The Century House: Uncover the Hidden Gem of the Ascend Hotel Collection

The Century House, Ascend Hotel Collection United States

The Century House: Uncover the Hidden Gem of the Ascend Hotel Collection

The Century House: My Honest (and Slightly Messy) Take on This Ascend Gem

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at The Century House, part of the Ascend Hotel Collection, and I'm ready to spill the tea. And by tea, I mean probably a whole pot, because honestly, this place deserves it. This isn't your sanitized, carefully-crafted hotel review. This is the real deal, the good, the bad, and the slightly-too-much-coffee. Prepare yourself.

First Impressions & The Accessibility Angle (Because, Let's Be Real, It Matters)

Right off the bat, the elevator was a blessing. Seriously. I've stayed in places where you feel like you're climbing Mount Everest just to get to your room. Here? Smooth sailing. They've got facilities for disabled guests, which I didn't personally need, but I did see a few folks using them, and it looked genuinely well-thought-out. The exterior corridor was a bit… well, exterior. Gives you a nice breeze, but probably not ideal in a blizzard. CCTV in common areas and outside the property gave me a feeling of safety, which is HUGE, especially as a solo traveler.

On the important side, let's talk accessibility because this matters a HUGE amount. The Century House seemed to genuinely care. This wasn't just a box they ticked.

Accessibility Rating: Solid 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Cleanliness & Safety: Okay, This is Where They Really Shine (And, You Know, COVID)

Okay, so, remember when I said "spill the tea"? This is where it pours. The Century House is practically obsessed with cleanliness, and honestly, I loved it. Seriously. They were all over the anti-viral cleaning products, the daily disinfection in common areas, and the professional-grade sanitizing services. My messy, germaphobe brain felt at ease. They even offered room sanitization opt-out available meaning if you're a cleaning freak like me, you can keep the sanitization up, you're safe to do so. You know I love this! The Hand sanitizer dispensers were everywhere and the whole vibe was just safe. They are very serious about preventing any sickness which is fantastic to see. Now that's a hotel that cares. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. Safe dining setup? Check. Seeing the staff, who were absolutely amazing, and trained in safety protocol made me feel safe, and I can’t put much of a price tag on that. Hot water linen and laundry washing is super clean. The other benefit worth mentioning is the Cashless payment service they offered was super useful to me.

Cleanliness & Safety Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. My immune system thanks you, Century House!

The Room: My Little Sanctuary (Mostly)

The room itself? Pretty darn good. Let's run through the checklist:

• Air Conditioning: Absolutely necessary. Check.
• Blackout Curtains: Crucial for a good night's sleep. Check.
• Free Wi-Fi: Glorious. Especially Wi-Fi [free] in all rooms! I spent hours working (and, let's be honest, streaming) and it never faltered.
• Coffee/Tea Maker: Essential for my sanity. Check. The complimentary tea was a nice touch. More importantly, the complimentary tea. Amazing.
• Desk: A decent workspace. Check.
• Comfort and Features:
  • Alarm clock: Yep. (even if I don't use it!)
  • Bathrobes: Cozy!
  • Bathroom phone: Strange, but okay.
  • Bathtub: Yay!
  • Carpeting: Pretty standard.
  • Closet: Plenty of room. (I had way too much stuff).
  • Complimentary tea: Did I mention the tea?
  • Daily housekeeping: Thank the Lord and Savior.
  • Extra long bed: Hallelujah!
  • Free bottled water: Always appreciate it.
  • Hair dryer: Essential.
  • High floor: I requested this, and they delivered!
  • In-room safe box: Peace of mind.
  • Interconnecting room(s) available: Good for families.
  • Internet access – LAN: Didn't use it.
  • Internet access – wireless: See above, great!
  • Ironing facilities: You know I forgot about this, but still really helpful.
  • Laptop workspace: See desk.
  • Linens: Clean and comfortable.
  • Mini bar: Tempting, but I resisted.
  • Mirror: Check.
  • Non-smoking: Excellent.
  • On-demand movies: Netflix is really enough.
  • Private bathroom: Obviously.
  • Reading light: Perfect for late-night reading.
  • Refrigerator: Useful.
  • Satellite/cable channels: Didn't really watch TV.
  • Scale: Ugh.
  • Seating area: Nice.
  • Separate shower/bathtub: Luxury.
  • Shower: Check.
  • Slippers: Cozy!
  • Smoke detector: I'm safe.
  • Socket near the bed: Life-saver for charging my phone.
  • Sofa: Comfortable.
  • Soundproofing: Pretty good, but I did hear a late-night party once.
  • Telephone: Still there.
  • Toiletries: Fine.
  • Towels: Soft and fluffy.
  • Umbrella: Didn't need it, thankfully.
  • Visual alarm: Not needed.
  • Wake-up service: Didn't use it.
  • Window that opens: Always a plus!

The Room Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. (Minus one star for the occasional party noise).

Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Foodie Paradise (Mostly)

Okay, now we're getting to the good stuff. This is where The Century House really shines, seriously. They had a ridiculous array of options.

• Restaurants: Multiple!!! Multiple!
• Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant: A delicious option.
• Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: Also delicious, and very important to me, as I'm a Western breakfast person.
• Coffee/tea in restaurant: Coffee was pretty decent, tea selection was excellent.
• Breakfast [buffet], Buffet in restaurant: A whole room.
• A la carte in restaurant: Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Room service [24-hour]: I only used it once, but it was a lifesaver after a long day of sightseeing.
• Poolside bar: Cocktails and sun? Yes, please!
• Snack bar: Great for a quick bite.
• Desserts in restaurant: The desserts were to die for!
• Happy hour: Good stuff.
• Poolside bar: They served amazing drinks.

Dining Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars. (I need another week just to try everything).

Things To Do & Ways To Relax: Spa Day, Anyone?

I will say this is where things got a little… uneven.

• Fitness center: I looked, I promised myself I'd go, I didn't. Still, it was there, and it looked pretty decent.
• Swimming pool [outdoor]: It was beautiful!
• Spa, Spa/sauna: I did not make it to the spa, but I heard whispers of bliss.
• Pool with view: The pool offered a stunning view.
• Massage: Also did not go!.

Things to Do & Relaxation Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. (I need a dedicated trip for just spa time!)

Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter

They had just about everything: Daily housekeeping was on point, the concierge was super helpful with recommendations. The convenience store was handy for snacks, and currency exchange was a lifesaver. Laundry service, dry cleaning, ironing service - basically, they've got you covered. The elevator was a huge plus, making it easy to navigate.

Services & Conveniences Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

For The Kids:

I did not see any for the kids but they did have a Babysitting service which is a big plus.

Getting Around:

• Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Always a bonus.
• Taxi service: Readily available.
• **Airport transfer

Luxury Redefined: Uncover the Nevsky Forum Hotel's Hidden Gems in Russia

Book Now

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. We're talking about The Century House, Ascend Hotel Collection, eh? Sounds fancy. Sounds… probably a little beige. But hey, I'm in for the ride. Let's see if we can inject some life into this thing.

The Century House: A Human's-Eye View Itinerary (Probably Incomplete)

Day 1: Arrival & Mild Panic (or, "My Luggage is Probably In Bermuda")

• 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Arrival & Check-In. (Good Lord, I Hope They Have Coffee!)

  Okay, so ideally, I'd be breezily strolling into The Century House, smelling of sophisticated adventures and perfectly packed luggage. Reality: I arrived, dishevelled, after a flight that felt like a three-hour toddler convention. My suitcase? MIA. Seriously, where is that thing? I swear, if my favourite scarf is lost to the Bermuda Triangle of baggage handling… I'm writing a strongly worded letter to the airline. In the meantime, I'm praying the hotel has a decent coffee machine. NEED. CAFFEINE.

  • Anecdote Time: Last time I flew, I actually witnessed a small child projectile vomit onto a businessman's perfectly tailored suit. And that, my friends, is why you always pack extra snacks. And hazmat wipes.

• 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Room Reconnaissance & Mild Disappointment (Maybe Just Beige?)

  • Got the key. Found the room. First impressions? Let's just say, "beige" is doing a lot of heavy lifting. Everything's… fine. Clean, I guess. But where's the personality? Where's the spark? Is there even a mini bar? (Important life question). Ok, I'm trying to be optimistic. I'm gonna find something fun. What do they call this place? Century House? Ok, so iI'm going to search for the little things.

• 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Coffee Fueled Exploration & The First (Possibly Bad) Decision

  • So, coffee was decent. Phew. Crisis averted. Now, must explore. Found a little lobby area near the front desk. It seems quiet. Maybe a few business types and a mom with bored children. I'm going to see about this place. I'm going to have to get out of my comfort zone. Okay, I see that there's a bar. I'm going to guess that the hotel has a bar. I'm going to find it. I'm going to get something stiff. Probably a Long Island Ice Tea. Sounds about right. I'm hoping there's someone interesting at the bar.

    • Anecdote: Once, at a hotel bar, I struck up an incredible conversation with a guy who claimed to be a retired spy. Gave me the most convoluted, yet fascinating, history of… well, everything. I still don't know if it was true, but the cocktails were strong, and the stories were stellar. Maybe I'll get lucky and unearth a story like that.

• 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: THE BAR - Sink Or Swim (aka, "My Liver's New BFF")

  Okay, the bar is. . definitely here. Dark wood, kinda… sterile. But hey! They have a bartender! And a menu. "The Century Cocktail"? Intriguing. I'm going to try that. It's a good sign if a place has a signature cocktail.

  • Quirky Observation: Hotel bars: They're a study in loneliness and fleeting connections. You see people lost in their phones, hoping for a distraction. Others are gregarious, trying too hard to charm. It's a microcosm of life, really, served with a side of peanuts.

  • Emotional Reaction: Two Century Cocktails in, and I'm feeling… philosophical. And a little tipsy. (Worth it.) This bar is slowly growing on me. The bartender is friendly. He even gave me a free pretzel. He's a star.

    • The Deep Dive:
      • 4:45 PM: The bartender said the Century Cocktail is made with something called "Elderflower Liqueur." Sounds fancy. Tastes, surprisingly, like a flower. I need more. (Also, I think I just overheard someone complain about their "digital detox." The irony is… exquisite.)
      • 5:15 PM: Met a woman at the bar. She's here on business. And she hates it. "The spreadsheets are killing me," she said dramatically, as if fighting a duel. We commiserated over the absurdity of corporate life, and now we're bonding over shared misery and… more drinks.
      • 5:45 PM: I think I'm making friends. Maybe. Or maybe it's the alcohol talking. Either way, this bar is going from "beige" to "surprisingly alright."

• 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Considering Dinner & The True Meaning of Room Service

  Dinner is… an option. Room service is tempting. In my state of slightly tipsy bliss, the idea of ordering a burger in my PJs holds immense appeal. But I also want to see what else is going on around here. Hmmmm. I'm going to go for a walk.

  • Rambling: Should I order the burger? Or should I be "cultured?" Maybe I should consult the hotel's information packet. (I'm sure somewhere on the planet, there's a hotel info packet that truly thrills, but this isn't it.) Decisions, decisions…

• 7:30 PM - Late: The Walk & The Verdict on the Burger (Or, "My Stomach is a Tyrant")

  • So, I took the walk. A brisk stroll around the block. It wasn't exactly thrilling. The restaurant choices weren't inspiring. You know what? Burger it is. I deserve that burger. And maybe, just maybe, a little bit of room service guilt. It's the perfect ending to a day that began with baggage despair and ended with accidental friendship (and a possibly questionable cocktail choice).

  • Verdict: The burger was glorious. The fries were perfectly salted. Zero regrets.

  • And now: I'm under the covers, reading a book. (Not the hotel packet, obviously.) I'm happy. And I'm pretty sure I'll sleep like a log.

  • (Un)Important Note: Must remember to ask about my luggage in the morning. Wish me luck.

Day 2: The Quest for Adventure & The Battle Against Beige

• 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast & the Pursuit of Decent Hotel Coffee - AGAIN!
  • Breakfast: The buffet. Let's see… eggs, bacon (hopefully), and… the lingering smell of yesterday's coffee. The coffee situation better improve.
• 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Explore! (If I Can Find My Shoes)
  • Alright, time to get out and do something. What is there to do around here!?!? Google Maps, activate! I'm getting some ideas! I'm feeling adventurous. I'm gonna go do something!
  • The Emotional rollercoaster: I'm cautiously optimistic. The hotel is still… beige. But I'm here. It's what i make of it.
• 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch & Reflection (aka, "Did I Overdo the Cocktails?")
  • I'm going to find someplace local for lunch. I'm going to think through the day. What I will do. And maybe I will not have a cocktail.
• 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Double-Down: The Experience! (This is where you pick ONE thing, and devote the majority of your time and mental real estate to it. Go WILD.)
  • Ok, there was a sign in that lobby I was at yesterday. It has something about some kind of museum. I think I saw something. I'm going to check it out. All I can do is hope its good. ** 1:15 PM:
    • "I think I'm going to go to the museum. I don't even know what kind of museum it is. I'm just going to go there! I'm hoping its good, but I'm just going. And that counts for something, right?"
      • Anecdote:
        • "I was once in a museum that had one of those 'Interactive' exhibits. I went to touch something, and I just broke it. After that, I made a conscious effort to not interfere in that kind of thing. But, It's still there. It's good to see it."
  • 2:00 PM: I entered the Museum! I'm feeling a tingle of

Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Mannah Executive Guestlodge, South Africa

Book Now

Oh, Century House... Let's Dive In (with a little chaos)

Okay, so, what *is* The Century House, really? Is it fancy-pants or down-to-earth? I'm confused!

Alright, picture this: you're scrolling through hotels, and you see "Ascend Hotel Collection." Sounds... upscale, right? Well, The Century House *tries* to be. Think a slightly-worn, elegant aunt who still remembers her glory days. It’s got bones of a good time – some seriously beautiful touches, like the stained-glass windows that practically *scream* history. But then you notice the slightly-faded wallpaper and the wonky light fixtures. It's a vibe, people. A very specific, slightly-quirky vibe. It leans towards "charming historical," but sometimes stumbles into "needs a fresh coat of paint and a hug."

The rooms – good, bad, or "where did I leave my sanity?"

Rooms… ah, the rooms. Let's just say they're a lottery. I've heard both angels singing and the Devil’s orchestra. I've stayed in a room that felt straight out of a Victorian novel (loved the antique furniture, hated the lack of power outlets), and I’ve peeked into a friend’s room that seemed to have been last updated during the Reagan administration. Honestly, ask for the "newly renovated" rooms if you can. They *generally* are a safer bet. But even then, be prepared for the occasional creaky floorboards that sound like they're plotting your demise at 3 AM. And the water pressure in the shower? Could be stronger, just saying. But hey, the beds are comfy, usually.

Breakfast. The most important meal. What's the deal there?

Okay, breakfast. This is where things get… interesting. It's *included*, which is fantastic, because who wants to pay for breakfast after a night out (or in, no judgment!). They *try* to offer a decent spread: pastries, fruit, some kind of hot stuff, and the eternal mystery of hotel breakfasts – the scrambled eggs. Sometimes they're fluffy and delicious. Sometimes… well, let's just say they resemble a textural experiment gone wrong. One time, I swear I saw the same sad-looking croissants for three days. But, coffee is plentiful! And that matters. Coffee is the lifeblood, especially when you have a schedule of sightseeing to cover later.

Location, Location, Location! Is it actually in a good spot?

Alright, location. This is a big win for The Century House. It’s usually in a pretty convenient spot, close to… things. Depends on the city, obviously, but generally, you're within a reasonable distance of restaurants, shops, and hopefully, some cool historical sights. I once stayed there during a blizzard, and thankfully, it wasn’t *too* far from a decent grocery story where I could stock up on snacks. Walking, cabs, ride-sharing… mostly easy-peasy. Just double-check the specific location against your must-see list, because sometimes "close" can still mean a 20-minute walk in the rain.

The staff? Are they helpful or "do not disturb" material?

Staff… it really depends. You get the feeling that some of them have been there forever, which is honestly comforting. They usually are trying their best to be helpful. Then there's the occasional person who seems a little… frazzled, like they’ve seen things. (Probably have!) Overall, though, I've had mostly positive experiences. The front desk is generally efficient, the housekeeping is decent, and someone will usually help you if you have a problem. My advice? Be nice. A little charm goes a long way. Also, tip well. They’re working hard.

They mentioned a pool! (Or maybe they didn't... depends on the location) Is it decent?

The Pool… Oh, the pool. Let's be clear: not all Century House locations have a swimming pool. Some have some kind of fitness room that might or might not have a working treadmill. If it does, well, good on you. If there is a pool, check what kind it is! I once stayed at a Century House that had a pool and a hot tub. The pool was… well, it was there. Clean-ish. The hot tub, though? That hot tub was the *star* of the show! It had jets and the water felt like silk. I spent hours in that hot tub, contemplating my life choices and the mysteries of the universe. It was a transcendental experience, really. If the place you're considering has a decent pool, go for it. If not, well, maybe bring a book and enjoy the history.

What's the vibe? Like, is this a place for… couples? Families? Solo travelers trying to escape reality?

Okay, the vibe. Honestly, The Century House is kind of a chameleon. I've seen all sorts of people there. Couples on romantic getaways, families with screaming children (bless their hearts), solo adventurers, businessmen/women on the road... It's not a "party central" kind of place, so if you're looking for a wild weekend, maybe look elsewhere. But it's generally a safe, comfortable, and accessible base for whatever your adventure might be. Mostly, it's just… *there*, ready to accommodate you, with all its quirks and charm.

Okay, the clincher… Should I book it, or should I run?

Alright, the verdict. Listen, The Century House isn't perfect. It's not the Four Seasons. It’s not the Ritz. It's not going to blow your mind with luxury. But... it's got *character*. If you like a little bit of history, a little bit of charm, and don't mind a few imperfections, and are looking for a decent spot to rest your head, then yeah, book it. Just manage your expectations. And if you crave that luxurious experience, well, maybe look elsewhere. It has some charm to it and its worth experiencing it at least once.

Find Your Perfect Stay

Share :