Latest news with #LoisAlterMark
Forbes
17-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
This Under The Radar Hotel Brand May Be New York's Best Kept Secret
The view from our 19th floor room at Club Quarters Hotel, World Trade Center. Lois Alter Mark Trying to find a nice, affordable hotel in New York can feel impossible, especially downtown, where the two-year-old love of my life lives. So, when our son's in-laws told us about Club Quarters, my husband and I Googled the brand and immediately booked a surprisingly well-priced room at Club Quarters Hotel, World Trade Center. How had we not known about this brand before??! Here's what we discovered: Club Quarters hotels are located in some of the biggest cities in the US and the UK, making them a great option, whether you're traveling for business or pleasure. They have a distinct European flair and we saw many international flight crews as well as a group of men in kilts coming out of the elevator during our stay. As part of a major rebranding effort, Club Quarters has started renovating all of their hotels' guest rooms and public spaces, adding new, modern touches and upgraded amenities. The transformation started in London, where they revamped two keystone properties, St. Paul's and London City, updating 468 guest rooms and adding a new Club Lounge as well as introducing The Counter, a unique coffee and cocktail concept serving specialty coffees, artisanal pastries and thoughtfully crafted cocktails throughout the day. They also launched Keyless Room Entry, enabling guests to use Apple Wallet or Google Wallet for a smooth, secure check-in process, reducing the need for physical keys and enhancing both convenience and safety. Club Quarters US hotels are next up, with Boston currently in the pipeline for a makeover. Club Quarters hotels feature a water station on every floor. Lois Alter Mark All Club Quarters hotels offer a wealth of amenities including CO Bigelow toiletries and a Guest Request Closet, stocked with every travel necessity you may have forgotten. The fact that there's no charge for anything makes this exclusive service even better. One of my favorite things about Club Quarters, though, is the water station on every floor that provides chilled purified water as well as complimentary refillable bottles. As someone who likes to stay hydrated while traveling, I appreciated being able to fill a few bottles to keep in our room and take a couple with us for the day without having to constantly pay for overpriced water in a local deli. I also appreciate the sustainability benefits of recycling these bottles. My daughter-in-law's parents' favorite thing about Club Quarters, on the other hand, is the complimentary coffee in the Club Living Room on the first floor, which they swear is the best. We're not coffee drinkers so I'll have to take their word for it but I can tell you there were always happy guests at the machine, filling and refilling their cups. The Club Living Room itself is a great, out of the way place to sit and relax, do work or meet a friend. The living area of our room at Club Quarters Hotel, World Trade Center. Lois Alter Mark Our room at Club Quarters Hotel, World Trade Center was comfortable and spacious, featuring a separate living room area with magnificent views of the memorial and the skyline. My favorite features included the fact that we each had our own closet — kind of a miracle in a New York hotel — and that we were able to mirror our screens on the TV to watch our own shows and movies. I don't know why every hotel doesn't offer this service. I also loved the 'munchie trays' of well-curated snacks on our desk as well as the portable, reusable coffee cups. My salad at One40 was bursting with flavor. Lois Alter Mark One40, the new rooftop restaurant at Club Quarters Hotel, World Trade Center, is poised to become the place to eat in this busy area. The space itself is stunning, filled with greenery and surrounded by floor to ceiling skyline views. Whether you sit on the patio or indoors, you'll feel the energy of the city as you indulge in simple classics elevated by the freshest, most flavorful ingredients. We went there for lunch and, between the four of us, got to taste much of the well-curated menu. My husband loved his burger with truffle and parmesan fries, our millennials raved about the creamy tomato soup, roasted heirloom carrots and Bucantini al Pomodoro with tofu 'meatballs,' and I would eat healthier if I could replicate the delicious salad featuring baby arugula, endive and radicchio, almonds, cotton candy grapes, Chianti vinaigrette and grilled shrimp. Burger and truffle and parmesan fries at One40. Lois Alter Mark For dessert, we decided to be 'good' and share. We ordered a heavenly creme brulee and a citrus panna cotta that was so good, it probably meant that we weren't. Next time we're in New York, we definitely want to come back for both dinner and breakfast. Those vanilla bean and mascarpone pancakes are calling my name. Although I'm very interested in trying some of the other Club Quarters hotel locations, as well, I'm betting that now that we've discovered this one, we will soon become regulars.
Forbes
30-03-2025
- Forbes
PS Turns Airports Into Exclusive Luxury Experiences
The coolest benefit of PS? Being chauffeured directly to your plane across the tarmac in a luxury car. PS LAX Ever since my son and daughter-in-law raved about their PS experience back in 2021, it's been high on my bucket list. I finally got to experience it myself at LAX on the way to a Princess cruise through New Zealand and can tell you that PS has done the impossible and turned the airport into a covetable destination. I've now been spoiled for all future travel. PS used to be known as The Private Suite and, although having your own private suite at the airport is certainly something to be grateful for, it's so much more than that. In fact, the perks of PS are so up there, the gorgeous suite itself almost becomes the least important of them. Getting to PS at LAX is a little tricky because it's located in a private terminal far from the madding crowd. You have to put in an actual address rather than 'airport' for your Blacklane or rideshare driver so they'll get you to the right place – which you'll recognize immediately because you'll be warmly welcomed by an entire staff of greeters who will sign you in, whisk away your luggage and get you comfortably settled in one of a dozen private suites. Note: if you drive there, PS will wash your car, valet park it and keep it safe for you until you return from your trip. One of the PS private suites at LAX. Lois Alter Mark Each private suite is spacious, beautifully decorated and stocked with amenities that are yours for the taking. Although we were there on a cloudy day for an evening flight, we loved being able to watch the planes take off through the clouds, thanks to our floor to ceiling window overlooking the actual airport. Our PS private suite at LAX. Lois Alter Mark Our suite had lots of comfortable seating, a TV, art-lined walls and shelves filled with a wide variety of flight necessities, including a universal adapter, a travel pillow and Apple ear pods and charging cables, all of which we took with us and used during our trip. The bathroom in our PS private suite. Lois Alter Mark The sophisticated marble bathroom, with its light-up make-up mirror and heated toilet seat, was a calming space to freshen up and get ready for a long flight. It was also stocked with brand name toiletries from toothpaste to hand sanitizer to shaving essentials, all travel-sized and meant to be tossed in our carry-ons — which we happily obliged. You can book spa treatments during your stay, as well, but the three hours goes so quickly, we wanted to just be present and enjoy the amazing facilities. PS LAX offers so many food options. PS LAX You will never go hungry at PS – or on your flight because there's a convenient box you can fill with all the snacks you want to take with you from the pantry in your suite. Everything is complimentary, including top-shelf liquor (although it can only be enjoyed on the premises due to TSA rules). Our light dinner at PS was delicious. Lois Alter Mark PS offers a full menu of chef-prepared meals and you can order as much as you want. Because we knew we were going to be eating again on the plane in a few hours, I simply opted for a burger and fries and my friend ordered some vegetarian appetizers. We couldn't resist sharing a dessert. If you're craving something specific off-menu from someplace local, PS will get it for you for an extra fee. Not surprisingly, In-N-Out is a popular request at LAX. The Salon at PS LAX. PS LAX If you're looking to socialize a little or just get out of your suite for a while, the Salon is a great bar/lounge area where you can get drinks and food. If you don't need a suite, at all, you can actually just book time here instead of the crowded lounge at the airport and skip the private suite altogether. There's also an outdoor garden for hanging out with friends and colleagues, space for kids to get their energy out before a flight and a pet relief area for canine companions. Taking the scenic route in a chauffeur-driven BMW to our Air New Zealand flight. Lois Alter Mark Hands-down, the most exclusive feature of PS is its private TSA checkpoint. This is amazing because, although you still have to go through security, there is no line whatsoever. It's basically you, the machine and the TSA agent. You're escorted through the entire process — which takes just a couple of minutes — by a PS agent, who then takes you to your private car, letting you grab waters and sodas from a fridge once you've gone through security. From there, you're guided to a chauffeur-driven BMW for the short drive across the tarmac RIGHT TO YOUR AIRCRAFT. Trust me, you'll wish the drive were longer because it is impossible not to feel like royalty as you're led through the most exclusive areas of the airport. When we arrived at our Air New Zealand flight — and I mean, we arrived literally at the plane — we were ushered through another secret door we would never have known about and, voila, we were suddenly at the entrance to the plane, being greeted by the flight crew before the rest of the passengers boarded. The PS agent stayed with us until we were safely on board just in case of a major delay, in which case they could take us back to the suite to wait. It was unquestionably the best airport experience I've ever had — because we never had to deal with the actual airport — and I think I smiled about it for my whole 13 hour flight. Next time I land in LAX from an international flight, I want to try the return experience, too, which my son called a 'game-changer.' A PS agent is there, waiting to help you off the plane and whisk you through the private TSA checkpoint, skipping all the worst parts of arriving back at LAX: waiting for luggage, waiting to go through customs, then having to take a crowded shuttle with all your luggage over to the rideshare area for transportation home. PS just might stand for Perfect Service. PS LAX Right now, PS can only be experienced at the Los Angeles and Atlanta airports but the company has plans to open more locations over the next few years. To learn about membership or make a reservation, visit the PS website. As for me, I can't end without adding this cheesy but sincere sentiment: PS I love you.
Forbes
27-03-2025
- Forbes
Why A Stay At Smyth Tribeca Will Make You Feel Like A New Yorker
The unassuming yet welcoming exterior of the Smyth Tribeca in New York. Lois Alter Mark As a transplanted New Yorker, it's always a little weird for me to come back to the city and experience it like a tourist. When I stay in big hotels, no matter how comfortable and luxurious they are, I'm well aware of the fact that I am indeed sleeping somewhere as a visitor, not a resident. So, when my husband and I recently spent a night at Smyth Tribeca, I was pleasantly surprised to feel like we had moved back to New York and were now living downtown. Part of that is because of the hotel's cozy location in a neighborhood where New Yorkers happily live, work and play. I was able to run across the street to Starbucks and pick up bagels a block away at Nala's Bagels and Brunch. (The hotel is also conveniently located near lots of subway stations, shops and restaurants as well as One World Trade Center. ) Another part of it is because the 14-story boutique hotel is intimate and homey, with just 100 well-appointed rooms and suites. The scaffolding in front of the hotel actually reminded me of one of my former apartment buildings, where construction seemed to be ongoing. I loved that this one was covered in flowers because creating unexpected beauty in a hard, urban environment is such an authentic New York thing to do. The cozy Galerie is a great workspace/bar. @hollyachilds for Smyth Tribeca As soon as we entered the lobby — a small but lovely space more reminiscent of a luxury New York apartment building than a bustling hotel — we received a hearty welcome from the front desk staff along with glasses of champagne, which we turned down for cups of the fruit-infused water always available by the elevators. We took our beverages to the Galerie right off the lobby we could take in the inviting atmosphere. This beautiful gathering space is filled with tables, chairs and couches, making it an appealing place to meet friends or business colleagues, sit with your laptop or simply relax with a book. In the evening, it turns into a popular bar made even more special by two fireplaces, private nooks and crannies and an extensive selection of cocktails and small bites. A Deluxe Corner King room at Smyth Tribeca. Smyth Tribeca Dark hotel rooms are a real pet peeve of mine so we booked a Deluxe Corner King (we've discovered corner rooms are a game-changer) in order to have two windows and more light. Although we usually prefer to be on a high floor for the views, our third floor room was actually perfect for making us feel like we were part of the city below. It overlooked one of our favorite neighborhoods so we could people watch (another authentic New York pastime) but effectively kept out the noise with double-paned windows. The room itself was spacious and sophisticated and so was the bathroom, with its Carrara marble, Malin+Goetz bath products and glass-enclosed rain shower. Smyth Tribeca also boasts a dozen suites, some with private outdoor terraces. Next time we come for more than one night, that's where I'd like to stay. The cozy Smyth Tavern. Smyth Tribeca The piece de resistance at Smyth Tribeca is Smyth Tavern, a warm and welcoming restaurant off the lobby that serves upscale comfort food. If we still lived in New York, we would quickly become regulars here. Smyth Tavern is a local destination in itself, thanks to its come-in-and-make-yourself-at-home atmosphere, its friendly service and excellent food. The menu is a culinary delight, giving you the opportunity to have a side of Deviled Eggs (with or without caviar or oysters) or Rigatoni Mac & Cheese (with or without lobster) with your Steak Frites or Filet Mignon. The bedroom of the Penthouse Suite at Smyth Tribeca. Smyth Tribeca We'll definitely be returning to Smyth Tribeca when we have more time to stay in and enjoy the hotel. Maybe we'll make it a sleepcation because I really want to experience SleepMore at Smyth, which includes a room discount, overnight parking, breakfast in bed from Smyth Tavern, magnesium spray, a selection of plush pillows, sleepy tea and, best of all, a concierge arranged visit to nearby Mysterious Bookshop to pick up some bedtime reading. As an avid reader, I love that idea. To book this unique package, call Smyth Tribeca at 917-997-2700 and ask about SleepMore at Smyth.
USA Today
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
10 reasons we're fans of Celebrity Cruises' ship-within-a-ship concept
Advertisement I wrote this article on the veranda of our Sky Suite on Celebrity Millennium – Photo courtesy of Lois Alter Mark When my husband and I decided to reenact our first-ever cruise — we cruised to Alaska with Celebrity Cruises — we decided to upgrade the experience and book The Retreat, Celebrity Cruises' answer to the "hotels within hotels" concept. Offering exclusive accommodations and VIP perks, Celebrity Cruises' ship-within-a-ship concept transforms a massive ocean liner into an intimate experience. Out of a capacity sailing of 2,218 passengers, only about 100 are guests of The Retreat. This concept didn't exist when my husband and I cruised on the Celebrity Millennium 20 years ago. Celebrity Cruises first introduced The Retreat in 2018 with the launch of Celebrity Edge. The experience is now available on all of the cruise line's ships. Here are 10 features we loved about The Retreat — all of which are included in the price. All suites The Penthouse Suite is like a luxury apartment at sea – Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises The Retreat consists of 50 suites, starting at a roomy 254 square feet and going up to a whopping 1,432 square feet. We opted for a Sky Suite, which was so well-appointed, featuring a king-sized bed topped with a luxurious Cashmere Mattress, plenty of storage space, top bath products, and comfy robes and slippers. The suite even had a high-quality pair of binoculars we used to focus in on glaciers calving and bald eagles hiding in trees. Advertisement As grand as these interior spaces are, it's the outdoor spaces that make the suites even more coveted. With verandas ranging from a generous 57 square feet to a jaw-dropping 1,098 square feet, you can "ooh" and "ah" over the scenery while having breakfast delivered right to your table. Also, guests staying in Royal Suites and above have access to: complimentary extended stay (the flexibility of staying onboard longer on disembarkation day in selected ports) complimentary access to the SEA Thermal Suite on Edge Series ships and the Persian Garden on Millennium and Solstice Series ships complimentary unlimited specialty dining, including lunch and dinner ability to customize your in-suite minibar before sailing two complimentary bottles of wine or spirits throughout your sailing complimentary sleepwear The Retreat Sundeck The Retreat Sundeck is a private space to take in the view – Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises Located one level above the pool, The Retreat Sundeck is the ideal place to get away from the crowd and relax. Here, you'll find cushy daybeds, cabanas, couches, and loungers, as well as a host of amenities, like sunscreen, lip balm, even sunglasses! Advertisement Dedicated staff will ensure you're never without water, cocktails, or anything else you need. There's also a hot tub and outdoor shower for warming up or cooling down. Best of all, because the sundeck boasts prime real estate at the front of the ship, you're guaranteed stunning views as you sail to incredible destinations. The Retreat Lounge The Retreat Lounge is a great place to relax 24/7 – Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises Guests of The Retreat are given access to a private lounge, where they can stop by for drinks, small bites, and even afternoon tea. We often dropped in for snacks and made ourselves at home when we passed by on our way to somewhere else. The lounge is also where you'll find The Retreat concierges. Whether you want to make reservations onboard or off, plan a special occasion or a private excursion, consider it done. As a guest of The Retreat, you also have access to a dedicated shore excursions expert. These experts can assist with planning activities at each destination and arranging all transfers so your shore excursions are stress-free. Speaking of which, the lounge is a great place to relax prior to excursions. Advertisement Luminae Luminae is the private restaurant for guests of The Retreat – Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises This private restaurant, just for guests of The Retreat, is intimate and lovely — and the food is superb, thanks to an eclectic, ever-changing menu that includes signature dishes and desserts by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud, a Celebrity Cruises' global culinary brand ambassador. Luminae is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner — and, trust me, you'll enjoy every meal. Can't decide between the filet mignon and the salmon? Be like my husband and order both. Don't skip the juicy Signature Burger with its adorable little basket of fries. It's on the lunch menu every day because it's so beloved the guests would probably revolt if it weren't. Personal service Impeccable service is a keystone of The Retreat – Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises Because Celebrity Cruises understands that the real foundation of luxury is service, guests of The Retreat have a team of dedicated attendants, concierges, and your Personal Retreat Host ready to fulfill any request. Although standard gratuities are included as part of The Retreat, you'll probably want to hand each one an additional tip at the end of the cruise for taking such good care of you. Advertisement To ensure guests don't have to lift a finger, all suites at The Retreat come with a dedicated butler, who's only a message away with Butler Chat, allowing easy communication from anywhere on board or onshore. The mini fridge in our suite was always stocked with our favorite beverages. Because these pros don't miss a thing (including my husband's sweet tooth and our penchant for afternoon snacks), we always came back to fresh appetizers and desserts waiting for us at various times of the day. Special invitations and gifts The view from the ship's helipad as we sailed into Endicott Arm, Alaska – Photo courtesy of Lois Alter Mark The unexpected goodies that show up in your suite throughout your cruise are a delightful perk of being a guest of The Retreat. Every night, we received a little box of chocolates along with a small gift, to include a tote bag, Alaska baseball caps, and a keepsake photo of the breathtaking Dawes Glacier. Advertisement We also received invitations to exclusive events, such as a Balinese jewelry-making demonstration and — a highlight of the cruise — front-row seats for a special Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier viewing on the ship's helipad. Warmed by woolen blankets and steaming hot chocolate, we had the best seats in the house when we pulled into this beautiful part of Alaska — nothing but spectacular, head-on views one can't experience from any of the ship's public areas. Onboard credit The Persian Garden is a lovely place to relax – Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises Every guest of The Retreat gets a credit, and you'll definitely want to apply it to the amazing specialty restaurants and the spa aboard the ship. Whether you treat yourself to a massage or facial, the spa is a perfect place to spend a day at sea. If you reserve a treatment, you get access to the good-for-what-ails-you Persian Garden, featuring a variety of aqua therapy environments, from aromatic steam to tropical rain showers. The specialty restaurants are all worth trying. Sushi on Five serves up authentic, made-to-order Japanese rolls and nigiri, along with wontons, ramen, and so much more. Tuscan Grille is Italian food at its best, and when your server says they'll bring you a little of each item that looks good to you (which is dangerous because everything will look good to you), don't be fooled. The portions are generous, and you would be wise to wear stretchy pants. Le Petit Chef is a must-experience, combining innovative animation with an equally innovative menu for a truly one-of-a-kind dinner. Advertisement Premium Beverage Package Cheers to the Premium Beverage Package that's included in The Retreat – Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises Although the Premium Beverage Package is available to all guests for an extra cost, it's an included perk for guests of The Retreat. That means you can enjoy unlimited specialty coffees and teas, craft and artisan beers, spirits, cocktails, frozen drinks, Coca-Cola products, premium bottled water, and wines by the glass up to $15 per serving. You'll also get 20% off bottles of wine. Unlimited Wi-Fi Thanks to unlimited Wi-Fi, you can share live video with your friends – Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises Ship Wi-Fi can be expensive, but guests of The Retreat get unlimited Wi-Fi, making it easy to post photos from your vacation and invite friends and family to join you on your next cruise. Because we didn't have to worry about using data, I was able to work from our veranda, surrounded by stunning scenery and occasionally joined by a humpback whale or a pod of dolphins swimming alongside the ship. Priority embarkation and disembarkation The Retreat guests get priority embarkation so they can start their vacation fast – Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises When you're eager to get on board, being a guest of The Retreat will ensure you're whisked in and settled on a lounge chair in no time. And when it's time to disembark, you'll be personally escorted to the gangway, where you'll be shown to the special section cordoned off for The Retreat guests to pick up your luggage. This saves time and makes you feel like you've been visiting with people who really care about you. Know before you go Celebrity Edge gets up close and personal with Alaska's majestic beauty – Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Edge also now sails from Alaska, offering guests all of these benefits, plus the option to book an Edge Villa. With its signature outward-facing design, Celebrity Edge brings guests even closer to Alaska's jaw-dropping landscapes. Check Celebrity Cruises' website to explore available cruises.
