If you’re lucky enough to be escaping our frequently changeable climes for the rather warmer ones of New York this summer, your first thought will probably be to check in to one of the cities ancient, 5* behemoths. Still, as always, we would recommend something a little more unique and a whole lot more intriguing. Enter Hotel Giraffe – an unusually named, but eminently luxurious proposition that boasts the Park Avenue location of some of its crustier neighbours but without the antiquated design philosophy. Yep, comfortably nestled in NoMad (which, to those uninitiated in the New York custom of amalgamated area names, is the historic area of Madison Square North in Manhattan) and surrounded by countless bars, restaurants and essential tourist go-tos like the Empire State Building and Madison Square Gardens, the Giraffe is a haven of tranquility amid the urban sprawl.

No, really. Inspired by the architecture of the 20s and 30s, everything about the place exudes a laid-back and calming elegance. From the well-considered interiors with their soft, chic furnishings and unobtrusive colour schemes – who needs a hotel that imposes a load of industrial black walls on you? – to the attentive and knowledgeable staff (who show just the right amount of attention), Hotel Giraffe succeeds where many others fail in bringing a super relaxing type of luxury to bear on your holiday. Its undisputed crowning glory though, is its rooftop garden. Decorated with hanging baskets and green foliage, and boasting impressive views of the city, this metropolitan hideaway is a superb place to head for an al fresco cocktail (or five). In fact, it’s so seductively soothing, you’ll be tempted to spend half your vacation up there; try and resist the urge, you’re in New York, after all.

When you’ve stayed in as many top end hotels as we have, it quickly becomes clear that most of them feel that value for money should be of no consideration in the luxury marketplace. Not so Hotel Giraffe, who include, as standard, a whole clutch of amenities that other hotels would either charge extra for or ignore all together. That means not just a daily newspaper and use of The New York Sports Club (situated a few blocks away), should you be inclined towards exercise, but also a complimentary Continental Breakfast – with all the Parisian trimmings – as well as a nightly Wine and Cheese Reception. Who ever said a glass of Merlot and a hunk of Brie every night was bad for you? When (or if…) you do get tired of the cheese, however, head over to Hotel Giraffe’s in house eatery, Bread & Tulips, for some of the best Tagliatelle Nero in the city and wash it all down with an ice cold goblet of Pinot. Wish you were here!