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Staycations aren’t really something I frequent in NYC because I’m always in the city, whether it’s going to the office or attending a work event before heading back to Yonkers. That said, I’m not opposed to the idea because there are plenty of perks to a staycation: having a gym to get a workout in, a pool to lounge by, a rooftop to enjoy a drink on, especially if you don’t have those amenities at home, and of course, a wonderful staff ready to cater to your every need.
Born and raised in the Bronx, I’ve grown accustomed to the sounds, smells, and never-sleeping life of the city. Now, in my new neighborhood, peace and quiet have become my new normal. Of course, I miss the hustle of the concrete jungle, which is why it was an immediate yes to stay at the citizenM Bowery location. I knew that outside the hotel I’d find the familiar energy I grew up with, while inside my room I’d get all the relaxation I’ve come to love in my Westchester County home.
Whether you’re a fan of staycations or not, let this citizenM location in New York help you decide whether it’s worth booking or passing on. I said yes not only for the amenities but also for the chance to work alongside my fellow media peeps. Since we all work in different spaces and for different companies, it’s nice to have that sense of community and get an outside perspective on a personal or work project. Besides, who doesn’t love a good water cooler moment? Except in this case, it came with cafecito and chisme—the Latina way.
First Impressions
As I arrived at the entrance, I wondered why one of the entrances wasn’t available for use, but that thought quickly went away because, as a New Yorker, I know my lovely city is always under construction, and we’ve gotta work out the kinks to keep it fully functional. Before entering my room, I got to work from their cozy, living-room-style lobby, which was designed to create the ideal work-from-home setup. Instantly, I thought this area was full of life and artistry.
There was this Spider-Man outside that I couldn’t get enough of, and I kept thinking to myself, as a Marvel fan, “I can’t wait to see Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” It felt like all the random but cool art you see on the streets of New York was on display, while staying away from the traditional artwork you usually see in hotels. The artistic vibes didn’t stop in the working space, either. Even on the carpets leading to the rooms, you could spot popular streets and neighborhoods that make up the Lower East Side. A piece of the neighborhood was proudly displayed in every inch of that hotel, and that gave me pride as someone who’s from here. Growing up here, you learn to find beauty in unexpected places—from murals on a random block to art tucked into subway stations, and citizenM captured that same energy.
The Best Part
All the coffee you want, which is important as a Social Media Manager trying to stay on top of trends and continue to grow engagement and following. I decided to have a couple of matchas since that isn’t something I would normally prepare for myself and, honestly, wouldn’t know where to begin. With oat milk and a little sugar, it was the perfect drink to get me through a busy Thursday of meetings and social planning. As someone whose job requires me to always be online and aware of what’s happening, I appreciated having a space where I could be productive without feeling like I was just sitting at another desk.
The rooftop was amazing! The views were spectacular, and I loved that there were options to sit either inside or outside while also giving guests another space to work from. However, I wouldn’t recommend using it as a workspace because the area is meant to be admired, enjoyed for the vibes, and experienced with a cocktail or two.
This may sound silly, but I also loved the iPad in the room. It felt like I was Tony Stark, getting to control and decide what I wanted to do in my room. It allowed me to control the room temperature, change the color of the lights, and, if I was getting tired, put the room into sleep mode with the push of a button.
The Not-So-Best Part
The XL beds are too comfortable; you’re probably wondering how that’s a problem. Well, it isn’t, but once I showered and lay down, all the plans to roam around the Lower East Side for a solo dinner date went out the window. Instead, I ordered Uber Eats, specifically ramen, and watched my favorite show, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. It felt like my wind-down routine at home, except I had an iPad to control the lights, TV, curtains, and blinds, which reminded me that I have to use my smart plugs more to get as close as possible to that citizenM tech feel.
I would say that, as a hotel trying to stray away from traditional ways, the breakfast could’ve been switched up more. I usually skip that meal because I tend to have heavy lunches and dinners, but I wanted to give it a try since I wasn’t the one preparing it and didn’t have to wash dishes. It was the typical food you see at most hotels with their continental breakfast standards, which I’m usually not a fan of because the eggs are watery and the bread is stale. At citizenM, the pastries were fine, and I did have a couple of their lunch and appetizer options the day before, which were much better, with modern meals that still had traditional touches. Their guac is perfectly seasoned and full of flavor, which not many places in the city can accomplish. I did, however, not fully finish my breakfast. There’s always room for improvement.
Final Thoughts
“citizenM is a lifestyle hotel brand designed for today’s modern travelers, mobile citizens of the world,” according to the brand, and I would agree. As with any hotel stay, there are never enough days to fully enjoy it all, but as a Marriott member, the perks didn’t stop after I checked out. My stay earned points, making it even easier to start planning another citizenM stay.
If you happen to be near one of the 37 citizenM hotels across 10 countries, book your stay because you won’t regret it. From the moment you walk in, you get to decide where you want to work, how you want your room to feel with customizable lighting and climate controls, and how you want to spend your time, whether that’s relaxing upstairs at the rooftop or taking in the atmosphere without having to wait in line or worry about the weather.
citizenM has changed my perspective on staycations and reminded me why they need to be taken more often. So don’t be surprised if you see me lounging at their Times Square location.
Accommodations were provided to the author by citizensM for the purpose of writing this story.