The Chatwal New York hotel review: Finding tranquillity five minutes from Times Square

Old-school glamour and attentive service come as standard – as does an unbeatable location in midtown Manhattan

(Photography by the Chatwal New York)

In a nutshell: This luxury hotel – nestled down a quiet street barely 10 minutes’ walk from Times Square – oozes old-fashioned glamour yet boasts all the modern touches you could ask for

Price point £££

The neighbourhood

At 130 W 44th Street, the Chatwal seems absurdly ideal for anyone looking to enjoy all that New York has to offer.

Broadway is literally right on your doorstep, and the famous Madison Square Garden, where the Grammys took place this year, is barely a five minute walk. Hop in a cab and you’ll be at Central Park in 10 minutes; another 10 and you’ll arrive at the Metropolitan Museum.

The look

The Chatwal prides itself on its elegance and subtle charm, so expect plenty of leather-bound everything along with plush carpets, marble-clad bathrooms and a gorgeous art deco lobby.

The lobby is the epitome of old-school glamour (The Chatwal New York)

A floor-to-ceiling 18th-century stone fireplace – originally a gift from Stanford White to the Lambs – acts as a stunning centrepiece for the hotel’s restaurant.

The hotel’s meeting rooms also feature elliptical wine cellars to match the existing doors and lacquered wood finish for an old-world glamour feel.

The vibe

Staff are efficient, poised to anticipate your every possible wish, and impressively creative: on learning that we were in town for the Grammys, the desk clerk asked if I’d like a record player set up in my room. Butler service comes as standard, with a turn-down service and a house car which provides complimentary drop-off within a 20-block radius.

Bed and bath

The rooms themselves are a comfortable size, fresh, clean, opulent without being over-stated – and feature huge beds and equally huge, squashy pillows.

Giant beds dominate the rooms (The Chatwal New York)

With a walk-in wardrobe, bedside tables and large writing desk, you’ll have plenty of space for your things too. However there was a little wear-and-tear noticeable in the room – a small nail polish stain on the carpet and a slight rip in the leather-bound door to the closet.

Aside from the bed itself, the bathroom is the standout feature, resplendent with black, glittering marble walls and floors with two huge mirrors and glorious light fixtures; not to mention a walk-in shower bigger than some studio flats in London. The heated toilet seat felt like over-kill but who are we to complain?

Food and drink

The Chatwal’s restaurant, the Lambs Club, continues the old-style Broadway glamour, with red leather booths, low lights and a pleasing layout that allows for some subtle people-watching if you’re dining alone.

A simple plate of Italian burrata melts in the mouth and is given added zest with Soppressata marmalade and thin slices of pickled pepper. Slightly heftier fare came in the form of the Creekstone Farms’ dry-aged filet mignon, served with a rich short rib gratin, maitake mushrooms and bearnaise gastrique.

Bathrooms are fit for a movie star (The Chatwal New York)

Restaurant staff are just as attentive and obliging as those working in the hotel itself. My wonderful waitress makes an enthusiastic recommendation of the pistachio parfait for dessert and it doesn’t disappoint: a gorgeous, veritably artistic plate arrives at my table: feather-light pistachio sponge with the parfait shaped around delicate green tea and lime crumble, and an exquisite scoop of pomegranate ice cream. A sommelier is also on hand to make suggestions from the staggering array of wines on offer.

Pools, spas and public areas

Guests have access to the saltwater lap pool which can simulate three different types of current if you’re looking for a proper workout. There’s also a fitness centre, and guests can book themselves a pampering session at the hotel’s Elizabeth Arden Red Door spa before a night out on the town (or perhaps the morning after).

A lap pool lets guests exercise in style (The Chatwal New York)

Nuts and bolts

Room count: 76

Freebies: chocolates and Voss water to welcome guests in their rooms, complimentary butler service as standard and free bikes to borrow

In the bathroom: Asprey bath amenities

WiFi: included, medium speed

Extra charges: valet parking $65-$75 (£49-£56) per day), breakfast

Minibar: it’s not so much a minibar as an entire kitchen: there’s a great selection of wine, spirits, water, mixers, and sweet and savoury snacks on offer, plus a cocktail shaker, stainless steel ice bucket, and a pack of playing cards

Disability access: disability accessible facilities and wheelchair access

Pet policy: Chatwal’s “Pet Wardrobe Supervisor” can curate a personalised pet closet with a Chatwal-red faux fur pet jacket, booties, bowtie and a neck bandana, so rest assured your faithful companion will be very well taken care of. The hotel can also supply a pet bed, dog treats and food and water bowls

Bottom line

Best thing: enjoying the peaceful luxury of the hotel while knowing the excitement of Manhattan is right on your doorstep

Worst thing: the price is a little steep considering what you get with a standard room, but the location is what you’re paying for

Perfect for: romantic weekends, luxury city getaways and work with perks

Not right for: families, students or under-thirties

Instagram from: the Zen Suite’s private terrace – it has an English country garden feel with a backdrop of NYC skyscrapers

Room rate: from $1,000 for a superior queen, room only

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