Where to Stay - New York City 2009 - page 54

morning courtesy car to Wall St.; full-service business center; 24-hr. room service; laun-
dry service; dry cleaning. In room:A/C, 32-in. TV w/DVD/CD player, high-speed Inter-
net, dataport, minibar, hair dryer, iron, safe, nightly complimentary shoeshine.

Sofitel New York There are many fine hotels on 44th
Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, but the best, in my estima-
tion, is the soaring Sofitel. Upon entering the hotel and the warm,
inviting lobby with check-in tucked off to the side, you wouldn't
think you were entering a hotel that is this new, which is one of the
reasons why the hotel is so special. The designers have melded mod-
ern, new-world amenities with European old-world elegance. The
rooms are spacious and comfortable, adorned with art. The lighting
is soft and romantic, the walls and windows soundproof. Suites are
equipped with king beds, two televisions, and pocket doors separat-
ing the bedroom from a sitting room. Bathrooms in all rooms are
magnificent, with separate showers and soaking tubs.
45 W. 44th St. (btwn Fifth and Sixth aves.), New York, NY 10036. & 212/354-8844.
Fax [phone]. www.sofitel.com. 398 units. $299-$599 double; from $439 suite.
1 child stays free in parent's room. AE, DC, MC, V. Parking $45. Subway: B, D, F, V to
42nd St. Pets accepted. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; exercise room; concierge; 24-hr.
room service; laundry service; dry cleaning. In room:A/C, TV w/pay movies and Inter-
net access, high-speed Internet, dataport, minibar, hair dryer, iron, safe, CD player.
MODERATE
Casablanca Hotel Just off Broadway in the middle of
Times Square, the Casablanca Hotel is an oasis. Where, in Rick's
Café, the Casablanca's homey guest lounge, you can sit by a fire, read
a paper, check your e-mail, watch TV on the huge screen, or sip a
cappuccino from the serve-yourself machine. If the days or nights are
balmy, you can lounge on the rooftop deck or second-floor court-
yard. The rooms might not be the biggest around, but they are well
outfitted with ceiling fans, free bottles of water, and beautifully tiled
bathrooms where, if you wish, you can open the window and let
sounds outside remind you where you really are. The Casablanca is
an HK Hotels property and like their other hotels, service is top-
notch. Because of its location, moderate prices, and size (only 48
rooms), the Casablanca is in high demand, so book early.
147 W. 43rd St. (just east of Broadway), New York, NY 10036. & 888/922-7225 or
212/869-1212. Fax [phone]. www.casablancahotel.com. 48 units. $249-$299
double; from $399 suite. Rates include continental breakfast, all-day cappuccino,
and weekday wine and cheese. Check website for Internet rates and other special
deals. AE, DC, MC, V. Parking $25 next door. Subway: N, R, 1, 2, 3 to 42nd St./Times
Sq. Amenities: Cyber lounge; free access to New York Sports Club; concierge; busi-
ness center; limited room service; laundry service; dry cleaning; video library. In
room:A/C, TV/VCR, dataport, minibar, hair dryer, CD player, ceiling fan.

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