We would describe this renowned, multi-award- winning property as a charming pied-à-terre and the use of the French word is no accident. in fact, the Lowell has a rather European, perhaps even Parisian, feel to it all, complete with a stately lobby and an inviting parlour with generous helpings of marble and tassled curtains, albeit in fairly bijou proportions.
It is a 74-room boutique hotel on Manhattan’s Upper East Side and with that comes a cosy, home-from-home feel to everything, the antithesis to the vast city that lies just outside its doors. The property is peppered with gorgeous, fragrant bouquet arrangements, which give it a signature scent.
Our lush Junior Suite was generously proportioned for the city, although it suffered from being overlooked on all sides by office buildings, meaning only exhibitionists could keep the blinds up. Also, a glimpse of Central Park was off the agenda, despite its proximity. It’s something many other luxury properties in the price range and vicinity offer. Still, even if it was hard to pull ourselves away from our sumptuous suite, we knew the park, the museums and the shopping were mere strolls away.
The staff are the hotel’s crowning glory. The team is carefully chosen for its experience and attention to detail. They’re all seasoned professionals (with a preference for French staff known for their expertise in high-end hospitality) and it shows. The doormen are veteran New Yorkers, with the wit and archetypal accent to match.
The hotel’s Majorelle restaurant attracts the high society of the Upper East Side, understandably – as the modern French menu is simply exquisite. Classic continental silver service is also on the menu and the friendly staff deliver this meticulously. The equally plush Pembroke room is a favourite for afternoon tea and the Jacques Bar for late-night whiskies, and both are perfect for some surreptitious selfies.
28 East 63rd Street, New York, NY 10065, USA
