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The only US branch of the French Novotel chain is perched above Times Square in the middle of Midtown Manhattan. Everyone on staff appears to speak French. In fact, the hotel feels as if it were transported in prefab form directly from France. The result is a little Francophone outpost among Midtown's skyscrapers. Among our Editor's Picks in New York, few hotels feel quite so unto themselves, removed from the spirit of New York.

Here's some context, for those unfamiliar with the world of French hotel chains. Novotel is part of the massive Accor hotel group. Within the Accor universe, Novotel is classed as a luxury, though not an upscale, hotel type. The Manhattan Novotel's 480 rooms tick all the business class boxes, both positive and negative. On the positive side, guests will have all the amenities they need to conduct their business lives; on the negative side, there are those crazy business class hotel types of charges: $27 for breakfast and a more reasonable $9 per day for Wi-Fi use.

The hotel has undergone a series of soft renovations since our last visit. These are most noticeable in the vast, bright lobby, with its delightfully high ceilings and a perched atrium's view over Times Square. Some rooms are just a touch worse for wear. Probably the greatest need for renovation is on display in the bathrooms, with their large old-school tiles. Nonetheless, the grayish neutral color scheme is pleasing, the duvets are appropriately plump, and some views are undeniably awesome.

» Alex Robertson Textor

Note: This hotel was visited by a EuroCheapo editor and is recommended based on cleanliness, location, price and overall quality. EuroCheapo did not charge this hotel to be listed.

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Hotel Address

226 W. 52nd St. (at Broadway)
Midtown West & Times Square, New York, United States

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