Fit to be pampered: Affinia Dumont New York

Every once in a while, life throws you an awe-inspiring moment. I should know—I’ve been lucky enough to have a few in my day! After all, I’ve sat at a table next to Brangelina. (Okay, as a seatfiller. But still!) I’ve jumped out of a plane from 13,500 feet. (Twice.) And now, I can say I’ve had the ultimate awesome hotel experience: the VIP Fitness Suite at NYC’s wellness-themed Affinia Dumont hotel. Still reeling from this one.

Let me set the scene: one arrives at the Dumont’s plum location on 34th Street (yep, that 34th Street—the one with the miracle. Oh, and Penn Station and my personal fave: Empire State Building.) Walking into the lobby, any city-induced stress quickly fades away thanks to a soothing demeanor and smart decor—replete with sparkly Asian-inspired lanterns and sky-high ceilings. To your left, there’s a display of “fit kits” (pick your preference: running, yoga, you name it) free for guests to enjoy. While checking in, a Dumont rep welcomes and fills you in on some of the unique perks the hotel has to offer—from a fitness concierge to on-site wellness library to choice of six Dream pillows. (We’ll get to that in a bit.)

But the best is yet to come. A key to Suite 2603 grants access to the VIP Fitness Suite, or, as I like to call it, heaven. Lest you think I’m overly gushing, I’ll explain. At first glance, the suite resembles other one-bedrooms inside the 239-room Dumont: a sizably chic living room/office appointed with modern art, private bedroom featuring custom Affinia bed fitted with 300-count sheets, and a big ‘ol bathroom. Then there was the kitchen, which trumped those I’ve had in some apartments! (Really, it had a full-size dishwasher, toaster, stove, fridge, the works—perfect for those serious about healthy eating while on the go.) Both rooms boasted a pretty amazing panoramic view of the city, perfect for playing voyeur at the various residential rooftops or just taking in the gorgeous Chrysler Building and East River.

Yet it’s what’s behind the proverbial door #3 that sets the VIP Fitness Suite apart. The 1,100 sq. ft. suite has its own private sauna and gym, filled with state-of-the-art LifeFitness cardio and strength-training equipment. For those who aren’t so into machines, an open area allows room to do the workout video thing instead. (A TV and video selection is provided, along with “Elemental Chill” CDs for musical inspiration.) Other fitness-friendly touches include yoga mats, various exercise balls, towels, mini-fridge stocked with Fiji and Gatorade, de-sanitizer, and another full bathroom with scale (for tracking those positive results, natch).

Along with working (boo!), I spent much of the afternoon wiling the day away on the elliptical, stationary bike, and inside the sauna. Though I didn’t have too much use for the Fit Kits (considering the suite was one giant Fit Kit!), I did check out one of the complimentary Experience Kits just for fun. Among the options are a “BYOB Kit” (for picnic-loving vino vixens), “StayFit Kit” (stocked with exercise goodies), and my choice: the “Walking Tour Kit.” Plenty of city exploration was on my agenda, and thanks to this handy kit, I was armed with a city guidebook/map, a deck of CityWalk cards and suggested walking/jogging routes, pedometer, and Ipod shuffle loaded with walking tour podcasts and workout playlists. Steppin’ out in style, indeed!

And, of course, after a full day of calorie-burning and city-slicking, proper rest is in order. Never fear, as the Dumont has it covered. Each guest gets his/her choice of six Dream pillows, from a Sound pillow (just add Ipod) to the comfily conforming Swedish Memory Pillow. I opted for the Magnetic Therapy pillow, as it purported to soothe tense muscles and, though sorely in need of a massage, I sadly didn’t get time to check out the on-site Oasis Day Spa. And lovely z’s ensued.

Overall, I had a seriously sublime experience at the Affinia Dumont. As a fitness/lifestyle writer currently on a weight-loss kick, I loved the hotel’s healthy theme and how easy it was to stay on my regimen—not an easy feat during a girl getaway. My only complaint? That the hotel doesn’t offer wireless access—a must for this laptop-obsessed scribe and many other business traveler types. That aside, I definitely didn’t want to leave the next morning (especially since my flight required departure at 5 am and I would have loved to luxuriate all morning.) Plus, it would have been fun to check out the on-site restaurant, The Barking Dog, for breakfast. I think a return trip will be in order!

So, there I said it: I’m in love….with a hotel. Take that, Brangelina!

For more 411: Affinia Dumont, 150 East 34th Street, New York, NY 10016; 212.481.7600