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The Casablanca Hotel: Bogart and Broadway

Story by Will A. Davis

Those of us of a “certain age”  may remember with fondness and nostalgia the  now classic  1942 movie “Casablanca” starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, along with many other legendary stars gathering at the notorious Rick’s Cafe  in a story filled with intrigue and romance.

Magic

The Casablanca Hotel in New York City  captures the magic of the movie not just with its setting and  ambiance but  also with its outstanding  award-winning service and hospitality all within strolling distance of the “Great White Way” also know as  Broadway and the incredible Theater District and Times Square.  The Casablanca is one of the members of the world-renowned Library Hotel Collection. We’ve stayed at the Elysee , another Library property and in both cases did not want to leave! After the crowds and noise of NYC overwhelm run back to recharge in the nest like experience of a Library Hotel especially the Casablanca.

Exotic features of the stairway to Rick's Cafe

Exotic features of the stairway to Rick’s Cafe in the Casablanca Hotel, NYC

The Casablanca

The hotel is located at 147 West 43-d  Street in the world-famous Times Square area in the heart of Mid-town Manhattan.  Entering the lobby of the 48 room luxury boutique style hotel one is immediately drawn to the Mediterranean influence of woodwork, pierced metal and window fabric treatments.  It is a small peaceful lobby and one immediately gets the sensation of  going back in time to a less hectic  and  more quiet  environment even though you are in the heart of New York, the city that never sleeps! !  The welcoming staff  from doorman to  housekeeping is just that: really friendly , knowledgeable and  prepared to make your stay a memorable one.  Advice on how, when and where to get to places is really helpful, saves time and reduces stress especially for a first time New York City visitor. Many sites and theaters are within walking distance.

The  guest rooms at the hotel are intimate and well-appointed with not only cable television but access to

Bedroom at the Casablanca

Relax after a busy day in your well appointed room at the Casablanca Hotel

the hotel’s complimentary DVD Library to be enjoyed in your room if you desire. The rooms and public areas are immaculately clean and maintained including noise reducing windows. All the amenities including an extra blanket, slippers, bathrobes, bottled water and fine toiletries. If you need extra help in the shower they will install the super suction grab bars.

Rick’s Cafe

Rick’s Cafe may be near by  and it is!  Right on the second floor of the hotel.

A bountiful breakfast buffet awaits all guests

A bountiful breakfast buffet awaits all guests

Two beautifully  paneled  rooms richly appointed with art and books and a warming fireplace make up the cafe area.  There is even a classic upright piano!  Here you can enjoy a free continental breakfast buffet with a large selection of cereals, fresh fruits, pastries , muffins and juices as well as freshly brewed coffee or espresso and cappuccino.

The cafe is open twenty-four hours a day and offers coffee, espresso, lattes and bakery treats as well as other fresh fruit whenever you get the urge for a light snack or want that cozy living room environment.  Just march up (or down) or use the  original floor- tiled  elevators  to access  Rick’s Cafe.   Free Wifi is available in the cafe as well as throughout the hotel.

Happy Hour – s

Relax by the Fireplace

Relax over a glass of wine in front of the fireplace at Rick’s Cafe in the Casablanca Hotel, NYC

But it’s not just about the complimentary  breakfast at Rick’s Cafe.  The cafe  host’s for your pleasure a three-hour wine and cheese “hour” from 5PM until 8PM every night .  A colorful and flavorful assortment of cheeses, fruits, crackers, marinated olives, platters of veggies and dip. Of course white and red wines as well as coffee and tea can be enjoyed, especially on Friday evenings when a musician comes in and entertains on the piano which again evokes the relaxed and calming location.

Espresso Machine at the Casablanca Hotel

The never fail easy to operate always great tasting Espresso Machine at the Casablanca Hotel

Stop in and enjoy before  going to the theater or some other event or perhaps just investigating and exploring the always alive area. Visiting a friend in the city? Have them stop in and enjoy wine and cheese hour with you at no extra charge! Wow that is hospitality!

Workout

Speaking of hospitality you can also pick up passes to the New York Sports Club to maintain you workout schedule. There are many locations throughout the city. Other amenities at the Casablanca include free bottles of water, turn down service( with chocolates!) and even assistance with getting a “perfect sleep”!

Feel the excitement of Times Square

Feel the excitement of Times Square

Location, Location!

All that you have read and heard about Broadway and the surrounding theater district is true.  From theater to restaurants to just sightseeing and feeling the exhilaration and excitement of being in New York, especially the  world-class performances in many theater genres  for both long running plays such as Lion King, Aladdin and hits like Kinky Boots and Hamilton as well as so many others old and new.

One will find it hard to find a hotel in New York which offers such a variety of complimentary offerings than the Casablanca does unless it’s another in the Library family!

A Special Place

This hotel is one of the more special places that we have enjoyed  for just a few of the reasons mentioned  It is truly an affordable escape for a few days into a little bit of make believe.  And who knows you may hear someone say “Play it again Sam”.

The hotel is accessible with two period decorated elevators that again add charm.  All of what New York City has to offer is at your doorstep. Just step outside or just step inside to enjoy the unmatched hospitality and charm of the Casablanca a Library hotel experience.

casablancahotel.com

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