The Whitby Hotel, New York, USA

This is a great central location; you'll find the Rockefeller Center, shops like Tiffany's and restaurants such as Nobu all nearby. It's also not far to the theatre district.

Located in Upper Midtown Manhattan, The Whitby has a great address and is near several subway lines.

By plane: London, Manchester or Edinburgh to New York take 7 hours, after which, a taxi takes a one hour. Parking costs $85 per day. Book flights to New York.

British designer Kit Kemp and her husband Tim, founders of the Firmdale Hotel Group, have kitted out this vibrant, colourful hotel. As soon as you enter the lobby, you're surrounded by brightly-coloured artworks and wild sofas with splashes of colour. The bar/restaurant is equally as lively, with soft jazz playing in the background.

Facilities include a 130-seat cinema, restaurant, bar, gym and 24-hour room service. A reading room houses over 2,500 books so is a great place to curl up. Ask at reception for a guide detailing all the impressive artworks in the hotel. Daily leaflets are left in guest rooms, suggesting local attractions and exhibitions.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Gym
• Family-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

The 86 rooms and suites are all individually designed and spacious (by New York standards). Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and a mixture of contemporary and vintage furniture, with colourful fabrics. Marble showers and retro sinks can be found in bathrooms. Some suites have terraces.

Room types: Superior, Luxury, Deluxe, Junior Suite, Suite, Terrace Suite, Clementine Suite, Whitby Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, desk, TV, mini-bar, free Wi-Fi

The Whitby Bar & Restaurant provides a visual and gastronomic feast - it's a great spot to eat, drink and socialise. The bar leads to a light-flooded orangery and outdoor terrace. The bar serves a selection of light bites as well as a range of great cocktails. The cauliflower, potato and leek soup with sumac and oregano oil was simple but tasty.

The Whitby Bar & Restaurant: orangery restaurant and terrace. Dishes include pan roasted halibut and short rib. All-day dining, open daily. Afternoon tea served daily, from $65.