Hotel Review: The Sherry-Netherland, New York

The neighbourhood here is smart rather than lively, and having Central Park over the road is a great asset. There's upmarket shopping on Madison and Fifth Avenues, and a choice of subway stations; the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), the Frick Collection and other sights are under ten minutes' walk away.

By plane: flights from London, Manchester or Edinburgh to New York take 7 hours. A taxi will take 40 minutes from JFK airport. Parking costs $85 per day. Book flights to New York.

Entering the arched, marble lobby modelled on the Vatican Library, and you are surrounded by classical elegant décor, topped by a magnificent 1920s frescoed ceiling that had been hidden behind plaster for four decades until its restoration in 2013. The traditional style continues throughout the hotel.

The hotel has a gym that while small, has up-to-date equipment. There's a business centre, barber and hair salon, which also offers manicures and pedicures.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Fitness centre
• Salon
• On-site parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms and suites vary in style, but all have traditional décor with pretty high ceilings, decorative mouldings, non-working fireplaces, elegant sofas and king-sized beds. They either boast impressive views of Fifth Avenue and Central Park or the interior courtyard. Marble bathrooms are traditional too.

Room types: Interior, City View, Park View, Interior Suite, City View Suite, Park View Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, daily newspaper and fresh flowers, free water and sodas, Louis Sherry chocolates, free Wi-Fi

The hotel's swish, old-style restaurant, the Harry Cipriani, is modelled after the original Harry's Bar in Venice. Complete with white-jacketed and bow-tied waiters, it is a New York place to see and be seen. The menu serves Italian classics, often dishes seen at the Venice original, and breakfast is served here too.

Harry Cipriani: restaurant and bar, Venetian cuisine and signature cocktails. Dishes include Veal Milanese, Filet Mignon alla Rossini and grilled Branzino. All-day dining, open daily.