Overview: Hotel Edison vs. Casablanca Hotel Times Square

Two older Theater District hotels still draw loyal guests, and both sit within a short walk of Broadway. The Hotel Edison is at 228 West 47th Street, between Broadway and Eighth Avenue, in an Art Deco building from the 1930s. The Casablanca Hotel is at 147 West 43rd Street, between Sixth Avenue and Broadway. The Edison usually costs about $195 to $295 a night, while the Casablanca often sits closer to $320 to $480. Here is how they compare.

Location and Neighborhood

Both hotels are in the heart of the Theater District. The Edison sits on a block known as Restaurant Row’s northern neighbor, close to Broadway theaters and a few minutes from Times Square. The Casablanca sits on West 43rd Street, a block from Bryant Park and the New York Public Library’s Main Branch, and a few steps from Times Square. The Casablanca is slightly closer to Bryant Park and Grand Central. The Edison is closer to Rockefeller Center and Central Park. Both put you within walking distance of most Midtown attractions.

Getting Around by Subway

For the Edison, the closest stations are the N, R and W at 49th Street, the 1 at 50th Street, and the B, D, F and M at 47th–50th Streets–Rockefeller Center, all within about a five-minute walk. The Times Square–42nd Street complex is a few blocks south. For the Casablanca, the B, D, F and M at 42nd Street–Bryant.

Rooms and Design

The Edison is a large hotel with a classic Art Deco look in its public spaces and a range of room types. Rooms vary in size, from compact to roomy, and the decor is traditional. The Casablanca is a small boutique hotel with a Moroccan-inspired design, warm colors and comfortable rooms, many of which are.

Food and Drink

The Edison is known for a historic coffee shop that has long been popular with theater people and locals, and for a basement bar with a retro feel, though specific venues change. The Casablanca has a Moroccan-themed cafe and offers a complimentary continental breakfast, according to its past policies, so confirm what is included before.

Service and Amenities

The Edison is a big hotel, and service can feel busy at peak times, though the staff are generally helpful. The Casablanca is smaller and can feel more personal, with a friendly front desk and a quiet lobby. Fitness rooms and lounges vary, and some amenities may be limited, so confirm them before you book.

Who Should Book Which

The Edison suits travelers who want a budget-friendly stay, a historic building and a wide range of room types. It works well for families and groups, and for visitors who plan to spend little time in the room. The Casablanca suits couples, solo travelers and visitors who want a boutique feel near Bryant Park and.

Nearby Sights and What to Do

From the Edison, you can walk to Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, Times Square and Central Park South. From the Casablanca, you can walk to Bryant Park, Grand Central Terminal, the New York Public Library and Times Square. Both hotels are about a ten-minute walk from each other. The Theater District is busiest before.

Prices and Booking Tips

Plan on about $195 to $295 a night at the Edison in typical weeks, and about $320 to $480 at the Casablanca, with higher rates in October, the holiday season and during major events. Compare the final price after taxes and fees. Book a refundable rate first, and check again a few weeks before arrival.

Getting From the Airport

From JFK, take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station and then the E train to 50th Street for the Edison, or to Bryant Park via a transfer for the Casablanca. From LaGuardia, the Q70 bus runs to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue, where the E, F, M, R and 7 trains continue into Manhattan. From Newark Airport, the.

Seasons and Timing

The Theater District is busiest in December and on weekends. Spring and fall are the best seasons for walking between Bryant Park, Times Square and Rockefeller Center. Summer brings tourists and heat. Quiet weeks in January and February bring the lowest rates, and midweek is cheaper than weekends. Bryant Park hosts a winter village from.

Which One Should You Book?

Choose the Hotel Edison if you want a lower price, an Art Deco landmark and plenty of room choices. Choose the Casablanca if you want a smaller boutique hotel with a warm design near Bryant Park and Times Square. Both put you inside the Theater District with strong subway access. For a budget-friendly Broadway trip.

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