New York, New York

CHECKING IN

Born to Shop fans know that Intercontinental Hotels are at the top of my list… Our BTS Asian tours always feature InterConti and I’ve never been disappointed when booking one of these gems.

I’ve stayed at the InterContinental New York Times Square and while it’s a beautiful property, I’m not a fan of the area. Really…. Where are the shops? This time, I booked the InterContinental Barclay, An East Side grande dame located on 48^th Street between Lexington and Park. This hotel’s been around for decades but when InterConti moved in, renovations were made and a star emerged.

Location, location, location… The #6 Subway entrance is a couple of blocks up the street (at 50^th and Lex) and Fifth Avenue shopping is a short stroll across the Avenues.

As with all IC properties, there’s lotsa deals available year ‘round and you’ll always get the best price by booking on the hotel website (www.ihg.com) – it’s a company policy. Since I was traveling in March, off-season, I snagged a rate of about $200 a night. After my booking was confirmed, I received an offer to join the Ambassador Club (see more on this below) and decided to join. Great decision! Upon check-in, I was upgraded to an Executive Room – spacious with a big flat screen TV and all the gadgets that a business or leisure client could want.  A suite was offered if I was willing to switch rooms the following day, but I was very happy with the room I had (#569). 

BE AN AMBASSADOR

InterConti’s Ambassador program is a good deal, even if you only plan to stay at one more IC hotel within the next year. The price is $200 for the first year and $150 for each year you continue with the program. 

Perks include:

·         Dedicated check-in desk. Avoid the crowds and come back any time for any reason.

·         Single-room rate for double occupancy.

·         Guaranteed room upgrade upon check-in. (Remember that suite I was offered? I booked a Superior Room and was given an Executive Room with an option to upgrade again the next day.)

·         Late check-out – up to 4pm.

·         Free daily newspaper and bottled water, fresh fruit and gift upon arrival (mine was a platter of pastries).

·         One day of free internet during your stay. Standard rates are between $13 and $17 a day, so this is a good perk.

·         One complimentary pay-TV movie per stay.

·         My fave! One free weekend night at any InterContinental Hotel when you book a consecutive night at the Ambassador rate.

A New Beginning

A little over a year ago, my BFF and Born to Shop co-author, Suzy Gershman, and I were in London for a research trip. We were writing like crazy, hoping to get a new edition of Born to Shop London on Amazon and in bookstores before the Summer Olympics. 

Suzy and I had split up for the day.  She was revisiting Knightsbridge and I had ventured off to the East End to check out pre-Olympic store openings. Suzy called me and said, “You’re gonna think I’m crazy, but I have no idea where I am.” After a quick conversation, I jumped in a taxi and sped off to find my friend. She was one block from Harrods, on a street she knew well and should have been able to navigate blindfolded.

Fast forward two weeks... Suzy was diagnosed with a highly malignant glioblastoma, a brain tumor that is aggressive and unforgiving. The prognosis was grim and Suze knew from the get-go that there would be no experimental treatments, no miracle cures. I was with her in San Antonio when her brother (who was also her oncologist) gave her the news. After he left her hospital room, she calmly said to me, “Okay Sari, two things…  I want you to have my Hermes bracelets and of course, take over Born to Shop.” She also found comfort knowing her two dachshunds would have a forever home with my family in Tiburon. Suzy hoped to hold her first grandchild and against the odds, she lived to do that. Adeline Michele Gershman was born April 9, 2012, four days before Suzy's 64th birthday.

Suzy passed away on the morning of July 25, 2012.

Suzy was my best friend, my business partner, my adopted sister. I am an only child and Suzy’s only sister died when she was young so we took comfort in the fact that we found each other in mid-life.  I think of her every day, wishing I could call her or meet her at the airport. I wear her Hermes bracelets, to Safeway and CVS, to walk the dogs. I miss Suzy terribly.

Before she became ill, Suzy and I often discussed the future of our Born to Shop travel guides. We knew we should think digital and we debated the merits and disadvantages of publishing print editions. Shortly after Suzy died, Frommer’s (our former publisher) was sold to Google and a decision was made.  Born to Shop has been revamped and will be available to you via this blog. Apps may follow… In addition to the destinations covered in the print series, I’ll be able to write about the best shopping, hotels and experiences wherever I go. Updates will be current and you’ll be able to access information immediately. I hope you’ll travel with me via the Born to Shop Traveler as I shop the world… Here’s to a new beginning and a new Born to Shop!