The Standard, High Line

The Standard, High Line rises on concrete stilts directly above the High Line in the Meatpacking District, and its glass-and-concrete form has become a landmark of the West Side. The hotel has 338 rooms, and every one has a full wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, with views of Manhattan, the Hudson River or both. Rooms are compact but bright and modern, and the views are the main event, so ask for a higher floor if you can.

There is plenty going on at street level and on the roof. The Standard Grill, indoors and out, blends a traditional steakhouse with New American cooking and is busy from breakfast onwards. The Standard Biergarten, under the High Line, serves German beer and snacks at long communal tables. On the top floor, Le Bain & The Rooftop is a bar and club with sweeping views, open to over-21s from Wednesday to Sunday; hotel guests are not guaranteed admission, but reservations can be made when available. In winter, the seasonal ice rink on the hotel's plaza adds another attraction, and the plaza hosts art installations and events through the year.

Guests have a 24-hour gym with river views, and groups booking ten or more rooms can arrange group rates through the events team. The hotel can be lively, especially on weekend nights, so light sleepers may prefer a room away from the busier lower floors. Rates are upper-middle to high, depending on the view and the season. Remember that the large windows face the city directly, so check how the blinds and curtains work if you are sensitive to early light.

The Standard suits couples, design fans and travellers who want to be in the middle of the Meatpacking District's restaurants, shops and nightlife. The High Line is literally underneath, the Whitney Museum is next door, and Chelsea Market is about ten minutes' walk north. The Hudson River Park waterfront is a block west, which is handy for morning runs.

The hotel is at 848 Washington Street, at West 13th Street. The 14th Street station on the A, C and E lines and 8th Avenue on the L line are about five minutes' walk away. Reservations can be made through the website, by phone or by email.