This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Choice Hotels. The opinions and text are all mine.
I have never been to New York City, which actually comes to a surprise to me based on where else I have traveled. Business and pleasure trips have always taken me elsewhere, and with work definitely dominating my itinerary this year, I had really no choice.
But then it came – a meeting request in the middle of Manhattan, and it was mine for the taking. Granted, it was going to be a whirlwind of a trip, in and out in around 38 hours, so I knew I had to make the most of it.
As this trip was going to be such a whirlwind, I wanted to make sure the hotel I stayed at was comfortable, affordable, had a great location, and of course a view. I wanted to see something other than the AC of another building, a site I have gotten used to in many hotels I have visited. And most of all, I wanted the hotel to be close to my meeting in Chelsea. Looking around, I found the Cambria® hotels & suites in Chelsea, which not only offered every amenity I like to see in a hotel along with higher quality reviews than seen in hotels costing double or more.
Now when I reserve hotel rooms, I typically add in some odd request to see just how well the teams on location pay attention, and this time was no exception. Being that it is a business-focused hotel, I figured they would be on top of requests, but in this case, it was a request of pictures of dinosaurs. Admittedly, I did forget about the request until we walked in and there they were, sitting next to a hand-written card from the staff thanking me for my stay. A class act to say the least, and I was left incredibly impressed.
Now, check in was a breeze, walking in from the street to a brightly lit, incredibly decorated lobby. The staff was beyond friendly even at 11:30 at night, and quickly got me up to the room. Looking around at the décor, I was reminded of some of the boutique hotels in London, completely forgetting that this was a chain. It was cozy, bright, colorful, and best of all, quiet.
The room at the Cambria® hotel & suites in Chelsea was actually very spacious for what I was expecting, with a couch, small work table, desk, and extremely comfortable bed. The bathroom was very well appointed with a gorgeous walk-in shower and rain showerhead. But best of all, the star of the room, was the view. At 8 floors up, I was looking out at the Freedom Tower, brightly lit in the distance. It was not just humbling, but a true moment of experience.
But I was here to work, and work I did. Prior to the meeting I was able to hit the fitness center to help wake up, and grabbed a quick bite to eat on my way out from the honor bar. And with the free WiFi and comfortable seating in the room, I was able to get all my notes and post-meeting work done with ease before hitting the rooftop bar. Yes, it was incredible, and even in the fall, comfortable. Sitting up above, listening to the city below and watching the lights, I was comfortable and at home.
Often traveling on whirlwind trips leaves me expectedly tired, worn out, and yearning for home, but this trip was different. Even with 4-hour flights and time changes, I woke each morning refreshed and ready to go. The bed at the Cambria® was one of the best I have slept in, and even for being in the middle of the city, the room was quiet and cozy, and the hotel itself was posh and boutique feeling without being uptight and exclusive.
So to the Cambria® hotels & suites team in Chelsea, thank you for being incredible hosts. I look forward to my return soon.
Interested in experiencing this hotel as I did? Next time you visit Manhattan, be sure to book with the Cambria® hotels & suites in Chelsea at 123 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001. You can book online or call them direct at (212) 244-4477.