The Lowell, New York

Tell us about the design of The Lowell.

The hotel itself was designed by Henry Stern Churchill and was constructed between 1925 and 1926 for Leo Wise. Its Art Deco facade is a distinguished design in brick and glazed terra cotta. We are an architecturally significant building within the Upper East Side Historic District, an area which is a designated New York City Landmark District, with many tree lined streets.
More recently, when the opportunity presented itself for a change, our owners invested $25 million dollars into redesigning the entire first floor which included the lobby and the space which, for many years, was occupied by a steak house.
London-based architect, Mark Pinney, and LA-based Interior Designer, Michael S. Smith, who have worked with our owners for many years here and at their personal homes, brought the vision and space maximisation to life by adding a fireplace lounge to the lobby, The Club Room, Jacques Bar, Majorelle Restaurant with its year-round garden, all unveiled mid-2017. This year is also particularly exciting as the property completes the final phase of its redesign, connecting the first floor to the second floor with a marble staircase leading into the European-inspired Pembroke Room, now with an outdoor terrace.

What are three fun facts about the property that many are surprised to learn?

1. The Lowell is the only luxury hotel in NYC to have real wood-burning fireplaces in 33 of the 74 accommodations, complete with fireplace butler and an array of scented essential oils to choose from. A bottle of Italian red and charcuterie is the perfect accompaniment to complete your experience.
   
2. Hard keys! We have not succumbed to the norm of ‘key cards.’ When staying at The Lowell, you truly do have the key to your own ‘pied-a-terre’ in Manhattan.
   
3. Our pedigree. The Lowell, since the 1920s, was a seventeen-story apartment hotel and still maintains a high degree of integrity on its original facade and maintains an integral member of the Upper East Side Historic District. The hotel has been independently owned since 1984 and has been restored to perfection. Betty Davis, Ginger Rogers, F Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald and Charlton Heston are just a few names of old Hollywood glamour that have graced the very private halls of The Lowell.

What touches do you believe make a room or suite feel like someone’s home-away-from-home?

Rooms and suites filled with beautiful artwork and antiques, throw cushions and alpaca blankets and book shelves filled with travel, nature and design inspiration books. Indirect lighting and windows that open are key elements.

Walk us through your ideal stay at The Lowell.

Checking into either the Manhattan Suite or Garden Suite (both with expansive landscaped terraces overlooking the city and wood burning fireplace) during the spring season before the fireplace flues close in June. Shortly after check-in, my welcome beverage arrives and I enjoy on the terrace outside before settling in for the evening. Before dinner, I head downstairs to The Club Room to enjoy a glass of champagne surrounded by the eclectic art, my favorites being a piece from Cy Twombly and a pair of bronze Atlas statues purchased at Christie’s. Charles Masson and his culinary team have created such an exquisite French menu with hints of Mediterranean flavors. Dinner is enjoyed in the candlelit Majorelle Garden with the faint sounds of the water fountains in the background. It truly is an escape. After dinner, I decide to head back to my suite and request a fireplace lighting and enjoy a nightcap in front of the fire before turning in for the evening. The sunlight wakes me up and I make my way to breakfast in the Pembroke Room where I sit with the morning paper and sip my tea and decide on my selection to start the day.