Glass Light Hotel & Gallery, Autograph Collection — Hotel in Norfolk

2020 has truly started off to be a great year! I had the pleasure of spending the later part of January at the Glass Light Hotel & Gallery. This special occasion was due to small accomplishment of another year celebrating life, my birthday.

A few weeks before my birthday, I was in Downtown Norfolk and stumbled upon the new Autograph collection hotel. I'd like to think that I am well traveled and I have a few stamps in my passport. From my travels, I have seen and stayed in many hotels/resorts. This property is by far one of the most stunning and unique spaces I have ever seen!

Not only does this property provide stunning aesthetics but the customer service is exceptional as well! I was greeted with a smile and warm welcome from the Valet attendant and the staff at the front desk. Valentina checked me in and was very personable and wanted to ensure that I had the perfect experience. Once I mentioned that it was my birthday, Valentina and another front desk agent immediately wished me a Happy Birthday and the gentleman suggested that they offer me complimentary breakfast in the restaurant. They were willing and ready to suggest an amazing restaurant for dinner but praised my choice once I stated that I had reservations.

After taking the elevator up to my room and passing by revamped special features from the original building such as the US Mail Drops, beautiful glass artwork and sophisticatedly designed lounge furniture, I made my way to my room. I was completely blown away as I opened my door to what seemed to be a suite but in fact was one of the regular king rooms. Every inch of the room was immaculately and tastefully designed. From the illuminating glass bowl sink, the vintage Frigidaire mini-fridge, large globe hanging lamp, glass ornate carrot on the counter, amazing skyline views, chic 4 post-bed, to the "Welcome, Ryan" message presented on the TV. I knew was going to have an indelible birthday experience! The next morning I ventured downstairs to the restaurant for breakfast where I was welcomed by the enchanting server. From walking into the space and sitting down my every need was taken care of. The server recommended the French Toast which was absolutely magnificent and the Chef even brought over some candied walnuts that he freshly made! Upon returning to my room, I decided to lay down and rest until check out. After awhile I received a phone call from Tyler, a front desk agent, stating that engineering would possibly need to check my room because of a situation that took place on the floor that I was staying on. Tyler assured me that they wanted me to enjoy the remainder of my stay and wanted to switch me to a different room for uninterrupted rest He promptly brought keys to my new room and offered assistance in taking my items to the new room. He went above and beyond, every step of the way! There I was able to rest until checkout and prepare for the rest of my busy day.

I loved every moment of my experience at the Glass Light Hotel & Gallery! So much so that I booked another stay just a few days later, I did not want to leave! When I returned, Tyler was the agent and remembered my name which was very impressive. He was accompanied by ShaTavia whom helped select another amazing room for my second stay. One of the great things about this property is that no two rooms are alike in design/layout so you are able to receive a new mind blowing experience in each room that you stay in. After another wonderful night of staying in the hotel I checked out with Brittany whom was equally as nice as everyone else that I had the pleasure of meeting. She asked about each stay and even made notes on my account for aspects of my stay that I preferred for future. Before leaving the property, I was able to see Valentina, Tyler, and ShaTavia and they all wished me farewell and requested promises of my returning again! I definitely do not plan on letting them down, I mean you cannot...

We have been watching the progress of the renovation of the historic Royster Building that was built in 1912 by the F. S. Royster Guano Company as their first headquarters which was one of Norfolk's first "skyscrapers" into the Marriott Autograph Boutique Glass Light Hotel with bated breath!! I walked past the grand dame at Granby St. and City Hall Ave. on a regular basis and have been wondering what glorious things would be found behind the mysterious brown paper covering the ground floor windows. Last night we went there for dinner and were immediately awestruck by the exciting, vibrant, convivial, yet sublime ambiance of the hotel's lobby, bar, restaurant, open kitchen, lounge, and business center located on the ground floor. The mixture of the original elegant details of the historic building melded with the artfully exciting new areas of the public spaces have embodied the best of both worlds creating a totally unique and invigorating atmosphere where you are inspired to enjoy the company of your family, friends, and the people you meet from hotel guests, local foodies, and locals. The juxtaposition of the absolutely stunning, fanciful, and evocative glass sculptures dotted about and the engaging contemporary artwork on the walls immediately let you know you are in for a very special treat! Upon entering we were immediately welcomed by a vibrant and caring staff who made us feel right at home! The open spaces flowed effortlessly one into the other as we made our way to our dinner table where we had an unobstructed view or their open kitchen. For an upfront, close, and personal look at the happenings in the bustling kitchen you can sit at bar overlooking all of the fun! The aromas from the open kitchen were intoxicating as each dish was prepared and delivered to their respective tables. We started, well of course, with a bottle of Pinot Gris from their very well chosen selection of wines from around the world. We then shared an appetizer of apple tatin foie gras and brandy sauce that was a work of art and a gastronomical delight!!!! For our entrees we enjoyed the beef striploin au poivre with creamy spinach, mille fuille de pomme de terre and seared scallops with leeks, and watercress sauce. The presentation of each dish was artful and eye catching letting you know that you were in for a real treat! Both dishes were prepared to perfection so you could enjoy the distinct, delicious, and subtle flavors of each ingredient!! For dessert we shared a wonderful concoction of coconut flavored sorbet along with coconut pyramid that has a sphere of white chocolate in the center. After enjoying such a unique and delightful dining experience we are now looking forward to spending a "date night" at the hotel so we can experience the whole nine yards!!!! If you are planning a trip to Norfolk for business or pleasure the Glass Light Hotel is the pinnacle of downtown's lodging and dining experiences!!!! If you are local a visit for a meal, cocktails with friends, and enjoying the art are an absolute must!!!! Be sure to visit the second level where more incredible and fantastic glass art are...

I was welcomed on a quiet Wednesday evening by Shatavia, and when I told her it was my birthday, she asked me to trust her and upgraded my room! I had only booked one night because I was interested in looking around the fairly new property, and I originally planned to go to DC for the rest of the week. But when I saw the accommodations, I was floored and shortened my stay at the brand new DC Conrad (a Hilton property) in order to extend for another night at the Glass Light. The room was spotless. The location is perfect for entertainment and dining within walking distance. The decor is ultra modern but very comfy, and the staff is stellar! They’re friendly and informative. They are apologetic for anything that might be amiss, and they respond quickly to service requests. Due to COVID, the restaurant and bar were not open, but the gallery is filled with beautiful pieces, and our room has glass art in it as well. I’ve been a Marriott member for years now, and though I’ve rarely had a negative experience, I’ve only experienced this level of service at a few properties over the years. This is a special property, and I’m looking at dates in the next month to book another stay! Thank you for making my birthday so spectacular!

Update: I’ve since made another visit, and it was just as wonderful as the first. We couldn’t get the tub to hold water, for which Valentina was super apologetic and sent maintenance personnel right away. This time, I stayed with a friend who’d never stayed with a Marriott property, and needless to say, he decided to become a member!

We checked in for an early Christmas/Friendsmas and birthday celebration for him since neither of us are able to make it home this year. We walked the area over the weekend, so here’s what I’ll add to the review for out-of-towners:

There are SO MANY walkable and nearby stores, restaurants, and attractions. We hit up Gershwin’s for good food, Godiva martinis, and live jazz. The mall is a block away, so we picked up some bubble bars from Lush at MacArthur. We drove over to the Chrysler museum and spent an hour and a half wandering and discussing the exhibits. It’s only a few blocks up and over, but we didn’t want to walk in the cold. From there we walked to the pagoda, which is a restaurant by the water downtown, but we only wanted to have a look at the Japanese garden. We walked downtown for the Christmas tree and lights, the completely decked out Wisconsin battleship, and contemplated ice skating (but didn’t end up going).

The Glass Light is in a prime location, and the customer service is always excellent! Note: Housekeeping will only clean every couple of days due to covid, but they’re happy to replenish anything you request. I rode up a couple of floors to the top where the fitness room is housed, and they provide everything from fresh filtered water to towels, machinery free weights, and a view. Book them, check in, and have...