SEPTEMBER 21, 2022

HURRICANE FIONA TRAVEL UPDATES


One of the first major storms of 2022’s hurricane season continues on its path through the Caribbean, causing flight cancellations throughout the area, reports Travel Market Report. Currently a Category 4 storm, Hurricane Fiona hit Turks and Caicos as a Category 3 Storm on Tuesday, after it hit Puerto Rico earlier in the week; it is on a path to approach Bermuda on Thursday. Nearly 80% of Puerto Rico remained without power on Tuesday, although Puerto Rico’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport has reopened and is fully operational. There are significant power outages across Turks and Caicos; almost all flights into and out of Turks and Caicos’ Providenciales airport were canceled on Tuesday and another 25% of all Wednesday’s flights were also canceled. Most airlines had proactively issued waivers for travel through the Caribbean due to Fiona’s expected impact. Currently in effect are waivers with United Airlines, for which travel can be rebooked through October 2, and American Airlines, for which travel can be rebooked through September 28. 

ONLINE PASSPORT RENEWAL COMING IN 2023


The US Department of State has announced that online passport renewal will begin in early 2023 after two successful limited pilot programs took place earlier this year, reports Travel Pulse. The pilot programs followed an Executive Order issued in December 2021, giving the State Department permission to create a safe way to renew passports online. Online renewals are expected to cut the time of passport renewals by 1-7 weeks, changing the average process time from 8-11 weeks by mail to 5-7 weeks online. Due to backlogs caused by the pandemic, many passport renewals have taken 18 weeks to process, with expedited service also seeing delays. Travelers should note that many countries mandate travelers have passports that expire at least six months from the return date of their trip.

DELTA PREMIUM SELECT CABINS JUST GOT A MAJOR UPGRADE


Delta Air Lines has announced it has upgraded the experience in its premium economy cabin onboard long-haul flights, reports, Condé Nast Traveler. As of September 20, passengers can look forward to more spacious seating, elevated meal service, handmade amenity kits, memory foam pillows, and more in the Delta’s Premium Select cabin. The new Delta Premium Select seats have 19 inches of width, 38 inches of legroom pitch, seven inches of recline, and are outfitted with an adjustable leg and footrest. Upgraded dining includes linen tableware and napkins, real flatware and glassware, and bagasse plates (made of sustainable sugarcane plant fiber). Examples of dishes include braised beef short rib with fingerling potatoes and dijon green peppercorn jus; and Impossible Meatballs with polenta, pomodorini sauce, and broccolini. This winter, Delta says it plans to operate more than 400 weekly flights to Europe, many of which will be outfitted with refreshed Premium Select products.

AMERICAN AIRLINES REVEALS NEW BUSINESS CLASS AND PREMIUM ECONOMY SEATS


American Airlines will phase out long-haul first class in the coming years and introduce a new configuration of premium seating, reports, USA Today. American is planning to consolidate its Flagship First and Flagship Business classes into a new Flagship Suite configuration on its most premium-heavy planes. Flagship Suite seats will offer privacy doors and direct aisle access for every passenger, as well as increased personal space compared to existing Flagship Business class seats; every Flagship Suite seat will convert to a fully-flat bed. The carrier will also update and expand the premium economy cabins on those aircraft as part of the overhaul, including new seats with headrest wings for greater privacy. American Airlines Vice President of Customer Experience Julie Rath stated, “Our Flagship Suites that we're delivering are really aligned with what the customer expectation is in the premium cabin.”

AIR NEW ZEALAND CONNECTS AUCKLAND AND NEW YORK FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER


Air New Zealand's first ever direct flight to New York City arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) airport on September 17, reports CNN. Originating in Auckland, the 16 hour flight was first announced in March and has been a cornerstone of the airline’s return to travel, particularly as New Zealand reopened to international tourists on July 31. The companion flight, going the opposite route, takes roughly 17.5 hours and ranks just under the world’s two longest flights of 18 hours. Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran stated, “As one of the world's greatest cities, Air New Zealand is proud to add the Big Apple to its list of 29 international destinations," also adding that the flight connects his two favorite cities in the world. In addition to New York, Air New Zealand flights to five other destinations in the US, including Honolulu and San Francisco.

CONRAD NEW YORK

DOWNTOWN

102 NORTH END AVENUE

NEW YORK CITY

Conrad New York Downtown is a premier choice for travelers and businesses prioritizing sustainable hotel stays. At this LEED Gold Certified building, sustainability initiatives are woven into daily housekeeping and culinary operations. Suites feature Rocean water filters, reusable bottles, full-sized Byredo bath amenities, and smart HVAC systems. In restaurant and event spaces, meals are donated through Rethink Food, and single-use materials are minimized. The Conrad New York Downtown team is committed to being hospitality leaders who bring forth impactful green initiatives.

EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON

WASHINGTON D.C.

CONVENTION CENTER

900 10TH STREET NW

WASHINGTON, DC

The hotel is located in the new and upscale City Center area of DC with many restaurants and shops steps from its doors as well as access to multiple metro stops. Downtown's National Mall, home to the White House, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial, is a mile away. Guests will stay in spacious 2-room suites and receive complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, and access to the onsite fitness center. 

LOEWS SANTA MONICA

BEACH HOTEL

1700 OCEAN AVENUE

SANTA MONICA

Life is better by the coast at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, where guests can enjoy exceptional weather year-round, making it a perfect snowbird getaway. Soak up the Southern California sunshine and explore the city by bike, sip a cocktail in the heated pool, make a splash at the beach, or savor the sunset by one of the thirteen bonfire-inspired fire pits. Seasonal programming includes live jazz music during All that Jazz on Thursdays, Seaside Cinema, beach yoga, and winter holiday festivities for the whole family. Guests will also enjoy the hotel’s celebrated cuisine, a newly renovated gym, and complimentary bike rental. 

MILLENIUM HILTON

NEW YORK ONE UN PLAZA

ONE UN PLAZA

NEW YORK CITY

Discover cosmopolitan charm and idyllic views at Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza. The iconic Manhattan property features 405 contemporary rooms and 34 apartment-style suites, spread across the topmost floors of two high-rise glass towers. Every guestroom features sweeping views of Big Apple landmarks such as the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings in Midtown or the U.N. Headquarters along the East River.


A walking distance to Grand Central Terminal, Bryant Park, Times Square, and Rockefeller Center, the hotel is a convenient home base for sightseeing. It’s also part of the United Nations campus and has been the hotel of choice for ambassadors, diplomats, and visiting heads of state for more than 40 years. 

MR. C BEVERLY HILLS

1224 BEVERWIL DRIVE

LOS ANGELES

The timeless glamour of Beverly Hills comes alive in stylish, European comfort with contemporary amenities, elegant service, and personalized experiences by the fourth generation Cipriani family.


A modern version of old-world simplicity and stylish European glamour, these Beverly Hills accommodations provide guests with comfortable, elegant, and effortless living that blends contemporary amenities with discreet, personalized service.

OMNI BOSTON HOTEL

AT THE SEAPORT

450 SUMMER STREET

BOSTON

Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport is located in the center of the bustling Seaport District, across the street from the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, steps away from downtown Boston and Boston Harbor and less than three miles from Boston’s Logan Airport. The hotel boasts 1,054 finely appointed guestrooms, including 52 suites, and 100,000 square feet of flexible function space. There are plenty of amenities at the hotel, including seven distinct dining experiences, a scenic rooftop pool, and chic Breve Spa. Whether guests are looking for a destination for a weekend getaway in Boston, a meeting room or an event space for a conference, Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport is sure to meet the needs of the most discerning travelers. 

THE HOTEL ZAGS PORTLAND

515 SW CLAY STREET

PORTLAND

The Hotel Zags Portland isn’t an average hotel, it’s a gateway to the city. The Hotel Zags is situated in downtown Portland’s fountain district, one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Surrounded by dynamic dining, awe-inspiring cultural attractions, and vibrant nightlife, this Portland hotel helps guests experience the city their way. Most are within walking distance, but the hotel is also just steps from the MAX light rail. To explore on their own, guests can stop into the Gear Shed and grab one of the bicycles, scooters, or boards for cruising the city.


As the only Portland hotel to receive the AAA Best of Housekeeping award, the hotel is proud to offer some of the best rooms and suites around. Here guests will enjoy home-like comfort, bespoke furnishings, and exceptional amenities. Each room is unique, sporting a bright color palette, impeccable design, and panoramic views of either the garden courtyard or the city. Pillow-top beds beckon at bedtime, HDTVs and mini-fridges keep guests entertained and refreshed, and all-natural bath products revitalize each morning.

THE POST OAK HOTEL

AT UPTOWN HOUSTON

1600 WEST LOOP SOUTH

HOUSTON

The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston is Houston’s newest destination for the discerning traveler. The sleek 38-story tower boasts 250 ultra-modern guestrooms and suites and 20 executive residences. Located mere steps from The Galleria and River Oaks District, The Post Oak Hotel caters to business travelers with lavish accommodations, deluxe bathrooms, sophisticated technology, and unobstructed views. While the standard guestroom offers over 500 square feet of luxurious and abundant living space, the immense 5,000 square-foot, two-bedroom Presidential Suite is the most opulent of them all and serves as Houston’s unmatched, ultra-luxurious suite offering extra concealment and discretion. Enjoy signature restaurants including the celebrity acclaimed and Texas’ first Mastro’s Steakhouse and Houston-favorite Willie G’s Seafood. The Cellar, the hotel’s expansive wine collection with over 20,000 bottles, offers guests and restaurant patrons access to the world’s finest wines including vintages dating back to the 1800s.

THE SAVOY HOTEL

THE STRAND

LONDON

Located in the cultural heart of the city, The Savoy offers 267 luxury guest rooms and suites that are decorated in either an elegant Edwardian or Art Deco style. The Royal Suite is The Savoy’s flagship suite, running the length of the fifth-floor riverside. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame unparalleled views of the river Thames and London landmarks. To mark the 100th anniversary of the celebrated fashion house, Gucci, the interior of the Royal Suite has been redesigned to be a reflection of the Gucci world, featuring art and antiquities specially curated by auctioneers Christie’s to harmonize with the Gucci aesthetic and the design and heritage of The Savoy. Gucci's founder, Guccio Gucci, worked at The Savoy as a luggage porter when a young man. Seeing the luxurious luggage and elegant clothes of guests was a major impetus in his desire to start his own leather goods company, shortly after his return to Italy from London.

WALDORF ASTORIA

WASHINGTON DC

1100 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE NW

WASHINGTON, DC

Elegantly restored to its historic grandeur, the iconic Old Post Office has been reimagined as Waldorf Astoria Washington DC. The hotel sits on Pennsylvania Avenue between The White House and the U.S. Capitol near National Mall museums, the Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial. Welcome to the home of DC’s most consequential events, groundbreaking meetings, and unforgettable experiences.

Discover 263 luxurious guest rooms and suites at Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, each with its own unique style and rich history.

COVID-19 TRAVEL RESOURCES GUIDE
Facebook  Twitter  Linkedin