NEW YORK, NY (September 9, 2010) - The Chatwal New York , occupying top billing on its theater district block is officially fully open to the public, recreating the iconic glamour and style of 1930’s Gotham. At the location on 44 th Street, known as the “Great White Way,” the Landmark Stanford White-designed building was originally opened as the clubhouse for the famous Lambs, America’s first professional theater club. Meticulously restored and modernized by Master Architect and Designer Thierry Despont, the circa-1905 building is the first member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World in Manhattan’s theater district, as well as the first property in the Virtuoso Preview program portfolio.  www.thechatwalny.com

The Design

The Office of Thierry W Despont, Ltd. has entirely overseen the design of the building, from the front door of the property through each of the 83 guest rooms and suites. This is the first top-to-bottom hotel design in New York for Despont, who is known for high-profile projects like the Jean Paul Getty Museum, the Frick family mansion and the centennial restoration of the Statue of Liberty. Despont embraced the glamour of early 20th Century travel and the tradition of Empire Art Deco to create a uniquely New York sense of place for The Chatwal New York.  He also drew inspiration from the masterful craftsmanship of iconic luxury travel trunk designers of the 20th Century, celebrating travel pieces as finely crafted objet d’art.  Despont has set out to blur the divide between classic and modern, bringing the Landmark address its own new, characteristic identity.

Throughout the property, Despont has made subtle nods to the building’s theatrical and historical origins. A striking floor-to-ceiling 18th-century stone fireplace, originally a gift from Stanford White to the Lambs, acts as centerpiece for the hotel’s restaurant, The Lambs Club (the walls of which are lined with black-and-white photographs of original Lambs). Distinctive elliptical doors, originally part of the Grill Room, have been restored and reinstalled in The Chatwal’s private function room. The façade of the building has been restored to its former glory, complete with original marble ram heads and a marble plaque alluding to the glory days of The Lambs Club.

Signature Suites

Paying homage to the building’s original occupants, actress Drew Barrymore has graciously lent her celebrated family name to The Chatwal’s 4,500-square-foot Penthouse Floor. The Barrymore Suite offers exclusive use of the tenth floor, including four spacious guestrooms, four full bathrooms (one an oversized master with a Jacuzzi bath and raindrop shower), and two sitting rooms, dining rooms, and kitchenettes. Guests also enjoy a huge amount of private outdoor space with the private heated outdoor terrace and 1,000-square-foot roof deck overlooking 44 th Street.

Additionally, a signature landmark suite has been named for the original master designer – The Stanford White Studio. Originally serving as the club library, the entire room has been delicately refurbished and reinstalled, complete with the original oak wood paneled walls and beams, a working granite fireplace with richly detailed wood mantle and a fully furnished private outdoor terrace.

Restaurants & Bars

The Lambs Club Restaurant features inventive cuisine and a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. A first-time collaboration for top culinary and cocktailing virtuosos Geoffrey Zakarian, Margaret Zakarian, David Rabin, Will Regan and Jeffrey Jah, this fine dining restaurant offers an update on the classic bar and grill concept, with an intimate yet lively ambiance and a menu featuring modern treatments on American classics. Signature breakfasts at The Chatwal attract New Yorkers starting their workdays in Midtown as well as guests fueling up for a full Manhattan day. Lunch and dinner items showcase fresh market produce, seasonal ingredients, grilled meats and seafood, and fine salads. Gourmet snacks, refined libations, and afternoon tea are also served throughout the day.

The Lambs Club Bar satisfies the cocktail connoisseur. This popular Midtown New York bar features some of the city’s most experienced barkeeps and a drink menu paying homage to vintage cocktails. Mixologist Sasha Petraske (of Milk and Honey fame) was brought on board to curate the extensive cocktail menu, prepared with the freshest juices, pressed each day on the premises, and served with hand-cut ice. The convivial Midtown Manhattan bar is a perfect meeting spot for friendly conversation, toasting a signed contract, or discussing musical high points after a show.

Spa Chatwal by Kashwére

Spa Chatwal by Kashwére invites guests to experience the best of New York and simultaneously escape the hurry of everyday life.  The Spa features: three treatment rooms; three private changing suites with steam showers; a relaxation lounge with spa aperitifs; Signature infinity lounge featuring a saltwater lap pool programmable to simulate three types of natural water currents and two plunge pools offering hot and cold therapy; a fitness center; and a manicure and pedicure studio.

With a strong emphasis on eco-friendly products, Spa Chatwal by Kashwére offers a lavish, bespoke spa menu with a selection of results-oriented, touch-driven treatments to rejuvenate guests’ senses. The use of color and light throughout the guest journey provides a truly memorable spa experience. Spa treatments are also available for small group celebrations, either in-spa, in-suite or on one of the suite’s private outdoor terraces.

Background

The Chatwal New York is the vision of Mr. Sant Chatwal, entrepreneur and Chairman/CEO of Hampshire Hotels & Resorts. Creating intimate gathering places with the highest attention to detail, The Chatwal truly joins past with future while maintaining a uniquely New York character. The opening of The Chatwal New York also marks the launch of Mr. Chatwal’s new luxury hotel brand, The Chatwal, with plans in the works for additional luxury properties outside London and New Delhi, India.

Originally the home for America’s first theatrical society, ‘The Lambs’, the building was designed in 1904 by Lambs Club member Stanford White, an iconic architect of the period, also responsible for the design of the Villard Houses, The Washington Square Arch and the original Madison Square Garden. Completed in 1905, and then in 1915 enlarged in the same style as the original, The Lambs Club building served as the center of the New York theater and entertainment establishment.  As a work by Stanford White, the New York Landmarks Commission insisted that both the exterior façade and many interior design elements of the Lambs Club be retained in The Chatwal New York, conditions that Mr. Despont has used to great advantage.  Established in 1874, The Lambs Club was the gathering place of those who would make Broadway and Hollywood history.  Legendary member names include George M. Cohan, W.C. Fields, John Barrymore, Milton Berle, Fred Astaire, Irving Berlin and Will Rogers.