The Best Room at ... The Lowell
Our column "The Best Room At" offers a glimpse inside some of the most charming, luxurious, and iconic properties around the world.
When it comes to New York City, a city jam-packed with about a million hotels and luxury properties, there are a few timeless classics that just cannot be missed. One such property, The Lowell, nestled on a quiet block of Manhattan's Upper East Side, magnificently blends the best comforts of home with world class service. The hotel is approaching its centennial birthday, but over the last hundred years has a remained classic in refined comfort. A home away from home, just a hop, skip, and jump from all of the best attractions NYC has to offer, including museum mile. Here, we talk to Dina DeLuca, owner of The Lowell, about the property's best accommodations, and of course, what makes it a hidden jewel of the city.
What do you consider to be the best room at the property and why?
I consider the Penthouse Suite on the 17th floor to be among the best rooms at The Lowell. The 3-bedroom suite was designed by Michael Smith and it has a beautiful open planned living and dining area with views in three different directions of Manhattan. There are three terraces, a wood-burning fireplace, and a Poggenpohl kitchen overlooking Manhattan. The master bedroom is truly a highlight. A canopy bed is surrounded by hand painted De Gournay wallpaper, painted in the style of a Japanese screen. It is exquisite.
How much does it cost per night?
The starting rate is $19,000 per night plus tax for the 3-bedroom which gets you the entire floor.
How would you describe the guests and the vibe at the hotel?
The Lowell guests are world-class travelers. They are discerning and know what true luxury is. The vibe at The Lowell is a mixture of charm, friendliness, and relaxed sophistication. The elegance of the hotel’s proportions create an intimate environment, one where our guests are truly known by our staff and vice versa.
What feeling about the city/region do you hope to impart to guests?
The feeling that I hope The Lowell imparts to our guests is that they have found a home in this big city. A home that aspires to be a paragon of beauty, comfort, functionalism, and service.
What is one thing about the hotel that you think first time visitors will find surprising?
One of the things that I think first time visitors will find surprising is the level of luxury juxtaposed with the intimate comfort of home.
Tell us about the history of the hotel and how are you bringing that heritage into the post-pandemic world?
We will be coming upon our centennial celebration in six years, and we are planning to celebrate our heritage in many different and exciting ways. Among these will be an unveiling of several newly decorated specialty suites, a book about The Lowell and a film that examines The Lowell’s place in history as an icon of timelessness.
What do you think gives the hotel such a unique identity?
I think what gives The Lowell its unique identify is that [it] defies the convention of a small luxury hotel; it may be intimate in scale, but it offers the most beautiful of surroundings coupled with impeccable service.
There are so many [qualities] that I believe make The Lowell unique and distinguishes it from most other NYC hotels. The first is the pedigree of the hotel. The Lowell has a unique position in the history of NYC’s luxury market. It opened for business in 1927 and still operates today as a hotel at the top of the luxury market. Its evolution through the many years of history has given it a distinctive patina, which is further enhanced by its European ambiance. Another two very significant factors that make The Lowell unique are our dedicated staff and loyal repeat guests. Service is discreet and professional. Many of the staff have been at the hotel for over 20 years and they have come to know several generations of the guests’ families. These relationships are rare and truly valued by both staff and guests.
From a physical viewpoint, The Lowell is a unique property. From the public spaces to the private suites, there are wood burning fireplaces throughout the building. Most suites have terraces and all accommodations have small kitchens. And although this was something we never placed much emphasis on before, all the windows in the hotel are fully operable. This means that you can open the landmarked casement windows to let in fresh air.
What are the best activities/must-see/do/eat when staying with you?
One of the best things about New York is that each season is so different from the others. Our guests come to the city several times a year to enjoy the change in season offerings–in food, entertainment, the arts and as well as the physical environment. Central Park changes dramatically each season and must be enjoyed if you are in our neighborhood. The Park Avenue Armory, just a short walk from the hotel, has some of the most interesting performances in the city. And, at our own restaurant, Majorelle, Charles Masson celebrates the seasons not just in his menu but in his magnificent floral arrangements that have become an attraction in themselves.
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