Tastemaker: Dina De Luca Chartouni's Upper East Side

As a co-owner of The Lowell Hotel and longtime resident of the Upper East Side, we’re looking to Dina De Luca Chartouni for her tastemaker’s guide to one of Manhattan’s most sought-after neighborhoods.

When it comes to New York City institutions, the storied hotels of the Upper East Side such as The Lowell Hotel serve as pillars of this affluent neighborhood. But what exactly constitutes the Upper East Side, you ask? The region is bounded by 96th Street to 59th Street north to south, and Central Park to the East River from west to east. Though, the map means nothing without context. And for that, you have to turn to locals. We had the pleasure of checking in with Dina De Luca Chartouni, co-owner of The Lowell Hotel, to learn more about what this lifetime UES resident considers the best of the best.

SmartFlyer: If you had to describe the Upper East Side to someone who’s never been, how would you paint the picture?

Dina De Luca Chartouni: The Upper East Side is both sophisticated and charming. As a neighborhood, it is one of the jewels in Manhattan. It has a great deal of light, and open space, due to its location near Central Park. One can find serenity walking the tranquil tree-lined streets, as well as a family-friendly environment. The Upper East Side is home to over fifteen private schools; so many streets are brimming with children of all ages. As a cultural hub, the Upper East Side has no match. It is home to some of the most important art institutions in the world; The Met, The Guggenheim, The Cooper Hewitt, and The Frick Collection are all within close proximity to one another.

SF: Tell us more about the ethos of The Lowell Hotel. How have you managed to ensure its timeless feeling while keeping the property fresh?

DC: We operate from the standpoint of how can we optimize our guests’ experience. We want The Lowell guests to feel as if they have a pied-a-terre in NYC, without the headache of maintaining it. We want “their Lowell home” to feel luxurious, and for all their services to feel personal. We are privately owned and because of this, we have the possibility to create and implement policies that are not part of a corporate dictum.

It all comes down to how the hotel makes you feel. At The Lowell, we aspire for one to feel welcomed, pampered, and relaxed, right from the start.

Traveling throughout the world has kept me exposed to other hotels and how the luxury market is evolving. Yet no matter what I experience–how large the size of the lobby is, or how many digital electronics have been added to a room–my belief of what makes a hotel experience great remains firm. It all comes down to how the hotel makes you feel. At The Lowell, we aspire for one to feel welcomed, pampered, and relaxed, right from the start.

SF: The Lowell Hotel is home to some incredible dining options. Tell us more about the story behind the creation of Majorelle.

DC: The Lowell is a landmark building that opened in 1927. And although we are a historical Art Deco building, The Lowell and its’ use of space is constantly evolving. So in 2017, after a lengthy renovation of the hotel’s public spaces, we opened several new dining options. These included The Club Room, Majorelle, and Jacques’ Bar. All have given our guests various options to dine and drink.

In designing Majorelle, Mark Pinney, our architect, created a timeless neoclassical setting with high vaulted ceilings supported by marble columns. The addition of the terrace gave us an exterior space that included a garden of plants and flowers, three fountains, and a fireplace. These were dynamic additions to the already beautiful interior by designer Michael Smith. We brought on restauranteur Charles Masson, because he understood the idea of creating a restaurant that was based on classical French cuisine with a modern take. It was Charles who had a deep personal connection with the Majorelle Gardens in Morocco and, in turn, was inspired to create a dining experience infused with the freshest elements from the garden. It only made sense to name the bar – Jacques, after the artist, Jacque Majorelle, who created the gardens in Morocco.

The Club Room evolved as we realized the need for a very special place for our guests to have a public space to gather in. This meant cozy spaces set amidst a grand setting. A large fireplace dominates The Club Room and a tiny jewel-box bar hides in a corner. Here is where The Lowell guest retreats from the bustle of NYC and sinks into a lounge chair. Surrounded by eclectic art and fanciful book-lined shelves, it is designed to feel like home.

SF: If you had to buy a gift for a friend, which boutiques on the Upper East Side could we find you shopping?

DC: There are so many options! I would start across the street from The Lowell at Hermès for a cashmere scarf in an eye-popping color. I love their quality; they are timeless. Ralph Lauren’s flagship on Madison for sure, and then, Sleepy Jones. They have the best pajamas that are fun and playful and are great for both men and women.

SF: When it comes to florals, The Lowell Hotel is known for its impressionable blooms. Tell us more about the in-house florist. Can outside guests order arrangements?

DC: After our redesign and in 2016 when we brought on Charles Masson, his floral style was very central in developing the look and feel of the lobby florals and of course throughout Majorelle. Our current in-house floral designer trained under him. We are currently not selling for outside arrangements but we invite you to come to The Lowell to enjoy them.

SF: What is your go-to restaurant for a casual weekend lunch in the neighborhood and why?

DC: Outside of The Lowell, I would go around the corner to Fleming by Le Bibloquet. The owner, Philippe Delgrange, has been a friend for many years. He has created a wonderful ambiance at Fleming, both inside and outside. The food is always delicious.

SF: For a day at the museum, which of the many Upper East Side spots do you favor?

DC: It’s The Met for me and it has been my favorite since my school days. Just after college, I co-founded The Apollo Circle, an important part of The Met’s philanthropic community. The Apollo Circle has become an important source of funding for The Met. It’s a membership-based program that exposes young patrons to The Met’s great works of art. Years later, I also helped to create The Met Family Circle; it’s a membership-based program for young families to expose the many varied art collections of The Met to a young audience in a way where young children could absorb the most information.

SF: When it comes to sourcing art, which auctions do you favor?

DC: I love attending the auctions at Sotheby’s, Doyle, and Christie’s. The excitement and cadence of an auction are something to experience, especially because you find one-of-a-kind collectibles and art. If you love something, you’ll go the extra mile since you only have that one chance. In fact, the beautiful leather chairs and the Ormolu and patinated Bronze Atlas Statues in the Club Room were purchased at various auctions around the world.

SF: Okay, it’s time for cocktails. What’s your drink of choice and where’s your most beloved bar to enjoy it?

DC: A Kir Royale on ice at Jacques Bar.

SF: If you have a celebration on the horizon, where could we find you dining on the Upper East Side?

DC: There have been so many food providers that are still going strong from my childhood and have all been a part of my family’s celebrations and holidays. These include William Greenberg Bakery for cakes and desserts; Dorian’s Seafood Market (once Rosedale Fish Market) for fresh seafood; and Lobel’s, for meats and poultry. And of course, Sant Ambroeus on Madison is my favorite for a great lunch as well as desserts.

SF: What are you most excited about in the year ahead with both the hotel and the neighborhood?

DC: The onset of spring and all of the events that come along with the change of seasons. We are always working to update the interiors of the rooms throughout the year. I am most excited, looking further ahead, to our centennial with our 100th anniversary of the hotel in 2027. We are already in the planning stages for the lead-up to this incredible historical milestone!