With so many hotel options in New York City it’s difficult to be distinctive. But the Sofitel New
York hotel effectively sets itself apart from the pack by bringing the French style of luxury living
to discerning guests taking a bite of the Big Apple.
While boutique in its service sensibility, Sofitel New York encompasses a 30-story building
overlooking 44th and 45th streets. The hotel offers a full 398 guest rooms and 52 suites—
including a presidential suite—that exude a sophisticated, modern European ambience and
a Paris-to-New York jet-set style. In fact, the hotel’s structural design is one of masterfully
executed Parisian Art Deco melded with 1940s Manhattan glamour, courtesy of architect
Brennan Beer Gorman who was awarded for the “best new skyscraper for design and
functionality” upon property’s 2000 opening.
Throughout the interior, the property’s décor is reminiscent of, formal but also radiates Perched
majestically near the lobby staircasewhich is said to be Overall, the sensory effect is quite
transportive as
Sofitel New York emanates a sophisticated Parisian-chic countenance.
Parisian Immersion
In a town where it can be difficult if not impossible to distinguish oneself, Balendra
Nagesvaran, Vice President of Hotel Operations for North America and General Manager of
Sofitel New York, is eager to point out precisely why she feels this hotel offers its guests
a distinctly different level of hospitality. She explains, “The hotel is infused with the French art de
vivre and brings elements of French culture to the guest experience such as a ‘bonjour’ at
check-in, Parisian Art Deco-inspired guestrooms, elegant floral displays, and exquisite Brasserie
cuisine at Gaby.” Nagesvaran continues, “The hotel’s location is also a differentiator. We’re in
the heart of Manhattan’s bustling theater district and just minutes away from Fifth Avenue, the
center of Manhattan’s business, art and cultural scenes.”
Nagesvaran also commented on Sofitel New York’s commitment to impeccable internationally-
oriented service. “The passion and attention to detail that is generated by our hotel staff is a
stand out for me. Our hotel is staffed with French-speaking ambassadors in each department,
and our staff speaks a combined total of 52 languages.”
Distinctive Digs
True to Nagesvaran’s word, I myself was greeted by multiple hotel staff with a friendly, “Bonjour”
making me feel like I was actually in the City of Light. Even once settled into my room, which
incidentally had a direct view of the Empire State Building off to the left, the feeling that I was in
a Paris flat remained. All rooms at Sofitel New York feature spacious marble baths outfitted with
a separate tub and rain shower, wood-framed beveled mirrors, and marble vanities stocked with
imported French bath amenities by Lanvin or, if you’re staying in a suite, by Hermès.
The focal point of each guest room is a custom maple or rosewood three-paneled, full-wall
headboard with a recessed, spot-lit niche—the perfect display for the large colorful painting
above each bed. And, speaking of beds, New York may be the “city that never sleeps” but with
Sofitel’s signature feather-top and duvet “SoBeds,” catching a few winks to recharge for a night
on the town is wonderfully indulgent. To further evoke a sense of geography, the walls in the
rooms are like an art gallery, showcasing both vintage and current black-and-white photography
from Paris and New York. Of course, windows provide various Manhattan vistas that range from
Street to the Chrysler Building.
44th
On the practical side, each guest room includes a built-in or standing desk with integrated data
port and multiple phone lines, flat-screen television, BOSE music system, wireless internet
access and a fully stocked minibar.
Relative to hotel services, Sofitel New York include everything you would expect from an AAA
Four Diamond luxury hotel brand such as 24-hour room service, concierge service, nightly turn-
down service with Evian water and international newspaper delivery.
French Fare
No visit to Sofitel New York is complete without a visit to
Gaby, the hotel’s acclaimed on-site restaurant that is another source of pride for
Nagesvaran, who remarked, “Fine French cuisine served at Gaby Brasserie Française
is another differentiator for us. Executive Chef Sylvain Harribey, who won Food
Network’s Chopped among many other culinary achievements, serves up classic French cuisine
with tons of personality.”
With such an endorsement, I eagerly visited Gaby for dinner service where I reveled in the
restaurant’s creamy Eggplant and Porcini Soup, Mesclun Salad topped with exquisite shaved
parmesan; and a classic Duck Confit all capped off with a seductive Tahitian vanilla crème
brûlée topped with fresh berries. Gaby is also known for fusion fare, with a range of international
dishes with Asian, Latin or African influences. The bar at Gaby is a great spot for happy hour,
where patrons can partake in 40 different wines by the glass that can be perfectly paired with
artisanal cheeses that the restaurant rotates monthly.
A Look Ahead
When asked about the hotel’s plans for the future, Nagesvaran is excited about a bevy of
upcoming changes that will continue to position the hotel as a premier reference point for the
Sofitel brand in New York and globally. “Renovations to the hotel are definitely top of mind for
long and short term, she said. “We have plans to renovate the lobby, bringing a modern and
contemporary feel to the space. Updates will also be made to Gaby Brasserie and Gaby Bar. In
the long term we’re looking at room renovations.”
Sofitel New York has it all with world class service, well-appointed accommodations and an
array of on-site amenities, but what truly sets this hotel apart is the authentic cultural character
expressed in art, style, food, drink, and that certain je ne sais quoi only the French can deliver.
