Deep within the ever fashionable Gramercy Park Hotel, artist Julian Schnabel and owner Ian Schrager have created a haven for the stylish and upwardly mobile, as well as a landing spot for the occasional celeb. Although there’s less of the latter than there used to be, they’re still just as strict with the door policy. Dress the part, know someone who knows someone, and make a reservation for safekeeping.

Once you’re inside, you will be engulfed by the seriously grandiose room. Plush velvet couches, a massive red pool table, huge fireplaces and a museum’s worth of original artwork from Warhol, Basquiat, Harring, Prince, and Hirst. This is the place to impress.

Ogle on the sly, and then relax, because despite the swank it’s cosy here with low lights and lots of candles. The drinks cost a pretty penny and then some, so your best bet is to find a way to expense it or at least don’t start crying when you realize that you’ve just spend 19 bucks on a Martini. The bartenders here are almost worth the price tag. Almost. If you catch them on a quieter night, they will gladly bend your ear for as long as you let them.