To anyone asking “whatever happened to elegance,” we recommend you make your way to the Upper East Side and experience dining at The Lowell Hotel.
Although not hidden, this Upper East Side gem is on a quiet street, sitting beside some of Manhattan’s wealthiest townhouses. Whether you are staying the night or coming in to dine, this privately owned hotel allows guests to feel like they are enjoying their own personal townhouse sanctuary.
Enter through Jacques Bar and you are instantly transformed to a far away place. From the signature floral arrangements to the vintage-inspired interiors, this hotel knows how to create an ambiance. Built in 1925 the hotel is a city landmark that continues to wow with its elevated style. Its original use was as an apartment-hotel. The hotel’s decor has been updated in 2017 by Michael S. Smith, who also happened to redecorate the White House. Students of interior design history will be happy to know that the interiors look and feel authentic to a bygone era that evokes both glamour and opulence.
While this ritzy hotel sees guests from all over the world, New Yorkers in-the-know come here to get away from it all. On any given day you can find a lone New Yorker relaxing in a comfortable nook at Jacques Bar, or having a celebratory dinner with friends and family at Majorelle. Don’t let summer slip away without experiencing the hotel’s patio dining. Both Jacques Bar and Majorelle get their name from the French painter, Jacques Majorelle, who created the Majorelle villa and gardens in Marrakech, Morocco.
Dining here certainly feels like you are on vacation. For a more relaxed atmosphere we recommend dining at Jacques Bar, and for a more extravagant experience visit Majorelle. As far as special places go, Majorelle’s outdoor terrace is the most ideal place to spend the last precious days of summer.
In addition, The Club Room offers a quiet and comfortable sanctuary where guests are welcomed to linger and peruse a library of vintage books and collectables. The decor is ravishing. When it comes to the menu, expect a mix of French and Mediterranean flavors, plus classics like Jacques’ Burger. We were told this is the place to get one of the best burgers in the city, and were not disappointed.
For other dishes we tried the Risotto Du Jour and Crab Cakes. As one might expect the food is excellent, but what truly wowed us was the hospitality. The staff is able to anticipate all your requests, they are warm and attentive to all guests. The service here makes all the difference. They made us feel at home and taken care of. At Jacques Bar, cocktails are the real draw. They are expertly made and just boozy enough. For us, Marrakesh Express ended up being the clear winner. This simple, but refreshing, cocktail contains Tito’s Vodka, pineapple juice and Saint-Germain.
Come on your own for a relaxing recharge from the hustle and bustle of the city, or bring anyone who appreciates timeless elegance and carefully made cocktails.
The Lowell Hotel, 28 E 63rd St (betw Park and Madison), Upper East Side
