The Lowell

The Scene

The Lowell has a privileged location on Manhattan’s posh Upper East Side: it sits on East 63^rd Street, between Madison and Park Avenues on a tree-lined and mostly-residential block. It’s a stone’s throw from Central Park, yet only five blocks from the bustle of Midtown, and is conveniently close to the Museum Mile and all the shopping and upscale boutiques of Madison and Fifth Avenues. Essentially, the hotel puts you in one of the most desirable NYC addresses for culture, gastronomy and shopping while never forcing you to give up privacy and serenity.

The Concept

The Lowell might be the closest thing to having your own Manhattan pied-a-terre. First, it’s in an all-residential street in the mostly-residential Upper East Side. Secondly, it was built and decorated to act and feel like a home (i.e. most rooms are suites and have real wood-burning fireplaces, terraces and kitchenettes). And lastly, it welcomes you like family the moment you walk in---the staff is highly trained (including Le Clefs d’Or-grade concierges) and attentive, though always in a warm and genuine way. In fact, some of the staff has been at the Lowell for decades, which speaks volumes about the hotel. Also worth of praise is the Pembroke Room, the hotel’s dining room, which is famous for its afternoon tea as well as breakfast, brunch and pre-theatre dinners; and Post House, the bold, classic American steakhouse in the lobby (currently closed for renovation).

The Look

The Lowell was designed to look and feel like a very elegant home. Los Angeles-based designer Michael Smith, who does celebrity homes including the White House and Oval Office, brought his signature blend of classic and contemporary. Expect muted colors in the beige and off-whites palette plus mahogany wood and plush furniture and materials. The wood-burning fireplace (apparently the only Manhattan hotel to still offer such a thing) comes with six different scent options; and most rooms are suites, including one- and two-bedroom as well as Penthouses, that have fully-equipped kitchens/kitchenettes, terraces and large marble bathrooms.

In Short

For a taste of fine Manhattan living, consider the Lowell. Poised in a chic, residential street on the Upper East Side, it’s got just the right amount of bells and whistles plus a homey atmosphere and truly outstanding service.