I’ve stayed in a lot of beautiful places over the years.
From lake-view hideaways in Mangochi to AirBnBs tucked into side streets in CapeTown… travel has long been part of how I understand the world. It was also how my journey began. Before the United Nations. Before Microsoft. Before the MBA. I was just a girl with a camera, a blog, and a deep curiosity about how people lived beautifully, intentionally, and well.
So when I walked into the boutique hotel where I’ll be living this summer, I felt something I hadn’t felt in a while: Recognition.
This summer, I find myself back in rhythm, but my perspective has shifted.
I am currently staying at Archer Hotel Redmond, where I’ll be based for the next few months as I complete my summer MBA internship with Microsoft, working in Business Development at Xbox.
This is my longest hotel stay ever, and this chapter is in many ways precisely what I needed.
Life Lately
In April of 2024, I left my role at the United Nations, where I had been working on global knowledge coordination and evaluation synthesis. I began my MBA at Michigan State University in August of 2024, with a focus on marketing, business analytics, and private sector transformation. I knew I wanted to explore how innovation scales through companies, not just institutions.
This summer, I started a new chapter with Microsoft. I relocated to Redmond, Washington, where I’ve joined the Xbox team to learn, contribute, and grow in one of the most exciting innovation ecosystems in the world.
With everything moving so fast, I knew I couldn’t just rent an apartment and get on with it. I needed to be in a space that aligned with the clarity I am seeking. A space that supports creativity, performance, rest, and quiet thought.
I opted into corporate housing, and I was simply thrilled with Microsoft’s choice for us: Archer.
Archer Hotel Redmond: Full Review
Located in Redmond Town Center, Archer sits at the heart of a walkable, peaceful, thoughtfully designed corner of Washington. I can walk to everything I need. Coffee shops, restaurants, groceries, a pharmacy, the occasional Target run, and if I want to step out for a solo dinner or an impromptu writing session, there are cafés and lounges just steps away.
The room I’m staying in is elegant without being sterile. A deluxe king suite with a sitting area, complete with large windows, a full desk for work, a cozy reading chair, a well-equipped kitchenette, and a bathroom with a rainfall shower and warm lighting. The bed is soft but structured. The minibar is stocked with both indulgent and healthy options. The Wi-Fi never fails, and the walls don’t talk. It’s quiet here, which is exactly what I need.
The staff are respectful, warm, and discreet. They greet you kindly but never intrude. Housekeeping is consistent and thoughtful. Requests are handled smoothly. I haven’t had a single moment of friction.
The lobby feels like a private club. Comfortable chairs, natural textures, slow jazz in the background. I’ve done quite a bit of my writing from the shared spaces downstairs. The fitness center is clean and well-equipped. The AKB restaurant on the ground floor has become my go-to for smoothies and quick dinners. It isn’t haute cuisine, but it’s consistent, clean, and beautifully plated.
We as Microsoft interns have a curated breakfast. Other guests receive a daily $25 credit for food and drinks, which they can use across breakfast, lunch, and evening teas. There’s also a great bar, free bikes to borrow, and the overall atmosphere remains consistent from morning to night.
Everything is in place, but nothing feels overdone.
Location
Archer is located in Redmond Town Center, which is a pedestrian-friendly, open-air shopping and lifestyle area about 5–10 minutes from the main Microsoft campus. I can walk to:
- Coffee shops
- Pharmacies
- A local movie theater
- A variety of restaurants
- Target (yes, essential)
- And of course, my favorite: quiet, tree-lined sidewalks for morning and evening walks
There’s no need for a car if you’re interning at Microsoft or just visiting the area for a short stay; though some of the interns do have cars. Redmond feels peaceful, safe, and upscale—but not pretentious. The walkability and overall quiet of the location make it ideal for people who work hard during the day and need calm in the evenings.
The Rooms
This is all we care about, am I right?
I’m staying in a Studio King, and it has been the perfect space to anchor my summer. It offers the feel of a fully furnished, upscale apartment with the service and polish of a hotel. Every element in this room feels intentional and well designed for extended stays and focused work.
Layout and Flow:
The room is thoughtfully divided between sleeping, lounging, dining, and work. You can move between zones without feeling cramped. There’s a real sense of spatial intelligence in how everything is placed.
Lighting:
Soft and adjustable overhead lighting meets generous natural light by the window. It’s bright when it needs to be, and ambient when it should be. Mornings feel fresh, and evenings are calm.
Kitchenette:
This is one of my favorite parts of the room. The kitchenette comes with:
- A sleek mini fridge and microwave
- A Cuisinart smart oven
- A Nespresso machine with pods and accessories
- A full set of dishes, glassware, mugs, and utensils
- A deep sink, drying rack, dishcloths, and cleaning supplies
- Wine glasses, cocktail shakers, and a few tools for light entertaining
It’s not just practical, it’s aesthetically beautiful. Open shelving with wooden accents gives it a modern, organic look, and the stone countertop makes it feel polished. I’ve prepped full meals here and made everything from smoothies to late-night tea without needing anything extra.
Workspace:
The dining table doubles as a rolling desk, and it’s functional without compromising on style. The desk chair is comfortable, and the space works perfectly for my daily workflow—virtual meetings, Xbox analysis, writing, and project planning. Outlets are exactly where you need them.
Living Area:
A red velvet couch anchors the space with personality. There’s also a cozy accent chair and two ottomans, which make this a proper sitting area. Whether I’m reading, journaling, or hosting a quick conversation, it’s a space that holds all my moods. The art on the walls is minimal but bold, giving the room just the right amount of presence.
Bed:
Plush but supportive, with high-quality sheets and pillows that actually breathe. It’s the kind of bed you look forward to returning to after a long day. There’s also excellent bedside lighting, a movable reading lamp, and space to keep things within reach without clutter.
Bathroom:
The shower pressure is strong and steady. The vanity is wide and well-lit, and the provided toiletries feel elevated. Towels are fresh and soft every time. It’s clean, sleek, and just works.
Soundproofing:
Incredible. I haven’t heard anything from the hallway or neighboring rooms. It’s easy to feel like you’re in your own world.
Extras:
- The garbage bin is full-sized, which is a thoughtful touch most hotels miss
- There’s a built-in luggage shelf and multiple drawers, so you never feel like you’re living out of a suitcase
- Shelving is open but tidy, so it’s easy to unpack and settle in
Overall:
This room feels like a smart condo made for people who think, work, build, and reflect. It’s functional, beautiful, and calming. A full studio disguised as a boutique hotel suite. Everything is arranged with care—nothing feels generic or mass-assembled. The aesthetic is warm, neutral, and grown.
The Staff
Every staff interaction I’ve had has been warm, discreet, and professional. From the front desk to housekeeping, you get the sense that everyone has been trained to prioritize guest experience without being intrusive.
They’re always ready with a smile, and every time I’ve had a request (laundry services, package drop-offs, front desk holds), it’s been handled quickly and with zero friction.
Amenities & Public Spaces
- Lobby Lounge: Cozy, tastefully designed with lounge chairs, sofas, work tables, and soft jazz playing in the background. It doesn’t feel like a hotel—it feels like a private club.
- Fitness Center: Clean, well-lit, and surprisingly well-equipped for a boutique hotel. Treadmills, Peloton, weights, yoga mats, towels, water, and space to breathe.
- Daily Breakfast Vouchers: Regular guests get a $25 daily credit for food & drinks—this would be perfect for morning smoothies, overnight oats, and the occasional afternoon tea or mocktail.
- Evening Vibe: There’s a bar and lounge area that gets just lively enough, without ever being noisy. Guests are mostly professionals—consultants, visiting executives, and Microsoft interns like me.
They also offer free bikes, event space, and beautiful corner nooks throughout the property for reading, calls, or solo work.
Dining (on-site: AKB)
The AKB restaurant in the lobby is intimate, minimalist, and tastefully done. It’s not fine dining, but it’s well-executed, and everything I’ve tried has been fresh and plated with care.
Highlights so far:
- Flatbreads
- The green smoothie (a go-to)
- Crispy chicken sliders
- Oatmeal with toppings
- The bar mocktails—they’re creative, light, and actually feel elevated
The staff remember your name and your preferences. I love that I can grab a quiet dinner downstairs and go back up to my room without ever feeling the energy shift.
What Makes Archer Stand Out
- Design you can live in. Every space, from the room to the lobby, has been thought through. Nothing is excessive, but nothing is missing.
- Curated comfort. From lighting to scent to textures, it’s clear that Archer wants you to feel good in the space.
- Work-life balance. Whether you’re here for business, writing, coding, or a creative retreat: this place allows you to focus and breathe at the same time.
- Consistency. Every day, the service, the experience, the mood—it all holds. I never feel like I have to adapt. The hotel adapts to me.
Would I Stay Here Again?
Absolutely. In fact, I could live here long-term.
It strikes that rare balance of professionalism and soul. It’s a place where you can be your ambitious self, your quiet self, your worn-out self, and your visionary self—without needing to leave the building.
A Vision Unfolding
If you’re looking for a stay in Redmond, especially if you’re in town for work with Microsoft, visiting the campus, or need a personal retreat… I’d recommend Archer Hotel without hesitation.
It feels like the kind of place you’d imagine for yourself once you’ve made it; and for me, that’s the beauty of it. I’m still building, still becoming, and still defining what “home” means in this chapter of my life.
As I build Kwathu Kollective and Ntha Foundation, my dream is to create curated spaces like this back home. Creative retreats, residency programs for innovators, smart housing models for digital workers across Africa. Archer reminds me that vision is built through small details. Lighting, soundproofing, towels, energy, silence. These things matter.
When I (eventually) return to live again on the African continent, this experience will inform how we design our own spaces. It will influence how I train my teams to think not just about what we offer, but how people feel when they enter and when they leave.
—
from Redmond, with Love,
Ntha
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