THE FACTS ABOUT THE MARITIME

USA New_York

The Maritime Hotel is New York's hippest four-star boutique hotel, thanks largely to the reputation and creative energy of its owners, nightlife impresarios Eric Goode and Sean MacPherson. Located on 9th Avenue on the edge of the Meatpacking District, this square, white, ceramic-faced building with porthole windows was completed in 1966 by Albert Ledner. It has served as the headquarters for a seamans' union, a centre for troubled youths, and a base for the Chinese government. Since Goode and MacPherson transformed it into a hotel, stylish locals and international jetsetters have flocked here - for the weekend, for fashionable events and for the two restaurants: Matsuri, a cult favourite Japanese, and La Bottega, a fun, chic Italian bistro. Public spaces are expansive, glamorous, even a bit Hollywood. Ten thousand square feet, including the huge central courtyard with its magnolia trees, is devoted to a lush and whimsical garden, the largest of its kind in Manhattan. The 'cabins', however, are all quite small (except for the four top-floor suites) and identical in style. But, says MacPherson, 'like ships they are designed to have an efficient use of space.' All are panelled in walnut and have butterfly-patterned headboards, flatscreen televisions and west-facing views from the large round windows. But few people watch the river at the Maritime: the interesting fish are all in the lobby. WHEN TO GO In May, when the magnolia trees are in blossom. ROOM TO BOOK One of the top-floor suites. CONTACT The Maritime Hotel, 363 West 16th Street, New York, USA (00 1 212 242 4300; fax: 242 1188; www.themaritimehotel.com). Doubles from $212; suites from $407