Library Hotel Collection Interview with Influencer Christina Saull
Published: April 4th, 2017Christina Saull, owner and author of the blog My View From the Middle Seat, recently visited three of the Library Hotel Collection properties. Christina has been a long-time patron of our New York City hotels and we thoroughly enjoy having her as a guest. We are so thankful Christina was able to share her photos and honest insights on Hotel Giraffe, Aria Hotel Budapest, and her personal favorite, Library Hotel, Join us in hearing about her latest adventures for this week’s #TravelTuesday!
Hotel Review: Aria Hotel Budapest
Hotel Review: Hotel Giraffe, NYC
Library Hotel Collection: Tell us about yourself. How did your passion for travel and hotels begin?
Christina Saull: I am a public relations professional by day, a travel blogger by night, and a professional wanderlust 24/7. My love of travel really shifted into high gear when my husband and I married ten years ago and started traveling more for both business and leisure. While we both hold down full-time jobs, we don’t let that hold us back from visiting the places we love – and discovering new places! Hotels are one of the most important parts of the trip to me. It’s a home away from home and that’s the exact experience I want to take away from each hotel stay.
LHC: Which of our hotels did you stay in?
CS: I have stayed in three Library Hotel Collection properties: the Library Hotel and Hotel Giraffe in Manhattan and most recently the Aria Hotel Budapest. While I loved them all, the Library Hotel will always be my go-to NYC hotel and holds a dear spot in my heart.
Christina enjoys one last cappuccino before checking out of the Hotel Giraffe
LHC: How did you hear about our hotels?
CS: Once upon a time, I was a college student with a lot of travel dreams. Every Sunday morning, I would tune into the Travel Channel to watch Samantha Brown’s show “Great Hotels.” One episode featured this amazing boutique hotel in NYC where all the rooms were themed off the Dewy Decimal system – perfect for an avid reader like me! This was the first introduction to the Library Hotel. I tucked it away in the back of my mind and knew that one day I wanted to stay there. Fast forward about six years and I was a newlywed staying at the Library Hotel for the first time! One stay and I was hooked.
The Library Hotel Reading Room is available 24 hours a day to relax and unwind.
LHC: From your experience, what makes our hotels so unique?
CS: The amenities that come with every Library Hotel Collection property should be standard at all hotels, yet they’re not – wifi, wine and cheese reception, and breakfast are all a part of your stay. But what really stands out, in stay after stay, is the staff – they’re consistently exceptional.
LHC: Was there anything you recommend as a nearby “must see” for our guests?
CS: While the Library Hotel might be my favorite Library Hotel Collection property, Hotel Giraffe is in my favorite location! During a visit to the property, guests should challenge themselves not to venture north into Midtown and just stick with the southern tip of Manhattan. Just south of the hotel is the Flatiron District, home to Union Square Park. Every Wednesday and Saturday, the park hosts a farmers market which has the best apple cider donuts in the world. Stop by the Breezy Hill stand and stock up on donuts! Also in the neighborhood is Fishs Eddy, a houseware shop worth popping your head into even if you’re not in the market for new plates. Also in the Flatiron District is the Strand Book Store – every book lover’s paradise! Closer to the hotel is Madison Square Park, home to the original Shake Shack, and Eataly, a giant emporium of everything Italian food.
LHC: Was there anything in our city that surprised you?
CS: Our trip to Budapest was short – only 24 hours prior to boarding a Viking River Cruise – but we were blown away at what a great city it is! I was surprised at how easy to navigate on foot or by street car the city was with stunning architecture and fantastic restaurants. A return trip is definitely in order.
Grand street entrance of the Aria Hotel Budapest on a sunny day
St. Stephen’s Christmas Market in Budapest
LHC: Did you experience any favorite restaurants during your stay?
CS: I love the rooftop bar at the Library Hotel, Bookmarks Lounge; it’s even open in the winter with an awesome enclosed glass patio. Right around the corner from Hotel Giraffe is Gramercy Tavern, one of my favorite restaurants in New York. Grab a seat at the bar and order whatever the bartender recommends. In Budapest, we had a great traditional Hungarian meal at Bock Bistro, a small cafe with a great wine list, within walking distance down the grand avenue from the Aria Hotel.
LHC: What’s next on your Travel Bucket List?
CS: This year is our ten-year wedding anniversary and we’ve decided to conquer a country we’ve barely scratched the surface of, Italy! We’re excited to get lost wandering the city, eating our weight in pasta and, of course, enjoying a lot of wine and gelato!
For more travel insights and tips follow Christina on her blog and these social media platforms:
myviewfromthemiddleseat.com
twitter.com/middleseatview
facebook.com/viewfromthemiddleseat
instagram.com/middleseatview
For a great stay in New York, Budapest, Prague or coming soon in Toronto,
visit www.LibraryHotelCollection.com or follow us on these social media platforms.
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