Home Sweet Hotel: The Washington Jefferson Hotel

Triumph Hotels has come to my rescue once more. Two years ago, when my accommodation plans for New York Fashion Week fell through, Triumph was kind enough to host me at their TriBeCa budget hotel, The Cosmopolitan, for the two nights I needed it the most. I loved my time there and couldn’t wait for my next Triumph experience. They’re one of those companies that I’m just genuinely happy to partner with—they have a phenomenal social media presence.

February fashion week this year was rough for me. I was quite ill for most of it, so between that and the bitterly cold temperatures and harsh winds, it wasn’t the best time I’ve ever had in New York. The cherry on top of my sob sundae was that I completely forgot my favorite actor, Kelsey Grammer, had a part in the Broadway production Finding Neverland. I was tucked into Adriana’s guest bed on my last night in the city when I realized, and by then, it was too late.

Instead of getting mad at myself for forgetting to book tickets and experience my favorite actor’s live stage performance while I happened to be in town, I made a quick decision to return to Manhattan two weekends later after a week-long jaunt in Mexico. This time, Triumph offered me a room at their midtown hotel, the Washington Jefferson, just blocks from the Lunt-Fontanne theatre where all of my Kelsey Grammer dreams would come true.

I’ll save the story of how my Kelsey Grammer dreams were dashed for a Life post, but despite some disappointments, Adriana and I had a killer weekend to remember thanks to the Washington Jefferson. Triumph is an amazing line of budget-friendly hotels in Manhattan that make you feel like you’re spending a lot more than you actually are.

The Washington Jefferson is striking to see from the street. Their serif-script neon initials glow brightly in glorious contrast against the classic red and white brick of the building. Both the front desk and sales staff were eager to welcome me as soon as I walked in the door, and I know as well as anyone it’s refreshing to meet hospitality staff that truly seem to enjoy their work.

Our room, at first glance, is everything you would expect from a $200/night hotel in Manhattan, but what I love about Triumph Hotels is their attention to detail. The bathtub might be a regular bathtub, but surrounded by beautiful high-contrast tiles, luxury toiletries, and beautiful lighting and sconces, you forget that you’re not at a 5-star. It’s not a bare-bones room, but the elements within are what make it feel special. The Washington Jefferson falls into a category I like to call "budget luxury," which might be the most accessible way there is to travel.

The Washington Jefferson is ideally located between a quiet corner of the West Side and the bustle of Broadway and Times Square. There are something like a million restaurants down 9th Avenue, which overwhelmed Adriana and I with choices for dinner each night. Make sure you stop by Vivi for bubble tea, Bibble & Sip for coffee and unique pastries, and Gotham Pizza for a late-night slice. Bar 9 is a cool scene for nightlife, but prepare to weave around a few younger/college crowds inside.

After my experience at the Washington Jefferson, I’ll surely continue to work my way through the property roster that is Triumph Hotels. I can’t wait to see what neighborhood is next.

Thank you so much to Triumph Hotels for hosting us!