The Mercer

Mr & Mrs Smith have just returned from a trip to this New York boutique hotel, and just as soon as they’ve unpacked their Phi slip dresses and Christos Dovas handbags, a full account of their stay in the US will be with you. In the meantime, just to whet your wanderlust, here’s a quick postcard from the Mercer…

A short stay in this fashion-friendly boutique hotel, sister of the legendary Chateau Marmont in Hollywood, can so easily translate into a long sojourn. Some people have been here years, turning the suite into which they once wheeled their Louis Vuitton suitcase into their home. It’s hardly surprising – given an unlimited budget, you’d no doubt do the same. Huge, airy rooms are saturated with natural light and clean, open spaces, and come with wardrobes large enough to accommodate entire families. Communal areas are filled with an easy, laid-back atmosphere that’s more in line with cosy domesticity than edgy city scene, and Christian Liaigre’s colour scheme – neutral tones of ivory white and mushroom brown permeated with splashes of citrus – manages to both soothe and caress the eye while staying at the forefront of design.