NYC Weekend Getaway: EXECUTIVE HOTEL LE SOLEIL: Travel Review by Robin Gorman Newman
Being the NYC enthusiasts that we are, my 12 year old son and I never pass up the opportunity to spend an overnight in the Big Apple, particularly during school breaks when we prefer not to jump on a plane for fear of getting stranded due to inclement weather or having to deal with potential flight delays, as much as some sun and swim-time would be appreciated.
That said, we recently spent a weekend at EXECUTIVE HOTEL LE SOLEIL in NYC, and the name, alone, conjured up a lot of appeal, particularly in the dead of winter. (Le Soleil means sun in French.)
Lobby Lounge
The hotel, the new flagship property of Vancouver-based Executive Hotels & Resorts, is very modern, and the lobby offers a lovely sitting area, boasting a welcoming electric fireplace that I found both warming and meditative. It was great to have a comfortable common space to relax and read…I always appreciate that when I travel so I don’t feel confined to the room. Seth, too, made himself comfortable there, keeping busy on his laptop and iPad.
Executive Hotel Le Soleil is hugely convenient to midtown attractions. Located at 36th Street between 5-6th Avenue, it is easy walking distance to the theatre district, Fifth Avenue shopping, the Empire State Building, Bryant Park, Macy’s, transportation, restaurants, and much more more.
Our Room
We had a corner room on the 6th floor, and while at times you could hear some dull street noise, as it common with boutique NYC hotels, it wasn’t highly disruptive.
Check-in was easy and swift, and the staff was very friendly.
Elevators can get busy, but we’ve experienced this before with boutique hotels during peak check-in/check-out times.
The room was well-appointed, with two Queen beds, and though it lacked a closet, it featured a hanging rack and a very ample beautiful bathroom with an open-style shower. And, great counter space at the sink, which as a makeup and toiletry junkie, I always appreciate.
The hotel’s 162 rooms include nine Executive King, eight Executive Queen/Queen and 46 Executive Queens all with floor-to-ceiling windows. The 96 Executive Suites have separate living and bedroom areas as well as floor-to-ceiling windows. Each one of the three Penthouse Suites located on the 20th floor provides views of the city. The Elan Penthouse Suite has two separate bedrooms with queen pillow-top beds in each room; the Decollette Penthouse Suite has a full kitchen, dining and living area; and the Couture Penthouse Suite has a full kitchen, dining and living area, an office, two separate bedrooms, and an outdoor terrace with a fireplace and sweeping views of the Empire State Building and Freedom Tower.
All rooms contain custom-designed furniture, plush beds with luxurious bedding, fluffy bathrobes and slippers, a 43” flat screen TV with cable, fully- stocked mini bar, spacious work desk, audio docking station, cordless bedside phone, Keurig coffee maker (Nespresso coffee makers are in the penthouse suites), umbrella, hairdryer, an electronic safe and a morning newspaper. All of the bathrooms are adorned with marble countertops and feature exclusive Acca Kappa Italian-made bath products.
The compact fitness room on the lower level features state- of-the-art treadmills along with an exercise bike, an elliptical, a universal weight machine, exercise benches, free weights, yoga mats and exercise balls.
The bed was very comfortable, which scores major brownie points with me, and the room was clean, neat and well lit.
Lobby Hall
A restaurant is in the works, which would be a welcome addition. The lobby’s L’Espresso Cafe offers baked-fresh-daily pastries and breakfast treats along with Nespresso brand coffee.
We would definitely return — my son has already requested a repeat visit — and would recommend it, whether for a family trip, couples getaway or girls night out slumber party. Pets are welcome too!
Room prices range from $500 – $1,500 per night with discounts and special packages available throughout the year. Penthouse Suites range in price from $800 – $5,000.
For those with business or event needs, The Epicurean Board Room can accommodate 10 people for meetings, while the Bon Vivant Room can hold up to 100 for business or social gatherings.
Other features include a complimentary business center and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, laundry and dry cleaning, concierge services and self and valet parking.
Seth by the Check-in Desk
Executive Hotel Le Soleil New York is the sister hotel to the exclusive Executive Hotel Le Soleil Vancouver, and is part of an expanding collection of luxury hotels and residences from Executive Hotels & Resorts.
To make a reservation or inquire about room availability, visit www.lesoleilhotels.com, call directly at 212.695.0003 or dial Central Reservations at 1.888.388.3932.
Note: Though we were provided with a complimentary stay, our thoughts are our own.
