Luxury Normalized: My Staycation at Hotel Carmichael
Carmel is my city. I love the community most. Low crime, great schools, family friendly restaurants and so much more. To be honest- we’re not missing much around here, so when they announced the construction of Hotel Carmichael, Carmel's first luxury hotel, I knew I had to schedule a stay.
Normalizing Luxury
It's important for women of color to normalize luxury in their lives. We deserve it! I was in need of a break from the daily monotony and decided a staycation at our city's newest luxury hotel was in order. I wanted to relax and recharge…something I bet many if you need to do too. 2020…am I right? I’ve always believed luxury should be accessible. I’ve learned that when I travel, where I stay plays a role in my experience. For this reason I choose places that get that. Places that take me out of my head.
What makes Hotel Carmichael Different?
For starters, Hotel Carmichael is a part of the Autograph Collection Hotels, which is a collection of hand picked boutique hotels that have a clear vision and distinct style. Situated in the heart of the Performing Arts District, Hotel Carmichael was designed with the American Songbook in mind. I was greeted with music at every turn. Throughout the halls you’ll find paintings reminding you of timeless songs that transcend you to a different time and place. A feeling I’m sure we could all use right now.
Hotel Amenities
Whenever you choose to stay in a hotel, especially when you don’t plan on leaving your room much, you should review the amenities. Hotel Carmichael doesn’t disappoint. I stayed in the Executive Suite, which I highly recommend for several reasons…but I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.
Ok, did y’all catch that soaking tub?! I let the weight of the world slip away as I took a bath filled with aromatic bath salts. It was heavenly.
Other great amenities:
Spa Robes for the duration of your stay.
Alexa in both the bedroom and sitting rooms. Filling the room with music centered me.
Room Service (honestly, the best perk ever)
King Size Bed with a view of The Palladium.
Hotel Carmichael Staycation Must Dos
Get dressed up and have a solo dinner at Hotel Carmichael’s amazing new French Eatery, Vivante! Try the charcuterie board for dinner and since you’re staycation-ing, order room service in the AM! Vivante has the best breakfast and I didn’t even get out of my robe. Try the caramel apple crepes! (pictured above)
Take a bath…a long lonnnnng bath. When you stay in one of Hotel Carmichael's eight suites, you'll have this unbelievable soaking tub in your bathroom.
Take a hot shower too! While it's clear I loved the soaking tub in my suite, I don’t want to downplay the magnificent shower. The door leading in to the shower is beautiful frosted glass. The rain shower is invigorating and adorned with gold hardware and marble accents- it looks as luxurious as it feels.
4. RELAX. Does anyone else need to be reminded to do this when you stay at a hotel? I am always trying to do all the things and sometimes the best thing I can do is just be still. Go to bed early, or stay up late watching Netflix. Order too much food and turn on your favorite playlist. Take a few deep breaths. Laugh out loud. Remember who you are. I took my own advice on this stay and emerged feeling refreshed and centered.
Check out this amazing hotel the next time you need a quick getaway. I’m already planning a return trip! Where are some of your favorite places to staycation? Tell me below!
Enjoy today!
xo-Sierra