City break in New York | skyscrapers and the Statue of Liberty

If you’re keen for a little old-school glamour when it comes to your accommodation, the gorgeous Beekman is a great choice. Located opposite City Hall Park, it’s housed inside one of the city’s first skyscrapers — built in 1881 — and was used as office space for decades before being transformed into a hotel in 2016.

The Beekman’s interiors are undeniably elegant, and has stylishly infused doses of period charm into all its rooms thanks to high ceilings, oak flooring and bespoke wooden furnishings. Its spectacular nine-storey atrium reception is also dripping in vintage-style velvet furnishings and antique lamps. Head to one of The Beekman’s two fabulous restaurants — run by two of the city’s best chefs, Tom Colicchio and Keith McNally — for sumptuous American and European fare.

Located across the water in trendy Williamsburg, the Wythe Hotel manages to be chic and rustic, simultaneously. It’s housed inside a former factory building that dates back to 1901, meaning it boasts the authentic industrial interiors that have become synonymous with trendy Brooklyn loft apartments.

Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the city’s famous skyline, and funky wallpaper and furnishings (largely made from reclaimed materials) are sourced from local artists and craftsmen. On the 6th floor you’ll find The Ides, the Wythe’s rooftop bar that serves unique cocktails – like the Diplomat’s Club that’s made with honey-infused gin – and regularly hosts cool DJ sets.

For those visiting NYC on a smaller budget, you can’t go wrong with the slick design and well-thought out amenities at Pod 39. Located just minutes from Grand Central Station, it offers a mix of compact yet contemporary singles, bunks or double rooms with ensuites fitted with rain showers.

Perhaps Pod 39’s best feature is its cool rooftop bar complete with metallic furnishings, exposed red brick walls and views across Midtown. For the more playful traveller, there’s even a games room with a ping pong table, plus a vibrant taco restaurant.

Another contemporary option is the five-star Conrad located in Downtown Manhattan. Spacious suites sport huge beds and luxuries like espresso machines and complimentary slippers. Many rooms feature brilliant views of Battery Park, while all are decorated with some of the hotel’s 2000 pieces of fascinating modern artwork.

The roof of the Conrad plays host to a stunning infinity pool as well as Loopy Doopy, one of New York’s most popular alfresco bars. It’s a sublime spot to watch the sunset in the summer and keep cool with a specialty (although quite pricey) popsicle prosecco cocktail — the strawberry and lemongrass one is divine but flavour selection changes regularly.