How did you begin your career in the luxury hotel industry, and what specifically attracted you to The Lowell Hotel?
I started my career in Hotel Management in Germany and worked in several luxury properties in Germany and England before I decided to move to New York. My first hotel was the Pierre where I worked at the Front Desk and was inspired to become a concierge. At the time there were no female concierges in Europe but in New York there were women at every Concierge Desk. I eventually started at the Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park where I moved up to Chef Concierge and stayed for twenty years. I left the hotel industry for a couple years but missed hotels and was excited to hear that the Lowell was looking tofill a concierge position. The Lowell is a very special hotel because it is small and intimate. In this environment we are able to get to know the guest, understand their preferences and create experiences that make a difference in their stay.
What do you love the most about your job?
I left the industry for a few years and came back to it because I missed it. I enjoy finding out what guests are looking for and creating an itinerary tailored just for them. Every guestis different and comes with different expectations and questions on what they want to do in this wonderful city. Concierges are ambassadors of the city and representatives of their hotels. We do feel that we can make or break a guest stay and do not take this responsibility lightly.
What do guests love the most about The Lowell?
Our guests feel “at home” here and taken care of by the staff many of whom have worked here for years. The Lowell is an oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city which is why our guests come back again and again.
What are your favorite spotson the Upper East Side?
There are so many special places and here are just a few: I love the Neue Galerie, a museum of Austrian and German art and design, and their Viennese Café Sabarsky and Café Fledermaus. For a nightcap I love Melody’s Piano Bar serving great cocktails and live music every day in an elegant ambiance. One of the unique stores on the Upper East Side is Zitomer, an upscale family run New York pharmacy established in 1950.There you can find everything from a vast selection of beauty products to hard-to-find items, accessories, home goods, toys, electronics and snacks. For a break after shopping, one can take a break at the historical Carl Schurz Park which offers beautiful views of the river, the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse andthe Triborough Bridge. The park also contains Gracie Mansion, the 18th century mansion that serves as the official residence of the Mayor of New York.
Your favourite neighbourhood in Manhattan?
All neighborhoods in Manhattan are very different from each other, which makes the city so special. Walking is the best sightseeing and the best way to experience the city: turning a corner can transport you to a different world. I do have a soft spot for the Lower East Side, not only for shopping but also for the great people watching. Recently (since I started working at the Lowell) I have come to love the Upper East Side because it is a small community, and vendors and venues know eachother and meet on a regular basis. For us concierges on the Upper East Side it is easy to reach out to any of them to help elevate our guest’s experience.
Your favourite spots forSpring and Summer in New York City?
Cherry Hill in Central Park is magical in spring: you will see the Yoshino Cherry trees in bloom. There are a number of other wonderful places to see cherry blossoms in Central Park: on the east and west side of the reservoir as well as right behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Once you are there go see the rooftop of the museum to enjoy the incredible view and seasonal art installation, open through October. This year’s installation is “Ensemble” by Jennie C. Jones. Another one of my favorite places, especially in summer are the Cloisters, located at Fort Tyron Park in Washington Heights on the northern tip of Manhattan. The museum specializes in medieval art and architecture and is surrounded by three gardens featuring a variety of rare medieval species and offering stunning views of the Hudson and New Jersey Palisades.
Your favourite dining destinations?
This is a difficult question for a concierge. We all have personal preferences, but we recommend to our guestswhat we believe they will like. Some of mine are Roscioli, Tha Phraya, Santi, Raf's and Supper. The list goes on and on and changes on a regular basis.
Where would you spend your day off in New York?
On a sunny day in New York City I love to be on the water. One can take the Roosevelt Island tramway tothe island and take the ferry to Wall Street to have lunch by the water at Industry Kitchen or enjoy oysters at Grand Banks on Pier 25. There are also sailboat cruises either during the day or at sunset offering spectacular views of Manhattan and the statue of liberty and after all these years in the city those views never get old.