Sleep in a Former Broadway Theater at The Chatwal Hotel

The Chatwal New York is a luxury boutique hotel conveniently located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, around the corner from Times Square. If you are planning to go to a Broadway show during a New York City trip, there is not a more ideal location — in fact, the hotel itself was a Broadway theater club in a former life.

Family-Friendly Review of The Chatwal Hotel

The Chatwal’s grand lobby is designed to create a soothing environment just steps away from the frenzy outside. The staff is gracious, warm and friendly. Every time we entered, the front desk would ask how our dinner was or what we did that day, and it showed that they genuinely cared. This is what made our stay most memorable.

Accommodations

With less than 80 rooms, the hotel feels intimate and cozy. We had connecting Deluxe Rooms that were very comfortable and well appointed. After a day of walking around the city on an exceptionally cold winter weekend, the heated toilet seat was pure nirvana.

TIP: If you have light sleepers in the family, request a room in the rear of the building

Dining

The Lamb Club, owned by celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian, has a luxe Empire Deco ambiance with walls that could tell a thousand tales, based on the black-and-white photos of celebrities. We loved the weekend jazz brunch; our meal was wonderful, though served at a leisurely pace (fortunately, we were not in a hurry to go somewhere). 

If you want something quick, you’re better off going to the coffee bar in the lobby for fresh-pressed juice drinks and pastries. There is also a great coffee shop called Gregory’s, one block away, that has breakfast and lunch items. The surrounding theater district is full of good restaurants, and the concierge team is happy to assist with recommendations and reservations. 

Amenities

Every room category comes with a butler, and ours made my daughter’s Sweet 16 birthday celebration extra-special. When we checked in, our room was decorated with balloons and treats. The next day, when we came back from sightseeing, we found a cake and a happy birthday banner.

The Chatwal hotel car, a red Mercedes, is available on a first-come/first-served basis. Fortunately, it was available to take us to our dinner reservation on a rainy night. In keeping with everything about the hotel, no detail is overlooked: The passenger seat was pulled to the forwardmost position, giving passengers in the backseat maximum legroom. We loved talking to our driver, who was from Bangladesh and told us all about growing up there. 

The complimentary shoeshine was another nice treat. I put my black booties outside the door before going to bed at night, and they were hanging in a bag on the door when I woke up.

TIP: As a Virtuoso amenity (accessbile via Ciao Bambino’s Family Travel Advisor service), guests receive a spa credit. The spa is small but has treatment rooms plus nail and hair services. One parent can sneak in a little spa time while the other takes the kids to the small indoor pool, complete with lifeguard. 

Nearby Activities

There’s a subway entrance just steps away, making lower Manhattan easily accessible for guests who want to visit the 9/11 Museum, One World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

The Chatwal is an easy walk to shops on Fifth Avenue, Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center and the New York Public Library.

Relevant Links:

10 unforgettable ways to experience New York with kids

Best kid-friendly restaurants in New York City

Why choose the New York CityPASS for a vacation with kids

10 insider spots in New York City with kids

Editor’s Note: The Chatwal Hotel New York provided a media package in order for us to review the property for families. As always, all opinions are our own on Ciao Bambino. Photos by Sandy Pappas except where noted.