HotelChatter

More Sant than Vik: While Vikram Chatwal oversees his own collection of New York hotels—Night, The Time, Stay, and Dream in New York and Bangkok—it’s his papa who’s steering the ship for the family-branded collection. The opening of The Chatwal New York is the first of Sant Chatwal’s plans to open additional luxury properties outside London and in India.

Trunks ahoy: We’ve already heard that the restoration of the historic building by architect and interior designer Thierry Despont would honor its past as home to the Lambs Club society (literary and Broadway types from Fred Astaire to William Wordsworth). Despont has modernized the Stanford White-designed building, but kept certain elements, including an original fireplace, which will become the centerpiece of the Geoffrey Zakarian restaurant. What we’re also excited to learn is that The Chatwal’s interiors are inspired by Malletiers—vintage travel-trunk makers (think Louis Vuitton)—and will treat these classic luggage pieces as “objet d’art.”

Room Deets: Of the 88 guestrooms, 38 will be larger suites, some with private terraces. Walls will be covered in fine suede, and double closets wrapped in leather. Retro touches include vintage playing cards and crafted Backgammon sets, and guests will get their 21st-century tech in 42-inch HD flat screen TVs, Blu-Ray/DVD players, iPod docks, and complimentary internet access (No word yet if this means WiFi or wired.)

Mattresses will be made by hand by Shifman Mattress and topped with Frette linens and a “pillow menu.” Bathrooms will feature a “Rain Drop” shower or Jacuzzi bath, robes are from Kashwére, and the all-important bath amenities will be an exclusive line from Asprey.

Turndown service will include complimentary shoe shine, bottled water, and a morning newspaper of preference.

We say: Bring on the 1930s of Spring 2010! If you’re as hungry for Chatwal updates as we are, you can now follow their team on Twitter.