Vicky Mayer visits New York’s chic design hotels, sees past and present collide in Manhattan and cutting edge style around every corner
New York was made for Instagram, a crazy, living city where there are photo ops on every corner, so sleep before you get there because you’ll want to pack in as much as you can of this dazzling urban utopia. From the deco joy of Bloomingdales and the Chrysler building to the glorious Victoriana of the city’s brownstones to today’s melting point of mid century modern and mid west chic, style is everywhere you look.
Five years ago Manhattan was being lambasted as cold, soulless and full of yuppie bankers with the hipsters all hotfooting it over the bridge to Brooklyn but I’m glad to say its got its mojo back with new hotels, bars and restaurants pulling in the crowds again.
Begin your long weekend as I did with an effortless flight on BA. Fly Club World which gives you free access to BA’s excellent lounge before your flight plus a sleeper seat on the journey and your trip will be a total pleasure.
Viceroy Deluxe Room
Midtown was my first port of call and a trip to the newly opened Viceroy Hotel. Situated on 57th Street, close to the Russian Tearoom and Carnegie Hall, it promises a fusion of downtown allure and uptown sophistication and for once the blurb lives up to the dream. Though big (with 240 rooms), it feels surprisingly intimate with a style you’ll love. Acclaimed design team Roman and Williams were given the brief to create a classic modern space and they have excelled. The look is pure Mad Men with wood panelling, grown up sophisticated tones and mid century modern furniture that will stand the test of time. The bedrooms are cosy and calm with great city views but the Viceroy’s best feature is its jaw-dropping roof top bar situated on the 29th floor. Overlooking Central Park, it’s the perfect place for a cocktail with some old friends. But make sure you get the Maitre d’ to secure you a table or you’ll be elbowed out by the locals.
Museum mile situated alongside the Park is within easy walking distance and I got my cultural fix visiting the ever stylish Guggenheim where the building is just as impressive as its contents and the Frick Collection of classic European art housed in the wonderful Frick Mansion.
W Union Square, New York
Heading downtown on Saturday I checked into the cool and stylish W Union Square. Here you’ll find a striking mix of contemporary Americana from its bold blue and red bedrooms to the lush precision of its vast lobby and bar where you can meet the city’s cool downtown crowd. With huge bedrooms, incredibly comfy beds and amazing views, this is the perfect spot for a downtown adventure.
It’s an easy walk from here to the trendy Meatpacking District and the green delights of a gentle stroll on the High Line. Locals still can’t quite believe how this once desolate backwater has become one of the city’s coolest enclaves but like our own East End, it just shows that everywhere is ripe for regeneration. Here you’ll find great high end fashion stores like Diane Von Furstenberg and Rag and Bone as well as the must-see Chelsea Market, a jam packed building full of interesting places to eat and shop (think Brixton Market but even bigger
and better).
New York has always been a great city but I’m thrilled to say it’s got its groove back. From cool new hotels to juice bars and beyond, it’s reclaiming its crown as city of style. Make this the year you go back; you won’t be disappointed.
BA flies 11 times a day to New York from Heathrow and twice daily from London City Airport from £586. ba.com; 0844 493 0758
One night in a double room at the Viceroy starts at £191; viceroyhotelsandresorts.com.
One night in a double room at the W New York Union Square starts at £207; wnewyorkunionsquare.com
Gourmet Delights
1 Brunch at Five Points in Soho. Ask for the Angry Frittata – perfect with a Bloody Mary. fivepointsrestaurant.com
2 Take the boat to Red Hook for a seafood supper at Brooklyn Crab, brooklyncrab.com
3 Go native and grab a Berry Blast juice at Liquiteria in Chelsea
liquiteria.com
Press play on the main image to watch Jay-Z and Alicia Key’s Empire State of Mind
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here