It is no surprise that I’m a huge Andaz hotel fan. If you’re not familiar with this Hyatt brand, well…. how do I describe it? To me, Andaz hotels are a breed of relaxed modern luxury hotels with a boutique, cool, eclectic, fun, inspirational (and often whimsical) feel to them.
I just had an epiphany! I figured out what makes me love Andaz hotels even more. It’s because they love us back! They appreciate their guests and clients and want to reciprocate! Whether it is the staff going out of their way to take you in a golf cart around the grounds at the property at Papagayo, Costa Rica, or the offer to turn wine hour into a wine tasting fiesta at the Savannah Andaz or the monthly Vodka shindig at the Amsterdam Andaz – there is always that fresh feeling of warmth and delight.
Living in New York City, I’ve been invited to events at both the Andaz Wall Street and the Andaz Fifth Avenue. Some events have been small (such as a group of 10 or 12 trying out the newest cocktails at the Bar Downstairs), or large (the celebration of four new Andaz hotels worldwide). Regardless of the size, the hosts always treated each guest with personal care and attention, just as they do with their hotel guests.
This week, I was fortunate to attend the Spring into Summer Event.
Of course there was a bar.
There was plenty of good wine and beer, but I had to try the signature drink: a Watermelon & Mint Margarita.
Oh. My. God. It was delicious. I don’t know if this is a regular drink on the menu at the hotel, but if it is, I highly recommend it (except the salt on the glass was a bit too spicy for me).
There was plenty of light food and conversation. I learned that the event was essentially a “customer appreciation” sort of event. I met travel agents and corporate clients that arrange stays for their clients at the Andaz. I knew two other local bloggers who were also invited. Here are some of the photos from the main room.
The next room actually has an open roof (you’d never know it unless you looked up!).
On one side, was the TipsyScoop cart. I quickly learned that TipsyScoop is delicious alcohol-infused ice cream. I had the Chocolate Whiskey which was awesome.
On the other side of the room there was a DJ spinning vinyl. These were actual LPs. Each person could make their own album creation, by adding paint to the spinning album. When completed, the DJ would affix the Andaz Label, set it to dry for a few minutes, and voila – you had a great artwork souvenir.
This is my work of art!
The take-home gift (in addition to my vinyl album art) is this:
A syrup that I can mix with alcohol or soda to make some delicious summer beverages, and always be reminded of the Andaz.
A New York frequent flyer who elegantly combines her passions for worldwide travel, running a gazillion marathons all over the globe and staying fit ... without sacrificing her fancy for good wine and food.
What a fun event!