A Wren Says

As I began writing this post, I was staying at a hotel in Boston with my family. I booked hotel nearby where we would need to go. My choice was driven by the combination of that convenience and cost. Wow, I realize how spoiled I was staying at the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. What I want to reflect on is the idea of treating myself to luxury, especially when it comes to hotel stays.

The hotel itself was rather quiet, but the room was another story. Staying four people in a double room with my family, I barely slept. The snores, sniffles, coughs, rolling over, restlessness, tv, phones, and all of the sounds kept me awake. Though it was mostly a vacation, I got home exhausted. 

As I planned the trip, I originally contemplated staying at the Fairmont Copley Plaza. It is a luxury hotel, expensive, but I was willing to spend the money to stay there. I got excited looking at the amenities. I dreamed about the treatment I would receive. Why not make a little splurge to treat myself, when I otherwise live simply and save money? But ultimately, I decided against it. Afterall my family would also be making the trip and I wondered, “What would they think?”

• Really, $500 a night?
• I could buy (fill in the blank) with that.
• Well, if you wanna waste your money, go right ahead.
• This isn’t even that good.

So, I booked a cheaper hotel. There I was, trying to save money and avoid being labelled an irresponsible spender. There I was trying to make other people happy. Or rather, there I was trying to control how other people might view me instead of thinking of how I would treat myself. And there I was, miserable.

Here is what I think now.

And I booked the hotel I wanted, I would have had:

• Luxurious linens to wrap myself in
• Complimentary toiletries from Le Labo
• My own room (because who else would be paying that price?)
• A roll-away bed for additional guests instead of having to share a bed as a grown adult
• A beautifully decorated entry way
• An expansive fitness center and Reebok apparel and footwear delivered upon request

In sum, that booking would have been another vote of confidences that I have value. Not because of the money I would have spent. (Lord knows I would have been the lowest income person there, except maybe the babies, if they don’t already have high-yield savings accounts or allowances.) It to me is more about choosing myself and my wants, instead of cowering to other people’s opinions instead. To me it’s about choosing to put myself in spaces where I will be treated well.

 And just maybe, you will see me posting about that spot in the future.