Tag Archives: Luxury Hotels New York

The Lowell New York

Posted on by

Enticed by Cole Porter? – “I happen to like New York, I happen to love this town I like the city air; I like to drink of it. The more I see New York, the more I think of it. I like the sight and the sound and even the stink of it I happen to like New York.”

The Lowell Hotel New York

Every time I visit this splendid city, I am giddy with excitement and I’m never disappointed – however, with set date boundaries: I avoid the steamy summer, I avoid the deep snow, December 15 and onward is usually just too cold for me – with these specific windows, I’m never dissatisfied visiting this exhilarating city! Oh, also no more than a week or I’m certain it might kill me! The pace, the energy and for me, the excess of enjoyment is terribly taxing.

My hotel mantra – each of us has a unique fingerprint, thus a hotel property is just as distinctive, and there is a perfect hotel property for each and every traveler.

The Lowell Hotel has always been high on my  radar, although I found the public spaces not quite perfect, for such an otherwise stunning charmer. With the recent transformation and addition of restaurant Majorelle, serving French classics, an intimate cocktail lounge, and a guest only library, I can say the refurbishing and remodeling have rendered it pretty perfect!

The Lowell Hotel New York

The Lowell Hotel New York Terrace Views!

Located in a leafy residential neighborhood in the timeless Upper East Side, the location is ideal for fashionable Madison Avenue shopping, divine dining and blocks from Museum Mile and steps from Central Park. I walked to the new Flora Bar at the Met Breuer. Established in 1927, the rooms feel more like apartments, many with terraces; some with wood burning fireplaces – truly rare to find these special amenities in the vast city of hotel rooms. Imagine sweeping city views from your comfy sofa, in a quiet neighborhood, ultimately like a warm home.

Majorelle at The Lowell Hotel

New York Legend restaurateur, Charles Masson manages the latest culinary additions to The Lowell. Seasonal cuisine is served at Majorelle; in summer, a shady outdoor terrace provides a respite from the cacophony of the city. Late afternoon, pop into the new cozy cocktail lounge Jacques Bar, my favorite quiet corner is the petite alcove. A Rye Manhattan is a perfect choice or Champagne if you prefer, the complimentary bar snacks are addictive! Lowell service is legendary in every respect; need a tailor, photography supplies, no request is too challenging, the helpful concierge will advise with great authority.

Jacques Bar, The Lowell Hotel

The tranquility of this neighborhood makes a visitor feel like a local, escape the hustle bustle of busy the city, the Lowell is the ultimate invitation to chill and relax, either in your sunny suite or in the recent addition of the guests only Library. Nestle in with your laptop if you must and enjoy unobtrusive service, yummy snacks, tea or champers; the library is a cozy spot for catching up on your favorite book or working quietly. Sumptuously decorated with rich fabrics, gleaming marble floors, plush sofas and dark polished wood, it is a very inviting spot to escape the city chaos.

The Lowell Hotel New York

The 47 suites and 27 deluxe rooms are decorated and laid out like townhouse apartments or pied-à-terres. Each room varies in décor, but most are sunny and really feel like a private abode. Small galley kitchens, grand bathrooms with wall mounted bathtub televisions, traditional furnishings are sophisticated but comfortable, if you have local friends,  the Lowell is an ideal spot to entertain in your suite. Tree lined residential streets add to the ambience.

Loved my visit, The Lowell is the perfect solution if you don’t have your own New York City pied-à-terre. Classic elegance and style.

 

Baccarat Hotel New York

Posted on by

Glass house wrapped in a brilliant crimson bow? Baccarat Hotel opened last spring by the legendary French brand; it’s first hotel and residential space in New York. Directly across the street from MOMA, the Skidmore, Owings & Merrill designed tower is an impressive addition to the NY skyline, the prismatic wall of glass facing shimmers in the night sky and is a subtle suggestion of the sparkling interiors.Baccarat street

The hotel is petite, with 114 rooms, a La Mer spa and a signature restaurant and posh cocktail bar. The lavish public spaces have become a go to spot for local New Yorker’s. Most of the small salons are designated for the hotel guests to dine privately, however the grand salon with walls of cascading pleated silk, silver leaf wood paneling, massive bouquets of red roses, and vaulted ceilings hung with immense crystal signature chandeliers is a gathering place for the chic cognoscente crowd. Flattering dappled lighting bestowed by Baccarat chandeliers cast a romantic glow in the sophisticated stylish lounge known simply as: The Bar.

Enter through an elegant, yet discrete street entrance, the friendly doormen quietly let staff know of your arrival – and deliver you to the slightly obscured elevator where you ascend to the 6th floor for check in. Staff awaits and efficiently escort you to your room, there is no lobby lingering, a good thing!

French style blended with a bit of a mid-town edge, the rooms are generous in size and pale in color with a spark of Baccarat red to remind you of the French provenance. I arrived after a long Italian jaunt and the pristine white room was a peaceful antidote to a long flight and the JFK grit. Room service was beyond prompt and quite delicious, a luxe brasserie menu. Dynamic nighttime views from my 7th floor suite of the New York skyline were just as enchanting as the sunrise – did I mention time zone fatigue?Baccarat bed

The quiet halls have small-embedded niches with displays of the classic crystal, my room was near an elevator, however, the soundproofing was excellent, I didn’t hear a peep. Over the top lavish bath amenities are wrapped in a stunning box and resemble a gift box, fitted with exclusive toiletries by Maison Francis Kurkdjian.

The Bar, with barrel vaulted ceilings and natural wood walls deliciously adorned in a pale red and of course, a flourish of chandeliers. Crystal clad French elegance, is that redundant? Black & white marble floors, cherry red walls of course and stunning Baccarat bling chandeliers – elegant, sophisticated – a bit of a dreamy Parisian landscape in the middle of Manhattan.Baccarat Bar

The 50 foot pool is a serene oasis with a sweet lifeguard – he told me he is there all day and generally assists guests, he had never been called on yet to save a life. The luxurious silver loungers, the size of beds looked like the perfect nap zone pre-theatre. Nearby is the first U.S. Spa de la Mer and a very professional training room.Baccarat poolBaccarat-Terrace-1

When you need sparkle in New York, the Baccarat Hotel is the perfect choice! Our clients are spoiled beyond belief!