11.29.2010

two new luxury hotels in New York

guestroom at The Chatwal, New York

I had the opportunity to visit two New York Virtuoso hotels over the Thanksgiving holiday. Here's a brief description of these newly renovated luxury properties.

The Chatwal — Planning a visit to New York to see some Broadway shows? The Chatwal is a great hotel in the heart of the theater district, located on W. 44th Street, half a block from Times Square.

The contemporary art deco design of the hotel creates a warm and vibrant entrance, while the guest rooms are cool and elegant with unique decorating motifs with everything you'd want for a comfortable stay and a good night's sleep: 400-thread count Frette bed linens and sound deadening suede wall coverings. Bathrooms offer double vanities, soaking tub, separate walk-in rain showers, and separate water closet (not to mention TV's in the mirror). The hotel's spa and fitness facility provides a small, salt water lap pool (with a current to swim against) and two jacuzzis (one with hot and one with cold water).

Virtuoso guests enjoy an upgrade on arrival subject to availability, a complimentary continental breakfast for two daily, and a $100 Spa credit.



The Mark — This Virtuoso property was closed for an extensive three-year renovation during which the 1927 building was gutted to create larger guest rooms and install modern heating and plumbing systems. Located on the Upper East Side (E. 77th Street at Madison Avenue), the hotel is located in a residential neighborhood away from the bustle of midtown. The Mark is convenient to the Metropolitan Museum (3 blocks), the Whitney Museum (2 blocks), and the 77th Street subway station (2 blocks).

With a contemporary style created by French designer Jacques Grange, the lobby features black and white striped marble floors with very contemporary furnishings, and the very trendy bar pulses with energy. If you're looking for an elegant yet lively nightspot, consider the Mark.

But once you leave the lobby, the subdued guest floors create a restful environment for a good night's sleep. Rooms combine traditional, elegant crown moldings and door trim with contemporary furnishings. Bathrooms offer what every five-star hotel should have: double vanities, deep soaking tub, walk-in shower, and TV in the mirror. (OK, I really don't understand the TV-in-the-mirror thing, but the best new hotels all provide them!) Lead-in Courtyard rooms are more than 400 square feet and overlook the very attractive backyards of several townhouses on 78th Street (and, in particular, a beautiful maple tree whose autumn colors were quite striking). The fitness facility is large and very well equipped.

Virtuoso guests receive the added value of an upgrade on arrival subject to availability, complimentary daily Continental breakfast for two, and a $100 F&B credit.




New York Virtuoso hotels (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2010 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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