Comfort in the East Side
My family and I stayed for five days at the Lowell in April of 2012. We organized a two-bedroom suite for everyone, and I must say it was very, very comfortable. I thought the rooms were wonderful, with every amenity you can think of included - and I was happy to have a tiny kitchen as well. Beds were comfortable, and weirdly enough, the hotel was really quiet - which was a new experience for me in New York!
As other reviewers have suggested, it really was like being at home in New York.
The best thing about the Lowell are the concierge team, hands down. They were courteous, they were able to organize anything, they didn't kill you with crazy charges and if things were expensive, they were also able to offer alternatives if you wanted them. Our family usually uses the concierge service a lot, so this was perfect for us. I really appreciated both John Mark and Philip and I would go back just for them.
I was sad that we didn't have a view, but I think that is because I had asked for rooms with fireplaces; I wouldn't do this again because the fireplaces looked a bit shallow and I would have been afraid to have a fire in them, so when we go back I will try to book a suite if I can that has the outdoor area (I think it is a large covered balcony or something). Since we used to stay at the Ritz at Central Park, we really love a great view, and I feel that we missed this. But this isn't something that the Lowell can be faulted with.
I didn't really love the restaurant/bar that is next door to the hotel and is attached to it with a door. I felt that, on the one hand, it did have the feel of "old New York". On the other hand, the bar is just a line bar that is set in the walkway to the restaurant, and it didn't look comfortable or inviting. Surely there must be a way to make this place more like a place people want to have a drink before dinner?
The restaurant, in my opinion, could also use some sprucing up. We had a better experience (thanks again to the concierge) at Le Billbouquet across the street.
Finally, the hotel breakfast room/small restaurant on the second floor was really weird. I thought it was creepy the first time we were there because it is low and dark and furnished in an old-fashioned way. Later, I went down and had breakfast there, and it didn't seem so strange. It was kind of cozy. It is, again, more like a home than a hotel - which is a good thing.
All in all, I would go back. I loved the neighborhood setting as well. You don't always have to be in the middle of everything all the time, and Lowell Hotel is a nice place to kick back and relax, knowing that you are steps away from anything you want or need at any time.