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Labor Day weekend is one of my favorite times to be in NYC, the weather is usually ideal with a hint of fall in the air, it is relatively empty and there is no shortage of things to do (including many shopping opportunities). On my never-ending quest to find the “perfect” UES hotel I booked my husband and I at The Lowell for the holiday weekend. My long term desire is to purchase a pied-à-terre in the city (which had been a remote possibility until Mamdani started rising in the polls) when my husband made clear there is no possibility (actually he said NFW) we would be buying anything in NY if he becomes Mayor; so we will have to wait and see. In the meantime I am satisfying the urge with quarterly visits to the Big Apple.

We stayed at the Lowell ages ago but decided to revisit since booking a suite there might approximate the experience of having a small apartment. Having visited The Surrey a few months ago (which you can read about here) I found myself comparing the two on many levels. The Lowell is a classic (almost 100 years old in fact), and while the common spaces are impressive and the level of service is very attentive, I found the hallways as well as the rooms (decorated by the acclaimed designer Michael Smith) to be tired and way too brown/beige/dreary- a refresh is most definitely in order, but I am getting ahead of myself.

We arrived at the hotel mid-afternoon, and while our room was ready we were late for an engagement downtown so we dropped our bags and didn’t return until just before dinner. When booking I opted for a one bedroom suite, and that is exactly what I received, sadly no upgrade as the hotel was full, primarily it seemed with folks going to the US Open (judging by the number of people decked out in tennis clothes we encountered at breakfast and in the elevator). Upon initial inspection our accommodation was spacious, quiet, and a bit dull, with the fireplace being a highlight. The option exists to have the fire lit upon request, but only once autumn begins as it seems there are no fires to be lit in the summer months. The peaches were a tasty (and attractive) welcome amenity as were the accompanying salty snacks. The fresh flowers too made it seem quite homey but the one major miss in my book was the lack of an espresso/coffee maker. Initially I thought is was surely hidden away somewhere (the kitchenette would have been a logical choice) but I failed to successfully locate it.

The bedroom was cozy with plenty of storage and a comfy bed, but again suffered from the “beige” affliction, as did the bathroom. While I am not one for glitz, I do appreciate some bit of flair, and found the Lowell decidedly lacking. I realize I wrote something quite similar when describing the decor at the Surry, but on reflection the Surrey seemed quite a bit snazzier.

I never met a swanky hotel bar I didn’t like, and Jacques didn’t disappoint, it was chic and intimate though the service was a bit perfunctory and even with 4 of us ordering a variety of cocktails there were no bar snacks on offer, not even an olive or small dish of crisps. Fail. As an aside I sampled an alcohol free champagne they had on the menu called French Bloom, and it was actually delicious!

Moving on from drinks to breakfast, which fortunately was included in our room rate because I don’t think I have ever encountered a more expensive morning meal. I started the each day with an Americano (excellent I have to say) but at $12 each (my husband and I both had two) that was $50 of coffee, ridiculous. Additionally my order of a “scramble” incurred a large upcharge because….I’m not quite certain why, maybe the scrambling took more energy than the omelette making? I don’t want to seem difficult, but as pleasant as the small dining room was, our $156 mediocre breakfast was disappointing (aside from the coffee).

Long story short, the staff at The Lowell was very friendly and attentive but I don’t think it is the right hotel for me. I will continue my search for an indulgent aerie on the UES, by the way, if you happen to have a recommendation for me please let me know!

Meanwhile the city was in all its glory and we packed a lot of fun into our visit, stay tuned for a report on where we ate and what we did.

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