Arrival/Check-In: Due to work being done on the building, scaffolding covered the façade of Hotel Chandler. I walked the block twice keeping an eye out for 12 E. 31st St. before I noticed the sign and unassuming entrance. I pulled my bag up four or five steps wondering what lay beyond the doorway. What a great surprise to discover the small but inviting lobby. It was early evening on a Sunday in January. The warm décor and friendly front desk staff made me feel immediately at home.

Guest Quarters: My executive suite comprised an open-plan bedroom and living area, divided by a translucent panel that allowed natural light to flow throughout the space. Side tables flanked the king-sized bed (with Frette linens). The individual wall-mounted reading lamps were a nice touch. A large flat-screen television sat atop a bureau. The closet was small but ample for a two-night stay. The bathroom was tiny but functional — not surprising given the historic nature of the building. (It dates to 1905.) Personally, I think designers made the right decision by sticking with a small bathroom rather than compromising the size of the living area. Cozy and comfortable, the living area featured a queen-sized sofa bed; two armchairs; a coffee table; a large, flat-screen television; and a good-sized desk with convenient electrical outlets. There was no in-room coffeemaker, but the hotel serves complimentary coffee and tea in the lobby.

Services/Amenities: Service throughout my stay was top-notch. Although there didn’t seem to be a bellman or doorman on duty when I arrived, the following morning and for the rest of my two-night stay there was always a doorman on hand to hail a cab or welcome me back after a day of meetings. I didn’t miss the in-room coffeemaker at all. The coffee in the lobby was far superior to anything I could have made in my room. There’s a well-equipped on-site fitness center, and the lobby library offers a great alternative space for guests who want to relax and get some work done outside their guestroom. Although it was not open at the time of my visit, the hotel plans to open an upscale restaurant, Juni, in August.

The Experience: I was pleasantly surprised throughout my two-night stay at Hotel Chandler. It’s a friendly hotel with high standards. I would definitely return, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to friends and business associates.

GT CHECKLIST

• Doorman/valet
• Less than 10 minutes for check-in
• Separate tub and shower
• Large vanity
• High-quality towels
• Powerful, unattached hair dryer
• High-quality bed linens
• Large, flat-screen television
• Large desk with convenient outlets
• Complimentary in-room WiFi
• Complimentary bottled water
• Stocked minibar
• Ample lighting
• In-room coffeemaker
• Iron and ironing board
• On-site restaurant and bar (to come in August)
• 24-hour room service
• State-of-the-art fitness center

Hotel Chandler

12 E. 31st St.
New York, NY 10016
tel 212 889 6363
hotelchandler.com