The stylish Mercer (147 Mercer Street, at Prince Street, NY 10012, +12129666060 / +18889186060, www.mercerhotel.com, $395-$620) is located at the centre of Soho, a factor that gives this 75-room gem a leg up on its closest competitors. Ditto 60 Thomson (60 Thompson Street, between Broome and Spring Streets, NY 10012, +12124310400/ +18774310400, www.60Thompson.com, $370-$450) and the Hudson (356 W 58th Street, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues, NY 10019, +12125546000, $175–$260).

For high-end accommodation, check out the Pierre Fifth Avenue at 61st Street (+12128388000, $475–$995). Artists and Sid and Nancy lovers should seek out the Hotel Chelsea (222 W 23rd Street, NY 10011, +12122433700, www.hotelchelsea.com, $150-$350). Built in 1884, it oozes history and other former residents include Mark Twain, Dylan Thomas, O Henry and Brendan Behan. New York lovers should head to the Algonquin (59 44th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, NY 10036, +12128406800, $189-$699), an elegant New York landmark and the place where Dorothy Parker and other wits of the 1920s and ’30s gathered to gossip and parry at the legendary Round Table in the Oak Room (+12124199331).

Budget options include Howard Johnson’s (135 E Houston Street, NY 10002, +12123588844, $109-$129) and Hotel 17 (225 East 17th Street, NY 10003, +12124752845, www.hotel17ny.com, $69–$120).

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