intimacy here. After depositing our bags in our gigantic room with its luxury bed and beautiful double doors leading into the marble bathroom – we were welcomed by the hotel’s head of customer relations which was like getting an extra olive in my martini. Our room was grand yet cosy, the bed was framed with a custom, three-paneled maple full-wall headboard. The paintings of Paris reminded me of the months I spent there as a student trying to pick up as much French as I could. The marble bathroom was perfect, the sort of bathroom I would want in my home – a beautiful white and grey marble bathtub, a heavenly rain shower, which I jumped into without hesitation – together with a wonderful wood-framed beveled mirrors and marble vanities. Sheer luxury, a bathroom which makes you feel fabulous and pampered once you leave this perfumed haven – Lanvin or Hermès in case you were wondering!
In the morning, after studying the extensive breakfast menu which had options for every diet and every taste bud, 20 minutes later a beautiful trolley which unfolded into a table for two was wheeled into the large space in our room – between the king-size bed and office desk. Always sceptical about ordering food to the room, with the memories of soggy burgers or curdled hollandaise, I tucked into my first mouthful of fresh fruit then porridge, and it did not disappoint, fresh and delicious and exactly what I had expected from my order.
The Sofitel New York offers class and sophistication with excellent amenities, Parisian style with American charm, and tourist spots in close proximity making it easy to tick off your bucket list in the Big Apple.
Address: 45 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036, USA / +1 212-354-8844 / sofitel.com
