Visiting New York City is often fraught with sticker shock when trying to find a hotel ($500+ for a Four Points anyone?) as the prices vary wildly during the year with the cheapest options in the winter months of January – February.  For a last minute trip to New York City in March for a networking event, I decided two days before and having the Hotel Tonight app made my trip both possible and reasonable by finding me a boutique hotel in the middle of it all – between Times Square and Rockefeller Center.  The find was the Sanctuary Hotel, a hotel I’ve never heard of or read much about.  The cost was $100 (plus $23 tax) for a Sunday night! The other rates I found online were $250-300+!  This was an easy decision to book on my phone.  Once done,  I started sharing this find with all of my friends “can you believe this find!?” It was like winning the NYC hotel lottery.

Location – The Sanctuary Hotel Near Times Square

The hotel is in the middle of W. 47^th Street literally ½ block from the madness of Times Square and two blocks from Rockefeller Center.  Despite it’s location, it really was a sanctuary escape from the outside world.  The stairs leading up to the heavy doors were manned by a doorman. The location is fantastic for the tourist to New York as well as the business traveler who has to meet clients in Midtown. If you need anything, it’s only steps away from the hotel 24/7.

Hotel Arrival

I almost missed the hotel when I was walking on 47th street as the entrance stairs were not what I was expecting.  When I saw the Sanctuary Hotel sign, I was then greeted outside by the bellman who took my small suitcase inside to the front desk.

 

When you entered inside, it took a few moments for your eyes to adjust as you literally entered a new world Sanctuary with darkened lobby, fireplace and décor that wasn’t quite hotel but more relaxing spa.  The front desk welcomed me and told me of all the hotel amenities included (wifi, continental breakfast) as well as the elevator to use to whisk me up to the rooftop bar (a lovely secret spot).  I forgot my toothbrush and toothpaste and the front desk had extra to share.  I was given a map of the area and would visit the front desk a few times during my stay.  The Concierge desk is opposite the Front Desk.

The Sanctuary Hotel Lobby

I would be remiss not to mention the lobby.  With two distinct seating areas and fireplaces, this is small but relaxing spot to meet people or just be.  The hallway to the second set of elevators and the adjoining building where my room was located was lined with statues in a sanctuary theme.

Behind the front desk is a door to the hotel lobby bar which was opened for those wanting a drink or to have a work space.

My Queen Room at The Sanctuary Hotel

The hotel has 113 rooms decorated in colors like cognac, orange and chocolate. I couldn’t find my room on the hotel website, so understandably, my room was tiny for the price.  Hotel Tonight is often the place for hotels to sell those small rooms, extra inventory and my odd no view room. I expected tiny, not small so I was quite surprised by the use of space.  It was for one night only so I really only needed a clean, quiet spot to sleep. The hallways were darkened and my hallway (wing?) had only seven rooms on the floor.  My room faced an interior fire escape so zero view which was fine but that also meant it was really quiet.

When I opened the door, I immediately saw the bed and chandelier!  The room was tiny but for those of us who have sailed in the inside cabin, small is relative. The room utilized the space quiet well by removing bathroom wall and having a shelfing unit to showcase in room minibar snacks (reasonably priced) and a good closet space. The tv is mounted above the no view window and easy to control from the bed (your only seating option). It’s a good size for one, two might be snug.

The oddity for some but design focused to others was the glass enclosed shower in room.  For those traveling with others (this would be a small room to share), there is a curtain that can be pulled to shield the shower view. The bathroom is open whereas the toilet room has a door.

The Continental Breakfast at Sanctuary Hotel

The hotel includes a continental breakfast in the room price which guarantees folks will eat in the on-site restaurant.  For most, including me, the additional breakfast menu is a lure to complement the breads and fruit.  The prices are relatively cheap compared to nearby breakfast options and prices so stay onsite.  The staff were friendly and the food was good start to the day.

The Sanctuary Hotel Rooftop – The Haven

I rode the elevator to the rooftop bar, The Haven, to explore the options.  As it was still a very cold winter night, the bar had plastic walls up to keep the heat inside (making for awful photos). There were two distinct areas with tables, bars and music tables.  It was a quiet Sunday night with about ten people.  The winter theme was ski chalet hence the blankets at each table and the food/drinks menu.  I can only imagine in warmer months that this is a pretty busy place with DJ spinning music and people spread throughout the tables, bars and seating areas.

Overall Thoughts – The Sanctuary Hotel

Wow, did I get lucky, really lucky, with this Hotel Tonight find in New York City.  I was able to try this hotel out for only $100 + tax when the regular pricing is often $250+ a night.  Hotel Tonight is a wonderful way to save you money and expose you to a few really good hotels you’d probably never find on your own.  The Sanctuary hotel tends to attract international guests based on my conversations at breakfast with folks from Europe and South America.  So if you are in the mood to try a new boutique hotel in New York City, do look into The Sanctuary Hotel, it really was a lovely escape from the streets of New York City despite being in the center of it all.

 

Disclaimer: I’m not sure that Hotel Tonight $100 will appear again but you can try your luck (download the Hotel Tonight app).  Use my Hotel Tonight discount code (SWOLKO1) to save $25 on your first booking.