If searching for a hotel is like looking for love (both requiring availability, looks, budget, and a good bed) then the Affinia Manhattan turns a one night stand into (at least) a four night one. 

Nobody puts baby in the corner (suite)

It started with a flower. An unassuming gerbera found at the nearby flower markets inspired famed Rockwell Group designers to take the little daisy and turn it into art, pressed to the walls of Affinia Manhattan’s spacious rooms. And I’m a sucker for flowers.

But this is New York City and floral wallpaper today is not what it was in a Sydney suburb circa 1987. A statement, yes. A haunting pre-sleep terror, no. And I caught myself uttering a very Mum phrase, “Honey, that’s what I want to do with the guest room.”

It was like coming home

Because this feels like home (although bigger than mine, with more TV channels and with Madison Square Garden and the Empire State Building just up the road).

All suites and studios have kitchens; bathrooms (I had two – why have two sinks when you can have two bathrooms?) are stocked with yummy Philosophy products (so your hair, when washed does not smell like floor cleaner); and, unlike many hotels, gorgeous overhead lighting (so your face, when made up does not look like you’re an extra in Cats).

You had me at check in

“You stay here, we live and work here,” reads the Guest Services guide and from the staff at reception through to the on-site engineers (one of whom has been with the hotel for forty years), it’s evident that this is a family welcoming you to stay.

I’ll have what she’s having

Over a moreish winter breakfast, I considered a go of the free Experience Kits. The Walking Tour Kit includes an iPod Shuffle/Nano loaded with the Affinia Walking Tour and work out playlists, a pedometer and towel, or the Stayfit Kit comes with yoga mat, stretching blocks, pilates/boot camp DVDs and wrist/ankle weights. I settled for another bowl of oatmeal.

I’ll be back

It ended with a flower. Before leaving the Affinia Manhattan, propped up by two of the six pillow options from the pillow menu, I sketched the wallpaper design into my notebook and scrawled beside it, “Make home like Affinia.”

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