Times Square is a chaotic mess. Honestly, most seasoned travelers avoid it like the plague because of the sensory overload, the overpriced chain restaurants, and those giant costumed characters who won't leave you alone. But right in the middle of that neon madness—literally steps from the 42nd Street subway—there’s a place that feels like a quiet, Mediterranean villa. It’s the Casablanca Hotel by Library Hotel Collection, and it basically breaks all the rules of what a Midtown hotel is supposed to be.
It’s small. Only 48 rooms.
Most people walking down West 43rd Street don't even notice the entrance. They’re too busy staring up at the digital billboards or trying to find the Hard Rock Cafe. But once you step inside, the city noise just... vanishes. The Library Hotel Collection, founded by Henry Kallan, has this specific philosophy of "boutique hospitality" that focuses on making you feel like a guest in a private club rather than a number in a 1,000-room tower. The Casablanca is their tribute to the 1942 classic film, and while that sounds like it could be cheesy or "themed" in a bad way, it actually works because they lean into the warmth and the wood tones rather than just slapping movie posters on the walls.
The Rick’s Café Factor
The heart of the building is Rick’s Café. It’s not just a lobby. It’s a 24-hour lounge where the hotel hosts a wine and cheese reception every evening. If you've ever stayed in a standard New York hotel, you know that a "free snack" usually means a stale granola bar near the elevators. Here, they do it differently.
You’ve got actual imported cheeses, crackers, and decent wine. It’s the kind of thing that encourages people to actually talk to each other. You’ll see a couple from London chatting with a business traveler from Tokyo about which Broadway show is actually worth the ticket price. It feels human.
The café is also where the breakfast happens. They don't do the massive, lukewarm buffet thing. Instead, it’s high-quality pastries, oatmeal, fresh fruit, and espresso. The best part? It’s included. In a city where a bagel and a latte can easily set you back $25 near Times Square, having a dedicated space to sit and eat for free is a massive win for your travel budget.
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What the Rooms are Actually Like
Don't expect a sprawling suite. This is Manhattan. Space is the ultimate luxury, and the Casablanca Hotel by Library Hotel Collection uses every square inch with purpose. The rooms are cozy, decorated with Moroccan-inspired accents, ornate headboards, and shutters that actually block out the neon glow of the street.
If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room in the back. The front-facing rooms give you that iconic "city that never sleeps" vibe, which is cool for about ten minutes until you're trying to ignore a siren at 3:00 AM.
The bathrooms are often a point of contention for people used to suburban Marriotts. They can be a bit tight. However, they are clean, well-maintained, and stocked with high-end toiletries. The focus here is on the bed—which is incredibly soft—and the service. The staff actually remembers your name. It’s a bit eerie how good they are at it.
Why Location Matters (Beyond the Tourists)
Most people think staying at the Casablanca Hotel by Library Hotel Collection means you're just there for the New Year's Eve ball drop. Wrong.
While you are undeniably in the tourist epicenter, you are also at the greatest transit hub in the world. Being near Times Square means you can jump on almost any subway line.
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- Want to go to the Met? Take the 4, 5, or 6.
- Going to Brooklyn? Jump on the Q or the R.
- Heading to the High Line? The 7 train is right there.
You're also within a ten-minute walk of Bryant Park and the New York Public Library. If you’ve never sat in Bryant Park with a coffee in the morning before the crowds arrive, you’re missing the best part of Midtown. The hotel’s proximity to these landmarks makes it a strategic basecamp for people who want to see the "real" New York but don't want to spend two hours a day commuting from an Airbnb in the outer boroughs.
The Service Culture
Henry Kallan’s Library Hotel Collection is known for something called "The Art of Hospitality." It sounds like marketing speak, but in practice, it means they try to eliminate the "nickel and diming" that infuriates travelers.
No "resort fees" hidden in the fine print.
No charge for Wi-Fi.
Bottled water is usually available without a $9 price tag attached to the neck of the bottle.
These things matter. They change the psychology of your stay. When you don't feel like the hotel is trying to squeeze every cent out of your pockets, you relax. You feel more like a guest and less like a revenue stream.
Things to Consider Before Booking
Look, the Casablanca isn't for everyone. If you need a rooftop pool, a 5,000-square-foot fitness center, and a sprawling lobby bar with a DJ, you will be disappointed. It’s a quiet hotel. It’s a library-esque hotel.
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- Elevators: They are old-school and can be a bit slow. If you’re in a rush to catch a flight, leave five minutes earlier than you think you need to.
- Gym Access: They don't have a massive gym on-site, though they often provide passes to nearby luxury fitness centers like New York Sports Club. Check with the desk when you check in.
- Dining: Rick’s Café is great for snacks and breakfast, but there isn't a full-service dinner restaurant inside the hotel. Thankfully, you’re surrounded by literally thousands of options. Go to Joe’s Pizza on 40th for a quick slice, or head over to Hell’s Kitchen (9th Avenue) for some of the best Thai and Italian food in the city.
Managing the Times Square Chaos
The trick to staying at the Casablanca Hotel by Library Hotel Collection is learning how to navigate the street. When you step out the door, turn right toward 6th Avenue instead of left toward Broadway if you want to avoid the heaviest crowds. 6th Avenue is more "business New York" and significantly easier to walk through.
Also, use the hotel's concierge. They are experts at scoring last-minute Broadway tickets or getting a table at restaurants that "don't have openings" on OpenTable. They have the local connections that a big-box hotel simply can't maintain.
Actionable Insights for Your Stay
- Book Direct: Usually, the Library Hotel Collection offers perks for direct bookings that you won't get on Expedia, like early check-in or a better room location.
- The Wine Hour: Don't skip the 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM wine and cheese reception. It’s the best way to decompress after a day of walking 20,000 steps.
- Request the Top Floors: If you want the most peace and quiet, the upper floors are generally insulated better from the street-level vibration of the subway and traffic.
- Walk to the Library: Since this hotel is part of the Library Hotel Collection, take a walk to the New York Public Library on 42nd and 5th. It’s a spiritual sibling to the hotel’s vibe and one of the most beautiful buildings in the country.
Staying at the Casablanca is about finding a pocket of sanity in the middle of the world’s most energetic city. It’s not flashy, and it’s not trying to be the "coolest" hotel in Manhattan. It’s just trying to be the most comfortable. For many travelers who are tired of the cold, corporate feel of modern hotels, that’s exactly what they need.
Pack light, bring comfortable walking shoes, and make sure to grab a fresh espresso at Rick's before you head out to tackle the city. New York is a lot easier to handle when you have a quiet home base waiting for you.
Next Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of your stay at the Casablanca Hotel by Library Hotel Collection, start by mapping out your "quiet escapes" within walking distance. Beyond Bryant Park, check out the Morgan Library & Museum for a dose of incredible architecture and history without the crowds of the MoMA. If you're planning on seeing a show, talk to the hotel concierge at least 48 hours in advance—they often have insights on which "sold out" shows might have house seats released last minute. Finally, remember to sign up for the Library Hotel Collection's loyalty program before you arrive; even a first-time member can sometimes snag a complimentary upgrade if the house isn't full.