This month I visited one of my favorite cities in the world. New York City always has something new to see and classics that never get old!
I was super excited to stay at the CitizenM Bowery mainly for the amazing views that you get from your bedroom. The skyline of NYC is one of the reasons I love the city so much. Waking up to it every morning was the best feeling ever.
LOCATION
CitizenM Bowery is located in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The property is one of the tallest in the area so the views from each room aren't disrupted. It also provides an amazing view from the rooftop bar, CloudM. Right outside the door is Little Italy and Chinatown so you're always surrounded by amazing food as close as a block away.
I flew into Newark and the Lyft ride was about 35 minutes, but it's also 25 minutes from LGA and 40 from JFK.
CHECK IN
Check in was SUPER easy with the CitizenM app. I was able to check in on my way there from the airport. When I got to the property all they had to do was check my ID. Otherwise I was able to finish everything on the self-service computers and create my key. I was done with the check in process in about 3-4 minutes.
Having worked front desk at a hotel before, I loved how the front desk attendant wasn't stuck behind the desk but was out in the lobby at a safe distance always ready to help.
When going to the elevator, there was a staff member in the elevator area that was regularly wiping down the buttons and highly touched areas. You need your room key to operate the elevator.
ROOM
I was staying in the room by myself so there was definitely enough space for me but the rooms are compact, which is to be expected in NYC. Even though the rooms are smaller the bed is HUGE. I melted into it every night and fell asleep instantly.
The bathroom is enclosed and the shower is amazing. It's a waterfall shower head with great pressure and got hot enough for my liking (and I love my showers hot hot). There's also built in body washes specifically for AM and PM that I really liked.
Everything in the room is operated by an Ipad from the lights to the blinds to the TV. The first message on the Ipad was "Howdy citizen, Ariel. Pick me up. I've been sanitized." I could even access the hotel's house rules, ask for or decline room service and see the bars menu.
A big thing for me was that there was a fridge in the room. We often take it for granted, but when you've stayed in as many properties as I have you really appreciate that simple appliance. There's also a desk to work at, closet and storage space and a full length mirror (also a small but needed item).
All of the rooms are styled the same and the same size. The prize of the room is the wall to wall window with a breathtaking view of the city.
AMENITIES
The Living Room had to be my favorite spot. It's this huge highly decorated area where you can work, chill, eat and just get out of your room. There's a fireplace, TV, small outdoor seating area and this really cool stadium seating area with small round tables.
The CanteenM is in The Living Room and is a full bar and snack area. This is where I would get my breakfast and tea every morning. The property is working at about 65% on a busy night so the living room is never packed.
CloudM
Y'all know I love a rooftop. There are stunning floor to ceiling windows giving the best view of the city from east to west. Just imagine the sunsets! At the rooftop there is a full bar with a whole new menu. Just like in the living room, the decor in CloudM is so gorgeous from the light fixtures to the wall art. There's also outdoor seating available although it was covered in snow while I was there.
LAST THOUGHTS
The staff was amazing. It was like seeing old friends not random strangers going above and beyond for us our entire stay. They gave us great food recommendations and welcoming 'hello's' every time we walked into the property.
While I felt super comfortable with the space in the room by myself, I wouldn't recommend it for more than 2 people. This property is great for solo travelers and people with jam packed itineraries. The bed is seriously one of the most amazing beds I've ever been in. Waking up in the morning, using the Ipad to raise the blinds and seeing that view is unbeatable.
Personally I really like the location. I love being steps away from authentic food in any directions. I walked to a local pizza shop, Thai and Italian food all within blocks of the hotel. I was able to avoid crowds found in Time Square while still being within 15 minutes to the Vessel and the ferry station.
I would love to go back in the summer to really get to experience the outdoor areas to the fullest, but I loved starting my day in The Living Room.
Enjoy the journey,
XoXo
Ariel Rose
This was a sponsored stay and all opinions are my own. All photos by the author.
