The doorman at Sofitel NY chirped, “bonjour” as he welcomed me into the marble-floored lobby of this France-flagged luxury hotel. Close to everything in midtown NY – but on a quiet street (W 44th between 5th and 6th Aves), Sofitel has proven popular with corporate suits during the week, and international and domestic leisure travelers on weekends.
(Sofitel is one of the Getaway Mavens Romantic Hotels in NYC That Are Sexy As Hell).
Sofitel New York Review
Part of the AccorHotels Group, Sofitel, with more than 200 hotels worldwide, built its New York City propery in 2000. It marks its 25th anniversary this year, 2025: high time for a redo. So, as befits a lodging of its caliber, Sofitel New York is refurbishing with aplomb.
Although going through more than a mere cosmetic change this year (2025), the “bones” of the hotel will stay intact. The living-room-like main floor – where many guests read, work, and gather, will still have that home-like feel with plenty of clustered seating (albeit brightened up with white marble flooring and Art Deco features).
The grand circular staircase is slated to literally “highlight” a brand new contemporary white sculptural chandelier, “inspired by the graceful movement of a ballerina’s tutu.” The original deep green and russet colored marble floor at its base will remain intact.
If all goes according to plan, by the end of 2025, all 398 guest rooms and suites will also be updated, and in-house restaurant, Gaby Brasserie, will go through a name and decor change.
First Impressions of Sofitel NY
A quick 5-minute walk from Grand Central Station – and within steps of five Ivy League Clubs (Penn, Harvard, Yale, Cornell, Dartmouth), the old-school (and newly renovated) Algonquin Hotel, and interestingly, the Horological Society, America’s first watchmaking guild, established in 1866 – the Sofitel Hotel fits the bill for visitors seeking refined luxury, the charm of bygone days, and cutting-edge amenities.
It’s with these time-honored neighbors in mind that I entered the front door on 44th Street to the unmistakable, yet subtle Sofitel signature scent of luxury goods and well-being. Inside, the city’s thrumming decibel level dropped to nearly zero. This hotel is, as fans declare, “a quiet oasis.”
Check in was a pleasure. Staff is friendly, knowledgeable about the area ( if they don’t know something – quick to look it up), and offer help when and if needed.
On every floor, elevators open to a salon style grouping of black and white photos of both Paris and New York City in the booming 1880’s – 1930’s (e.g., Eifel Tower, Paris Metro, Brooklyn Bridge).
Guest Rooms at Sofitel NY
It’s the roaring 20’s again at Sofitel in the City. The 1920’s meets 2020’s, that is: an amalgam of decor celebrating both eras. Or, as its press puts it, ” a dialogue between sleek modernity and timeless elegance.”
So, we get hues of eggplant, charcoal, plain and milk chocolate; curvaceous, organically shaped settees, upholstered chairs at black lacquered desks, cushiony black and white headboards backing ultra dreamy beds.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t write about those dreamy beds – cloudlike, sinkable, and luxuriant enough to steal hours away from even the most ardent workaholic. Posture be damned, on one of New York’s coldest winter days, I chose to write, and Zoom, propped up by the softest of pillows, covered with a warm, billowing snow-white duvet. It was glorious. (By the way, if you like the ensemble enough, you can buy the bed and bedding on the Sofitel website).
The 350 sq ft Luxury King rooms are large for NYC. But the 51 one-bedroom suites (including four Prestige Terrace Suites) are some of the city’s largest hotel rooms at 650 sq ft. With pocket doors separating a sitting room from the bedroom, they feel even more spacious.
For those who really want to impress, book the 1,200 sq ft Presidential Suite. Going through a total gut renovation in early 2025, it will showcase two separate bedrooms, and one very sexy and spacious bathroom: complete with an oval-shaped black marble tub – sure to look ravishing when strewn with red rose petals.
Finally, it’s rare to sleep in Manhattan and not hear the crush of humanity – horns honking, sirens screaming, and fellow guests partying – right outside your door and windows. So how are these rooms so quiet? Answer: they were designed and successfully built to be soundproof. Peace at last.
FYI – Guest rooms will be renovated floor by floor throughout 2025, so when you book, ask for one. However, even if not available right now, the non-renovated rooms have been refreshed over the years, and still radiate classic luxury.
Fitness Gym
Sofitel has all the weights and equipment necessary to stay in shape, as well as water and towels.
Dining at Sofitel
As previously mentioned, in-house Gaby Brasserie will undergo a name change – and be reconfigured – by the end of 2025. Until then, it remains a “power breakfast” draw for guests and locals (a great breakfast in general), and a good dining option for lunch and dinner, especially in the after work hours, when the extensive bar is packed with a lively crowd.
