Chambers Hotel

There is something almost supernaturally peaceful and discrete about Chambers, a modernist Midtown hotel that feels less like an oasis of calm in the hippy dippy sense, but more just wonderfully quiet.

Once the massive wood panelled doors swing shut on an inviting lobby full of big, low sofas set around a fire, you can pretty much forget that you're a one-minute-walk away from Trump Tower (this was a particularly blessed relief for me: I was actually staying on election night).

In the hotel the staff are super-helpful but not overly fussy, and when I arrived on my floor, actual old-school room key in hand, I felt like I could be the only person there amidst the silent, impressively art-filled corridors. The rooms are good sized, with a discretely shabby chic vibe (exposed ceiling; a massive mirror leaning at an angle against the wall) that’ll please bohemians but remain subtle enough for the sober business traveler. The drench shower will wake you up a treat.

Downstairs, David Chang’s Má Pêche restaurant, open all day, has a more informal, lively vibe, selling various-sized plates of exciting Asian-American cuisine. I had to leave to see a Broadway show before its bar really got jumping, but the ultra-friendly young staff rustled up my corned beef buns and dry aged duck with salsify, lentils and currants - both excellent, I wish I'd had time for longer - with pre-theater menu speed.

All in all one of the more stress free New York hotel visits I can recall – a base in NYC but also an escape from it.