On our last night in New York, we stayed at Hotel Chandler, a Midtown Manhattan boutique hotel that you cannot help being charmed by.
A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Hotel Chandler has a warm, homely atmosphere and the design is contemporary and timeless, with a few quirky touches to discover.
Location
The hotel’s Flatiron location is conveniently close to Madison Square Park, designer stores on 5th Avenue and foodie spots such as EATALY, Eleven Madison Park and Shake Shack. Midtown may have a reputation as a touristy area to stay in, however, the NoMad neighbourhood (north of Madison Square Park) is very up-and-coming, with high end restaurants and stores moving in.
Arrival
Unlike some boutique hotels, the expansive lobby is somewhere that you actually want to spend some time. There are some interesting design touches such 18th century clock hands on the wall, knotted armchairs, surprisingly comfy stools made from wooden sticks and a locally-made mangrove tree lamp.
Freshly-brewed coffee and a selection of black and herbal teas are offered complimentary to guests in handy cardboard cups to take out or enjoy in the lobby. The Library Room is another cosy, welcoming space where guests can relaxing in front of the open fire while watching the big screen or reading a newspaper.
Next to the original 1905 staircase, the hotel also has a public iMac and printer, plus a thoughtful airport departures board, providing the latest news on flights.
The Suite
Our Executive Suite was comfortable and spacious with an open-plan bedroom and living area and plenty of natural light. The interiors are a neutral mix of chocolate brown, bronze, biscuit and shimmering grey with highlights of royal and powder blues.
The king-size bed was heavenly, covered in crisp Frette linen, plus the sofa in the living area converts into a queen-sized bed for extra guests. I particularly liked the Japanese-style screen that divides the two living spaces.
The suite includes two LCD HDTVs, a comfy seating area with armchairs, large coffee table, over-sized work desk with ergonomic chair, mini bar, plenty of hanging space and an ironing board with iron. There is also free wifi and a copy of the latest Time Out New York, so you can plan your day easily.
There are also some thoughtful touches such as complimentary overnight shoe shine, branded umbrellas, embroidered Frette bathrobe and slippers and turndown service with Le Belge chocolates on the desk. The views from the windows aren’t terribly exciting, however the room is surprisingly quiet, particularly at night.
The Bathroom
The petite bathroom has a slick, urban feel with white ceramic brick-effect tiles and navy mosaics. It features a rainfall shower over a low bath, plush Frette towels and a full set of Molton Brown bathroom amenities.
Breakfast
Following a great night’s sleep, we were brought a tasty breakfast tray of pastries, muffins and fresh fruit salad, served with a pot of English Breakfast tea and orange juice. There is a well-equipped fitness centre on the first floor to work off the pastries, if a day of strolling around the city isn’t quite enough.
The hotel currently offers in-room dining and the Hotel Chandler Bar is open for a cocktail or night cap. This autumn, Hotel Chandler’s dining options will be complete with the opening of Restaurant Juni, overseen by Executive Chef Shaun Hergatt.
Hotel Chandler is a great place to stay in New York for that ‘home away from home’ feeling. The location is particularly well-suited to first-time visitors in New York, and the warm, friendly atmosphere will leave a lasting impression, long after you’ve left the city.
Superior Queen Rooms at Hotel Chandler start from $209 (approx. £135), per room per night.
Chérie City was a guest of Hotel Chandler
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