Times Square. If you ask real New Yorker’s what it’s like, most will roll their eyes and say it’s a tourist trap. But others will say it’s the heart of the city. We say that – ignoring the noise and pollution – it’s a pretty impressive spectacle. The bustling square really does make you think bright lights, big city, and big possibilities. It’s a place that assaults your senses with its riot of tourists, honking car horns, shouting vendors, flashing neon lights and giant digital billboards. Times Square is brash, bright and unforgettable.
Did you know that approximately 330,000 people pass through Times Square daily (most of them tourists)? That’s about about 42 million visitors a year and nearly 8.52 million of those people see a Broadway show. And if you’re one of those 42 million visitors to Times Square, you’ll need a hotel to rest your weary but excited head that isn’t far away. Well, look no further than Hotel Casablanca.
IDEA
An intimate European-style, family-owned boutique hotel in New York City’s most popular location; with Times Square and other famous Big Apple attractions just a stone’s throw away. What more could you want from an urban weekend hotel?
LOCATION
Situated in the heart of Times Square and the city’s theatre district, it’s smack bang in the middle of Manhattan’s best sightseeing attractions, boutiques, restaurants and nightclubs. And if you need to hop in a cab or take the subway to whisk you up or downtown, that’s easy. Times Square is a major transportation hub of New York City. Many of the city’s subway lines run through the 42nd Street Times Square Station and you can easily catch a bus or airport shuttle on 42nd Street and 8th Avenue.
DECOR
Like all good boutique hotels, Casablanca has it’s own identity. Inspired by the romance of the movie of the same name, this absolutely lovely New York townhouse has been artfully refurbished into a charming six story boutique hotel. The decor is full of character and retains a rather theatrical air, which feels fitting for the hotel’s central location. Think Moroccan motifs, mirrors and mosaics, chic wooden paneling and wooden blinds.
ROOMS
Times Square buzzes with energy from early morning to late at night and the bright lights never get turned off. Luckily the guys at the hotel had this in mind when designing their suites, and have fitted each room with blackout blinds (thank you kindly or a perfect night’s sleep Casablanca!). The rooms are a good size with custom furnishings including old fashioned ceiling fans that make you feel like you’ve been transported back to 1942, stylish wicker chairs and wooden window shutters.
Given the hotel’s location in the heart of Times Square, all of the rooms are surprisingly quiet, however noise levels vary depending on the type of room you have. Request a room located towards the inside of the hotel if you want a quieter night. However, this is Times Square folks and there’s a certain charm to the feeling of being amongst the action.
FOOD & DRINK
The endless coffees and pastries at this hotel are a good thing. These complimentary refreshments, alongside other treats, are available for the taking in the clubroom throughout the day. A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily in Rick’s Café, featuring everything from hard-boiled eggs and whole wheat toast to mini-muffins, and of course bagels with cream cheese – this is New York after all.
Rick’s also hosts a wine & cheese reception every evening from 5pm-8pm and guests can enjoy live piano music on Friday nights – just try to refrain yourself from saying ‘Play it again Sam’.
If you’re after a good meal, head to on-site restaurant Tony’s di Napoli Restaurant. If you don’t fancy Italian, worry not. Times Square alone is home to more than 200 restaurants and countless small eating establishments.
WHY GO?
To stay in a lovely boutique hotel right in the heart of Times Square is a surprisingly tall ask. But Casablanca is the perfect spot for tourists, sightseers, theatregoers and those on business alike. Fantastic!
For more information visit: www.casablancahotel.com
IDEAL stayed as a guest of Hotel Casablanca