We don’t have that many hotels on the Upper East Side of New York so it’s big news when a landmark one gets a chic new facelift. The Lowell Hotel was always a well respected but sleepy hotel but after it’s redesign by Michael S. Smith, it’s become the new clubhouse for the uptown set. I finally got a tour yesterday and wanted to share some of the spaces with you.

The Lowell Hotel located on East 63rd Street right off Madison Avenue had very loyal guests so steps were taken to keep some sentimental design elements like the grisaille wallpaper which was recreated in the new lobby and the leather newspaper binders. Behind the reception desk is a hallway that leads down to the Club Room with cozy seating areas by the fireplace and along the back banquette where you can also order off a small menu.

The Club Room leads to Majorelle which was named for Jardin de Majorelle in Marrakech which is led by restauranteur Charles Masson. Some of you might recognize M. Masson and his beautiful flower arranging skills from La Grenouille. I used to walk by La Grenouille many years ago on my walk to work just to peek at the flowers through the front window.

The left entrance in the front of the hotel is the entrance for Majorelle but you pass first through the cozy Jacques Bar on your way. It was named after Jacques Majorelle, the creator of Jardin de Majorelle which was made famous by Yves Saint Laurent who later bought the garden. Behind everything sits the outdoor space which creates the feeling of a chic boutique hotel in Paris.

What I didn’t see was the Pemboke Room, the tea salon on the second floor so that’s a good excuse for a return visit. I also didn’t see the rooms which had already been updated by Michael S. Smith. Perhaps a staycation is in order soon. But until then, you can find me holding court in the Club Room.