Check It Out:5 Hotels for NYC Shopping Sprees

“Milan and Paris might be the world’s high-fashion capitals, but for those of us with more down-to-earth tastes and modest budgets there’s nowhere like New York. No other city has quite the same range; from top-end designer boutiques to street style to second-hand bargains, it’s all here. The trick is to work out which neighbourhood suits your style and pick a hotel there. That way you can schlep your purchases back to your room with ease. To help you out, we’ve highlighted some hotels in each of NYC’s pre-eminent shopping areas.

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Garment District: Refinery Hotel
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The Garment District (also called the Fashion District) was once the beating heart of the American textile industry. These days, not much garment-making happens here (or anywhere in Manhattan), but the neighbourhood’s fashion focus hasn’t left. Refinery Hotel, located at 38th and 6th, inhabits a Neo-Gothic tower that was once a hat factory. Its interior maintains that industrial-chic feel common in gentrified New York, with more than a few nods to the Prohibition era. But, beyond its trendy atmosphere, The Refinery is also near NYC’s flagship department stores, most of which centre around Macy’s on 34th Street.

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Fifth Avenue: The Peninsula New York
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The Peninsula New York is everything you’d expect from a five-star 5th Avenue hotel: swish superbly located. It’s a good bet if you really want to push the boat out. Armani, Fendi, Prada et al are just steps from the hotel’s door, and Saks Fifth Avenue is just five minutes’ walk away. What’s more, the green spaces of Central Park are in strolling distance too – perfect for picnic lunches in summer or ice-skating in winter.

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West Village: The Jane Hotel
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For designer boutiques and swanky vintage outfitters, head to the West Village and its Meatpacking District. Here the Jane Hotel also gives you a good feel for the neighbourhood’s charms. Built in 1908 as a sailors’ lodging house, its rooms retain a cabin-like feel: somewhat spartan, but all the cosier for it. In 2008, the entire hotel was refurbished, and the Jane Ballroom became one of the more exclusive Village nightlife haunts – guaranteed entry is another perk of staying here. The Jane is also near the main shopping drags here, such as Bleecker Street. The Highline, a popular public park along a disused stretch of elevated railroad track, is also nearby.

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SoHo: The Broome NYC
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New York’s SoHo isn’t just a nod to London’s neighbourhood – it means ‘south of Houston Street.’ (Note: New Yorkers pronounce it how-stun for reasons unknown, and that’s how you should say it unless you want directions to Texas.) This part of Manhattan earned its cool reputation during the 1970s, when poor artists started to rent out its abandoned lofts and commercial spaces. Nowadays, SoHo is probably the best neighbourhood for visitors with a varied shopping diet – there are big names such as Levi’s, Ralph Lauren, and Burberry, but also plenty of trendy independent boutiques. The Broome is just off Broadway, where you’ll find most of the big-brand stores, as well as a branch of the legendary department store Bloomingdale’s.

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Williamsburg, Brooklyn: The McCarren Hotel
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Williamsburg in Brooklyn has emerged as the choice haven among the city’s bohemian set in recent decades, so it’s the place to explore NYC’s hipster side. Be sure to check out Artists & Fleas, a weekend-only indoor market where you can hunt for vintage clothing, ironic knickknacks and quirky antiques – this neighbourhood’s bread and butter. It’s just a few blocks from the McCarren Hotel & Pool, a glossy and modern-looking spot with a huge pool. From its rooftop bar you get a stunning view of Manhattan over the river – especially at night.”