A solo hotel stay.
If there is one thing I would reccomend to any and every mama, it is to have a weekend (yes, a full weekend) away at a hotel BY YOURSELF. I did just that (my first time ever) right before I left for our RV trip and it was incredible. I stayed at AC Hotel by Mall of America and it made my experience even better.
I went there with a purpose. To have devoted time to writing my book and in the cleanliness, simplicity and peace of my room, I did just that. I remember talking to my mom at Christmas and she was telling me about a time she went away for a weekend to write too. She said it took her about 24 hours to really get into her writing zone. I thought it sounded a little crazy at first, like why would it take so long to get into it?
I arrived at the hotel on Friday around 1pm and jumped on the hotel bed to music (a tradition I do every time I go to a hotel) and unpacked and got situated. I loved the room. It was the perfect size, great natural light, simple decor that didn’t feel cluttered and everything was so clean and orderly. It was exactly what I needed for this weekend. I put on my diffuser, applied my essential oils and got all my gear out. I had intended to read, write and paint this weekend.
Breakfast alone…
So surreal and so divine.
Because AC Hotel is a jump, hop and a skip away from the well-known Mall of America, I had planned a fun ladies night out with some friends as a little farewell before I left on my trip. And these women SHOWED UP. We had the most memorable evening together at MOA and although I left with a pretty crazy mechanical bull injury, I won’t ever forget this evening with friends.
After a peaceful nights rest, I had a very slow morning eating breakfast alone and getting comfy in my hotel room. Funny thing is, I finally got in my zone of writing around 1pm that afternoon. And I realized… it took me exactly 24 hours to get in my flow. Just as it did for my mom. She was right! (Aren’t moms always right?) And from the rest of the afternoon and evening on, I poured into my book writing. I had my music on softly in the room, essential oils in my diffuser going and inspiration filled the air. I spent till the evening writing and then headed down to the kitchen area for dinner.
Now, AC Hotel goes all out. This place is beautiful. The lighting was dreamy and the atmosphere was so peaceful. I loved every inch of this place. It was the perfect place for me to escape to for the weekend. The staff was so friendly and helpful as well. They were always ready to help and were so kind. I ordered my dinner and brought a book with me. The food was absolutely delicious and I sat there and slowly ate and lingered at my table for almost 2 hours. Reading my book and eating my food. It was incredible.
Afterwards, I headed back up to my room, finished up some more inspired writing and then hunkered down in the cozy bed to watch a few episodes of The Office before dozing off. It was dreamy, friends. I can’t reccomend a weekend away enough for mamas!
Originially, I was just going to do one night away, but my husband encouraged me to take a whole weekend and really enjoy my time (he’s amazing like that!) And I’m so glad I took his advice and did that. The next morning, I woke up and started painting a bit and finished up a few more book writing tasks. I had another slow morning. Made my way down to AC Hotel’s incredible breakfast buffet (there’s nothing like it- it’s spectacular) and brought my book with once again. Perfect start to my morning.
I was so eager to get home to my family but honestly, with the atmosphere surrounding me at the hotel, I probably could have stayed another day. It was just so welcoming and inviting. This weekend truly meant a lot to me. I feel like it should be an annual thing (is my husband reading this?) And I couldn’t wait to hug my babies and love on my husband of this sweet gift of a weekend solo hotel stay.
Mamas, you want a great gift for Mother’s Day or your birthday or maybe just a random weekend during the year because you’re a rockstar woman, I suggest you ask and take a weekend for yourself. Head to AC Hotel if you are in Minnesota (or ever visiting) for a really great experience. Check them out on Instagram right here. Happy solo hotel stay to you!