If silence is golden, in New York City, the Chatwal is priceless. In a recent stay in a spacious suite—with all the luxury accoutrements you’d expect from a hotel that brands itself as such—you’d never know thousands of people making their way to and from the heart of Times Square were even there. And it sure is nice to imagine solitude, if only for a few hours.
Stepping inside the Chatwal is an instant reminder of the sophistication of Old New York. Pass through the Art Deco lobby and bar (the building was designed in 1905 by prestigious American architect Stanford White) into The Lambs Club, a modern American restaurant from chef Geoffrey Zakarian, formerly of The Country. Originally a hangout for artists like Charlie Chaplin, Spencer Tracy and Fred Astaire, the restaurant now serves up excellent steaks and seafood, and a perfectly balanced gin gimlet.
Upstairs, the luxe mode continues: The room comes with a full-wall closet designed to emulate the trunks of Louis Vuitton, and a personal butler knocks on the door to see if you need anything at the moment. Your stay includes access to a 24-hour center, small but adequate with a small lap pool, and you can book a relaxing appointment at the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa—where you can lounge in your own personal dressing room. You can even book a consultation with a Krigler perfume expert to create your own fragrance or candle. If you’re ready to splurge, the Chatwal is ready to treat you.