My husband and I really enjoy smaller hotels. We are trying to decide between the Casablanca and Hotel Elysee. Any comments?

Hi cindyma,
We love Hotel Elysee...as a matter of fact we will be staying there again during X-Mas.
The rooms are larger than most of the "Boutique" hotels, and the Complimentary Breakfast alone is worth the price of the stay.
Additionally, there is coffee and tea, along with cookies, etc. available all day long.
If you chose to stay there, check Quikbook.com to compare the rates.

Howard.

cindyma, I think I answered you once before on this issue that since the Elysee is on the east side and the Casablanca is on the west side, I think it makes a difference what your plans are. If you're planning on going to the theater frequently, you'll find the Casablanca location more convenient.

I also remember you mentioned staying at the Library Hotel last time. The Elysee is just 13 blocks north of there. I think you'd find the Elysee neighborhood similar in feeling (a bit nicer I think). While I can't envision the specific block the Casablanca is on, that area is a bit more commercial.

mclaurie,
Since you seem so knowledgeable about all the different small hotels, what can you tell me about the Giraffe Hotel? Looks wonderful, and the price for January is great.
Thanks,
Cindy

I've never been inside the Giraffe. All I know is the neighborhood and the raves it gets on tripadvisor. The neighborhood is a bit trendier and younger than either of the other 2 locations. That section of Park Ave South has a lot of good restaurants. It would be an easy walk from there to Gramercy Tavern, for example.

Casablanca is 1/2 block off Times Square, but you'd never know it inside the hotel. The location is very convenient for any subway train you want to catch to anywhere.

This is not my neighborhood of choice in NY, but the hotel is wonderfully service-oriented with a great staff who will do anything for you. Like the Elysee, there is a lounge open 24/7 with snacks, coffee, etc. Free internet access there also. And a complimentary champagne, wine and cheese cocktail hour daily except Sunday.

Complimentary gym passes for those who want them at a top notch gym 2 blocks away.

Small rooms. Otherwise nothing but praise from me. We stayed there for about 10 days last May.

Back last night from a 4 night stay at the Casablanca.

Very pleased with our choice. Had a room with 2 doubles (was there with my Mom) and room was VERY quiet - although that is because there was no street view at all,( only the backs and low rooftops of other buidings) which was ok by me. Windows were double glazed. Never heard noise from other rooms either.

Room and bath were pretty clean, a few normal carpet spots that they had tried to clean and perhaps the carpet got a bit bleached out. There were some bedspread spots though, and I do hate that. Pillows kind of lumpy and hard (according to my preferences) and the sheets had small tears and holes in them (from the cleaning process perhaps?). These problems seemed quite minor to me, compared to the pluses of the hotel though. Our room was not that small, we were very comfortable. No room was much of a walk from the front door of the hotel. I did look into some other rooms and could see that the king rooms were not huge, but I hear that is common to many NYC rooms

GREAT location for shows, and right around the corner from Good Morning America, where we went very early one am. Best part of the hotel was the staff, extremely accomodating, and the snacks/brekky they offered. There was always something avail. to take the edge off. I drank at least one nights room rate worth of cappachino (sp?) from the machine in Rick's cafe. There were always cookies and fruit avail. plus there was a breakfast and the wine and cheese in the evening.

The lobby is nothing to speak of, but Ricks Cafe is a terrific, comfortable gathering spot. We hated to leave NY and our cozy hotel.