Cambria McAllen Showcases Local Talent

This article is the first of several others I will publish that resulted from a recent tour of hotel properties in McAllen, Texas. Please note that this is not a paid advertisement. The sole purpose of this article is to showcase new investments in the Rio Grande Valley’s hospitality industry.

Choice Hotels has a new brand of upscale, modern-designed hotels and McAllen is home to one. Only 33 CAMBRiA hotels & suites are currently open in the United States with three of them in Texas. The McAllen CAMBRiA opened its doors in January of 2017.

Choice Hotels is investing more than $450 million in corporate capital investment to expand the Cambria brand, and bring great properties to the right markets faster. Isn’t great they selected McAllen in the Rio Grande Valley?

Connecting with the communities they serve is a priority of the CAMBRiA brand. When planning the design for the McAllen property they worked closely with the McAllen Arts Incubator to select the work of four local artists. The artwork, in addition to local photography, is displayed throughout the hotel lobby and guest rooms. Four paintings were selected and blown up to cover entire guest-room walls giving them local flair and a contemporary art gallery atmosphere. As an artist myself, It was a pleasant surprise to learn that all four of the chosen artists were female.

Painting titled “The Color of my Frustration” 2016 by Weslaco artist Teresa Lopez. It was inspired by “when all else fails, color is my therapy!”

“We are upscale, but not uptight. We are a fun brand,” said Director of Sales Lily Quintanilla during the tour of the property.

First thing I noticed was the impeccable condition of the rooms and the white linens. The floating beds and pocket doors that slow down a few inches before closing plus toilet lids that do not slam may sound insignificant, but they are ideal for bestowing a good night’s sleep- or a siesta! Bathroom mirrors with Bluetooth media connectivity, flat screen TVs, coffee makers, mini refrigerators and microwaves add to the relaxing and pampered experience. In my opinion, new concepts like these differentiate the hotel industry from the sharing economy of fee-based-accommodation-sharing such as Airbnb.

The McAllen CAMBRiA boasts three deluxe suites. One is designed with floor to ceiling windows overlooking Westside Park. The ideal honeymoon suite for some or the ideal spot for business trips for others.

Mural of the painting titled “Lava” 2015 by Dania Olivares from McAllen, Texas. She was inspired by the wild nature.

The restaurant is open daily for breakfast and dinner. The bar opens from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m. Hotel guests and the general public enjoy the contemporary atmosphere plus the coffee bar and shop located in the lobby. CAMBRiA’s brand standards include complimentary Wifi, meeting spaces, and catering. Whether guests have a long day shopping or at business meetings they will surely welcome the tranquil pool and hot tub patio. Their slogan says that at CAMBRiA, welcome isn’t just a word, it’s a feeling. Need I say more?

Plan an overnight stay, or visit for dinner or happy hour and check them out. While there, thank them for making McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley one of their priority destinations! Visit CAMBRiA online

One of three suites at the Cambria McAllen

Sales Director Lily Quintanilla during a tour of the property

About Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the world’s largest hotel companies. With approximately 6,500 hotels franchised in more than 40 countries and territories, Choice Hotels International represents more than 500,000 rooms around the globe. As of March 31, 2017, 795 hotels were in our development pipeline. Our company’s Ascend Hotel Collection®, Cambria® hotels & suites, Comfort Inn®, Comfort Suites®, Sleep Inn®, Quality®, Clarion®, MainStay Suites®, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel®, Econo Lodge®, Rodeway Inn®, and Vacation Rentals by Choice HotelsTM brands provide a spectrum of lodging choices to meet guests’ needs. With more than 30 million members and counting, our Choice Privileges® rewards program enhances every trip a guest takes, with benefits ranging from instant, every day rewards to exceptional experiences, starting right when they join. All hotels and vacation rentals are independently owned and operated.