Sofitel New York Hotel Review Christmas 2016

Sorry for the delay in this post. It's been a busy few months for me! I had the pleasure of spending Christmas this year in New York City! The first time, and it was just wonderful. The weather was very mild, and I choose to return to the Sofitel New York Hotel for the holidays. I stayed one night in 2015 and was eager to get back. The location on West 44th street is perfect, close to Bryant Park and many other shops and restaurants. How gorgeous is their tree above? 

The lobby was really lovely for the holiday. I arrived Christmas Eve for 2 nights. 

I love a nice lobby because you can chill out while planning your next area to check out in the city. 

My room was ready when I arrived around 10:30am which was awesome. They upgraded my room to a Superior Room and they would have given me one with a view, but I didn't want to wait. The room was lovely, lots of room which I am a big fan to find in NYC! 

From being here before, I requested a coffee maker as one is not in the room automatically. They did bring me a Keurig machine while I was out.  

This has to be one of the best bathrooms I have seen in a hotel in the city. A Rain shower along with a wonderful tub, all marble and very big. I hate having a small bathroom, even if I am staying on my own. 

Christmas Eve brunch was pretty amazing from room service. I was in my glory and I saved some of the baked goods for the next day for breakfast. Good room service just makes your stay so much better. 

I also had room service another night for dinner. This burger was amazing and the fries are pomme frites which are made the French way, very thin and crispy. I was a happy person to say the least. 

They sent up some French macarons to welcome me back to the hotel. The advantages of staying in a French hotel. 

Positives: 

• comfy heavenly bed 
• candle with matches in the bathroom along with fresh orchids
• marble bathroom, very large size 
• rain shower that was so relaxing 
• soaking tub
• 24 hour room service from fabulous restaurant 
• spacious rooms 
• 10 minute walk from 16 subway lines 
• Lanvin bath products 
• beautiful lobby and lobby scent amazing
• stellar location 
• art work in hotel areas as well as the room itself
• friendly, helpful staff
• big closet space 
• welcome gift of french macarons 
• apple computers in lobby area 

Negatives: 

• Daily Resort Fee $17.21 (as of 06/25/19) 
• No Spa 

Sofitel New York
45 W 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
212-354-8844

4 star hotel
Boutique Style with 398 luxury guest rooms including 52 suites
Location: Broadway - Times Square
Valet Parking for a fee
Fitness Center
Business Center
Free WiFi in public areas and hotel rooms
Pets are allowed, charges may apply
Trip Advisor Ranking 57 of 464 (as of 02/05/17)
Trivago Rating 89 out of 100 (as of 02/05/17)
Price Range $237-$566 us dollars

Hotel prices are at their lowest in the months of January and February; their highest September and October. Sunday nights are the lowest prices for hotel rooms, in most cases. My go to places for checking prices for hotels are Trivago, Trip Advisor, Hotels.com and Travelzoo. I am learning quite a bit about booking hotels during this process of featuring different hotels on this blog. 

Always remember to check the hotel's website itself, they are really trying to have you book direct and sometimes offer specials or a discount with AAA that is cheaper than the websites I mentioned above. I am also finding that if you book on your mobile device, you can save some money as well. I actually got a better rate via my mobile phone than using my AAA discount online direct at the hotel. You should really do some research on your price for hotel a few different ways, and ALWAYS book a room that you can cancel, you never know what may happen in the future. 

Remember to take into account for your total cost the NYC Hotel tax of 14.75% plus Daily $2.00 per room occupancy fee.

Would I reserve a night at the Sofitel New York again? This being my second time at this hotel, it didn't disappoint. I can't even think of many negatives about this place. The location is wonderful, you can walk just about everywhere and avoid taxi/subway rides. Many places to enjoy a meal in the area as well - both inexpensive and expensive. I will be back here I am sure. I would say this hotel is worth the full price of a room, but if you can find a deal, all the better.

My rating for this hotel, on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being perfect in every way, is a 9. 

Be sure to sign up for my future posts, so you do not miss the next hotel review. You can also follow me on Instagram for live photos during my stay, and see where the next stay will be! 

Disclosure: This stay was paid for by me. I will always state at the end of each review whether my stay was paid for by myself or if I was hosted by the hotel. I will honestly tell you about my experience at this hotel, not being swayed in any way by complimentary services. I know you value my opinion, and it is important to me to be as honest as possible. All opinions are my own. Thank you so much.

To be assured not miss a post, sign up for each one to be emailed to you HERE. Be sure to check for your Feedburner confirmation email, or your subscription will not be processed. Your email is not sold or shared with anyone. Thank you so much for visiting! 

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The Maritime Hotel NYC Review

Our next hotel review on the blog is The Maritime Hotel in the area of Chelsea. I was in the city for the weekend for a cruise (which will be on the blog shortly and was AMAZING) and this was the perfect choice. I was always fond of the Chelsea area, but staying here made me love it even more. The location is just perfect. So much within walking distance, which I favor, no need for subway or cabs. 

The hotel is home to La Sirena, Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich's first new restaurant in New York in over a decade. La Sirena serves traditional and updated Italian dishes, and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The woodwork is gorgeous and I love the porthole windows! 

The window in the room actually opens but weather wasn't working in my favor! 

I wanted to take this chair home with me! What a fabulous print! 

Great toiletries ! Love Marvis toothpaste. 

As you walk in, the lobby is really very lovely.  

Very cozy to relax, lots of books and a fireplace  

Such cool lighting 

Positives: 

• No Resort Fee (as of 06/25/19) 
• 3 to 4 blocks from 5 subway lines 
• On site Italian restaurant from Mario Batali 
• iPod Docking radios in every room 
• Walking distance to Meatpacking District and Highline 
• Right across from Chelsea Market 
• Beautiful lobby 
• Comfy Bed 
• C.O. Bigelow Toiletries
• Bike Rentals 
• Walking distance to The Whitney Museum 
• Walking distance to Chelsea Piers 
• 24 hour fitness center

Negatives: 

• Small Standard Guestrooms  (Superior Room is 250 sq ft)   
• Small Bathroom

The Maritime Hotel 

363 West 16th Street  
New York, NY 10011
212-242-4300

4 star hotel
Nautical-themed boutique hotel 
Location: Chelsea/Meatpacking District   
120 guestrooms; non-smoking available  
No Spa or Pool 
Room Service Available 
Free WiFi
Pets are allowed No Weight Limit or Fee    
Trip Advisor Ranking 122 of 463 (as of 1/17/17)
Trivago Rating  85 out of 100 (as of 1/17/17)
Price Range $234 - $493 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)

Hotel prices are at their lowest in the months of January and February; their highest September and October. Sunday nights are the lowest prices for hotel rooms, in most cases. My go to places for checking prices for hotels are Trivago, Trip Advisor, Hotels.com and Travelzoo. Always remember to check the hotel's website itself, they are really trying to have you book direct and sometimes offer specials or a discount with AAA that is cheaper than the websites I mentioned above. I am also finding that if you book on your mobile device, you can save some money as well. I actually got a better rate via my mobile phone than using my AAA discount online direct at the hotel. You should really do some research on your price for hotel a few different ways, and ALWAYS book a room that you can cancel, you never know what may happen in the future. 

Remember to take into account for your total cost the NYC Hotel tax of 14.75% plus Daily $2.00 per room occupancy fee.

Would I reserve a night at the Maritime Hotel again? I believe so. This hotel's location was just everything. You are right across the street from Chelsea Market, the Meatpacking District, the Highline, Chelsea vintage shopping, Soho. My biggest issue was the room size, which for me on my own was fine, but more than 1 person in a room could be an issue. The bathroom was so tiny that as I brushed my hair I was hitting the door! If you can get over the room size, and you wish to explore the areas I just mentioned, this is your hotel. If you are doing a cruise from Chelsea Pier, this location is perfect. The Dream is right next door, and you will pay a higher price for that selection.  

 My rating for this hotel, on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being perfect in every way, is a 7. 

Disclosure: This stay was paid for by me. I will always state at the end of each review whether my stay was paid for by myself or if I was hosted by the hotel. I will honestly tell you about my experience at this hotel, not being swayed in any way by complimentary services. I know you value my opinion, and it is important to me to be as honest as possible. All opinions are my own. Thank you so much.

Note: The hotel rating improved from original post date from 122 (as of 01/2017) to 72 (as of 07/2018) which shows folks are becoming more aware of this hotel and the wonderful location it has to offer! 

To be assured not miss a post, sign up for each one to be emailed to you HERE. Be sure to check for your Feedburner confirmation email, or your subscription will not be processed. Your email is not sold or shared with anyone. Thank you so much for visiting! 

Would be thrilled if you gave me a follow here: 

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Roger Smith Boutique Hotel Review

My stay in the city in June was at the Hotel Roger Smith, a three star hotel on Lexington Avenue. I have stayed in this area before, at the InterContinental New York Barclay, it's a fabulous area. I wanted to see what the difference from a 3 star and 4 star would be. This hotel has been around since 1929, purchased from the Roger Smith Group in 1938. 

This is the lobby. It's a very quaint design, old fashioned kind of hotel. 

They offer granola and yogurt in the lobby. One couple took a look at the yogurt, and the guy said to the girl "oh you don't want this it has 11 grams of sugar" and put it back. I just chuckled to myself. 

This very cool mailbox or letterbox was right near the vintage elevators.  

My junior suite was not ready when I arrived, so I was upgraded to a deluxe suite but didn't get in until close to 4pm. I had things to do, and couldn't wait at the hotel for the room to be ready. The decor was interesting, to say the least. It was pretty large, I will say.  

When I walked in, the air was not turned on, so it was an oven. I was not too happy, and turned on both air conditioners, and headed out again shortly after I unpacked.  

A mini kitchen area, microwave, Nespresso machine and fridge.  

The bedroom area was pretty large, photos above and below plus another tv.  

My view from one of the many windows.  

The extremely small bathroom 

 Positives: 

• Room service (delivery from local restaurants and option to charge to room)
• Gym passes to New York Sports Club
• Assorted Greek yogurt and granola bar and fresh seasonal fruit
• Apple computers and printer in lobby
• Seasonal rooftop bar with city views, plus another bar with happy hour
• 10 minute walk to MOMA and Rockefeller Center
• Lexington and Fifth Avenue shopping 
• Short walk to several subway lines

I am not one to be looking for a cookie-cutter chain hotel, but things like above should not be in your room. It's just common upkeep of a hotel to not have peeling wallpaper, peeling paint on a table, and some kind of large mark on the dresser in the bedroom. These are easy fixes in my opinion. 

Negatives: 

• $25.00 Resort Fee (as of 06/25/19) 
• No Fitness Center on site 
• No Restaurant on site 
• Very worn furniture, wallpaper peeling in room 
• Old fashioned air conditioners in rooms
• No outlets in lobby to charge devices 
• Bathroom very tiny, no space for toiletries 
• Outlets in room not near chairs or bed 

Roger Smith Hotel 

501 Lexington Ave @ 47th Street 
New York, NY 10017
212-755-1400
1-800-445-0277

136 rooms, guest rooms - junior and deluxe suits -   
Location: Midtown East 
Three Star Hotel 
Established in 1929 as Hotel Winthrop, purchased by Roger Smith Corp. in 1938
Valet Parking
Non Smoking Hotel  
Free WiFi
Pets are allowed, under 20 pounds, fees involved 
Trip Advisor Ranking 156 of 475 (as of 07/09/16)
Trivago Rating 80 out of 100 (as of 07/09/16)
Price Range: $199 - $440 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room) US Dollars


Hotel prices are at their lowest in the months of January and February; their highest September and October. Sunday nights are the lowest prices for hotel rooms, in most cases. My go to places for checking prices for hotels are Trivago, Trip Advisor, Hotels.com and Travelzoo. I am learning quite a bit about booking hotels during this process of featuring different hotels on this blog. 

Always remember to check the hotel's website itself, they are really trying to have you book direct and sometimes offer specials or a discount with AAA that is cheaper than the websites I mentioned above. I am also finding that if you book on your mobile device, you can save some money as well. I actually got a better rate via my mobile phone than using my AAA discount online direct at the hotel. You should really do some research on your price for hotel a few different ways, and ALWAYS book a room that you can cancel, you never know what may happen in the future. 

Remember to take into account for your total cost the NYC Hotel tax of 14.75% plus Daily $2.00 per room occupancy fee.

Would I stay at the Roger Smith Hotel again? I don't believe so. Even though a clean hotel, and excellent location, just not my type of hotel. The worn furniture in the rooms, the peeling wallpaper and just overall dated look didn't impress me. If you need a stay in the city, and funds are limited, you will be okay staying here. The funny thing is, I actually paid less for my stay at the amazing Giraffe Hotel than this hotel. Do your research, always book when you can cancel, and keep your options open when choosing your New York City Hotel. I would not pay more than $200 per night to stay here, you can do much better. 

My rating for this hotel, on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being perfect in every way, is a 5. 

Be sure to sign up for my future posts, so you do not miss the next hotel review. You can also follow me on Instagram for live photos during my stay, and see where the next stay will be! 


Disclosure: This stay was paid for by me. I will always state at the end of each review whether my stay was paid for by myself or if I was hosted by the hotel. I will honestly tell you about my experience at this hotel, not being swayed in any way by complimentary services. I know you value my opinion, and it is important to me to be as honest as possible. All opinions are my own. Thank you so much.

To be assured not miss a post, sign up for each one to be emailed to you HERE. Be sure to check for your Feedburner confirmation email, or your subscription will not be processed. Your email is not sold or shared with anyone. Thank you so much for being a reader of this blog! 

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Where's Rosemary?

I am very pleased to announce a little more information about a new feature here on NYC, Style and a little Cannoli. I am going to be reviewing hotels on a more regular basis. I will be staying in different areas of the city to see how each neighborhood is different. I am excited to be able to check out various hotels and see what they offer, what's good and what's not good. I really feel your hotel is the place where you should not skimp money wise, it's best to be in a clean, safe place that is near subway or walking distance of where you wish to visit. 

The wonderful above illustration of "Where's Rosemary?" was created by a talented illustrator Joy-Louise, who owns the blog Felicity and Ink. You should definitely check out her site, and her amazing designs! She really captured for me what I was looking for in this illustration, the fabulous architecture of NYC and my favorite cannoli! 

Photography from my amazing stay at the Sofitel Hotel New York City 

There will also be a listing on my sidebar of all hotel reviews, so you can easily pull them up and see how my stay went. Remember to follow me on Instagram to see where I am headed, and what I am checking out in NYC. 

If you have any questions about New York City Hotels, please feel free to ask them in the comments below. What do you find is your major issue when choosing a hotel? I am so happy to help with any questions you may have to make your visit to NYC a most memorable one! Thank you !! 

To be assured not miss a post, sign up for each one to be emailed to you HERE. Be sure to check for your Feedburner confirmation email, or your subscription will not be processed. Your email is not sold or shared with anyone. Thank you so much for being a reader of this blog! 

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