Hotel Opening: The Chatwal, New York

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Opening in August 2010, on West 44th Street in the heart of New York City’s theatre district, The Chatwal salutes the New York City “baby grand” hotels of a bygone era, with unparalleled accommodations and a fresh perspective. The landmark Stanford White-designed building was home to the famous Lambs Club, America’s first professional theatre club.Beautifully restored and modernized by Master Architect and Designer Thierry Despont, The Chatwal’s guest rooms have custom-designed contemporary luxuries and ultra-modern technology while meticulously recreating 1930’s Deco design. This is the first ever hotel in New York to be designed from top-to-bottom by Despont.

Everything about The Chatwal evokes the glamour of early 20th century travel and New York Empire Art Deco. Original features have been brilliantly incorporated into the new design; from the restored façade and striking floor-to-ceiling fireplace located in the restaurant, to the use of chrome metal details, original oak panelled walls and beams; to leather detailing inspired by the craftsmanship of 20th century malletier travel trunk designers, suede walls and exquisitely furnished private outdoor terraces accessed by Fench doors, with radiant heat and private awnings for ultimate privacy.

The first member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World in Manhattan’s theatre district, the opening of The Chatwal New York also marks the launch of Sant Chatwal’s new luxury hotel brand, The Chatwal – with plans in the works for additional luxury properties in the UK and India.

All images Copyright © 2010 The Chatwal Hotel

Daniel Fountain / 09.08.2010

Editor, Hotel Designs

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Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

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Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

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Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

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