Review: Sofitel Hotel
As with any Sofitel in the world, we expect a high standard of accommodation, professionalism in the staff and an honourable place to dine. The chain's property in New York is no exception. Marrying the attributes of good old American service with Gallic flair, the Sofitel is a very smart, yet laid back hotel with an excellent location in the heart of Manhattan. No matter what your motivation for travel in the Big Apple, you'll find that all your needs are met, indeed exceeded. Definitely one hotel that cannot, must not be disregarded.
Advantages
- Professionalism of staff
- Décor
- Gaby restaurant
- Location
- Well-appointed rooms
Price and availability of the Hotel
The Sofitel New York is located on West 44th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Times Square is just minutes away, as are the theatres of Broadway and the Rockefeller Center. Central Park is a pleasant stroll away while you can take your pick from the areas restaurants and shops. Several blocks the other side of Bryant Park is the Empire State Building. The closest Metro stations are 42nd Street-Bryant Park and 47th-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center. JFK airport is 18 miles from the hotel, La Guardia 9 miles away and Newark 17 miles.
Sofitel is part of the mammoth French hotel group Accor and everything has been done to make sure guests are in no doubt as to the roots of the business. You'll notice in the public areas, as well as in your room, black and white photography of French (and American) landmarks upon the walls. Don't be surprised either to be greeted with a jolly "Bonjour!" by the doormen (who you should not attempt to prevent from taking your luggage out the taxi as this is a battle you will lose!) and receptionists. But rest assured all front of house staff are bilingual and there'll be no need to dig out that French phrase book.
8.25/10
Once past the smart entrance (and the concierge which lies just inside the door), a delightful Art Deco lobby awaits with cosy drawing room-like seating clusters on either side of the hall, timeless lamps and objets d'art and a custom-made carpet which enhances the space's décor. The flower arrangement resting on the table which itself is poised upon a golden globe is magnificent. At the back of the lobby at the foot of a spiral staircase is 'The Bird', a wooden sculpture encircled by groups of flowers. You'll also find here three free-to-use PCs with free boarding pass printing. The reception desk itself is behind the lobby to the left and is manned permanently with sufficient, attentive staff; they even have some left over to greet you as you file out one of four lifts just opposite. It is worth taking a peek in the small room just next to reception at the work of local artists which changes on a six-monthly basis. All public spaces around the hotel are irreproachable in their condition and the environment is an agreable one to be in. The SoFit fitness centre is open 24 hours for guests and boasts recently replaced machines with individual screens on the cardio apparatus. Internet (both wired and wireless) is available at a charge throughout the hotel while other services offered include currency exchange and 24 hour room service. Sofitel is a pet friendly property.
8.5/10
The Sofitel boasts a shade under 400 rooms, including over 50 suites, on 29 floors. The standard room is well-appointed and decorated with a nod towards Art Deco (you half expect the music system to be a gramophone!). The colours are sober yet warm and together with the classic furniture and soft lighting help to give a homely feel to the room. Despite the timelessness of the décor, there are plenty of modern touches such as the flatscreen television, Bose clock radio and adapter and internet cable. You'll also find the room equipped with an iron and ironing board, bath robe and slippers. The spacious bathrooms are beautifully crafted in brown marble and feature both shower and bathtub as well as hairdryer and l'Occitane products. Tea candles placed on the sink unit are a nice touch. The only advantage of opting for a more expensive room is the additional space (for example the suites have a salon), otherwise, the features (bar hi-fis in the superior rooms) and decoration remain pretty uniform.
7.75/10
The hotel has its own restaurant, Gaby, named after the Coco Channel model and wife of one of Accor's founders. Here again we see the Art Deco/roaring 20s theme in leopard skin central seating bank and indeed in the style of Gaby herself, portrayed in a painting behind the bar and again on the glass panel separating the bar from the rest of the restaurant. Although the eatery is best known for its power breakfasts, lunch and dinner are also served. The cuisine, like the hotel, is a mix of French and American and chef Sylvain Harribey offers a good selection of dishes at each meal as well as daily specials. Dinner main courses from $24.