by Lucy Keir

The Sofitel New York has an air of class as soon as you get through the revolving door into the grand entrance hall. You are entered into a world of luxury, walking through the lounge area to the check in desk is impressive in itself. The check in staff were more than helpful and I managed to get into my room before the official check in time because luckily the room was all ready for me.

This modern 30 story tower has 398 rooms and 52 suites on offer for guests who want to stay in the heart of Manhattan and experience the thrill staying in the middle of all the action. Located on 44th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue the Sofitel is right next to Times Square, the Broadway theatre district and obviously 5th Avenue the famed shopping avenue.

Each room has a contemporary and art deco design enhanced with art from both Paris and New York to mesh the French style with American service. Each room includes air-conditioning, safe deposit box, fully stocked minibar cable TV and the most luxurious bed with down bedding and a multitude of comfy pillows. The marble bathroom has the benefit of having both a bath and a separate shower to wake you up for the busy shopping day ahead and to relax and soak away the pains of your feet and your bank balance. There is also a telephone in the bathroom and a speaker which is joined to the tv so if you find something you listen to you can enjoy the bathroom complete with music. The room service menu is extensive and one look at the menu and you’ll want to order everything, all meals are from the Gaby restaurant located on the ground floor.

The Gaby restaurant and bar is an Art Deco inspired restaurant featuring traditional French cuisine and dishes of Asian inspiration. The food is magnificent, especially crème brulee which is to die for. All of the meals are very reasonably priced for a restaurant in the centre of New York City and the service is impeccable.

The hotel also offers WiFi wireless internet access, dry cleaning and ironing services, currency exchange and has a gift shop in the hotel itself. There is a fitness centre available to guests 24 hours a day for your convenience is your not tired after a day of exploring all the wonders New York has to offer. They also provide private secure outdoor parking, but if you were thinking of bringing a car I wouldn’t, the hotel is so perfectly placed most attractions in New York are either within walking distance or there is a subway station close by to get to further away attractions such as the Statue of Liberty.

All of the staff at this hotel will help you with your every need possible be it booking theatre tickets at the concierge desk or the room staff who come round every night to turn down your bed and re supply you with bottles of evain water, they really will make your trip to New York one of brilliance.

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