Mr & Mrs Smith

Great hotel right in the middle of everything. Didn't realise that the hotel had a reputation for voyeurism, so be careful what you do with the curtains open. Downside: trendy bars on the top are difficult to get into in the evening, even if you're staying in the hotel, we failed miserably, but the bar downstairs is great and cheesecake is awesome. There’s even a cheeky German beer garden round the back. You're also only a couple of blocks away from the Spotted Pig, which does an amazing Brunch.

I would recommend Abe and Arthurs for dinner, it is just around the corner from the hotel and a club called the Box. It was amazing.

A truly FANTASTIC hotel – as good as the hype for once. We stayed in one of the smaller queen rooms, albeit higher up and facing the Hudson – highly recommended. Small but perfectly formed and felt much larger due to brilliant design – stylish AND functional, with an entire wall for a window. Comfy bed, lovely shower, separate loo cubicle (much appreciated in such close quarters). The rest of the hotel is as good if not better. Super design, very well maintained, always buzzing with beautiful people (more Hollywood than NY), with excellent food and drink throughout. The Top of the Standard Bar is an absolute must: massive panoramic, insanely glamorous in a 1920s-on-acid style, with the best cocktails in town and that's saying something as this town is New York. One down side: our room on the 14th-floor suffered from clearly audible club music every day until the early hours. Unless you are happy with ear plugs or fancy staying at said club 'til closing time, make sure you ask for a room as far away from it as possible. So, now the area: well, the critics say the Meatpacking district has gone downhill with all the glitz and glamour but we loved it. Very beautiful old structures, amazingly restored with first and foremost the awesome Highline Park by Diller Scofidio – a lesson in landscape architecture and a must for a lovely walk offering a unique view of New York. Also fantastic places to eat and drink – some rather overpriced and overhyped but all good fun. Our favourites: Japanese fusion Morimoto, with both food and design of exceptional standard, and the Standard's own Standard Grill – gorgeous brunches and Top of The Standard, the truly awesome cocktail bar for sundowners. We will be back.

It's hard not to find a great looking restaurant or bar near the hotel. The Standard Grill offers up the most amazing burgers and the hanger steak salad was delicious. Chelsea Market is definitely a must do, but be sure to go there hungry! There are so many options to snack on that you will regret arriving on a full stomach. If you are a fan of sushi go to The Lobster Place; if you want somewhere a little more romantic the Spice Market has great ambience, and the fusion food was quirky. It's definitely worth walking along the Highline – it's best on early mornings before the tourists (or more of us!) invade. It's a very tranquil and calm place to people-watch and admire the views.

For superb burgers – and for $6! – find the Corner Bistro, 10 minutes' walk from the hotel (the concierge knows it). No frills, but wonderful burgers, and some good local beer to wash it down!