ELTIPS AV R T

NEW York has its Mean Streets – dirty, dangerous... and downright smelly.

But on West 28th street, between 6th and 7th Avenue, the Flower District transforms the concrete jungle into somewhere tropical, leafy and fragrant.

My partner and I wandered around pavements filled with freshly watered ferns and palm trees, nosing inside shops at orchids and orange trees one hot mid-morning.

The market, which dates back to the late-19th century, supplies New York’s luxury hotels.

Many shops have closed, affected by the rising prices of land and the economy, and only 20 or so remain. But the area’s uniqueness attracts some special venues.

The most fitting is the Moxy Chelsea Hotel, which opened in April. The third of the Marriott’s boutique brand joins sister hotels in Times Square and Downtown Manhattan.

In the lobby, you’ll find the first flower shop opened by Putnam and Putnam, the floral design company responsible for Gwyneth Paltrow and Brad Falchuk’s wedding.

Red, orange and purple flowers cascade down from planters above while below a floral rug leads you inside where young staff in khaki jackets sped through checkin and welcomed us with a free drink token each.

Up on the second floor, Bar Feroce is a homely space, with a

20ft sofa and large wooden table.

We sidestepped the glow of multiple Macbook

Pros to enjoy our free glass of prosecco, seated on burgundy leather chairs in a gorgeous three-story conservatory running the hotel’s width.

And it all overlooks the Flower Market below, referenced with a 20ft high living wall. After stepping out for a walk around Chelsea, home to the High Line park built on the old 1930s New York Central

Go to Serendipity 3, for ‘Frrrozen Hot

Chocolate’ and towering ice cream sundaes, loved by Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian. 225 East 60th Street; serendipity3.com

Central Park is as enchanting in full bloom as it is covered in snow – it’s a slice of authentic New York life.

The High Line takes you on a free, high-rise tour 30ft above the city, through some of its most innovative architecture with art, seating, plants and

cafes.