NEW YORK -- Since the mid-1990s, the term "boutique" has become synonymous with a hotel style so cool it hurts. Particularly in the intensely fashion-conscious milieu that is New York, hard lines, two-tone colour schemes and lots of attitude have become the hallmarks of so many properties.

Perhaps this is why the Chambers Hotel shuns the term in favour of "design hotel." Rather than the haughty aloofness of some boutique hotel staff, the Hugo Boss-clad personnel at the Chambers greets arrivals with smiles as warm and inviting as the four-sided fireplace that is the focal point of the lobby. A glance cast about the reception area reveals a space designed as much with comfort as fashion in mind, with massive, two-storey-tall windows, inviting sofas and chairs and a palette that is soft rather than stark.

Make no mistake, though, the Chambers is unapologetically hip and does occasionally stray into cooler-than-thou territory. The official name, for example, is "Chambers -- A Hotel," and staff are only too happy to tell you that the entire place is designed by architect-du-jour David Rockwell. But never does the hipness obscure the service and hospitality that one should be (but often isn't) able to expect in pricey Manhattan lodgings.

Ambiance

The location may be Midtown, but the feel of the Chambers is decidedly more Soho or Tribeca than it is theatre district. Behind the massive wooden front doors, so heavy that just opening them could be considered weight training, the look is industrial chic, with tall ceilings and exposed concrete lending the impression of a tall, skinny warehouse decked out in the latest urban décor.

Clientele

Definitely a fashionable crowd. The theatre tour groups do not stay here, although the star of the show might take over one of the five suites during an extended run.

Service

Service is friendly and courteous, without any hint of pretense. A call to the front desk informing them of a problem with the dataport produced a technician almost immediately, and all subsequent requests were answered as promptly.

Rooms

Where the individuality of most hotel rooms begins when you open the door, the Chambers' 77 rooms announce their personalities the minute the elevator doors slide open. Each of the 12 floors features a unique hallway art installation crafted by a different artist, from the rich pastoral scenes of John Newsom to the abstract gold-on-blue wallpaper of Jane Masters. Even the John Waters floor wasn't nearly as strange as it might sound.

The gallery theme continues in the rooms, each one decorated with a selection from the hotel's collection of 500 original works of contemporary art. The soothing colours of the lobby translate to the rooms in the form of deep lavender and gentle grey linens, rich natural woods, maple flooring, cream-coloured area rugs and careful lighting. In one corner, a pair of sawhorses supports a glass desk with high-speed Internet access, and on the wall hangs a plasma-screen television with attached DVD player. A wide selection of CDs and DVDs, ranging from Carmen to the Sex Pistols and Breakfast at Tiffany's to A Bug's Life,are available from the front desk.

Bathrooms have massive tubs, shower stalls with rain-style shower heads from Germany -- so favoured by guests that several have ordered their own after staying at the hotel -- and poured concrete floors.

Lighting is plentiful and ingeniously arranged, although finding the sliding dimmer switches that control the main lights can be a challenge.

Food and drink

The building that houses the Chambers is a narrow one, leaving little room for multiple bars or a grand-scale restaurant. The lounge portion of its Town restaurant spills into the lobby and, when the action really heats up, up to the mezzanine, attracting both after-work and late-night crowds. A staircase winds down to the basement for the restaurant proper.

As much as a basement restaurant may conjure unappetizing images of subterranean caverns, the Rockwell design of Town has kept things airy and open. Back-lit panels of faux wood, a soaring ceiling bordered in skylights and cascading chains of Austrian crystal beads all contribute to the effect of a spacious room bedecked in flowing jewels.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and 24-hour room service are served from Town's kitchen, with à la carte service offered in the morning, prix fixe at night and a choice of either at noon. The chef, Geoffrey Zakarian, formerly of Patroon and of 44 in the Royalton Hotel, demonstrates a lean, graceful approach to dining. His menu of mostly conventional fare is given new vigour through subtle, though unconventional, touches: mussels are steamed with kaffir lime leaf; lamb shank paired with fruit spaetzle; and roasted quail is served with foie gras fritters.

Things to do

Since you're staying in Midtown Manhattan, there is no end of possibilities for daytime or nighttime diversions. Shoppers, however, may want to take advantage of the local businesses on speed dial from every room, including clothier Henri Bendel, GARREN salon and Mario Badescu spa services. For personal growth to go, stay in your room and order up a yoga instructor, makeup artist or therapist.

Information

Chambers -- A Hotel, 15 West 56th St., New York, N.Y. 10019; phone: (212) 974-5656; fax: (212) 974-5657; or visit the hotel's Web site at http://www.chambershotel.com. Rooms start at $350 (U.S.) a night.