A Fall Staycation
The Goodwin Hotel
Hey loves! I have been needing a break but I don’t have the time to go anywhere since I’m busy with grad school. So mom and I buckled down and decided to take a day off last weekend and headed to The Goodwin Hotel in Downtown Hartford. We had planned our evening to be ultimate relaxation but unfortunately, due to conflicts in our crazy schedules, we didn’t get our weekend started until about 7pm Friday night! As a college professor, she too is so busy! Regardless, we had such an incredible night off in such a beautiful space! It was definitely the “reset” we both needed to make it through to the end of the semester! Scroll down for more...
"It was definitely the “reset” we both needed to make it through to the end of the semester!"
"You literally have to start by making the decision to take some time out for yourself in a fresh environment."
HOW TO STAYCATION AF?
I am an avid traveler and as noted, I am fully into my last year of grad school and I’m getting married next summer; travel is not happening until until after next August! I’m sad about that but I had the time of my life this past summer so I’m not too pressed about this! A Staycation is a vacation at home. For me, Hartford is right next door; only 10-12 mins away from my town! You literally have to start by making the decision to take some time out for yourself in a fresh environment. Ideally, my whole day Friday would have looked like brunch, nails, dinner but I was incredibly busy. Instead, mom and I packed our overnight bags after a crazy day and headed downtown Hartford. We had to do dinner and we knew that we were doing breakfast or brunch the following day. I packed the cutest outfit, got into my hotel room, and got dressed for the evening. Although we just went to dinner, you can do dinner and a show downtown or head to your nearest bar or lounge for drinks!
THE GOODWIN HOTEL
The Goodwin Hotel is perfectly located in the heart of Downtown Hartford. It is steps away from Bushnell Park, Theater Works, restaurants, and prime boutique shopping. It has been a long time since I’ve entered a hotel and be breath taken! It is absolutely beautiful; being newly renovated with a modern meets vintage feel! The Goodwin is also home to new restaurant, Harlan Brasserie. Unfortunately, we didn’t do dinner there but the atmosphere is delightful. In the morning, the hotel offers a breakfast buffet and it was to die for. It is not your basic continental featuring fruit parfaits, skillet potatoes, artisan bacon and other delightful tasties. The decor in there is just wonderfully picturesque and exquisite.
"The decor in there is just wonderfully picturesque and exquisite."
Our room was breathtaking. We walked into our space for the night and there was a gorgeous entryway met with a full sized mirror for the blogger in the house (yay!). From the door, we saw the most perfect scene; a beautiful velvet sofa, paired with a marble/gold coffee table seated upon a simple textured rug. The elegance and sophistication was palpable but because of the simplicity, it was easily palatable. Our room was an executive suite and it was outfitted with a mini fridge, microwave, and mini Keurig. We had a separate living space from bedroom space which was really nice because I stayed up late watching tv whilst my mom called it a night in the bedroom. The bedroom was stellar. I am big on comfort and if I wake up wondering were I am, that’s a good sign because I felt right at home. The bed was comfortable and super clean. The furniture and decor were of course top of the line. The closet was perfectly sized and in its own area so we could store our suitcases without them being I the way. I’m a bathroom girl! Although incredibly gorgeous and lined with beautiful tiles and stones, I was underwhelmed with the sink area; being able to see the underside of the sink. Also, I need power water pressure and the it was there but not powerful. These are obviously small things that would not stop me from recommending this place highly.
"The elegance and sophistication was palpable but because of the simplicity, it was easily palatable."
RESTAURANTS AND ATTRACTIONS
The best part about this excursion is that we were short walking distance from restaurants and attractions. We decided on Thai that night at my favorite Thai restaurant in CT which is Siam Hartford. The food there is authentic, tasty, and not very expensive. It is a very chill atmosphere. It was a couple blocks away from the hotel; about a 7 min casual stroll. On the same block as the hotel is Bin 228, Max Downtown, Harlan Brasserie, and Night Owl Pub. Just in that area, about a block away are many other hot spots such as Trumbull Kitchen and The Russell. As far as attractions, the XL Center is a couple blocks away, Bushnell Park is the next block over, and TheaterWorks is just across the street. In other words, it is very well located. The only thing missing is prime shopping near the area but West Farms Mall is an Uber away, about 15 mins away and so are The Shoppes at Buckland Hills, also 15 mins away in the other direction.
HARTFORD HAS IT
So whether you just need a short break from home or you are coming in from out of town, The Goodwin Hotel in Downtown Hartford is definitely a go! I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and can not wait to go back! It was beautiful, comfortable, and definitely worth it! I highly recommend this gorgeous hotel and I love that even though it’s a boutique, they still offer what we all love about hotels, breakfast buffet! A very special thank you to the team at The Goodwin Hotel for accommodating me for my Staycation! Until next time loves, Big Bisous!
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