The Moore, New York review: A chic townhouse base near the High Line

In a nutshell: Always wanted to live on one of Chelsea’s smart New York streets, trimmed with redbrick and brownstone townhouses? Your wish is granted at The Moore, which perfects the personal touch in a city of mega-hotels.

The neighbourhood

If you’ve ever wandered New York’s residential Chelsea neighbourhood, you’ve probably wanted to move in to one of its redbrick apartment buildings, or brownstones with their iconic steps and potted plants. Some draped with ivy or wisteria, many occupied by stylish types who come and go with pushbikes or poodles, they sit along elegant, uniform streets where you can blend in with the locals. Midway along one such – West 22nd Street – sits The Moore, a stylish new boutique hotel that opened in November 2021. As well as being in a grid of lovely homey streets, it’s also within a 10-minute walk of the High Line, Manhattan’s beloved city park that runs along a former elevated railway line. The buzz around this urban park has attracted many more treats to the area: tiny galleries hidden in the buildings under the line, great restaurants and shops in the Meatpacking District, and major exhibitions at the Whitney Museum. Don’t miss Little Island, a surreal, futuristic park on a manmade island in the Hudson River.

The vibe

This smart boutique hotel manages to nail both a feeling of quality, style and luxury, and a “no frills” philosophy. It only provides what is needed, when it’s needed. Take the fabulous bar in the lobby – backed by a glossy mirror and shelves of bright Murano glassware, and surrounded by low, Midcentury sofas, potted plants and coffee-table books. It’s not permanently manned, but a member of the small reception team will simply hop behind it as and when you’d like something – strong coffees in the morning, or a glass from its lovingly curated wine selection into the evening. Someone’s always on hand when you need help getting a taxi or suggestions for a nearby restaurant, but you’re not constantly pestered or hemmed in by house rules. The Moore will also delight interiors fans (spaces are designed by NYC-based Vanessa Guilford) with its sultry lighting and expensive materials zhushing up modest-sized spaces.

Bed and bath

Entry-level rooms are small, there’s no denying it. But in a city which is all about getting out on the town – and at such reasonable starting rates – most city-breakers won’t mind….