In an imposing, neo-Georgian mansion just off Times Square, designed by Stanford White of Beaux-Arts fame, sits this beautiful, luxurious clubhouse hotel that is quintessentially and historically New York city, a snapshot of all things lavish at the city’s turn of the 20th century high.
The original Lambs club, America’s first society for theatre professionals has been lovingly restored and tastefully contemporised. (The renovations took over a decade to complete). Although in some cases with slightly out of place ‘new-old’ fittings, into an opulent 83 suite hotel, with a feel of old-boys meets new-world grandeur and touches of Art Deco, from the imposing clock in the hotel’s reception, to the eye-catching light fixtures, right down to the white-tuxed and gloved cocktail waiter shaking up a Manhattan, of course, in the lobby. In the rooms you’ll find beautiful retro touches – ultrasuede walls, neutral, earthy colour schemes and fittings inspired by vintage leather steamer trunks. For a moment you’ll think you’ve stepped back in time to another era in travel, until you notice the huge flat-screen televisions (2 in my room), the digital mirror and glow-in-the-dark commode in the wellappointed bathroom and the control pad (disguised as a telephone) that takes charge of the lighting, temperature and all other creature comforts.
In over ten years of work, clearly no stone was left unturned. Its lovely to find a New York hotel that truly understands and has its eye firmly fixed on luxury – so many these days compromise on quality in the quest for ultra-sleek contemporary design and minimalism. It feels like a stylish country hotel, like something straight out of Downton Abbey, but uncluttered, friendly – a true retreat from the dancing feet of Manhattan and 42nd Street.
