Michelangelo or Sofitel?

Quick question for all NYC experts. Which is better, Michelangelo or Sofitel? They are both about the same price (~ $1250 for 4 nights). This is for our 15th anniversary so I want a nice and romantic setting. Are there any other choices? I%26#39;d like to save a few bucks but it looks like you get what you pay for. Thanks.

Michelangelo or Sofitel?

The Michelangelo is classic more traditional decor while the Sofitel is a bit more modern with some high floor rooms with nice views. (the Michelangelo has no real views). Bathrooms at the Michelangelo tend to be larger.

Have you had a look at the travelers photos posted on the reviews pages here? They show a better idea of rooms than the professional hotel photos. You might also want to consider the Palace and I would shop around for prices. You don%26#39;t say when this is happening and prices do fluctuate dramatically depending on dates.

whatahotel.com

is a website someone mentioned that specializes in upscale hotels and may have extras you%26#39;d get or better prices.

tablethotels.com

is another.

quikbook.com

sometimes has very good prices on the Michelangelo. There are some other very nice smaller hotels or hipper, trendier hotels depending on what you like.

Michelangelo or Sofitel?

Thanks nywhiz. We%26#39;ll be there June 16-20 and the rates I got are as low as I could get from 4* hotels with good reviews. Wanted to stay at The New York Palace but it%26#39;d be another $200-300.

Have you considered the Library, the Giraffe or the Elysee?

These are all smaller, well-managed hotels of charm or distinctive personality. I%26#39;ve not been in the Michelangelo recently enough to fairly comment on it but I can say that our January stay at the Sofitel (top floor suite) wasn%26#39;t imbued with a romantic ambiance. Surprised (because the DC Sofitel is a favorite) how ';corporate';, impersonal, it felt; NOT one of those hotels where you feel that it%26#39;s smaller than it actually is...that you are anything other than ';just a number'; (and my standards for that aren%26#39;t high!).

The bar/lounge area was especially a let-down because of the harsh acoustics and the piped-in music (annoying not only because of the choice of music but also the volume). Plus, the seating is not nearly as inviting/comfortable as in the DC Sofitel%26#39;s lounge. Although the drinks and light fare were well-prepared, service was barely average. So, we made a point of not returning there for a pre-dinner cocktail or a nightcap.

I don%26#39;t know where you%26#39;re looking at prices but on quikbook.com

a deluxe king at the NY Palace is $318/night plus tax and the Sofitel looks to be only a few dollars less on those dates. There are also some nice cheaper options at trendier hotels like

%26gt;studio suite at 6 Columbus for $229/night

%26gt;thompson les $237 superior queen/king

%26gt;60 Thompson in Soho for $274

Whichever hotel you decide on, make SURE you tell them it%26#39;s a big anniversary.

Agree with CC that the

hkhotels.com

are nice and some are well priced on quikbook. If you prefer a smaller hotel, they%26#39;re a nice option.

If you want something with a bit of ';wow'; and view, the Palace fits the bill. The Michelangelo is very nice but maybe not so impressive.

Thanks everybody. The price I mentioned in my original post is for an upgraded room type and includes all tax and fees so the average nightly rate is about $270 for both hotels. Since this is our first time to NYC, we wnat to be in the middle of all the actions i.e. Times Square, Central Park. One thing that is important to us is a good air conditioning system. Being from the San Francisco area, we%26#39;re used to the cool, dry weather. We have to turn the AC on even right now when the temp outside is 70 degrees. I might go ahead and splurge for the Palace. Thanks again.