Hotel Review: Refinery Hotel, New York

Although the Garment District (aka the Fashion District), where the hotel is located, is not the most swish or beautiful of neighbourhoods, it's certainly near lots of sights and attractions such as the Empire State Building, Macy's, the theatre district and Grand Central Station. It is just a couple of blocks south of Bryant Park.

By plane: flights from London, Manchester or Edinburgh to New York take 7 hours. A taxi will take 45 minutes from JFK airport. Parking costs $72 per day. Book flights to New York.

Once a hat factory, the hotel's past echoes all around this Neo-Gothic building dating back to 1912. Retro and modern chic, industrial touches and traditional architectural features blend seamlessly with modern furnishings and contemporary artworks.

The hotel has some great spots for socialising. The Refinery Rooftop Bar is especially popular, but there's also a lobby-level restaurant and a jazz bar. There are pop-up boutique shops at The Hatbox, a gallery space that's a nod to the hotel's history as a former hat factory and Prohibition-era tea room. There's a fitness centre, with a personal trainer available, a concierge, laundry and dry cleaning services.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Fitness centre
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms and suites tend to be quite minimalist and have a loft-like feel. Touches include brass lamps, homely rugs and antique-style desks. Beds are comfy and bathrooms have glass walk-in showers or bath/shower combinations and classy white subway tiles.

Room types: Studio Queen/King, Studio Double Queen, Deluxe Double Queen, Atelier

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, docking station, TV, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi

Parker & Quinn has a 1920s feel and offers a New American menu (salads, seafood, steaks etc). Winnie's Jazz Bar is a characterful spot for a drink and the Refinery Rooftop Bar is one of the city's very best - a reservation is definitely advised.

Refinery Rooftop Bar: all-day dining, open daily from 11:30am.

Parker & Quinn: open Mon-Fri for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sat-Sun for brunch and dinner.

Winnie's Jazz Bar: bar-lounge, live music. Open Tue-Sat from 5pm.