New York hotels don’t get much more central than this

The hotel

Sofitel New York

Check-in

Manhattan accommodation doesn’t get more central than this luxury hotel, located on West 44th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. To the west, Broadway theatres are less than a block away; the same distance in the opposite direction, Fifth Avenue boutiques entice shoppers.

I arrive via the F subway (42nd Street-Bryant Park station) to a warm “Bonjour” from the doorman, just in time for the Sofitel Candle Ritual, a daily tradition in the lobby that marks the transition from day to night.

The look

Befitting a hotel that is an Accor-owned Sofitel’s flagship property in the US, the results of a grand renovation have brought together French finesse, Manhattan glamour and a Parisian art-deco aesthetic. Soft lighting, rich textiles and comfortable seating in the lobby, bar and restaurant creates a calm and cosy ambience, a distinct contrast to the relentless activity on the streets of New York. The sophisticated colour palette of ivory, cream, black and gold is a classic combination that won’t go out of style. In fashion terms, the look is YSL, not Gucci.

The room

I’m in a renovated Prestige One-Bedroom King Suite, a spacious 60 square-metre corner accommodation that’s bigger than many apartments in Paris and New York. There’s a large king-size bedroom with feather-top Sofitel MyBed, a living room with couch, desk and flatscreen TV, and a deep bathtub (plus separate rainshower) in the marble bathroom and a trove of luxurious Diptyque toiletries. Most notable of all is the city view, including the iconic Chrysler Building. In all, there are 398 rooms, including 47 suites (four feature large terraces) and a penthouse suite.

Food + drink

I order breakfast in bed, savouring it while wearing the hotel’s plush bathrobe. The in-room dining prices are reasonable: $US22 ($36) for pancakes with berries and maple syrup, $US23 for avocado toast and $US14 for hot oatmeal.

Later, we eat “family-style” at Social 45 Bar & Bistro, sharing plates of grilled halloumi salad, beef tartare, crab tacos, fig prosciutto flatbread and mushroom tempura. If you fancy a splurge, consider the $US98 grilled cheese with caviar.

In addition to a menu of wines (several from France), beers and spirits, the bar serves well-crafted, inventive cocktails with clever names (the Nepo Cosmo, a Cosmo with Connections, made with tequila, vodka, Cointreau, chili, cranberry, coriander and lime). Visit between 3pm-6pm for Social Hour specials. There are plans for an outdoor cafe and a new speakeasy bar to open this year.

Out + about

The city that never sleeps offers almost limitless options for entertainment, people-watching, shopping and dining. Take advantage of the proximity of Broadway theatres to buy discounted rush tickets when the box offices open for the day. Walk due north for 15 minutes to reach Central Park’s wide open spaces.

Lean in to the French theme by visiting Printemps New York, the Wall Street outpost of the famous French luxury department store. If you go, it’s well worth dining at Maison Passerelle, where chef Gregory Gourdet has created a standout menu of dishes inspired by the global French diaspora including the duck confit coconut curry.

The verdict

This renovated enclave of French sophistication in a prime New York location offers spacious suites, warm service and an enticing bar and restaurant. An escape from the frenetic Manhattan pace, it’s an ideal nest from which to explore the city.

Essentials

Superior Rooms from $670 a night. There are 13 accessible rooms. Sofitel New York, 45 West 44th Street, New York, US. Phone +1 212 354 8844. See sofitel-new-york.com.

Our score out of five

★★★★

Highlight

The hotel’s central midtown Manhattan location means an easy walk to Broadway, Fifth Avenue, Bryant Park and more attractions.

Lowlight

The signature bed is too soft for my liking, but the housekeeping team makes some adjustments.

The writer was a guest of Sofitel New York (https://www.sofitel-new-york.com).