Only a priviledged few will be able to share this secret. The big set piece is the famous vertical garden, a six storeyed facade in the courtyard carpeted in South Asian jungle foliage and its founder Mr Patrick Blancs.

Each room is slightly different, yet all are deployed in Putman's discreetly sybaritic style. In white-on-white rooms, laquered-invory bed frames mix with airy white print gauze curtains. White full-length vanity mirrors are concealed in oak armoires.

Sliding doors separate the footed bathtub from the bedrooms which come fitted with flat screen Bang & Olufsen TV sets and integrated DVD. At the Pershing Hall the mini bar is complimentary in all the rooms, all rooms have heating and air-conditioning facilities and a 24 hours room service.