By Shari Hartford

Sometimes you find an oasis in the middle of a desert. In this case, the desert is Times Square. Sure there are colorful bright lights and Broadway show marquees, but there are also the hawkers, the crowds, the noise and, lately, the nefarious folk dressed in cartoon character costumes just looking to shake you down for a buck a photo. Ugh! Sound inviting?

Escape it all at The Edition, Ian Schrager’s latest masterpiece that rises above the riff-raff. After you enter the street level doors, you are swept upstairs to the large 10th-floor lobby where greenery, living walls, terraces, and a fireplace meld together to form a cozy ambiance. (You will now have also encountered some of the most professional, knowledgeable and friendliest hotel employees in the city.) There are several seating areas on this floor, some well-lit, some dark and atmospheric. A multitude of candles, objects d’arte, sensuous fabrics, and fur hides are the perfect anecdote to what’s happening down below. The lobby bar, which also serves small bites, has a wraparound terrace which, in nice weather, is a treat for letting the outside in. Grab a seat, have a cocktail and watch the parade of sophisticated travelers and business people meandering about.

There are 425 accommodations at The Edition – all being either suites or king rooms. My home-for-the-night was a white and light wood beauty with crisp linens, wonderful lighting, a comfy white leather chair with ottoman and a faux fur throw at the foot of the bed for added drama. Add floor to ceiling windows overlooking Times Square and you have a recipe for a delicious stay.

One of the highlights of The Edition is the food, and the choices abound. Michelin-starred chef, John Fraser, has created 701 West, a sophisticated fine dining restaurant with a gorgeous outdoor space (again) where you can dine above the fray. There are also nooks and crannies throughout the hotel serving nibbles, breakfast, late night foie gras and everything in between.

Not quite ready to call it a night? The Paradise Club is an entertainment space that’s a take on a modern cabaret. With artful lighting, hand-painted murals, intricate costumes, the performances are part theater and part art. Come to be dazzled and to enjoy the eclectic and innovative menu.

I finally did drift off to sleep. While dark shades are available to block out the lights of Times Square, I found the lights somewhat comforting. And, I was thrilled to find that there was a small window in the room that opened just a couple of inches. This New Yorker needs to hear the city noise.

For more information, see editionhotels.com/times-square.

Shari Hartford is the former managing editor for Diversion magazine, where she wrote about travel in the northeast and cruising. She is currently a freelance writer and editor based in her hometown of New York City.