Cambria Hotel Downtown Phoenix: Paint with a Brew
Murals and pieces by local artists decorate both the interior and exterior of the Cambria Hotel Downtown Phoenix (all photos by Dedric Hendricks)
On December 18, the Cambria Hotel Downtown Phoenix Convention Center celebrated the opening of its newest Phoenix location with a VIP ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by "Paint with a Brew" under the stars on its rooftop deck. It now joins Cambria Hotel Phoenix Chandler-Fashion Center and Cambria Hotel North Scottsdale Desert Ridge, making it the third Cambria Hotel in the Phoenix metro area.
Special guest Arizona Coyotes team captain Oliver Ekman-Larsson accepted a $10,000 donation to Child Crisis Arizona from the Cambria Hotel team before he joined fellow VIPs on the 2,000-square-foot rooftop deck. All were treated to an interactive “Paint with a Brew” (and a view!) class paired with three craft beers (SanTan Hefeweizen, GFB Blonde Ale and Anchor Steam California Lager) from Cambria’s program curated by a certified cicerone.
WriteonRubee’s newest contributors, Dedric Hendricks and Ana Velasquez, founders of Neighbors Kitchen, covered the festive media event, learned some painting tips, and were introduced to the hotel’s amenities, craft beer program and signature dishes by executive chef Nate Cayer.
“The painting class invited amateur artists to capture the city’s skyline in acrylic and was inspired by the hotel’s local art collection and colorful murals. The view of the skyline from the Cambria’s location in the heart of the Roosevelt Row Arts District served as the perfect reference for the art apprentices.
The murals that decorate the rooftop bar were hand-painted by Ashley Macias, a local Latina artist whose art decorates the city of Phoenix, and artist Antoinette Cauley’s work graces the lobby. However, throughout the lobby and hallways of the Cambria you can find more local art that is on a seasonal rotation, so there’s always something to see. ”
Chef Cayer’s menu spotlights local purveyors such as Chula Seafood, Beetanical Garden, Noble Bread, and Top Knot Farms, and guests were treated to charcuterie platters, a build your own bruschetta bar, Caprese skewers, salmon canapes on housemade crackers, and more.
“After the class we were invited to tour the rooms available to hotel guests. One fun feature is that all the rooms are north or south facing, so you never get direct sunlight into your room. We also toured the newly-opened Poppy restaurant located in the main lobby, and the Marketplace stocked with local artisans such as Lotus & Lava, The Fig & the Knife, and Gypsy Moon Botanicals. Cambria hopes these staples will be appreciated by local residents and not just hotel patrons. ”
Planning a stay? Here are some more fun facts:
The $26 million hotel is seven stories with 127 rooms, including three upper-floor corner suites for downtown city views.
Dining options feature Poppy and rooftop bar FTR with menus created by executive chef Nate Cayer
Menus include a selection of local craft beers curated by Cambria's certified cicerone, as well as wine and specialty cocktails.
The spacious rooftop includes an event space, FTR bar, a pool with cabanas and 360-degree views.
Spa-style bathrooms are equipped with Bluetooth mirrors, and free WiFi is available throughout the hotel.
The hotel offers a state-of-the-art fitness center and multi-function meeting and event spaces.
Cambria Hotel Downtown Phoenix Convention Center is located at 222 E. Portland Street in downtown Phoenix. Visit the website for a gallery of photos and to book your stay.