Airport Layover: Stress or Embrace?

Don't allow your flight delay to take away your joy and anticipation for reaching your destination.  Try the following in the meantime: interact with locals, partake in a mini spa, try a new brew/cocktail, or even take in a movie.  Knowing that delays/layovers do exist, take note of your connecting airport(s) and be cognizant in selecting your airline(s).  Your airline/airport selection, if you have the option, will determine your gate (arrival/departure).  Depending on the airline's popularity and client market, that will assist in determining the types vendors, services, and lounge availability.  Take note of your connecting airport(s) attractions, features, and accommodations.  Also, depending on the time lapse, - mostly with international flights - take some time to visit the neighboring town and get a true sense of the local culture.  Just be sure to do so safely, take caution, and never travel alone.  Travel is relative to time.  All good things come to those who wait, even if it does test our patience! 

Attraction: Movie Theater

Airport: Changi Airport (Singapore)

Attraction: XpresSpa (Chain)

Airport(s): Philadelphia (PHL) and New York (JFK)

Attraction:Vino Volo Wine Bar/Lounge

Airport: Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall Airport

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NYC Shopping: So Many Neighborhoods, So Many Shops!

New York  City is composed of neighborhoods on top of neighborhoods.  And when it comes to shopping, each neighborhood offers a different flair when it comes to clothing and wares.  So to help put you on the right track, here's some of my favorite neighborhood boutiques that are a must while hitting the streets.

Kenneth Cole (42nd Street, Grand Central Terminal)

Showroom Outlet (556 8th Avenue)

Strawberry's (Midtown, Grand Central Terminal)

Tia's (Midtown, Grand Central Terminal)

Beacon's Closet (Williamsburg/Brooklyn)

aka Times Square: Your Very Own NYC Apartment Away From Home

aka Times Square is not to be recognized as a standard hotel, but as your very own NYC loft apartment away from home.  aka Times Square prides itself on being an extended stay property, while providing a local lifestyle to its guests.   Note: aka Times Square requires at least seven days, but fewer days may be available based on availability/season.  All other aka locations require longer stays closer to 30 days.  You will not find groups crowded in the lobby awaiting tours or matinee plays.  The entry way is peaceful similar to an apartment building with a 24-hour front desk assistant.  The décor and colors are chic and sophisticated reflecting the aka brand.  A hollow hallway leads guests to elevators that await to take them to some of the most expansive apartment-style efficiencies in the city.  Each room is fully equipped with a state-of-the-art kitchen, dining area, bathroom, and a washer/dryer unit.  With dining having the potential to be expensive in Times Square, guests have the option of preparing their own meals by buying groceries or having them delivered as a service.  As for housekeeping, I'm sure we are all familiar with early knocks and unexpected forced entries.  Well, aka Times Square allows guests to schedule housekeeping as well as trash disposal.  All units are equipped with free high speed Internet access and Wi-Fi.  In addition to providing extended stay services and comfort, aka Times Square incorporates local lifestyles and experiences based on individual interests such as culinary classes, art exhibits, etc. (upon request).  Concierge service is available to assist with theater tickets, dining reservations, and ground transportation.  A business center provides a private meeting space for presentations or script readings for on-tour play groups.  The business center includes a separate room with six desktop computers and printers for individual use or training sessions. A fully equipped and spacious gym is on-site as well to assist guests with maintaining their exercise regimens.  aka Times Square is highly recommended for business and international travelers and families seeking comfort, accessibility, peace and a prime location to NYC attractions.  This hotel wins my vote!  Contact me directly for exclusive rates/advisement.

Kitchen and Dining Area (One Bedroom Suite)

 

Living Space in the One Bedroom Suite

 

Standard room within the One and Two Bedroom suites

 

Kitchen and Dining Area (Two Bedroom Suite)

 

Kitchen area in the Two Bedroom Suite

 

Common space in the Two Bedroom Suite

 

Business Center

 

Refreshment Bar in the Business Center

 

Computer Room in the Business Center

 

Kitchen area in the Business Center

 

Fully equipped gym

 

First floor of the Penthouse Suite

 

Stairs leading to the second floor of the Penthouse Suite

 

Full bathroom with tub in the Penthouse Suite.

Note: The tub is only available in the Penthouse Suite.

 

Upstairs bedroom in the Penthouse Suite

 

Additional space in the Penthouse Suite bedroom

 

One Bedroom Studio

 

Den space in the One Bedroom Studio

 

Washer/Dryer Unit

Note: A unit is available in each room category.

Hudson New York: A Garden Oasis Above the NYC Concrete Jungle

Lush greenery, an energetic outdoor patio, and sports-themed activities keep guests entertained non-stop.  I'm speaking of Hudson New York.  The name speaks volume in the city, and Hudson New York makes it a point to maintain its reputation. 

Located in Hell's Kitchen at the top of Restaurant Row, Hudson New York offers guests a prime location within walking distance to major NYC attractions (Central Park, Times Square, Midtown, etc.) as well as Hudson River water activities.  Its front entrance presents fluorescent lighting and fire lanterns, a mod flair that no other NYC hotel offers.  While entering the front doors, guests are lead upstairs by escalators into a garden oasis.  Its open lobby is designed with dark hardwood floors, long vines, and hand-crafted furniture strategically laid out to present a mythological forest theme.  You're taken into another world beyond the concrete jungle. 

Lobby

Whether you find yourself mingling in the Tequila Park (outdoor patio), Hudson Common (on-site restaurant), the Library lounge, or the Sky Terrace, each location is to lead to by deep hallways and hidden entrances. 

Deep, long hallways

The Library Lounge

The Library Lounge - Bar

Tequila Park

Tequila Park - Foosball Garden

Hudson Common Restaurant

 

Hudson Common Restaurant

 

Hudson Common Restaurant - Bar Food Order/Pick-up Window

 

Hudson Common Restaurant - Private sections

Note: Perfect for lounging with friends or corporate clients.

Hudson New York, a member of the Morgans Hotel Group, makes every effort to ensure that guests experience the hotel lifestyle rather than spending countless hours in their room.  The rooms are designed to provide a sufficient amount of amenities and comfort, but with simple décor and minimal space.  While it's not their goal to make guests feel cramped or unwelcomed, Hudson NYC's focus is to ensure that daily themed parties and activities are carefully designed to promote the city's lifestyle, and bring guests into a local state-of-mind. 

Room categories range from standards well suited for singles/couples looking to intermix at the Tequila Park or spectate a game in Hudson Common, to suites/penthouses designed for corporate leaders seeking a venue to conduct both business meetings and entertain clients along the Sky Terrace.  Conference and banquet rooms are also available to accommodate both corporate affairs and special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, and exclusive parties.  The Sky Terrace offers a perfect setting for afternoon sunbathing, while the private patio features a perfect venue for weddings and private affairs overlooking the most beautiful view of the Hudson River and sparkling lights along 9th Avenue.  Simply magnificent! 

Room floor hallway

 

Daily/weekly sports activities/schedules available in room

 

Front entrance of a Standard Room Category

Standard Room Category

 

Standard Bathroom Layout

 

Standard Room - City View

Double Bed Room Category

One-bedroom Suite - Living Area  

 

Penthouse Suite - Separate bedroom space

Penthouse Suite - Full Bathroom

Penthouse Suite - Private Meeting Space

Penthouse Suite - Separate Living Space

Sky Terrace - Guest Entrance

 

Sky Terrace - Hudson View

Sky Terrace - Hammocks perfect for early evening naps

Sky Terrace - Easy living lounging

Sky Terrace - Additional View

Tented Rooftop Terrace - Private Event Space

Banquet Room - Corporate Meetings/Special Events (anniversaries, weddings, etc.)