What I Look for in a Hotel
(Plus, read on for my favorite one.)
Among life’s extra special indulgences, a lush night’s stay at a hotel is high on my list. And while I’ve had the privilege of visiting some amazing hotels, a few in particular stand out.
For me, a preferred hotel matches my style of travel: balanced, restful, paced, and varied. With this in mind, certain elements in my stay are especially important to me.
With that, here is what I look for when selecting a hotel.
Location
While travelling, my preferred method of transit is walking. It’s a lovely start and end to the day, invites one to fully embrace their surroundings, and, of course, is free. Selecting a hotel in a walkable area makes me feel like a local (not to mention sparing the expense of Ubers).
Style
Coco Chanel once said, “Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.” Bereft of soul or personality, even a luxury hotel can still feel empty and hollow. Rather, luxury is meant to be livable. A hotel that is both grand and inviting is a delight indeed.
I find this philosophy most evident in boutique hotels: distinctly fashionable, embracing a local touch, and often in urban locations.
Lifestyle fit
When taking vacation, yes, I am there in part for a respite from everyday life. However, maintained elements of my daily routine do keep me feeling my best. A hotel that parallels my personal lifestyle fosters a more enjoyable stay.
To start, I like to level my adventurous exploring with the option to stay in–provided certain amenities have been made available. Will foregoing a night out in the city be worth my while? Will I sleep well here? Have common discomforts or inconveniences been accommodated for? The level of care and attention to detail are, collectively, what make a successful night’s stay.
Next, I look for amenities that help me stay active. Is there a fitness center? If so, is it spacious and well-equipped? Some hotels keep a yoga mat stocked in the bedroom closet: a simple yet thoughtful convenience! The easier it is for me to move my body, the more gratefully I will indulge myself in the amenities that encourage it.
Dining
Experiencing the restaurant scene in a new city does create cherished memories on a trip. That said, having the option to stay in is a nice touch. Sometimes, I’ll opt for the simpler dinner plan: descending the elevator to enjoy the hotel restaurant.
What’s my favorite hotel?
For a memorable stay in our nation’s capital, I must insist on the LINE DC. Located in bustling Adams Morgan (“AdMo” to the locals), this hotel makes stepping out to explore remarkably easy. Going a step further than the average luxury hotel, its unique amenities tickle both the heart and imagination.
At the LINE, its boutique nature manifests in marvelous stylistic choices: think a playful take on Art Deco. Cross the lobby and look up: a magnificent structure of criss-crossing organ pipes hangs from the ceiling. Flanking it are majestic cathedral-style windows, a light-filled sight to behold at sunset.
As a much-needed relief from the stress of the pandemic, I booked my stay at the LINE with their staycationer special for DC locals. Not only did it provide the quiet comfort needed for a productive day, but it also helped me unwind at a time of great unease. As a guest, I found their rooms comfortable and bespoke: one worthy of my Pinterest board.
The menu at the LINE’s onsite restaurant, No Goodbyes, combines all the authentic coastal flavors of both land and sea. Directly adjacent, No Goodbyes Bar serves the perfect post-meal nightcap.
What are some ways a hotel you’ve visited has facilitated some of your favorite things? Share your stories with us by leaving a comment below.
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