katiekate

I presently have reservations at Anthenee, but have been reading up on the Lowell.
Has anyone stayed at both? If so, would you be so kind to do a comparison. I am particularly interested in the rooms themselves and the quality of service.
Thank you so much.

katiekate

New York, that is!

mclaurie

I've not stayed at either or seen the rooms but found a website with photos of both that might help.

http://images.travelnow.com/hotelima...00/010322C.jpg

I think the Lowell was originally a residential hotel & most if not all rooms have kitchens. Some evidently have fireplaces too. While both are top notch, the Plaza Athenee is a bit "glitzier" (think crystal chandeliers & mirrors)while the Lowell is more understated (think English style drawing room). Look at the photos of the lobbies on that website.

The lobby of the Plaza Athenee is more impressive but the rooms at the Lowell may be more elegant. Service at both will be great. Since you're considering this caliber hotel have you looked at the Carlyle?

katiekate

Thank you so much for the helpful info. I would love to hear more about the Carlyle. I've never had the pleasure of staying there. Have you stayed there recently? It sounds like you know what I am particuliar for... You can probably tell I appreciate newly renovated "to die for rooms." You know a hotel can have the most exquisite lobby, but the rooms can be tired and in need of desperate renovation. And, service is must.
Thank you again for your input.

mclaurie

I don't have occasion to stay in many hotels in NY but have been to many for drinks and dining - not the same as staying there-for sure . The Carlyle was Princess Diana's hotel of choice when she visited NYC & I believe it was renovated within the last few years. It is further uptown by about 13 blocks than the 2 you're considering so may not be as convenient to midtown shopping etc. The Mandarin Oriental has JUST opened a new hotel in NYC if you're looking for "new" but service may be spotty at a newly opened place & I don't love the location.

If fireplaces, kitchens & English charm at the Lowell don't strike your fancy I'd stick with the Plaza Athenee as a safe bet or possibly the Carlyle.

katiekate

mclaurie:Thank you again for your reply. As far as location, do you think one is better than the other? From what I can see on the map, they look pretty close to each other.

mclaurie

If you're asking about location between the Lowell & P Athenee, I think they're just a block apart-1 on 63 & the other on 64th- both between Madison & Park. The Carlyle, as I said ,is further uptown on 77th & Madison. Both locations are very good IMO. The benefit of the first 2 is you can easily walk to midtown shopping (Bloomingdales, Bergdorf etc.) The Carlyle is on a stretch of Madison Ave. with a lot of the finer boutiques (the Ralph Lauren store on 72 & Madison is in a beautiful old landmark townhouse). The Carlyle has 2 famous spaces-the Bemelmans bar & the Cafe Carlyle where Bobby Short performs at Xmas time.

There is a very good steakhouse IN the Lowell Hotel called the Post House.

katiekate

mclaurie:
Your input has been most helpful and I thank you...sounds like you live there and that's just the kind of advise Fodorites appreciate.