Report: Mark, Surrey and Lowell NYC (brief)
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: YVR
Programs: Hilton*D, Marriott*LG, Hyatt*G
Posts: 6,268
Report: Mark, Surrey and Lowell NYC (brief)
I recently went to NYC to check out some hotels I had not stayed at yet. I would have added Carlyle to this but the thought of changing hotels that many times made me think twice. Next time.
The Mark
I liked this property very much. I felt that it can be summed up to be like a red Ferrari. Sexy, eye catching decor in public spaces, but very sleek and luxurious interiors, and very european. Service is professional but not overly friendly but not frosty either.
The 77 King rooms, of which I ended up staying in, is thoughtfully designed and is very spacious. From Crestron systems to B&O telephones and TV to SubZero drawer fridges and freezers, the hotel really did think things through. Except for one glaring omission -- poor sound-proofing of the windows. Perhaps, for European guests, the windows open up for fresh air but this then also leads to excessive noise bleeding into the room. Fortunately, you are in the Upper East Side so it is nowhere as noisy as Midtown.
The suite product is impressive and I really liked the 2 BR Premier Suites on the top hotel floor. Even the entry level suites are sleek and very comfortable -- like a European pied-a-terre in NYC.
Service is very good throughout. The Concierge team, though not Clefs D'Or, are quite knowledgeable and Jeanie is a foodie so she is the one to talk to about food options.
Jean-Georges at the Mark is a great restaurant (we only ate breakfast there). The bar is quite busy in the evenings and the restaurant has a glass roofed conservatory section which is the preferred seating area. It is very french and the food is very tasty. For breakfast, the restaurant charges an automatic cheeky 20% gratuity for rather poor service. The eggs tasted just like in Paris (they must use a LOT of butter!!) and the food is very tasty, if not expensive. We enjoyed a chocolate chip souffle with grand marnier creme anglaise for dessert via room service and this was stellar. To be able to order souffle through room service is always a plus!!
WiFi is complimentary here which is a big plus. There is also a house car which will drop off within a 10 block radius.
The Surrey
I did not like this hotel very much. It did not help that we had some service issues from a frosty check-in experience to extremely slow service (for housekeeping, bellmen, etc).
The room product is nice -- we had a Grand Deluxe salon with King bed. Grand Deluxe Salons are about 400 sq ft. The room we were in was done in neutral colors with a predominant theme of grey. There is a sitting area by the window with two large and comfortable arm chairs with a large coffee table in between; a nice cushioned window bench to gaze out of the room (we had no views being on the 4th floor); a plush Duxiana king bed; flat screen TV and a large work desk.
The bathroom was done nicely but this category of room only comes with a stall shower. Internet is charged at $14.95 per day for up to 4 devices.
The rooftop bar is very nice but with the humidity and heat of the weekend we were there it was not as pleasant to sit out there.
Room service is from Cafe Boulud and is priced very high. There is a $7 Administration fee plus an 18% gratuity plus taxes.
The bellmen are friendly but very casual which may or may not be agreeable to certain guests. Doormen can be a little crusty and front desk agents were frosty.
The hotel offers a house car in the morning and evening hours on weekdays only also within a 10 block radius.
The Lowell
I think of the three this was my favourite hotel by a little. The Lobby and Pembroke Room are very formal and can feel stodgy but the rooms and suites are gorgeous. I wouldn't classify it as "grandma's place" unless she is one very sophisticated lady!
Our Deluxe Jr. Suite had a small terrace, ample light, and a working fireplace which was not necessary in the summer heat. The Brescia marbled bathrooms are gorgeous and the hardwood floors are great. Excellent sound-proofing (better than The Mark and Surrey) bled little noise into the room.
The room is about 600 sq ft in an open plan configuration. As you enter the room there is a closet in front of you and you turn left into the room itself. An ample work desk is to your right, to your left is the mini-bar, and directly in front of you is a four poster king sized bed and beyond is the sitting area featuring a deep leather sofa, arm chair with side table and reading lamp, and the terrace. The white marble bathroom featured double sinks, separate shower stall, deep soaking tub, toilet and Bvlgari Green tea toiletries. 330mL bottles of Voss are provided at turn down.
The hotel offers you a welcome beverage of your choice (a glass of wine, a glass of port, champagne, soda's, juices, coffee, etc) and is delivered to your room. Since we were running out for lunch as soon as we arrived the hotel allowed to us to have our welcome drink as a nightcap. WiFi is complimentary and no fees are charged for toll free calls.
Final Thoughts on all 3 properties
To be continued
The Mark
I liked this property very much. I felt that it can be summed up to be like a red Ferrari. Sexy, eye catching decor in public spaces, but very sleek and luxurious interiors, and very european. Service is professional but not overly friendly but not frosty either.
The 77 King rooms, of which I ended up staying in, is thoughtfully designed and is very spacious. From Crestron systems to B&O telephones and TV to SubZero drawer fridges and freezers, the hotel really did think things through. Except for one glaring omission -- poor sound-proofing of the windows. Perhaps, for European guests, the windows open up for fresh air but this then also leads to excessive noise bleeding into the room. Fortunately, you are in the Upper East Side so it is nowhere as noisy as Midtown.
The suite product is impressive and I really liked the 2 BR Premier Suites on the top hotel floor. Even the entry level suites are sleek and very comfortable -- like a European pied-a-terre in NYC.
Service is very good throughout. The Concierge team, though not Clefs D'Or, are quite knowledgeable and Jeanie is a foodie so she is the one to talk to about food options.
Jean-Georges at the Mark is a great restaurant (we only ate breakfast there). The bar is quite busy in the evenings and the restaurant has a glass roofed conservatory section which is the preferred seating area. It is very french and the food is very tasty. For breakfast, the restaurant charges an automatic cheeky 20% gratuity for rather poor service. The eggs tasted just like in Paris (they must use a LOT of butter!!) and the food is very tasty, if not expensive. We enjoyed a chocolate chip souffle with grand marnier creme anglaise for dessert via room service and this was stellar. To be able to order souffle through room service is always a plus!!
WiFi is complimentary here which is a big plus. There is also a house car which will drop off within a 10 block radius.
The Surrey
I did not like this hotel very much. It did not help that we had some service issues from a frosty check-in experience to extremely slow service (for housekeeping, bellmen, etc).
The room product is nice -- we had a Grand Deluxe salon with King bed. Grand Deluxe Salons are about 400 sq ft. The room we were in was done in neutral colors with a predominant theme of grey. There is a sitting area by the window with two large and comfortable arm chairs with a large coffee table in between; a nice cushioned window bench to gaze out of the room (we had no views being on the 4th floor); a plush Duxiana king bed; flat screen TV and a large work desk.
The bathroom was done nicely but this category of room only comes with a stall shower. Internet is charged at $14.95 per day for up to 4 devices.
The rooftop bar is very nice but with the humidity and heat of the weekend we were there it was not as pleasant to sit out there.
Room service is from Cafe Boulud and is priced very high. There is a $7 Administration fee plus an 18% gratuity plus taxes.
The bellmen are friendly but very casual which may or may not be agreeable to certain guests. Doormen can be a little crusty and front desk agents were frosty.
The hotel offers a house car in the morning and evening hours on weekdays only also within a 10 block radius.
The Lowell
I think of the three this was my favourite hotel by a little. The Lobby and Pembroke Room are very formal and can feel stodgy but the rooms and suites are gorgeous. I wouldn't classify it as "grandma's place" unless she is one very sophisticated lady!
Our Deluxe Jr. Suite had a small terrace, ample light, and a working fireplace which was not necessary in the summer heat. The Brescia marbled bathrooms are gorgeous and the hardwood floors are great. Excellent sound-proofing (better than The Mark and Surrey) bled little noise into the room.
The room is about 600 sq ft in an open plan configuration. As you enter the room there is a closet in front of you and you turn left into the room itself. An ample work desk is to your right, to your left is the mini-bar, and directly in front of you is a four poster king sized bed and beyond is the sitting area featuring a deep leather sofa, arm chair with side table and reading lamp, and the terrace. The white marble bathroom featured double sinks, separate shower stall, deep soaking tub, toilet and Bvlgari Green tea toiletries. 330mL bottles of Voss are provided at turn down.
The hotel offers you a welcome beverage of your choice (a glass of wine, a glass of port, champagne, soda's, juices, coffee, etc) and is delivered to your room. Since we were running out for lunch as soon as we arrived the hotel allowed to us to have our welcome drink as a nightcap. WiFi is complimentary and no fees are charged for toll free calls.
Final Thoughts on all 3 properties
To be continued
Last edited by luxury; Aug 12, 2012 at 8:08 am
#2
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: AC SE MM, too many others
Posts: 1,407
I love the Mark. The only "negative" might be location, but it is otherwise pretty excellent. Probably my favourite NY hotel right now.
I see you were going to review the Lowell - I tried to like it, and I thought the service was quite good - but it is a bit stodgy for my taste.
I see you were going to review the Lowell - I tried to like it, and I thought the service was quite good - but it is a bit stodgy for my taste.
#3
Join Date: May 2003
Location: ATL/MUC/SAF/SRQ
Posts: 447
Thanks for the review of The Mark. It sounds like a good option for me. I recently stayed at The Lowell and enjoyed it. I was prepared for it and liked it. I wanted to have that "staying at my grandmother's house feel (but with Wi-fi)" and they delivered!
#4
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: AC SE MM, too many others
Posts: 1,407
But service is great.
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,805
good info luxury ^
luxury and grumbler, mark vs lowell service?
grumbler, have you stayed at greenwich?
kitchens >
if not in luxury's lowell room, they need to fix room descriptions
on website, currently all say kitchen except some (#?) of >
mark doesnt charge much of a premium for (gaggenau) kitchen
surrey only has kitchen in ultra deluxe suite
edit - thanks grumbler, sounds like mark joins greenwich for good "new"
luxury and grumbler, mark vs lowell service?
grumbler, have you stayed at greenwich?
kitchens >
if not in luxury's lowell room, they need to fix room descriptions
on website, currently all say kitchen except some (#?) of >
Lowell Deluxe One-Bedroom Suites...five of which have...kitchen
surrey only has kitchen in ultra deluxe suite
edit - thanks grumbler, sounds like mark joins greenwich for good "new"
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Aug 13, 2012 at 8:20 pm
#7
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: AC SE MM, too many others
Posts: 1,407
good info luxury ^
luxury and grumbler, mark vs lowell service?
grumbler, have you stayed at greenwich?
kitchens >
if not in luxury's lowell room, they need to fix room descriptions
on website, currently all say kitchen except some (#?) of >
mark doesnt charge much of a premium for (gaggenau) kitchen
surrey only has kitchen in ultra deluxe suite
luxury and grumbler, mark vs lowell service?
grumbler, have you stayed at greenwich?
kitchens >
if not in luxury's lowell room, they need to fix room descriptions
on website, currently all say kitchen except some (#?) of >
mark doesnt charge much of a premium for (gaggenau) kitchen
surrey only has kitchen in ultra deluxe suite
The Mark is flashier, and because the hotel's public spaces are more in your face than the Lowell, it can be a bit buzzy (which is not necessarily a bad thing). However, the staff are good at picking out the guests, and it is pretty common for the manager to make a beeline over to see how you are doing. Also, lots of nice little unexpected amenities.
On balance (and on service), I take the Mark over the Lowell. I have not stayed at the Greenwich.
#8
Join Date: Oct 2009
Programs: SPG GOLD
Posts: 413
I just completed a two night stay at The Mark booked through Luxury. Here are some quick notes:
1. Upgraded to a Manhattan Suite at check-in after booking into a Seventy-Seven king room. Luxury notified the hotel of my arrival time and the suite was ready when I checked-in.
2. Service was very warm and friendly, especially the doormen. At check out I felt like I was saying goodbye to people who genuinely wanted to see me again. I personally enjoyed this a lot but those who prefer more formal service might want to look elsewhere
3. As opposed to Luxury's earlier report both of the concierges I dealt with were Clefs D'Or and though I didn't have any difficult requests for them they were always friendly and eager to help.
4. Lobby bar can get very crowded in the evening but further back towards the restaurant there is another bar that is much more quiet with bartenders who bought me a few too many drinks when they found out it was my birthday.
5. The shower in my suite was one of the best showers I've ever experienced. The separate tub is also very luxurious and deep.
6. Virtuoso amenity is a certificate for two drinks in the lobby bar which must be used between noon and 6PM. I don't mind the drinks as a amenity but restricting the time makes things really difficult for those hoping to meet friends for a drink after work and presenting the certificate just seems cheap. I don't see why they couldn't just offer an additional $50 food and beverage credit taken off the bill at checkout.
For those who desire to be on the UES The Mark it definitely worth your consideration but it may not be ideal for those who prefer more traditional designs and formalized service. I am certainly looking forward to a return visit.
1. Upgraded to a Manhattan Suite at check-in after booking into a Seventy-Seven king room. Luxury notified the hotel of my arrival time and the suite was ready when I checked-in.
2. Service was very warm and friendly, especially the doormen. At check out I felt like I was saying goodbye to people who genuinely wanted to see me again. I personally enjoyed this a lot but those who prefer more formal service might want to look elsewhere
3. As opposed to Luxury's earlier report both of the concierges I dealt with were Clefs D'Or and though I didn't have any difficult requests for them they were always friendly and eager to help.
4. Lobby bar can get very crowded in the evening but further back towards the restaurant there is another bar that is much more quiet with bartenders who bought me a few too many drinks when they found out it was my birthday.
5. The shower in my suite was one of the best showers I've ever experienced. The separate tub is also very luxurious and deep.
6. Virtuoso amenity is a certificate for two drinks in the lobby bar which must be used between noon and 6PM. I don't mind the drinks as a amenity but restricting the time makes things really difficult for those hoping to meet friends for a drink after work and presenting the certificate just seems cheap. I don't see why they couldn't just offer an additional $50 food and beverage credit taken off the bill at checkout.
For those who desire to be on the UES The Mark it definitely worth your consideration but it may not be ideal for those who prefer more traditional designs and formalized service. I am certainly looking forward to a return visit.
#10
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: La Jolla, California
Programs: KrisFlyer Gold, SWA CP
Posts: 1,123
We were just at the Mark for 4 nights. The room was terrific and included a very well-done kitchenette, which we didn't use. All windows could be opened, allowing fresh spring air into the suite -- a rare perk in the City. I would have liked a door to the bedroom, but this is a small fuss. Bathroom was quite good, but the shampoo was cheap. Our suite had more closet and drawer space than our entire condo in La Jolla.
I concur with the positive reviews: high marks for just about everything. Turn-downs weren't missed, service in bars and restaurant was friendly and crisp. The food in the restaurant was shockingly good. We sat at the bar in the restaurant for all of our evening meals. Internet was complimentary and bandwidth was quite good.
I concur with the positive reviews: high marks for just about everything. Turn-downs weren't missed, service in bars and restaurant was friendly and crisp. The food in the restaurant was shockingly good. We sat at the bar in the restaurant for all of our evening meals. Internet was complimentary and bandwidth was quite good.
Last edited by mike_la_jolla; Jul 14, 2013 at 9:38 am
#11
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 573
I'm looking at the Mark at $409 or the Surrey at $387 for 2 nights in August.
Sounds like the Mark at $409 is what I should do
- better service at the Mark, which I'll probably need (healing broken foot bone)
- tub and shower in the Mark room vs Shower only in the Surrey
Cafe Boulud in the Surrey is a big plus for the Surrey - excellent quality and variety in breakfast meals. Bet the quiche is great.
The Mark's JG restaurant seems to have a limited breakfast menu.
Wish I could arrive earlier the first night... an upgraded room might be worth it in either.
Your thoughts?
Sounds like the Mark at $409 is what I should do
- better service at the Mark, which I'll probably need (healing broken foot bone)
- tub and shower in the Mark room vs Shower only in the Surrey
Cafe Boulud in the Surrey is a big plus for the Surrey - excellent quality and variety in breakfast meals. Bet the quiche is great.
The Mark's JG restaurant seems to have a limited breakfast menu.
Wish I could arrive earlier the first night... an upgraded room might be worth it in either.
Your thoughts?
#12
I'm looking at the Mark at $409 or the Surrey at $387 for 2 nights in August.
Sounds like the Mark at $409 is what I should do
- better service at the Mark, which I'll probably need (healing broken foot bone)
- tub and shower in the Mark room vs Shower only in the Surrey
Cafe Boulud in the Surrey is a big plus for the Surrey - excellent quality and variety in breakfast meals. Bet the quiche is great.
The Mark's JG restaurant seems to have a limited breakfast menu.
Wish I could arrive earlier the first night... an upgraded room might be worth it in either.
Your thoughts?
Sounds like the Mark at $409 is what I should do
- better service at the Mark, which I'll probably need (healing broken foot bone)
- tub and shower in the Mark room vs Shower only in the Surrey
Cafe Boulud in the Surrey is a big plus for the Surrey - excellent quality and variety in breakfast meals. Bet the quiche is great.
The Mark's JG restaurant seems to have a limited breakfast menu.
Wish I could arrive earlier the first night... an upgraded room might be worth it in either.
Your thoughts?
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...urrey-nyc.html