Freehand New York ★★★★

Allow us to be shallow for just a moment – the Freehand New York**** is beautiful. The name suggests a far more casual, slapdash approach than the reality of the hotel, which has been expertly designed by Roman and Williams. Assisted by a group of 10 local artists, who painted original works onto the walls and ceilings of each bedroom, they’ve created something at once cosy, polished and achingly cool. With an artist-in-residence program in the works, the hotel is guaranteed to remain at the forefront of design. Some of the building’s original features, like the terrazzo floors, fireplaces and millwork in the mezzanine, have been lovingly restored too, providing a nice visual connection with the hotel’s history.

And beneath the surface, the Freehand New York **** delivers as well. The George Washington Bar, located in the former library, is fast becoming a highlight of the New York cocktail scene, with its whimsical, irreverent approach to mixing drinks. Two on-site restaurants provide food from morning to night, with sweet and savoury pastries for breakfast and modern American and North African cuisines in the restaurants. Two more restaurants are due to open in the hotel through Spring 2018, bringing even more options to guests.

Between the restaurants and bar, fitness centre, games room, excellent location and innovative décor, it’s safe to say that the Freehand New York **** is secure in its position as one of the nicest hotels in town.