Perfectly in View

My  husband and I recently traveled to Weehawken, New Jersey for a wedding weekend. For those who love the Big Apple, I must tell ya, this location is perfect to explore New York City and enjoy the nearby neighborhoods of Weehawken.

We stayed at the EnVue Autograph Collection Hotel. EnVue means “In View” and this location had just that… oh, what a view! The hotel is a stones throw away from the Hudson River and the spectacular NYC skyline. We were on our way to check-in and rode the elevator to the 6th floor. As the elevator doors opened, sunlight beamed in, and our eyes soon focused on the beautiful panoramic view of Manhattan.

The lobby served a few purposes. By day, it was a place to relax or grab a bite to eat, in the evening it transformed into Marcus at NoHu Rooftop with indoor and expansive outdoor rooftop seating and full dinner & craft cocktail menu, by night it underwent a complete transformation with alternative lighting, a DJ, and dancing.

Mirrors, metals, and dark modern colors offered a certain level of glamour in its design and this theme carried throughout the lobby, rooftop bar and the sleeping rooms. When we arrived to our room I was relieved to see the Safe Stay® seal. Just knowing that our room was appropriately cleaned & sanitized with no reentry gave my husband & I both peace of mind. Our room was sleek, well-appointed, and comfortable.  

My favorite part about staying at this property is the location. We love to travel, we love NYC but this location was a game changer for getting in and out of the city. Typically, we’d take a car, subway or walk anywhere we needed to get to in the city. Here, we walked out the front door, across the street and hopped on an 8-minute ferry ride across the Hudson River to Manhattan via the NY Waterway Ferry Service. It was easy, timely and affordable… 10/10!

Our time was short but due to the convenience of the location we were able to spend a lot of time in Manhattan where we visited several restaurants, pubs, and shops! We also had the opportunity to visit Hoboken for dinner, golf and enjoy the wedding festivities.

Though our flight got cancelled on our return to Columbus; this was a great (quick) trip!

Until Next Time,

Lauren

Anything but Ordinary – MOXY Columbus Short North

We had an exciting Grand Opening this week for the FIRST Moxy Hotel in Ohio! It opened in the popular Short North Arts District in Downtown Columbus. If you are a hotel-lifer, this brand may surprise you and it is anything but ordinary.

Walking into the Moxy, I felt the energy that reverberates from the walls. The pops of magenta, the music bumping upstairs, and of course the overall modern and fun design. Hanging from the ceiling was fabric and textiles that created a chandelier affect and was the perfect accent to the magenta “red carpet” that was rolled out for guests.The Moxy Short North - Columbus, OH

The second floor is where the action is at! Common in our industry is the idea of “activating your space” and Moxy is in full activation mode. A rectangular, lively bar opens to sleek gathering spaces, a fireplace wall and a pool table.

Are you wondering about a front desk?

You will not find that here. Check-in is at the bar!

The Moxy Short North - Columbus, OHCity living is the vibe I felt when I saw the brand-new rooms. They are minimal in nature with an efficient use of space. An extra chair or a table could be hanging on a hook in your room! Never know when you’ll need an extra seat for entertaining! I was surprised to find that a few of the rooms feature personal balcony areas looking out over Short North.

There are several unique and quirky attributes of the brand but I have to share my favorite one… as a guest you may have the opportunity to be flocked by flamingos. Yup, you read that correctly. You may arrive back to your room, walk in and see a few décor additions that were not there prior. Think lots of flamingos, pink lights, pink candies and so forth.The Moxy Short North - Columbus, OH

As I left the Moxy and walked down High Street, I smiled because from the sidewalk, you can see the pink glow and excitement brewing on the second floor. My bet is that this energy will draw just about any passerby in to answer their curiosities.

 

Until Next Time,

Lauren

 

The Moxy Short North - Columbus, OH

The Moxy Short North - Columbus, OH

 

Feeling Ritzy?

The Ritz Carlton located in the heart of downtown Cleveland within the historic Tower City building has long been a beacon of luxury and opulence. There is a lot to love about the Ritz Carlton Cleveland. For one, it is the only Ritz Carlton property in the state!

The Ritz Carlton ClevelandFrom beginning to end, service is top notch. I pulled up to the busy valet and was warmly greeted and promptly guided to the elevators to sweep me away to the lobby. Immediately off the elevators is a stunning floral arrangement composed of several tall clear vases with simplistic blooms.

The lobby is a hub for guest engagement, dining, conversation or a night cap. The newly renovated rooms and public areas are abundant with steel grays and blues paying homage to Cleveland’s storied steel-working industry. As each working day winds down, a steam whistle signals the start of “off clock” featuring light fare and strong spirits in TURN Bar & Kitchen. In the evening I did partake and ordered the Asia Town Tom Yum Goong and boy was it a sweet and spicy bowl of perfection!The Ritz Carlton Cleveland

The sleeping rooms are stunning and sparkling clean. What a perfect space to unwind, get your work done or get some shut eye. The bathrooms are beautiful, large and bright. The flooring, shower and counter tops are all white marble tiled with shiny stainless fixtures.

One of my favorite features of the room was the lighting options. For ease of access, I had many lighting settings available at my fingertips for bed left (lighting on just my side of the bed), Good Night, Master, Evening (subtle lighting) and Work. Even the bathroom had a nightlight feature, I loved this. (I am always the one stubbing my toe in the middle of the night!) I also enjoyed having a Nespresso machine in the room. It was a welcomed amenity for the afternoon and morning caffeine binge.The Ritz Carlton Cleveland

Other exceptional qualities of the The Ritz is the Club Concierge and the extensive fitness center. The Club Concierge is just as stunning as the property with impressive views, sleek furniture and exceptional options for food & beverage complete with a friendly host. The 4,500 sq. ft. Core Fitness Club offers more than a standard hotel gym. This is an all-around wellness center with live-streaming classes and group fitness!The Ritz Carlton Cleveland

The Ritz Carlton certainly checks many boxes on the list of luxury amenities. Stop by for a cocktail at TURN next time you are ending your long work day… who knows, maybe you’ll make it in time to hear the steam whistle!

 

Until Next Time,

Lauren

The Ritz Carlton Cleveland

The Ritz Carlton Cleveland

What’s your Alibi? The Liberty Hotel

What if I told you that my husband and I stayed in a city jail for two nights? Would you believe me? Well, you better, because that is precisely where we stayed (kinda… ok, it is a hotel now, but it was a jail!) during a recent trip to Boston, Massachusetts. We were recommended to this property from friends who lived in Boston for several years. Our friends talked about its architecture, history and ambiance and they certainly did not let us down.The Liberty Hotel - Boston

Allow me to introduce you to The Liberty Hotel, a part of the Luxury Collection under the Marriott umbrella. The property has a storied past of which they have built into a brand. The Charles Street Jail was built in 1851 and housed some of Boston’s most notorious criminals for 120 years until it was shutdown as it was declared to be unfit for the prisoners.

The Liberty Hotel - BostonThe central atrium, original jail cells and granite contributes to the hotel’s story. When we arrived, I was floored by the exterior with its beautiful stone, the build and the gorgeous windows. When we walked in and up the escalators, bright sunlight filled the 90-foot atrium. We later noticed that the circular designed window within the atrium is a major part of their logo which is an old skeleton key with the same window design at its handle.

I loved the clever references within the names of their food & beverage outlets.

CLINK. –  a refined restaurant with New England fare, seafood & meats.

Alibi (my favorite) – have a seat in an original cell and enjoy a custom cocktail and a late night snack. What I loved most were the celebrity headshots that decorated the brick walls.The Liberty Hotel - Boston

Liberty Bar- an exciting twist on your “lobby bar” as the lobby turns into an energetic, fun, social atmosphere by night.

Scampo – Italian inspired fare created by the Boston-based Chef Lydia Shire.

The Yard (Sean’s favorite)- formerly the recreation yard for inmates, now a chic, beautifully landscaped outdoor bar.

The Liberty Hotel - BostonThe details did not stop in the lobby. Our room had so many unique qualities. The carpeting had a pattern with skeleton keys & time pieces, a pillow with tally marks sat atop a leather chair, one of our & nightstands was a safe. The bathroom was spacious with a soaking tub, complete with fluffy logo’d robes.

The Liberty is an experience from the moment you walk in. If you decide to make a trip to Boston, at minimum make this a stop for your night cap.

 

 

Until Next Time,

Lauren

 

The Liberty Hotel - Boston

The Liberty Hotel - Boston

Small but Mighty – Four Points by Sheraton Cincinnati North

Four Points West ChesterA quick trip to Cincinnati led me to an overnight stay at the Four Points by Sheraton Cincinnati North which sits north of the city near West Chester. I have to admit, I was not super familiar with the Four Points brand and concept but am excited to share with you all that I learned!

Tucked away off of a main road, this property is a cozy 89 room hotel and is nestled in a quiet area. From the moment I arrived, I was so warmly greeted by all of the team members that I had the opportunity to meet. I was promptly assisted and made my way to my spacious and comfortable room. An in-room coffee station, mini fridge and bottled water made my evening and morning routines easy. The bathrooms have built in shelving where the bath towels were perfectly folded and displayed. I always appreciate extra counter space and nooks that I can put my toiletries and this room offered both.Four Points West Chester

The decor in the lobby, restaurant and throughout the hotel encompassed travel and a journey. On one wall in the lobby, an array of license plates and a car bumper were on display and other art showed airplanes and propellers. Immediately off of the lobby is Fuel Restaurant & Bar, open for breakfast and dinner. I had the opportunity to dine in Fuel for both meals and it was great! The menu has good selections from salads, sandwiches to soft pretzels and pot stickers for dinner and a variety of breakfast selections for the morning.Four Points West Chester

I spent the night on a Tuesday evening and I was bummed to find out that on Wednesday’s they have a themed night: Best Brews & BBQ. How fun! Throughout the week Fuel features local beers on tap and on Wednesday’s you can pair a local brew with delicious BBQ offerings all made in-house.

Four Points West ChesterBesides visiting a few of our amazing hoteliers, I also attended the MPI Ohio Chapter meeting which was hosted at this property. I was so pleasantly surprised with the large and beautiful event space that the property had to offer. It offered great flexibility for events small and large and our innovative lunch was delicious. Our lunch was a creative mix of different kinds of salads, build-your-own lettuce wraps and soups. I was very impressed as were several of the attendees.

It was a great stay and experience. Big thank you to all of the team members for their genuine, hospitable nature!

 

Until Next Time,

Lauren