A Beaux Arts Beauty

Built in 1907, the newly restored Hotel Chandler New York (12 East 31^st St.; 212-889-6363) brings the understated elegance of hotels from another era to the Murray Hill neighborhood of Manhattan. Designer Jorge L. Portero, whose recognizable style can also be found at The Avalon, Hotel Elysee, The Sherry Netherland, Hotel Metro and The Warwick, designed the new Hotel Chandler New York.

The building’s limestone façade has been restored to its original splendor, boasting many spectacular architectural details of the Beaux Arts period. The eye-catching floor of the grand lobby is a sophisticated star-motifed marble, which is blanketed with patterned carpets throughout the winter months. One can easily view the refurbished iron spiral staircase that leads up to an airy flight of 14 floors containing 123 rooms and eight suites. A state of the art fitness center complete with Finnish sauna is available to guests 24 hours a day, and the relaxing library room is equipped with a desktop PC and a 40” flat screen television. The recently opened 12:31 bar adds an exciting element to Hotel Chandler New York, and gives guests a happening spot where they can mingle or meet friends and colleagues.

Bold blocks of Provence blue are scattered throughout the hotel. The furniture is made of warm cherry and ebony wood with silver mirrored frames in some guestrooms. Blue Venetian glass light fixtures serve as focal points throughout the hotel, and black and white photographs depicting New York City street scenes adorn the walls. The guest room floors are covered in striking blue and beige check patterned carpets, which lead to the serenely designed rooms. Each room is well appointed with Frette linens and robes; they also include full mini-bars, 25” televisions with DVD/CD players, multiple phone lines and internet/fax ports; in room movies, Nintendo, and high speed Internet access is also available. The bright and spacious bathrooms, decorated with modern stainless steel fixtures and blue and white tiles, are filled with Aveda products. Some bathrooms have showers large enough for two, with the latest in bathroom fixtures. The bathrooms were designed to emulate those found in a Paris hotel. All guests are entitled to complimentary turndown service, overnight shoeshine and a copy of The New York Times.

Hotel Chandler New York is a member of the Triumph Hospitality brand of hotels, which also includes Iroquois New York (49 W. 44^th St., 212-453-4001); the Washington Jefferson Hotel (318 W. 51^st St., 212-246-7550); and the Hotel Belleclaire (250 W. 77^th St., 212- 362-7700). Triumph Hospitality stands for personalized luxury and service at its best.