The James NoMad hotel - New York, USA

NoMad continues to be the neighbourhood of choice for hotel developers entering New York City. The last year or so has seen the area flourish with opening after opening and the latest to join the fray is the second Big Apple location of The James. 

In a century-old Beaux-Arts building within walking distance of attractions like the Flatiron and Empire State buildings, as well as restaurants like Eleven Madison Park, the 260-room property, upgraded by designer Thomas Juul-Hansen, has been imbued with the welcoming aesthetic of a modern residence. 

As such, the lobby features an eclectic mix of details from the upholstered wall panelings to the stained oak ceiling finish and custom-designed terrazzo floors. Upstairs, the bright rooms are dressed with patterned carpeting, sculptural light fixtures, and bold watercolours by American artist Adrian Coleman. 

One of the of the key pieces though, is actually in the bathroom: The sleek wood-trimmed vanities are all topped with grey sinks that were individually carved out of blocks of marble – some as big as four-feet wide. The full collection of bath and body products (including a skin-softening body scrub) from Melbourne-based outfit Appelles Apothecary will also make you want to luxuriate even longer. At least until dinnertime beckons at Jorge Espinoza’s Scarpetta