A boutique hotel, as I have learned, is a hotel that feels small, intimate, and quaint, stays true to local culture, and offers guests ultra-personal service --The Avery knocks it out of the park on all counts -15/10.
The Avery is a labor of love seen in even the smallest details, and this attention to detail is evidenced again and again, especially in the people who make this place come alive. From start to finish, each person with whom I interacted went above and beyond to ensure my team and I had such the best experience -and we did!
I had the pleasure of working with The Avery's Events Planner, Amy, a true-blue, can-do mastermind who orchestrated our experience -accommodations, meals, and meeting space--in the most harmonic of ways. Amy's events planning finesse was off the charts, and it was such a joy to get to discuss details with her.
I had the pleasure of working with Kim, The Avery restaurant manager, on reservations, set menus, and group entertainment; and she was pure rockstar! The process was painless with Kim's help. Lucy also served and tirelessly took care of our crew, and the way she took note of preferences and orders from one day to the next was intentional, personable, and so, so thoughtful!
The front staff with whom I had the pleasure of interacting -Lee, Aesling, Jay, Katie, and Tristan--were welcoming, helpful, and all together professional.
And as for the unseen staff -the individuals in the kitchen, oh my heavens! The creations the chef and crew concocted were mind blowing! The ingredient pairings and flavor profiles tantalized my palate in the best of ways. The cuisine honored both the dish and the season with skill and subtlety -ravioli that was savory with a touch of zest, risotto with fresh fish and flavorful herbs, a chocolate torte that was divine. The presentation was pure art with colors, textures, and intentional arrangements that created a full sensory experience atop a beautiful dinnerware canvas that varied from one dish to the next. The ingredients were fresh and cooked to perfection.
The individuals who cleaned The Avery did a phenomenal job of turning down my room each day.
As for details specific to the hotel, here are some that I noticed and sincerely enjoyed for the Soaking Tub Suite:
* The room was rich-warmth, gold-gilded luxury. An astounding balance of yin and yang at-home-comfort with clean-line elegance created by warm (and dimmable) lighting from alluring fixtures. The dark wood framing, baseboards, and accent wall with which the wardrobe and desk matched were complemented by a white duvet and marble desk, gold-framed pictures and side tables, and an oversized gold-framed mirror. Then there were pops of green created with a vased fern plume and a long, velvet accent pillow, along with books from days of yore.
* The new bed with down pillows, white duvet cover and sheets, and tall headboard (perfect for leaning back against) made for sweet slumber, and the sidelamps were nicely positioned for reading.
* The dimmable, overhead, (actual) flip switch lighting with chic light fixtures was pure hotel brilliance!
* The shower pressure was the best I have experienced (possibly ever), and the elegant gold fixtures and glass wall felt like luxury for days.
* The white tiles on the bathroom floor and walls along with the white marble countertop made for a clean and spacious feel.
* The towels and Avery embroidered bathrobe were plush and ornately arranged to look like flowers upon arrival.
* Gold-framed paintings (in the room and hallways) added depth, character, intrigue, and historical context, especially when paired with the aged books, and the historical context, especially when paired with the aged books, and the historic Mantou Hotel registry and reading nook on the second floor.
* The Avery branded, Idaho-based toiletries added a local connection, and the scent of the shampoo/conditioner and body wash was one that I have dreamed of finding for ages.
* The single-serve coffee maker with Illy pods and accompanying creamer cups was great for early mornings, and The Avery branded gold embellished mugs made the experience all the better.
* Thoughtful accoutrements like a hook by the door to hang a jacket or bag, embroidering to label the makeup towel and hair drier, locally sourced snacks and toiletries, a small toiletry kit should something be forgotten/needed, a classy cover for the extra roll of toilet paper, a vanity magnifying mirror, wine glasses, faceted tumblers, and a bath tray with soaking salts.
* The bathtub was a sumptuous conclusion to the day.
* The large, wood-framed windows set a spectacular Boise scene and allowed for natural light to stream through.
* The cookie and refreshments corner on the first floor was a tasty welcome upon arrival each day.
* Chef Cal, Ashley, and their team intentionally looked at all the bummer details found in other hotel rooms and improved upon them with unparalleled panache. read more