“The paint is still not dry on this Hampton,” our Uber driver commented at pick-up. Standing across the street looking at the hotel and the
Rochester’s favourite attraction, the Museum of Play, there is a clear and intentional design similarity. Not too long ago the area near the museum was abundantly empty, enclosing an old highway loop that no longer served its purpose. A group of developers got together and agreed on a mixed-use concept, the Neigbourhood of Play. This new area is home to a clean line of low-rise townhouses, new bars and restaurants, and the previously mentioned Hampton Inn & Suites.
The hotel embraces the concept of Play inside and out. Colourful art and furnishings make every corner of this space uniquely fun and exciting. I found myself wandering around the property distracted by the decor and its playful charm. Borrow my mini Rochester itinerary here.
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This hotel stay was hosted as a part of a press trip to Rochester, the DMO did not review or approve this story.
The Vibe & Shared Spaces
Hampton Inn & Suites Rochester Downtown* is just about a year old. Clean architectural lines and high ceilings are brought to life with interior design. On the ground floor is the Lila’s Lobby Bar and the shared dining area that many guests use as a co-working space. This shared area is quite vast, with various nooks and corners offering different kinds of seating from padded booths to Snow White’s gnome stools. There are also multiple fire pits indoors and out, setting a cosy nightcap mood.
The building can be entered from multiple sides and one of them shares a gallery space, a bright open room with large paintings on display. Further in is a pool and a fitness center. Parking is free and EV chargers are available. It is worth noting that a complimentary airport shuttle is available to the Greater Rochester International Airport.
Inside the Suite
The hotel has a robust selection of suite types, from accessible King suites to family-friendly bunk rooms with a kitchenette. For this stay, we had the pleasure of making King Studio our home.
This particular room begins as a narrow hallway with a microwave and a wet bar. Passed the hall, the space opens out into a seating area and a bedroom to the side. The two areas are divided with a desk and a TV that rotates generously to suit your needs. A double door near the couch leads to a large balcony with playful seating and a lovely view of the neighbourhood. There are quite a few places to unpack and put away your clothes including a wardrobe in the spacious bathroom.
Pets under 50lb are also welcome 🐩 🐈.
Dining & Entertainment
All guests are invited to enjoy a free hot breakfast daily but the real fun is in the Lila’s Lobby Bar. The restaurant is set to the side of the back entrance and has a garage door that allows the dining area to spill outside in nice weather. Plenty of plants and similarly mixed seating create a casual and inviting atmosphere.
Every day from 3 PM to 6 PM the Lila welcomes guests and neighbours for a Martini Hour with a $1 oyster special. The full menu has a vast selection of beverages from cocktails to wines and digestives. Guests looking for a complete meal enjoy a selection of small sharable appetizers and classic fair large plates. “We make everything in-house, there are no preservatives,” the bartender shared as I was browsing the menu for a snack.
Wellness & Fitness
For a rounded stay, Hampton Inn & Suites Rochester also has a well-equipped fitness centre and a spacious pool. The pool area is beautifully lit with large windows, creating a kind of inside-outside feel with sunbeds lined against the windows.
Hampton Inn & Suites Rochester Downtown
Room starting at $162 / night for Hilton Members* and $177 for non-members
101 S Union St, Rochester, NY 14607, United States
Book directly on Hilton.com or your favourite booking website: Booking.com* | Expedia* | TripAdvisor* | Hotels.com*
In the gear bag: Fujifilm X-H2S with an XF50mmF2 R WR lens* and Fuji XF 23MM F2 R WR lens*.
