While there’s no silver bullet for stress relief, as it turns out, fresh florals are a quick way to quickly mitigate stress and lower blood pressure, all while adding a whole lot of warmth to any room.
Studies show that the presence of fresh arrangements can help people feel less depressed and more positive. Mood-boosting properties aside, flowers elevate any hotel arrival experience. So while we don’t technically work in a hotel, it’s no secret that we love fresh blooms here at SmartFlyer HQ–pre-pandemic days, you’d find Caroline Lahti of Florabrook and her team working at our office early Monday mornings to prepare fresh arrangements for the week. After all, it’s the quickest way to transport us to some of our favorite hotel lobbies when we’re not on the road and looking to instead “Bring the Hotel Home.”
If you too are in the need of some floral inspiration, allow us to guide you in either bringing your favorite hotels home with an order through their florist or actually checking in for a dreamy, romantic staycation in some of our favorite cities that Smarties call home. We’ve rounded up a list of some of the picks we’ve come across during our stateside travels. From Philly to Dallas to New York to Boston, let us bring you along for our #smartflyertakemeto floral heaven.
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center
Because it’s impossible to talk about hotel flowers without mentioning Jeff Leatham, let us just begin here. In 1994, Leatham received his first Four Seasons assignment at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills to assist a floral designer. Five years later, regular clients of Four Seasons George V began to get hooked on his now-iconic style as the hotel invested in the potential of flowers to transform the guest experience. Over twenty years later, he’s bringing his talents back stateside at the recently opened Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center. Leatham currently serves as Artistic Director of Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, and Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills.
Mandarin Oriental, Boston
When it comes to a Boston stay, we adore how the newly renovated Mandarin Oriental, Boston offers guests the most stunning Winston Flowers arrangements. Winston Flowers on Newbury Street is synonymous with Beantown itself; this third-generation florist started in 1944 when Robert Winston and his teenage son, Maynard, first wheeled their pushcart of flowers onto Boston’s fashionable Newbury Street in front of the original Ritz-Carlton hotel. A stay in the 2,525 square-foot Royal Suite, decorated as a contemporary residence, isn’t complete without a Winston arrangement (or two!).
Thompson Dallas
With several of our Smarties based in Texas, we couldn’t be more excited for the new Thompson Dallas where floral genius Shane Friesenhahn has artfully installed arrangements dotting the property. The $460-million restoration of this George Dahl-designed landmark building is part of the largest adaptive reuse project in the history of Texas. From the hotel entrance to the stylish suites and even Catbird–the buzzing rooftop bar–there’s so much to love. For flower fans, be sure to visit The Botanical Mix to see where the magic happens right in the lobby. Shane’s arrangements are distinct and unapologetic, bringing in natural elements like geodes and feathers.
Charleston Place
We adore a Charleston weekend getaway or staycation, and for those who want to be in the midst of it all with fresh florals abound, the iconic Charleston Place, A Belmond Hotel is exactly the spot to stay. Inspired by the city’s lush gardens, Bloom Floral, the in-house florist on property infuses the courtyard feel in the hotel’s arrangements by featuring some of Charleston’s most recognizable outdoor blooms in unconventional manners. Creating 50 full arrangements and 200 bud vases each week, Bloom is well-versed in how to use each season’s signature flora to capture the essence of southern garden style within the hotel’s four walls.
Ready to start planning…or should we say, arranging? Contact your SmartFlyer travel advisor.
