The lighting generally in the public areas is more successful than the bedrooms. The variation of light makes large spaces more interesting, and some simple devices have been used that work well to create visual excitement and warmth. An example of this is the use of ribbed coloured glass panels as a bar back fitting. Extending the variation in colour from the bottles on the shelves this has the effect of extending the back upwards, arching over and creating a strong visual focus, the warmth of which contrasts well with the cool image to the main entrance and Reception area. The positioning of the bar inside a main doorway in from the corner of Union Square and at the perimeter of the Restaurant helps to create the busy ‘trattoria’ feel that characterises many successful restaurants. I have been in few hotels bars that are as busy as this one is at the end of every working day.

The use of ceiling lights in the lounge is interesting too, with the lamps almost helping to create the feeling that this area is a stage on which poseurs strut to be seen by passing New Yorkers. With large comfortable sofas, a love seat, plentiful books and games it certainly creates a restful meeting zone as well as providing the evening theatre.

Indoor planting, again used to link to Union Square outside, is also used in the lounge – less successfully here, where the challenge to keep it light and decorative, to surprise, is maintained less successfully where the predictable creeps in with the use of bulbs in containers. Individual flower arrangements generally are of a high order, making this area by contrast slightly dusty in appearance.