It really is a shame that one of the greatest cities in the world is only a few short hours from Boston – a shame for my wallet that is. Luckily this ‘biz has a couple perks and I was able to return last weekend for a quick little romp, as I think winter really is the best time to visit Manhattan. I brought the boyfriend this time and was planning on some serious sightseeing and only having the laptop open for a couple of hours. We enjoyed wine-ing, dining, an off-Broadway play and my first trip to the strange yet fascinating Guggenheim Museum.
Before all that though, let me sing some high praises for the Affinia Manhattan Hotel. While I wasn’t on official assignment, I till was looking at this place with a writer’s eye and was totally satisfied with what I observed.
Right off the bat the lobby is insanely impressive, if not a little daunting. What better way to a girl’s inner Audrey Hepburn though than chandeliers, right? The front desk staff were top notch and super helpful in getting me all settled in. I took the old school elevator up to the 23rd floor and was met with massive hallways and dated carpets, but the room itself was fresh and fun.
I like the idea of not feeling confined to the bed when staying in a hotel, especially when I have writing to do. What I love the most about this hotel Flagstaff was there was copious amounts of space to stretch out, from the comfy chairs to the sectioned off office space with a desk and countertops. And a fridge! I loved London and all, but having a fridge is key, even for some chilled water to grab in the middle of the night. No silly mini bar either to shove over – just a big, cold space for my own snacks and drinks.
My temporary home office came with indulgently soft pillows – a few picked from their famous pillow bar, where you can choose the right style to best suit your needs (from hypoallergenic to pillow iPod docks!). Two big windows open up to the streets below, letting in plenty of light. Each wall had pretty gray, black and white flowers and accents to give the space a unique touch of style.
Yes, the bathroom was super tiny. But hey, welcome to New York. To compensate for lack of elbow room, there was plenty of other superb amenities -including full size bottles of their bath products. For someone like me with a lion’s mane of hair, this was crazy appreciated, as I often have to hound the poor housekeepers for extra conditioner.
Overall I only have a few little gripes about the Affinia, which makes me fear I’m getting snotty and spoiled, but I digress. One, it was LOUD. There was a fire station below is I think that constantly had trucks raging in and out. A necessary evil of course, but it did make me think twice about staying in the dead center of Manhattan (in contrast, the Hotel Americano in Chelsea was much quieter, but a totally different and modern scene). Two, it was tough finding some cute bars and restaurants within quick walking distance. This really is not the Affinia’s fault, because it’s right next to Madison Square Garden, making it a high traffic and commercial area I suppose.
No real complaints, though – I adored Affinia Manhattan and was happy to lay my head to rest there for the long weekend. These short trips to NYC are getting a little addictive – I might have to reign it in and wait a few months until the next venture to repair my broken bank account.
Have a favorite hotel in Manhattan? Or just a really memorable stay anywhere in the world? I’m always up for future recommendations!
Freelancer Tip #2: Have no shame when starting out. Of course be smart and try to avoid those shady online projects without a contract just for the dollar signs, but also be willing to put in the work when opportunities arise. I literally fell over myself when I thought I had met a legit editor, and ever since I’ve been handsomely rewarded. Yes I had a few sleepless nights, but it was well worth this NYC trip and all the future adventures I’m bound to have. Don’t make traveling the goal – building a good reputation and portfolio should be the aim, and the trips will eventually fall into place.
It was an absolute pleasure meeting you last night. I very much enjoyed chatting with you.
I so need to stay at this hotel, if only for the pillow bar!! How cool is that!!
Love NYC!!! My only wish is that it was just a tad closer and cheaper!!
Great review!!
So great meeting you and your sister too, had a blast perusing your blog too this morning! I did love this place, adore old buildings with character. Well, NYC is cheaper than London, right?! Not by much though 🙂
Head over heels in love with the chandelier in the lobby. What a beautiful entrance!
A friend of mine is getting married at the Loeb Boathouse and I’m trying to find a hotel that not too far from the wedding site but is walking distance to cute bars and restaurants and not-to-miss NYC things. I booked Affinia bc I heard it was excellent for all of the above, but just read here that it isn’t 🙁 Do you have a better suggesting for someone not familiar with the city? Thank you!
*I should also mention, the price seemed to be one of the cheapest around for such a nice hotel.
Hey Erin, thanks for reaching out! I still think Affinia isn’t too bad when it comes to location, especially for it’s price point. Sure, there wasn’t a bar I found right outside the door I was in love with, and I was a little underwhelmed by the hotel’s onsite bar/restaurant, but it is Manhattan – a 10-minute stroll did bring us to a few things that we liked. Plus, subway rides or a taxi are so accessible, I think you wouldn’t have a problem finding things to do and places to go. I know our taxi to the Guggenheim museum was only 10 bucks or so. But if you’d like other suggestions let me know!
Looks like my kind of place! The pillow bar is a nice touch!
It was suuuper cozy, NYC is always the best!
I stayed here a few years ago. It was a great value for what I paid. It wasn’t very memorable, but I’d stay here again based on price, location, and cleanliness.
I feel similar :). This was one of my first review assignments (!) and I was so. Excited.