Staying at The Lowell Hotel is as New York as you can get

With just 74 rooms, each different in size, shape and décor, The Lowell Hotel was a boutique hotel before people even knew the term. Newly refurbished, the hotel still retains its distinct charm, especially in its 47 luxurious suites and 27 bedrooms, all with working fireplaces and provided with flowers, books, and modern art that look as if they were individually chosen for each room.

Floors are hardwood, with silk rugs, while the king-sized beds are dressed in Frette 300 thread-count sheets. Amenities are regular-sized DD28, a creation of co-owner and design director Dina De Luca Chartouni.

The rooms are all pretty spacious and beautiful, with a colour scheme in soft neutrals and pale blue, complementing the oak floors. The huge marble bathrooms have separate tub and shower areas while an ample-sized kitchenette allows you to have a cup of tea or some snacks without calling for room service.

New additions to the hotel include the library lounge, the Jacques Bar and Majorella. The recent hotel renovations brought together Dina De Luca Chartouni, legendary restaurateur Charles Masson, architect Mark Pinney (who designed for Armani, Apple and Harrods) and designer Michael S. Smith (consultant to the White House interiors during the Obama administration).

A concept by Masson, Majorelle was named after Jacques Majorelle who designed Yves Saint Laurent’s iconic gardens in Marrakech. It’s a great place for a long leisurely lunch, with its décor of colourful blooms, fruit trees, palms, illuminated fountains, and a gorgeous garden, which makes the restaurant light and airy, an oasis in the city. Majorelle is one of the few restaurants in the city with its own braiserie dedicated solely to preparing fine broths, sauces and soups, not to mention an oven reserved only for soufflés.

Practically tradition at this hotel is afternoon tea at the genteel Pembroke Room, with white linen-covered tables, polished silver and fresh flowers. For those heading to the theatre, Pembroke also serves pre-theatre dinners. Jacques Bar, with its leather-panelled walls, antique mirrored ceiling and marble bar, is great for cocktails and light bites.