Follow our sales team around New England - Departing Nov 17th 2009
Tue Nov 17th 2009. Heathrow Airport.
I have to say what a pleasant surprise Terminal 5 was. My first time and assuming you are prepared in advance, life at an airport really could not get any easier. From the moment of arrival at the terminal to the on time flight departure, both BAA and BA are certainly getting things right for the traveller. The art, as in most things in life is in the planning, in terms of ensuring correct advance information is processed, you have identified your baggage needs for your travel and come to terms with the basic fact that ultimately you are taking transportation from point ‘A’ to point ‘B’ over a period of ‘hours’– this is your prelude to your holiday experience, not the focus of why you are travelling. Manage your own expectations to ensure that you do not think you should be getting something you are never likely to get, and that applies to whatever class of travel you happen to be travelling in. It is now time not to endure the UK departure experience but to enjoy Heathrow-T5, enjoy British Airways!
Wed Nov 18th 2009. Boston.
For the first time in nearly two years I have just met one of my long lost friends and I have to tell you that they look better than ever. From the moment I set my eyes on them from a few thousand feet, the sun was shining and they looked healthier than they had in such a long time. No more ‘Big Dig’ – finally the massive road construction work has been completed which makes getting into Boston by road a very quick and efficient one-for the first time in many years you can now really reach your hotel in 20 minutes! If you would still prefer to take alternative means of getting to your hotel, then the train line and water taxi offer cost effective alternatives, albeit not as practical if you are carrying a lare amount of luggage.
The Omni Parker House Hotel really is the great aunt of the city. She is in good shape, having recently completed major renovations to both her public areas as well as the majority of her rooms. Located just off the affluent and very desirable Beacon Hill district you could not wish for a better located property. Accessible in all directions to everything Boston has to offer, be it the Boston Common area, Fanuiel Hall and Quincy Market, the Waterfront area as well as the Back Bay and the Charles river. Ideal for couples and families alike the hotel is steeped in some of the best history that Boston and indeed the U.S. has to offer. From Charles Dickens to John F. Kennedy, all those that recognised comfort and a quality level of service have stayed here. She is not a small property but not too large either to make you feel just like another number. The standard rooms are very comfortable and again, for those that travel a little, as long as you manage your expectations and do not expect a ‘Four Seasons’ or ‘Mandarin Oriental’ type experience, because paying those kind of prices you are not, you will not be disappointed.
One of only a few real ‘walking’ cities in the whole of North America, what a delight to spend a couple of days in the company of a once again thriving location. Even though we are all still to see/benefit from the upturn in confidence of our respective economies, Boston is a positive place to be. The last few days of Autumn have been handed to Boston in the shape of being a little cool and crisp but at the same time, very bright with sunshine. You can walk through Boston Common (Boston’s miniature Central Park) again and again and again and still not get bored – filled with delightful gardens, Canadian geese, dozens of squirrels, ducks, more ducks and very tasteful monuments this really is an area of the city dedicated to those who really do like the feeling of tranquillity amongst the angst of life’s daily routines. Not only has Boston spent considerable time and money on looking after some of its original hotel favourites in terms of carrying out very sympathetic refurbishments, Boston has also added many hotels since I was last here and all of them are different in their own way. Not necessarily ideal for a family holiday it has to be noted that when the likes of ‘Taj’, ‘Mandarin Oriental’ and ‘Inter-Continental’ add hotels to a destination it can only enhance the reputation and feeling of qualityand feeling that you are truely in a good place.
Walking tour or bus tour, cycling tour or boat tour, they all have their own unique ways of showing Boston to you in a way that you simply could not enjoy by trying to do DIY. There are major benefits in considering taking all the different types of tours in Boston, but whatever you choose, listen to the professionals – believe me, they know what they are doing, you will enjoy your time far more and you know what you may even learn something!
Thu Nov 19th 2009. Boston, MA to Squam Lake, NH
Should have mentioned – late afternoon yesterday we took the elevator to the 50th floor of the Prudential Tower to the observatory. With a cool bright day in front of us, we could see for miles and the hour or so you will spend at the top of the tower not only provides you with panoramic views of Boston and beyond but will also give you a great orientation of what is where in this fantastic city. (Fellows, you may wish to go it alone on this one & conduct this research without the ladies – the development of the Prudential Centre & Prudential Tower has seen a huge influx of all kinds of shopping and eateries and what should be a disciplined hour of sightseeing (literally) could potentially end up in a half day (or more) of shopping, eating and drinking!
Interesting perceptions shared between the team last night – Boston Wharf area=San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf – the dilemma of the correct place to stay in the city. With all the additional hotels that have appeared in the past 12 months down by the water this whole area of the city is developing into the north-east version of San Francisco – is this good or bad you ask, well really depends on taste and budget. The feeling of being amongst fellow travellers in the late afternoon/early evening down by the water amongst the bustling Quincy market food halls certainly will appeal to some, though significantly, unlike San Francisco a number of the additional hotels that have gone up in this area would be considered to be at the first class/deluxe end of Boston’s accommodation market. Nothing wrong with that, merely I am still to decide if those pursuing a quality hotel stay feel it is compatible to walk yards from their temporary home only to be confronted with Boston’s more commercial food/drink and gift outlets…Maybe this is more reason for staying where you know you get fantastic value for money, in/close to Beacon Hill or in t he Back Bay – both very desirable neighbourhoods and only a 20 minute walk to the water anyway.
In the context of a two week itinerary in the North-east I think we have got it right with our own itineraries. Even for those who have had the pleasure of visiting Boston previously, to spend another 2/3 nights here really will do you good & for those of you like me who have not been back for a couple of years or more, call us soon to discuss your travel plans to the North-East – the ‘feel good’ factor really is coming back to America, and just like all those years ago when the pilgrim fathers settled in the area, it all started right here! The lobby area of the grand old lady is buzzing this morning with activity all around, a few professional types people meeting to discuss their business day ahead, families and friends getting together for breakfast and the planning of their own quite different day – people checking in, people checking out and unfortunately the latter now includes us as we finish our coffee & head out of the Omni to collect our car rental in order to get on the road and step right into the country, though may just sneak in a drive around Beacon Hill & Back Bay just for one last look. For those of you who do know Boston, you would have historically agreed with us that this is not a good city to drive in, moreover whilst this still remains fundamentally a great city to do on foot, with the completion of the big dig, you really can see the difference in the feel of this great place and no longer do you see/hear the frustration of the resident driver-people now have time for people & life moves on at a very palatable pace… as do we.
Arriving at the car rental depot located in the Back Bay area of town, at 08.30 we were on the road within just 15 minutes. Even better than that was exiting the downtown Boston area which took just 10 minutes – quite remarkable to think how smooth this first part of the morning has been when I think how things used to be in Boston. Looking like a great day with the weather, 55 degrees already and the sun is shining and not too many clouds in the sky.
Heading out to one of Greater Boston’s more celebrated neighbourhoods, Salem really is the home of the witch. Whilst we are here in the second part of November, the remnants of goulish activities in October are still apparent for all to see. Ideal for a short few hours visit for those of you here a few weeks earlier, bags of potential for fun, games and story listening for children (and adults) of all ages.
The ‘North Shore’ area of Greater Boston extends to fishing village towns of Gloucester (home of the real ‘Perfect Storm’), Rockport and smaller less well known fishing communities. Assuming you have managed to avoid the temptation of a whale watching excursion from Boston, Gloucester is your next opportunity to take a few hours out on to the water to do the same. A minor detour for us around this area takes us through our first real look at what New England has to offer & a good introduction to what to expect for those who have not visited previously.
Out of Rockport and onwards North, through Massachusetts, touching New Hampshire and into Southern Maine we target a real ‘gem’ , Kennebunkport, Maine. Be sure to set your car rental Sat Nav to take you on scenic routes, not the quickest route (unless you really are in a hurry of course) as this will keep you close to the coast and some opportunities to get good photo shots of some of the estuary reserves you will pass by en route. Do not be worried to go ‘off piste’ from your original driving plans if you pass by places you think you might wish to spend a little extended time, it really is so easy to get back on track, even easier if you have your car rental Sat Nav with you.
Arriving into Kennebunkport in the early afternoon sunshine this town just gets better each time I visit. Yes, of course the weather helps but if you really want slow pace, water and beautiful coastal views and walks this is the place for you. Only a few hours drive from Boston (even with stops and off piste driving-see above) you do get the feeling that the pace of life really has slowed down. Definitely appealing to the more discerning traveller there are some great smaller properties in/around Kennebunkport and as is our way, we will of course be more than pleased to discuss and listen to your personal accommodation requirements fully to try and ensure we match the right property with your own needs. This really is a critical part of your travel planning-As was the case with Boston, new properties spring up and in the case of Kennebunkport, delightful old originals are updated and cleaned up. Please ask your personal Account Manager to brief you on what is ‘hot’ and of course what is ‘not’ when you are participating in your original travel planning with us, this will hopefully ensure nothing gets missed in your ‘Complete’ holiday experience.
Now we are about to commence one of the more desirable drives through New England as we look to get from Southern Maine and into New Hampshire. We wind along at a good pace through tree lined roads punctuated by small lakes off to one side. All is still in southern New Hampshire as you see almost perfect tree reflection in the lakes-now is the time you get the feeling that you are heading into some of New England’s most spectacular. With the ultimate goal of reaching the Squam Lakes region of the state we take the opportunity to make short stops around Lake Winnipesauskee and in the lovely small town of Wolfeboro. The sun is slowly going down on our day as we reach ‘The Manor on Golden Pond’. Longing to actually stay here for many years I finally have the opportunity…would I be disappointed, had I built up my own expectations too much – not at all, the whole feel of this very special place truely gives you thoughts of well being and that you can let go of your normal life and retreat into the arms of a very warm place. I took the liberty on this one to hugely inflate my own expectations prior to arrival and on this occasion may inflated level of what to expect has not fell short. Albeit a short stay for us this is one of those places you will stay and when you return to regular life share your own story of your stay ‘On Golden Pond’…and if you have never seen the movie, I encourage all, young and old to see it. I cannot wait to watch it again when I return if only to bring back some good memories of my recent stay. You really must talk to us about our stay here when planning your next New England holiday. If you really want to consider spoiling yourself for just part of your holiday experience then this is where to consider doing it – though be warned, please allow a few extra minutes for this conversation, otherwise you may have to consider asking us to politely shut up as we describe what to expect. A conventional resort/spa facility this is not, a beautiful tranquil retreat with simple but discerning taste it certainly is, and we really do look forward to sharing our opinions on what this property has to offer with you.
Fri Nov 20th 2009. Squam Lake, NH to Jackson, NH
Despite waking up to heavy rain and low mist, as soon as breakfast was over the rain curtailed and the mist vanished and there she was right appearing in front of us…Squam Lake, how beautiful is she, like the crown on the head of what had already been Lake Winnipesauskee, being located just north of her bigger sister. Now you really do understand why you would want to share in the delights not only of the property, but the superb open spance of the views of the water right in front of your eyes.
All good things must come to an end and after a few minutes of quiet reflection in front of the lake, time to move on for a full circuit of Lake Winnipesauskee, just so that when you are talking to us about your own time in this grand state we advise you of even better ways of navigating yourself around the lake to get most of the views of the water. Passing through, amongst others, the small New England towns of Meredith & Wolfeboro, there are countless more opportunities to soak up what a New England holiday is really all about.
If you really do like the grandeur of our own great lakes in England, the state of New Hampshire really is for you. Please do make the most of our experience, your holiday may not be free but consider our advice to be complimentary - there really is a good way and a fantastic way of seeing this area & we are very happy to share our opinions with you.
Arriving into the beautifully set village of Jackson as the sun is going down really is seeing the entrance to the Mount Washington area at its finest. Setting yourself up at the ‘Wentworth’ for a 2/3 day period is ideal for exploring the heart of the mountain region. The food, accommodations and hospitality are as good as ever-when you arrive at the Wentworth you really do feel as though you are in a home away from home. Not trying to be something it is not the people here really do try and make you feel as comfortable as is possible. With a wealth of hospitality experience behind them, from the Inn keepers to the waitresses you could not want for anything from this charming property. When placing your reservation with this Inn we will continue to be confident that you will be in very good hands for this part of your holiday.
Sat Nov 21st 2009. Jackson, NH to Stowe, VT
Now time to explore what New Hampshire is all about – Mount Washington. An early start would benefit most, take breakfast and then be prepared for some more spectacular driving routes, walking and hiking opportunities to suit all levels and of course more options to take great pictures and capture good memories of your stay in the mountains. The last time I was here the king of the mountains of New Hampshire, the Mount Washington Hotel was looking very tired. Returning for another visit I cannot believe what they have done with the place. A huge financial and manpower investment has been made and what a job they have done. Located in Bretton Woods she is now legitimately able to boast and be proud of her gracious ambiance, Not for everybody, the property offers a feeling of and a catering to all desires and needs which one would expect from such a place. Even if you do not wish to stay here, you must take time out to wander through the public areas, in and out. It really was a favourite retreat of presidents, poets and other celebrities. To quote the hotel’s own recent press release, she now really has the right to say that she is ‘a grand masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance architecture. Moreover, throughout its history, the Hotel has been renowned for natural beauty and luxurious extras. Indoor and outdoor pools, Jacuzzis and fireplaces are just a few of the amenities comforting year round guests. From the Tiffany stained-glass to the crystal chandeliers you’ll find the interior is just as impressive as the exterior. Time to wake up, smell the coffee and move on or we will want to stay longer and staying longer would not be good as we will more of the grand scenic highways that this state has to offer.
Disappointed that the top of Mt.Washinton was under cloud cover, off along more beautiful scenic byways as we head from the dramatic White Mountains to the serene Green Mountains of Vermont. Arriving into Stowe there was a feeling of further disappointment – where is the snow? The week prior to thanksgiving is usually the time that the Mt. Mansfield ski area is open for the season…not this year, it is a beautiful 55 degrees, the sun is till shining and there is the good possibility of still taking in some serious hiking – along some of the cross country and down hill ski runs that really should be full of a chain of winter sports enthusiasts. The locals loss is our gain on this occasion as we take the opportunity to take in some of Stowe’s picture postcard New England landscape.
The Green Mountain Inn (GMI) is still a really good option for your accommodations when we are completing your Northern Vermont reservations. Located right on main street it is accessible to everywhere in the town as well as the Mountain Road outfitters and hiking trails closer to the mountain a few miles away. Attention to detail again is required so that we get the right room category/type at the GMI – please do talk to us about the options available as we have access to some great deals that means you can upgrade from of the standard room categories and spoil yourself in a more luxurious room, for very little extra – great value for money!
If you ever need a tip on where to eat in Stowe, ask us about our favourite place in town, and within easy walking distance to the GMI – you will not be disappointed, unless of course you choose not to take our advice and not to let us make a reservation in advance for you!
Sun Nov 22 - Stowe, VT to Yarmouth Port, (Cape Cod), MA
Sunday morning in Stowe was perfect to turn up unannounced at a number of properties & suppliers in the village to see them in their current conditions. For those who have not been to northern Vermont, Stowe is approx. 2-3 hr drive from the Canadian border & is as close to a European winter resort destination as you are likely to see in the north-east of America. The winter sports are of a great standard, so much so that even some of the Canadians head south in the winter, choosing instead to use the great value for money facilities that Stowe has to offer rather than staying closer to home and using their own winter resorts.
Stowe, probably above all other single destination villages in New England still remains the place that people want to return to time and time again, It offers accommodations to suit all budgets-even with recent economic uncertainties, the majority of the places we would suggest for you to stay have done good jobs with the soft period restoration programmes. Stowe highlights once again the need to ensure that the right property is suggested to the right guest. With so much choice available to you in somewhere like Stowe, it often baffles us how people can make good objective decisions when they are exposed to such conflicting advice on opinion websites available to all. Hopefully by revisiting and carrying out our own quite intensive research we will be able to formulate for you a very transparent, honest and true assessment of what will best suit your own needs. Managing our own expectations of what to expect, even in some of the more luxury accommodations is difficult enough even with a wealth of industry experience-we have to also ensure that we manage your expectations too, so that you do have a good positive experience. Not ever wishing to misinterprate or misinform, we do like to think that over the years we have got it right on the vast majority of occasions due to being honest and transparent with our views. If this has meant that we have lost business because we have not used any poetic licence then so be it – we rest easy at night knowing that it is our competitors will have to deal with the fallout if they have promised something that is unachievable and totally beyond what was ever going to be delivered.
Stowe we can deliver to you in all its many guises, so help us to help you when you are speaking with us. The more information you can provide us about your personal needs will help to ensure that we direct you in the way when fulfilling your reservation requirements.
Stowe proves again why it has been worth making the effort to get here. The rest of the day is going to be a combination of scenic route driving, clever map reading and functional directional route planning. We leave Stowe with more brief, but very fond memories and head south to Cape Cod, so in essence travelling in one day as long and as far as any client is likely to ever to in one day. What can sometimes feel like a challenge in terms of distance and potential drive times is made easier and more pleasurable if done correctly. The quickest most direct route, even on days like today often is not the best way to go and by careful management of your own day, you really can enjoy what sometimes is incorrectly perceived in advance as a really laboring experience.
Arriving on to Cape Cod as the late Autumn sun is going down & despite current construction work on the Sagamore bridge, which connects the cape to the rest of Massachusetts, the main resort area of New England is looking wonderful. On this visit to Cape Cod, we have decided this time to head for a stay on north side of the cape at Yarmouth Port. Mike & Helen, the Innkeepers at the ‘Inn at Cape Cod’ continue to deliver for us a great final destination for the majority of our customers who complete their New England holiday in this area. Cape Cod presents us with many challenges in terms of offering each individual the correct amount of time here, in line with the rest of the great locations that New England has to offer. Further dialogue with Mike & Helen suggests that most people having visited would rather stay longer on Cape Cod (well they would say that wouldn’t they), but they have a really good point and we do understand what they are saying. So where do you exclude/shorten your stay in New England if you extend your stay further on Cape Cod? Ultimately we have to continue to strive to strike a good balance for our customers and if everybody in the tourism industry was a good a host as Mike & Helen are then they would all benefit from great positive feedback & the personal desire to stay longer in any given location. Home from home could not be a more apt description than staying at the Inn at Cape Cod. Attention to detail and a willingness to please, without being overbearing is only generally possible when you have individuals in a small to medium size business who really do care about their paying customers. Whilst you can never please everybody all of the time, the synergy between our own business and the values of what Mike & Helen have to offer here in New England are only endorsed further by what they provide for our customers. You still remain in very competent hands when you trust some of your decision making to us, when we know that we have the great support that Mike & Helen offer us when our customers are so far from home.
Needless to say, being an ‘Inn’ it is critical to place the customer in the right room as they are all different. All remain so charming in their presentation, but this stay highlights again why it is so important for us to continue to ensure we get the right room with the right client. We know Mike & Helen will always do their best to make everybody’s stay comfortable, we are also very comfortable and confident that whenever it is physically possible to do so they will ensure that our customers get the royal treatment and that does not just mean a complimentary upgrade upon arrival but yet more free advice on where to visit and where to eat on the cape during your stay. Service does not come much better than this, you have it with us in your travel planning and travel reservations, you have it with our dedicated team of professionals in the U.S. whilst you are travelling (These are the guys who the majority of our customers do not even get to speak to, but they continue to ensure that even with time differences and potential short term challenges on the ground, offer our customers that free insurance that if ever there is an issue whilst you are travelling they are there 24/7 to assist) & finally you have it with our select chosen partners, like Mike & Helen in the U.S. – show me good live examples where by ‘going it alone’ you get such great value for money for your own hard earned disposable income. By trying to put ourselves in your shoes, we pride ourselves on ensuring that every penny that you spend is done wisely & if it were our very own.
We have two nights on the cape so as usual we are going to make the most of our time here. After further dialogue with Mike & Helen we have agreed that it really is worth going back to Nantucket to see it in it’s slower quieter time. We take the 08.00 fast foot passenger ferry from Hyannis so we know we can be on the island by 09.00 and have the morning there. Reservations at this time of year are not critical, although the early morning and late afternoon ferries remain busy year round as they not only handle travelers to/from the island they also serve the residents commuting to/from the mainland. If you are intending travelling to the island during the busier months of travel and whether you/we decide it would be better to sail or fly to either Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard please allow us to try and make advance reservations for you. We all agree that a visit to one of the islands is still a ‘must do’ from the cape and whilst it would not be the end of the world if you do not visit, it would be disappointing not to have the opportunity. If for any reason you are unsure and/or unwilling to commit to talking to us about your day to day travel plans when we are making your reservations, please do not hesitate to speak to our own support team on the dedicated freephone number (in the U.S.) we provide for you with your travel documents or if you would prefer, Mike & Helen at the Inn will also help you if they can, so you do get to complete your holiday on an even more positive footing.
Mon Nov 23. Cape Cod, MA
People who travel regularly &/or live on the cape would often ask why we would travel to this area of New England in the late Autumn/early Winter period…believe me when I tell you that it can be the best time for us to conduct our own research and development programme. Lots of places are at their slowest & vendors use this time to carry out necessary improvements whilst they are not quite so busy, thus they are at their most vulnerable & exposed. This is a perfect time for us to dig beneath the skin of our partners & test out the solidity of their services. Revisits all across the cape, from Sandwich to Provincetown, from Eastham to Edgartown, they, our partners have proved once again that they are ready and willing to further invest their property, service & in our relationship to ensure that you our customers have the best possible time and most value for money when you visit Southern New England during the busier travelling months.
We have commented previously that like many places around the world, the North American hospitality industry has suffered its own hard times, the difference here is that they are on the whole well prepared to work even harder and think even more imaginatively to ensure that your experience here is a good one. Even down to our time at the incredible whaling museum on Nantucket, they have taken great pride in ensuring that their interactive museum features as well as their self guiding maps are as user friendly as possible so that when you visit you have the opportunity to enjoy their facility in the best possible way and thus get the greatest value for your time and your money.
Places like Wellfleet & Chatham even at this time of year still leave you with a positive impression of what really good things happen here on the cape in the summer. Speaking with local vendors of all types this past day or so on the cape has rejuvenated our enthusiasm for the area once again. Whether it is Mike & Helen’s enthusiasm and willingness to please at the Inn or the tour guides we met with in Nantucket & Chatham, things may still be a little tough everywhere but you can be sure that in places like the cape they will be ready to welcome you again in 2010.
Tue Nov 24. Cape Cod, MA to New York, NY
Ready to depart early the cape this morning as we head for Newport, Rhode Island en route to New York. Much of the drive south, routed correctly is quite an attractive one so anticipate hugging the coast a little, combined with a little Interstate driving to be able to make up time where necessary. Even with Autumn construction work being carried out on the Sagamore bridge as we leave the cape the drive time to Newport is approx. two hours.
Arriving into Newport with mist hanging over this beautiful seafaring port we headed straight for the ‘Breakers’ mansion, one of the many fabulous holiday home properties open to the public along Bellevue Avenue. Further visits to our accommodation partners were included in our brief stay in Rhode Island just to ensure that we still retain the same common customer service orientated goals for 2010 and beyond.
The other focus of today was to further fully appreciate the more desirable drive involved, both in terms of time & distance in getting to Manhattan from the mid Cape Cod area of Massachusetts. Whilst this is not necessarily a common request from our customers the fact that we now have members of our team who have experienced first hand this area and this drive bodes well for you as we will be more than happy to share the good and the not so good with this drive.
Arriving into Manhattan by car in the early evening still retains a certain magic with us personally. You may think that you would rather not drive into New York from wherever you maybe driving, but really, until you have experienced the views and the adrenalin rush please try and curtail your preconceived thoughts. For those that do it daily will always tell you that it is really is one of those life time ‘tick the box’ experiences that everybody who enjoys driving & of course New York, should try at least once!
Whilst the next couple of days will be spent with business partners in Manhattan we do intend to introduce some of our less experienced team to the delights that only New York can offer, so that you can feel comfortable with whoever you speak with in our team, just in case your own Account Managrer happens to be away from their desk for any reason. For now, a late dinner will be taken at one our favourite Italian restaurants in Greenwich Village – more to come at a later date.
Wed Nov 25 2009. New York, NY
Not sure what is left to be said about New York, but let us try anyway. We have been reliably informed that there are currently 50 NEW hotel projects accounting for over 10,000 rooms which will put NYC’s hotel inventory at over 90,000 rooms by 2012. You can imagine that it is very difficult to stay on top of all that is possible with New York accommodations but you can be assured that this is one destination that we believe should be visited on a very regular basis just to ensure that we can offer an objective current review on all of our select accommodation partners in New York.
Because of the grey late Autumn weather this has been a good opportunity to revisit some old favourite walking tour ideas of lower Manhattan that we have used for some time as well as introduce ourselves to new more exciting water based tours along the Hudson and East rivers. Unfortunately, weather was sufficiently poor to be able to sample the new helicopter flights over lower Manhattan but we are reliably informed that they are better than ever and we will be sure to try and sample the next time we visit.
As with the attractions in New York we also used today to get to see some of our existing accommodation partners to ensure that recent renovations in some of them are still going to plan and will be completed in time for 2020. Pleasant surprises were also found with some of the newer smaller properties that have recently opened in Manhattan so we will be sure to be able to offer an even greater base of firsthand knowledge and experience to those that really care as much as we do about where they stay when they visit New York. Rather than prescribe to telling you the facts and figures of what has been seen, we will of course be sure to discuss in great detail with you the next time you wish to book your holiday. This evening is down time and we plan to see some of the prep work going on in Manhattan in anticipation of the Macy’s parade on ‘Thanksgiving’ this Thursday. More hotel visits planned for Thursday morning as the majority of America takes the day off and enjoys their big family day and of course feast on turkey and pecan pie. Us, we will have our own turkey lunch some time Thursday in recognition of America’s celebration prior to heading out to JFK airport for our return flight.
All that remains this evening is for me to ask anybody who has any constructive comments about the way our travels have been summarized please do let me know by e-mail roger@completenorthamerica.com or calling our sales office on 0845 263 7100, Charlotte, Claire or myself would be delighted to talk to you about a trip to New England.
I do hope you have enjoyed reading our whistle stop tour through the north east of America and look forward to serving you even better in the future.
