Urban adventure and dare-devil design meet dramatically in the Hudson Hotel. A brightly lit escalator sweeps guests up to a 40-foot high lobby with an ivy-covered glass roof and glossy Brazilian cherry wood floors.

The 24-storey hotel has 806 innovative guestrooms that are generally snug and reminiscent of a cabin aboard a private yacht. All are panelled and floored in rich cherry wood. Platform beds are fitted with white headboards and all-white bedding. Sheer white curtains dress the windows and the lamps have hand-painted shades.

Facilities include an unique restaurant, a lively bar, a library/game room and two al fresco gathering places. Trees in enormous vases line two sides of the densely planted terrace off the lobby and the 15th floor Sky Terrace attracts sun-worshippers with its teak chaises longue and views of the skyline and Hudson River.