The Greenwich, TriBeCa
A hub for A-listers and fashionistas, Robert DeNiro's ultra-cool downtown hotel and home from home, echoes a sumptuous private residence; 88 individually designed rooms and suites, cosy drawing rooms with roaring fires, Tibetan rugs and eclectic antiques, surround an enchanting Tuscan-style candle-lit courtyard. As I arrive a familiar face strolls past. I couldn't possibly say who. This place is far to discreet for name dropping.
The room: Corner Suite, huge loft-style lounge with real fire, sofas, and a dining area with Hudson views. Four poster king-size bed, Italian Carrara Marble bathroom with plunge tub and walk in rainfall shower. Complimentary snack and mini bar (excluding alcohol). Complimentary morning coffee with wake up call. Red Flower products, DVD, ipod docking station and free wireless internet in all rooms.
The spa: The Japanese-inspired Shibu Spa is hidden in the basement of the hotel. Chic and serene, with a nature inspired décor of seagrass, stone and reclaimed bamboo. Facilities include a lantern-lit swimming pool and lounge with daybeds, juice and sake bar, steam room, relaxation room, four treatment rooms and state-of-the art gym.
The treatment: 02 Awakening Facial. The treatment starts with an intense lavender inhalation then double cleanse and tone, followed by a glycolic acid gentle chemical peel to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. A bio-peptide concentrate is then applied followed by a shiatsu facial massage. An oxygen finishing mask completes the treatment. 60 minutes $220 (£145)
Other treatments include: Drunken Lotus Massage, using hot sake-soaked towels to release tired muscles and jojoba, cucumber and essential oils to nourish the skin. (Ideal for jetlag). Fall & Winter, a Himalayan salt scrub to revive the skin followed by a 60 minute almond oil, peppermint and thyme rejuvenating massage.
To eat: Locanda Verde, a bustling local modern Italian Taverna.
Don't miss: A trip to Tribeca Greenmarket, every Wednesday and Saturday morning.
The Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC, Meatpacking District
Towering 14 floors over the trendy Meatpacking District, sleek and vibrant with a décor of floor to ceiling art on a fuchsia and gold backdrop, The Gansevoort is a favourite amongst artists, musicians and movers and shakers of the city. Some 200 stylish rooms and suites lead up to a chic buzzing rooftop pool and bar with 360 degree stunning panoramic sunset views of the city.
The room: Gansevoort Suite, contemporary living room with sofa-bed, pink orchids, local art wall hangings and step out juliet balcony with Meatpacking views. King-size bed with monogrammed pillowcases (you can take these home), marble and steel bathroom with tub and power shower. Cutler products, mini bar and DVD/CD players with home theatre system and free wireless internet.
The spa: The Exhale Mind and Body Spa is housed in the basement of the hotel. A bright and vibrant city spa with facilities including three candle-lit infinity hydro-jet pools, four treatment rooms, manicure/pedicure station, yoga studio and state-of-the art gym.
The treatment: Exhale Flow Massage. The treatment begins with a reflexology foot massage followed by a deep tissue kneading and sweeping body massage to open locked muscles and encourage lymphatic drainage. Clove, sandalwood and jasmine oils are then used to detoxify and boost the immune system. 60 minutes $145 (£95)
Other treatments include: Exhale Facial, a customized facial to deal with specific problems such as sun damage or acne. Acupuncture, cupping and reiki, used as alternative remedies for a wide number of ailments.
To eat: Toy Oyster and Sushi bar. Plunge Rooftop Bar and Lounge for modern European.
Don't miss: The best coffee in town at Kava café, 803 Washington St. Cocktails at Buddakan two blocks from The Gansevoort.
The deal: Three nights in New York with Virgin Holidays + Hip Hotels, including Virgin Atlantic flights, private car transfers and accommodation at The Greenwich on a room only basis starts from £1,275 prices are per person based on two adults travelling and sharing a Court Facing Room, price includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Prices are based on select departures November to 14 December 2012.
Visit www.vhiphotels.co.uk or call and speak to a VHip Travel Guru on 0844 573 2460
Head to Toe package at The Gansevoort Meatpacking. Deluxe or Suite accommodation with breakfast, two drinks at Plunge Rooftop pool bar, 60 minute treatment, one Exhale mind body spa class. From $500 (£325)