VIBE

While certainly striking, Sofitel’s 30-story glass and limestone tower doesn’t exactly stand out among Midtown’s forest of eye-catching luxury hotels. Inside, however, it’s a different story: shrugging off chain hotel clichés with a cool Gallic savoir-faire, the Sofitel New York consistently wows with chic yet inviting public spaces, swish rooms where comfort is the first priority, and incredibly helpful and thoughtful service. Plus, they’ve got a très beau crowd of French jetsetters to scope…

GO HERE WITH

Colleagues; significant other; family; yourself

WHY WE LIKE IT

The truly outstanding service, ultra-comfortable rooms, and a certain stylish panache put the Sofitel leagues ahead of other luxury chain hotels in the city. Plus, the Midtown location is perfect for shopping, sightseeing, and business.

AMENITY WE LOVE

The gorgeous marble bathrooms with separate shower and tub.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The slow service and inflated prices in the restaurant.

GOOD TO KNOW

All rooms have separate bathtubs and glass showers; the suites, however, have deeper tubs. There is a small art gallery located on the lobby level that exhibits modern paintings from various local and French artists. Gaby Restaurant offers a convenient coffee-to-go service for early risers. There’s event space available for 10 to 200 guests in Le Grand Paris Ballroom, and all eight meeting rooms are wired with videoconferencing equipment and a slew of other tech options. Pets allowed. Valet parking available. There’s a boarding pass printing station in the lobby.

CLOSEST COMPS

Room Mate Grace (New York); Smyth Tribeca (New York)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.