Mr & Mrs Smith

The Mercer’s SoHo location means that you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to eating. La Esquina (114 Kenmare Street; +1 646 613 7100) is a favourite of grungy-glam New Yorkers in the know; they come here for perfectly executed Mexican food in a restored 1950s diner car. The always packed Raoul's (180 Prince Street; +1 212 966 3518) is a small, authentic French brasserie. Ask for one of the cosy lamp-lit banquettes for romantic dining à deux and a just a little extra space, or head into the beautiful enclosed garden at the back. Café Gitane (242 Mott Street; +1 212 334 9552) offers great French-Moroccan food in a simple café space; its outdoor tables are ideal for people-watching. Almost like a rickety old dining cart, Café Habana (17 Prince Street; +1 212 625 2001) serves excellent Latin American and Mexican cuisine – the corn on the cob is out of this world and it makes one hell of a spicy Bloody Mary. Savour burgers stacked with truffles and topped with giant onion rings, charcuterie and tuna tartar paired with excellent wines at Burger & Barrel (+1 212 334 7320). Sip fine wines and dine on succulent fruits de mer, mushroom-topped hanger steak and crispy fried chicken into the wee hours at Blue Ribbon at 97 Sullivan Street (+1 212 274 0404).

There’s no spa at the Mercer (though the hotel will happily organise treatments for you), but save time and effort by simply crossing the street and going to boutique spa Haven (150 Mercer Street; +1 212 343 3515), directly opposite the hotel. It will take care of all your beauty needs – ask for Yasmin if it’s waxing you’re after, and we recommend Gabby for a flawless manicure and pedicure. Liberty Helicopters on West 30th Street and 12th Avenue (+1 212 967 6464) will whisk you around the Manhattan skyline and out to the Statue of Liberty. It also offers airport transfers.