InterContinental New York Times Square sets sights on LEED certification

by Melanie Nayer on


It’s already the largest new-build hotel in New York City, and now the InterContinental New York Times Square sets its sights on being the largest hotel to achieve LEED status.

Slated to open in July, the InterContinental New York Times Square will debut as the newest InterContinental Hotel in the city. Located on 44th Street just west of Times Square, the new-build hotel’s claim to fame is its size – the36-story hotel has 607 guestrooms each averaging 350 square feet, including an oversized bathroom complete with walk-in rain showers. There are 29 corner suites and a 2,700 square foot duplex Presidential Suite. It boasts 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space and 4,000 square foot ballroom.

Simply put, this hotel is huge.

But despite its size, the InterContinental New York Times Square hopes to make a difference. According to a release from the hotel, “The hotel will be one of the most environmentally responsible hotels in New York City and the largest new-build hotel to achieve LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Counsel (USGBC).” The hotel’s LEED certification was based on its use of sustainable materials such as solar panels, green roofs with drought-tolerant, plants, large windows, and an energy-generating elevator system.

The InterContinental New York Times Square’s sister property, the InterContinental Barclay, has been a New York hotel staple for years. If green is your game, this hotel is worth a look for your next New York trip.

Rapper Jay-Z files $3.7 million hotel lawsuit

by Melanie Nayer on

Seems not everything the “Big Pimpin” rapper touches turns to gold. Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, filed a $3.7 million lawsuit accusing a bank and investment company of owing him money on his New York hotel development.

Jay-Z had his sights on the J Hotel, a luxury development in Manhattan, that his company bought for $66 million in 2007. WENN Entertainment News reports the rapper obtained a $52 million loan that was assigned to investment managers Highland Capital Management LP and serviced by NexBank SSB, the two businesses named in the lawsuit.

Citing economic issues, the partners failed to pull in investors, resulting in a shortfall of funds. The 10-time Grammy winner came to the rescue and offered the land back to Highland rather than face foreclosure. However, it seems Highland didn’t jump at the opportunity, which resulted in interest and personal costs on the loans – a debt now owned by Jay-Z.

Court documents claim that Highland improperly diverted funds in an effort to garner more money from the music-mogul. Jay-Z is seeking $3.7 million in damages. We’re not sure how this one will end, but we’re hoping there’s a song in it somewhere…

Loews Hotels launches ‘romantic’ Twitter contest

by Melanie Nayer on

If you’re not on Twitter and haven’t reaped the benefits of Twitter-only travel deals that hotels and airlines are continually promoting, you’re missing out on some great offers. This latest one comes courtesy of Loews Hotels and it’s for romantics-only (not really, but play along for the prize).

The Loews Hotels Twitter-only contest offers hopeless romantics the opportunity to win a variety of romance-themed prizes, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Starting Monday, Feb. 8 through Friday, Feb. 12, one romantic movie trivia question will be posted on @Loews_Hotels Twitter page at 11am EST. The first follower to answer the trivia question correctly will win a DVD and a $50 food and beverage credit good for use at participating Loews Hotels. Of the five daily winners, Loews will choose one Grand Prize winner at random to receive Loews Hotels’ new “Drive-In Movie” package, which includes: 2-night weekend stay at a Loews city property of his/her choice; complimentary parking; daily in-room movies and popcorn from the lobby “concession stand.”

Daily winners and the Grand Prize winner will be announced on the @Loews_Hotels page. More information and official contest rules can be found here.

Starwood plans a Sheraton Times Square makeover

by Melanie Nayer on

The Sheraton Manhattan at Times Square is prepping for a bit of a nip/tuck, says owner Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.

The redevelopment plan will evaluate how to best make use of the full city-block space the hotel occupies (Broadway, Seventh Avenue and 51st and 52nd Street near Times Square). Part of the makeover will include the Sheraton flying a Starwood flag. As the hotel is redeveloped, Starwood will remove the Sheraton flag and operate the hotel as a non-branded Starwood property beginning in April. The Sheraton Times Square will remain open and will continue to be a member of the Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty program.

This redevelopment is another example of Starwood’s bold entrance into the New York City hotel arena. Starwood has 13 hotels in New York City with plans to open six more in 2010, including two properties in Brooklyn and Tribeca, the W New York Downtown and the Four Points by Sheraton Long Island City. In addition, Starwood will debut its two newest brands – Aloft New York Brooklyn and Element New York Times Square West – later this year. The Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers, the Sheraton brand’s flagship New York property, will launch a $90 million renovation later this year.

TripAdvisor reveals America’s sexiest hotels

by Melanie Nayer on

It’s not shocking New York is home to the sexiest hotel in America – it is the city that never sleeps…
According to TripAdvisor, the Night Hotel in New York City knocks the boots off all other hotels for its ‘sexy’ factor.

TripAdvisor editors revealed their sexiest hotel list just in time for Valentine’s Day, (wink, wink). The hotels were rated based on the “sexy index,” which calculated the number of times travelers use the term “sexy” in their TripAdvisor reviews.

Turn down the shades, set the mood and get your groove on at these seducing hotels:

1. Night Hotel, New York City, New York “This modern and monochrome boutique hotel features very little light, making this the perfect spot for a romantic rendezvous with a significant other”

2. Hotel Max, Seattle, Washington “Turn your door-handle sign to ‘please do not disturb’ and enjoy the amenities within, including a “You Got It” button on the telephone, which responds to any whim, and a mini-bar complete with an intimacy kit.”

3. Hotel Palomar, Washington, D.C. “With crocodile-sculpted carpeting on the floors, faux fur throws on the beds and leopard-print robes in the closets, this is an ideal spot for romantics to say “Grrrr, Baby!”

4. Hotel Lucia, Portland, Oregon “This downtown boutique hotel offers modern surroundings, not to mention a “Kiss This” guest-package, including champagne, massage oils and dusting powders.”

5. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada “The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino offers all the trappings to bring out travelers’ wild sides, including a room service menu featuring an array of lingerie and after-dark accessories.”6. The Setai, Miami, Florida “If money is no object, this stunning oceanfront resort in the heart of South Beach offers a spectacularly seductive spot.”

7. Hotel on Rivington, New York City, New York One TripAdvisor traveler notes, “From the unconventional layout, to the glass curtain walling, to the voyeuristic shower walls, everything about this place screams hedonistic pleasure.”

8. Glenn Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia “Follow the grass-lined hallways to the guest rooms, and travelers will be met with sleek design, comfortable furnishings and a shower featuring a peek-a-boo view in to the bedroom.”

9. The Library Hotel, New York City, New York “Room 800.001 is packed with erotic tomes, including Casanova’s autobiography, while room 1100.006 is adorned with books on love and relationships.”

10. James Chicago, Chicago, Illinois “Guest rooms feature dark wood platform beds and white leather furnishings – and if these (or your partner) aren’t enough to get you drooling, the cookie left on your pillow as part of the nightly turn-down service should do the trick.”

What’s your favorite hotel for setting the mood?

Earlier this month, TripAdvisor launched its top 10 dirtiest hotels list and the Travelers’ Choice awards, which highlights travelers’ favorite hotel from around the world.

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