The luxury Chatwal Hotel New York in the middle of the theatre district is even better during the holiday season and especially for those that love theatre.  Broadway has never been busier and this is prime time when everyone seems to be attending  and getting ready for the big yearly New Years Eve party around the corner in Times Square. You’ll be especially pleased, when on a cold windy day or night, you only have steps to walk to The Chatwal which looks even more festive in its holiday decorations.  I met up with General Manger, Joel Freyberg, and he gave me a tour of the hotel, not my first but it’s great to go back for a  refresher.

I especially love the cocktail lounge on the 2^nd floor which overlooks the first floor main lobby. The lights over the bar are miniature art deco replicas of the Empire State Building. Cocktail time here is as exciting as some of the shows right out the main entrance. Pre theatre attendees and business folk all together in what you can only describe as a definitive New York moment.  Joel confided in me, with a big smile, that this was his favorite time of the day.

The Chatwal has a history dating back to 1905. Then it was the Lambs Club, America’s first professional theatre club which was named after Charles Lamb, a London drama critic.  Members were Broadway’s royalty and included the famed Barrymore’s, Drew’s relatives. From the outside and even when you first enter it’s hard to imagine how much The Chatwal offers.  There is a full spa, health club and even an indoor swimming pool, not so common in New York. The luxury rooms are all large with marble baths offering separate showers and tubs.  Once you enter any of them, which are soundproofed from the hustle and bustle of New York’s sounds, you’ll feel especially cozy.

The restaurant, appropriately named the Lambs Club always feels festive as the dominant color is red.  Another reason the restaurant feels so special is the oversized 18^th century French working fireplace.  Acclaimed chef Geoffrey Zakarian offers superb seasonal menus including a Sunday Brunch where live jazz is played.  All of this amazing ambiance, great food and wonderful people watching is guaranteed to make a stay at The Chatwal a New York experience that you’ll always remember.