Midtown has more hotels per square metre than any other part of New York but few that have anywhere near the charm of The Whitby, one of two Manhattan outposts of Brit boutique brand Firmdale Hotels (a third is on the way). Co-owner Kit Kemp is known for her more-is-more interiors where every corner offers something to catch your eye, from a collection of woven baskets above the bar to the eye-popping symphony of stripes and patterns that cascades over every surface in your room. The location is outstanding – two blocks to Central Park, two blocks to the Museum of Modern Art – as is the soundproofing of the floor-to-ceiling windows. (In Midtown, that matters.) If you can, upgrade to a suite with a stunning wraparound terrace. firmdalehotels.com

The most memorable hotel breakfast in town is one of the simplest. Nine Orchard’s offering of coffee and croissants may sound bare-bones but it feels anything but, given the sumptuousness of the room in which it is served. Old-world elegance may not be what you’d expect from a hotel on the grungy Lower East Side but the public spaces of this former bank – particularly the ornate Swan Room, which transforms from night-time cocktail bar to breakfast nook – are magnificent. The wonderfully roomy homes are kitted out with mid-century furniture, books supplied by local store Sweet Pickle Books (mini-bar snacks are also sourced from the neighbourhood) and four in-house radio stations. The hotel’s restaurant, Corner Bar, overseen by hot chef Ignacio Matteo, is in-demand, and Chinatown’s many delights are just around the corner. nineorchard.com

When actor George Clooney, director Wes Anderson and supermodel Naomi Campbell are all singing your praises in public, you are doing something right. They are just some of the celebrities who featured in Always at the Carlyle, a documentary devoted to this celebrated Upper East Side lodging. Part of The Carlyle’s charm is that it feels less like a hotel, more like an exclusive apartment building, its rooms decked out with mirrored hallways, magnificent murals and gorgeous views across the city and Central Park. A drink at Bemelman’s Bar, known for its live jazz and its martinis, is a must. rosewoodhotels.com

As a comeback, it rivals Kylie Minogue’s. After being abandoned for 15 years, one of New York’s oldest skyscrapers has been reborn as Lower Manhattan’s most gorgeous hotel, The Beekman. Built around a nine-storey glass-roofed atrium, the makeover, courtesy of architect Martin Brudnizki, restores its classic elegance with lots of burnished wood enlivened by oriental rugs and fringed table lamps. Even the two-storey gym is a study in style, with wood panelling and a spiral staircase. The hotel is also home to two terrific restaurants – Tom Colicchio’s Temple Court and Daniel Boulud’s bouchon lyonnais, Le Gratin – and two gorgeous bars. thebeekman.com

No two New York holidays are like. Sometimes you want to throw yourself headfirst into the maelstrom of the city. Other times you want to lean back just a little. That’s when you want to stay in The Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC. There are still plenty of bars to hang out in – not least the fantastic Gansevoort Rooftop with its striking selection of drinking and dining spaces – and plenty of places to shop, if you heave a healthy budget. But the hotel’s cool industrial vibe (not to mention the Banksy in the foyer) and the relaxed feel of this low-rise district offer a welcome break from the city’s bustling high-rise ‘hoods. gansevoorthotelgroup.com

Just one stop on the L line from Manhattan, the Williamsburg outpost of English hotel group The Hoxton offers a great-value stay for those who looking for something friendly and funky. Its vintage-inspired vibe is intimate rather than intimidating and the views of Manhattan through its floor-to-ceiling windows are terrific. True to the brand’s “no rip-offs” policy, it also offers solid value for money, with just a $5 light breakfast delivered each morning in a paper bag. Clever room design makes the most of the available space – think under-bed storage and fold-down desks – and a fleet of vintage bikes is at your disposal should you want to explore the area. thehoxton.com