The Bradley Hotel

I was in town for a big conference, and dinner in one of the meeting rooms was okay. There isn't a pool or hot tub, though the workout room was nice. My husband's company covered the room, so I don't know the price. The lobby felt welcoming, with an old-fashioned touch, lots of seating, a bar and restaurant off to the side, and clean restrooms. The front desk clerk was very pleasant and helpful, explaining everything clearly. The room had nice Vera Bradley-style decor and a very large TV. It was small but worked for two. The beds were okay, though I didn't care for the pillows. The toilet area was very cramped. There was no remote when I arrived, but a housekeeper in the hall brought one up quickly. My coffee maker wasn't working, and there wasn't any complimentary coffee downstairs. When I told the clerk, he quickly got me a complimentary coffee from the lobby bar. I really appreciated how thoughtful he was about it.

The gym was a letdown. It feels frozen in time, like walking into a Hampton Inn gym, and that really misses the mark for a hotel that pays attention to the little details. The Bradley itself is beautiful, though. The room colors, fabrics, and overall design are put together exceptionally well, and both the lobby and spacious rooms are lovely.

The small sleep sofa is the issue that overshadowed an otherwise beautifully designed hotel with a great atmosphere. We booked a room listed for four, but the sofa bed was more like a narrow twin than a bed for two. My daughters were uncomfortable and slept poorly. On the second night, we put the pullout mattress on the floor, which felt wrong for a nice hotel advertising a room for four, especially with children. I contacted staff and used the text system, but was told nothing could be done. No one tried to find an alternative or really acknowledge the inconvenience. They offered to reimburse the valet charge, which surprised me because I wanted a solution, not a refund. We felt unheard. The hotel should rethink how it describes that room. Saying it comfortably sleeps four doesn't match the actual setup and sets people up for disappointment. There's a lot to like about the property, which made the lack of response stand out. I usually try to give people the benefit of the doubt, but I wanted to share this for anyone considering that room, especially families.

That New Year's Eve stay was every bit as special as I'd hoped. I've wanted to stay at The Bradley for a long time, and arriving to a complimentary glass of champagne made the welcome feel celebratory right away. The design is stylish and thoughtful, but still cozy and inviting, with a boutique feel. I was traveling alone and felt comfortable and cared for. The atmosphere and service made the evening feel intentional. I'm glad I finally stayed there to ring in the New Year, and I can't wait to return.