Hotel living can be so spectacular that you never want to leave your room — even in Manhattan.
When I was a little girl, I loved the story of Eloise, which was later turned into a movie and (apparently) a media franchise with its own website. But the premise was quite simple: an “impish” girl lived in a luxury hotel.
I checked into The Bryant Park Hotel on a rainy Sunday afternoon, and because I’m a frequent guest, I was upgraded to one of the most amazing NYC hotel rooms — 1707 — I’ve ever stayed in. I have park views via ample windows, two chaise lounges, a huge bathroom, a king-size bed, a full-size dining table, and two TVs (with the ability to connect with my phone, so I was able to watch the “90-Day Fiance” reunion (which illustrates that although I have great taste in hotels, I have VERY low-brow taste in TV entertainment).
Ample outlets for work and a white noise machine, and ear plugs for sleep are great touches for business travelers.
Free coffee and muffins in the morning round out the experience. The staff — Scott, John, Jo, and Rey — are helpful, warm, and welcoming.
I met an old friend for dinner at Calle Dao, a funky little Cuban-Chinese spot around the corner. (The restaurant in the hotel is pretty awesome too.) Bryant Park is close to Broadway, Grand Central Station, and pretty much everything else you might want to do and see in the city.
Alas, I could only stay for one night.
But I got to be Eloise for about 24 hours. And I’m good with that.
