Chambers Hotel

Boldly stylish hotel near Central Park and MoMA, boasting an impressive modern art collection and generous communal spaces

It’s lucky there’s a doorman to welcome you to the land of Chambers, for these mighty portals are truly Wizard-of-Oz-sized. Inside is a David Rockwell-inspired world suffused with modern art. Plantation-style woven woods warm the lobby, offset by colourful flashes of '50s America in furniture influenced by nearby fashion houses (Gucci, Prada, Armani). Throw in a few Turkish rugs, a fireplace, Zen drapes and a selection of the owners’ art collection, and the result is softly masculine and intriguingly eclectic. Head upstairs to discover unique art installations on each landing: definitely worth visiting all 14 floors to peek at.

For a hotel so style-conscious, it’s a relief to find their priority is comfort. Business travellers will love the large glass desks in the rooms, and the thoughtful extras (pin boards, cordless phones). There are plenty of communal spaces (bi-level lobby, lounge, bar and French-Vietnamese Má Pêche restaurant) and an inventive restaurant. Masseuses, manicurists, yoga instructors, make-up artists and babysitters are on hand; Central Park and MoMA just a short stroll away.

Highs

• Central location close to Central Park, Fifth Avenue shopping, Broadway’s theatres and Midtown’s galleries and art centres (Carnegie Hall, the Lincoln Centre)
• Over 500 pieces of modern art in the hotel, with fun bespoke commissions on the landings
• Complimentary day passes to the New York Health and Racquet club
• Nice extra touches include flip-flops, magnetic pin boards, extensive minibar, postcards and scribble pads
• Lots of communal spaces, and excellent conference facilities on site

Lows

• Some may find the ‘downtown loft’ design too utilitarian (exposed pipes, concrete shower floors, that sort of thing)
• Women may find it all rather masculine: minimalist design, limited washbasin space (80% of guests are men)
• You might expect a pool at this price - but instead you get 'soaking tubs' in the suites