One Year After Hurricane Sandy, NYC Best Western Thrives

One Year After Hurricane Sandy, NYC Best Western Thrives Read Post

Best Western Hotels New York

One Year After Hurricane Sandy, NYC Best Western Thrives

A year after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, one extra-spectacular New York City business provides us with the opportunity both to remember the loss and struggle following the Super Storm, and also to celebrate the hard work residents of the area have exhibited in the past year. The Best Western Plus Seaport Inn suffered severe flooding and damage from high tides following the hurricane, but through the exceptional hard work of the Seaport Inn crew, they were able to reopen their doors to guests in a little over a month, thus playing an important role in the repair and revitalization of the neighborhood.

For their efforts and commitment to doing what they do best (that's providing a place to rest your head, top-notch customer service, and yummy DIY waffles, of course), the Best Western Plus Seaport Inn was awarded with a whopping three prestigious awards at the Best Western International Convention: the M.K. Guertin Award, the Champion Customer Care Award and the Best Western Green Award. 

The next time you're looking for a place to stay in the Big Apple, check for rooms at the Best Western Plus Seaport Inn; when my family stayed with them a few years ago we fully enjoyed our visit, and what a hard-working, resilient place!  

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Thrifty Travel Fun: Albany, NY

Thrifty Travel Fun: Albany, NY Read Post

New York

Thrifty Travel Fun: Albany, NY

New York's capital city and its surroundings offer family fun in every variety, from museums to hiking trails and everything in between! 

Take in the view from the top of the Corning Tower. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

1. Sometimes the best things ARE free - or at least, the best views! From the tippy-top of Albany's Corning Tower, you'll have a stunning view of the Adirondacks, the Berkshires, the Catskills, the Empire Plaza, and more. Plus, the kids will love zooming up to the 42nd floor on the speedy express elevator.

2. Put your learning cap on and head to the New York State Museum. Eclectic, informative exhibits cover a broad range of topics related to the state (past exhibits have featured photography of the Adirondacks, student artwork from the SUNY schools, soap box derby cars, and more). The museum is low-key and kid-friendly, and budget-friendly, too: admission is free, and so is a ride on their historic, beautifully restored carousel.

3. It's half an hour outside Albany, but it's well worth the trek: Saratoga Spa State Park is chock full of outdoor recreational fun (hiking trails, playgrounds, tennis courts, etc.), as well as historic landmarks, two theaters, and two equally fantastic pools. Victoria Pool, the first heated pool in the U.S., was historically a destination for the rich and famous and is housed among architecturally gorgeous buildings, and Peerless Pool, referred to as "a wet and wonderful wonderland for kids," offers ample space, a safer kiddie pool, and water slides for the more adventurous water sprites.

Accommodation Tip: The Best Western Albany Airport Inn promises a warm cookie at check-in: sign me up! Also on the menu: free breakfast, a new gym, updated rooms, and helpful staff. 

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Best Western's Seaport Inn: Open for business!

Best Western's Seaport Inn: Open for business! Read Post

Best Western Hotels New York

Best Western's Seaport Inn: Open for business!

A few years ago, my family stayed at New York City's Best Western Seaport Inn, a boutique-style hotel with old-world charm that sits on the Hudson River.

From the hotel we walked across the Brooklyn Bridge on a perfectly clear winter day and had lunch at Grimaldi's, a pizza place in Brooklyn's Dumbo neighborhood at the foot of the bridge.

It was a glorious and memorable day and in the evening we were happy to return to our spacious room (a rarity in the Big Apple) with comfy beds and fluffy down comforters.

And so I was happy to hear that the Seaport Inn, which was shuttered for a brief period after Hurricane Sandy, is already back open for business. This well-located hotel that's within walking distance of SOHO and the financial district offers reasonable rates and is located in the charming Seaport Village, with shops, cafes and cobblestone streets.

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