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Two hotel conversions in New York City, one of a university dormitory and the other of an office building, were reported over the past two weeks. Crain’s New York Business reported on Thursday that a consortium comprised of Highgate Hotels, Irving, Texas, Crown Acquisitions, New York City and The Carlyle Group, Washington, D.C. purchased an office building at 170 Broadway for approximately US$100 million to US$150 million from AMG Realty Partners, a subsidiary of GE Capital, according to sources familiar with the purchase.

In Greenwich Village, the historic Marlton House building, which served as a single room occupancy hotel for much of its existence since it was built in 1900 and housed Beat Generation literary luminaries such as Jack Kerouac, is being converted back into a hotel. Since 1987 it has served as a dormitory for The New School.

The New York Post reported on Sept. 8 that conceptual hotel designers Sean MacPherson and Richard Born have signed a long-term lease to manage the property, which will be converted into a lifestyle hotel. MacPherson and Born created the unique The Jane Hotel, The Maritime Hotel and The Bowery Hotel, all located in New York City. Not to mention, we heard rumblings of an Andre Balasz takeover of Cooper Square Hote… let the games begin. (Source: Nathan Greenhalgh)

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Spend the summer in carefree anarchy at Ruschmeyer’s, a hot new spot in low-key Montauk where kids can be kids and adults can…well, be kids too. Set on three acres of woodsy lakeside land, Ruschmeyer’s (originally built as a camp in 1952) has been brought back to glory with 19 fresh and clean cabins, a teepee, a sandy beer garden, a chic communal restaurant and a happening bar. Expect a 1970s bohemian vibe; it’s the type of hotel where face-painted kids roam as if they own the place and couples lounge in hammocks until the day ends. You can listen to live music in the Magic Garden, play bocce in the beer garden or share a punch bowl with friends at the Electric Eel Disco. You can have an Indian Summer escape, and your kids can too.

There’s a reason travelers venture to the easternmost tip of Long Island to spend long weekends in Montauk. Its Brooklyn-meets-Malibu vibe attracts artists and musicians, families and singles, out-of-towners and locals alike. Montauk is the go-to getaway for those looking to escape, to stay under the radar and away from the sceney side of the Hamptons. 

A few years ago Surf Lodge set the standard for a new kind of Montauk escape, with its relaxed and charming yet modern vibe. And where Surf Lodge might remind you of Gidget and beach bonfires, the brand new Ruschmeyer’s is your very own Camp Nowhere. 

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The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong opened today and dominates the skyline as the world’s “highest” hotel. Located at the very top of the International Commerce Centre in Hong Kong, occupying floors 102 to 118. The hotel is also home to Ozone Bar. At more than 490 metres above ground, it is the highest bar the world. 

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BRAND SPANKIN’ NEW: 

@Gadling.com — Southwest Airlines announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all of the outstanding common stock of AirTran Holdings, Inc., the parent company of AirTran Airways (AirTran), for a combination of cash and Southwest Airlines’ common stock.

“Today is an exciting day for our Employees, our Customers, the communities we serve, and our Shareholders,” said Gary C. Kelly, Chairman, President, and CEO of Southwest Airlines. “As we approach our 40th Anniversary of providing exceptional Customer Service at everyday low fares, the acquisition of AirTran represents a unique opportunity to grow Southwest Airlines’ presence in key markets we don’t yet serve and takes a significant step towards positioning us for future growth. Read on….

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BRAND SPANKIN’ NEW:
Goldeneye. Pierce Brosnan. 1995. Movie turned name of the Jamaica estate where James Bond-creator Ian Fleming lived and penned all 14 novels that would later become films.

This November, GoldenEye will be re-opened by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell as a resort in Oracabessa. The 52-acre estate encompasses 22 units including Beach Cottages, Lagoon Suites, Villas and the original Fleming Villa.

Fun Fact: The tale of how Goldeneye, the estate, got its name has its roots in real espionage, not just the CGI variety. During WWII, Lieutenant Commander Ian Fleming of the Royal Navy, developed the Allied plan Operation Goldeneye to keep a close ‘eye’ on Spain, in case it joined the Axis powers…. Playa’ play on. 

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BRAND SPANKIN’ NEW: A heavenly addition to the hotel scene is the Hyatt Regency Curacao Golf Resort, Spa and Marina. Set between the Caribbean Sea and Spanish Water Bay, the @HyattCuracao is a perfect place to beat the heat, but not the spice…

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BRAND SPANKIN’ NEW:
@ShakeShack Sets Up Shop in South Beach
via J. Goldglantz

Here at @Jetsetter we often watch online as the line at Shake Shack grows; waiting patiently until the right moment to jump out of the office and grab a burger (sans onions, its just courteous.) So we thought it was only right for us to give South Beachers’ a heads up. With it’s first location outside New York opening it’s doors on Lincoln Road, this New York staple is sure to impact Miami’s coast in a big way. Miami’s coast, not your waist line. Restaurateur Danny Meyer’s new venture into South Beach has given Jetsetters another reason to head down South…

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BRAND SPANKIN’ NEW
@Delta Sends New Yorkers to 30 New Cities

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BRAND SPANKIN’ NEW
Continental & United Join Forces 

@Continental (NYSE: CAL) and @United (NASDAQ: UAUA) today announced a definitive merger agreement, creating the world’s leading airline with superior service to customers, expanded access to an unparalleled global network serving 370 destinations around the world. The combined company will offer enhanced service to Asia, Europe, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East from well-placed hubs on the East Coast, West Coast, and Southern and Midwestern regions of the United States. Together, Continental and United serve more than 144 million passengers per year as they fly to 59 countries.

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BRAND SPANKIN’ NEW: 
Fashion 26, A Wyndham Hotel, in Chelsea #NYC

 
“New York: Fashion 26 is Open, and The Cupcakes Are Waiting”

-@TheHotelsHotel, RT @theexplorateur