The Luxury Group by Marriott International, the portfolio of eight high-end hotel brands (The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, EDITION, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott, and W Hotels) announced a new collaboration with Blade Urban Air Mobility, Inc. (Blade).
As part of this partnership, guests at select Luxury Group properties will have the opportunity to fly directly between their hotel and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
Between July 1st and September 2nd, guests staying two or more nights in select suites at The St. Regis New York; JW Marriott Essex House New York; W New York – Union Square; The New York EDITION; The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad; and The Luxury Collection Hotel Manhattan Midtown can take advantage of these high flying airport transfers.
George Hammer, Global Head of Luxury Marketing, Marriott International, said this about the collaboration:
“Spanning the Luxury Group’s portfolio of brands, this collaboration with Blade advances our mission to provide guests with exceptional service and amenities through innovation and imagination. As summer travel season can be especially hectic, we’re excited to introduce this bespoke partnership that will streamline and enhance our guests’ journeys before even setting foot in our suites.”
George Hammer, Global Head of Luxury Marketing, Marriott International
Eligible guests will be flown from their respective arrival airports via a Blade helicopter and arrive at either the Blade Lounge East on East 34th Street or the Blade Lounge West on West 30th Street. From there, a luxury car will chauffeur guests to their hotel saving them time and allowing for more time to relax.
If you aren’t staying in one of the eligible suites don’t worry. Marriott didn’t forget about you. All guests staying at participating hotels can access exclusive rates for Blade Airport and Blade Ground Connect car transfers regardless of room type as long as you’re staying two nights or more.
As part of the collaboration, both Blade Lounges will feature seasonal pop-ups that will be transformed with “experiential, multi-sensory offerings inspired by amenities within the distinct brands of the Luxury Group, including signature scents from EDITION, curated playlists from W Hotels, and exclusively at Blade Lounge West, a live JW Garden growing fresh garnishes for pre-flight refreshments.”
In addition, for the duration of the partnership, the Blade Lounge West will feature a residency on Thursdays and Fridays from 3-8p. Seasonal and destination based menus will be offered alongside refreshment with ingredients from the JW Garden. Selected Blade fliers will also be gifted with “a curation of keepsakes, each emblematic of the unique identities of the hotel brands, to cherish as travel memories.”
Roisin Branch, Blade’s Chief Marketing Officer, had this to say about the partnership:
“Blade’s collaboration with Luxury Group provides our passengers with top tier hospitality at every touchpoint of their New York City stay including our integrated booking process. Our Blade Airport transfers not only offer the most breathtaking views of the city, they also significantly reduce travel time and stress levels. This service sets the Luxury Group apart by ensuring every aspect of their guests’ travel experience is smooth, swift, and enjoyable.”
Roisin Branch, Blade Chief Marketing Officer
More information on the partnership can be found here.
Summary
While this partnership only appeals to a very small number of Marriott guests, Blade’s partnership with the Luxury Group is still super cool. The qualifying rooms are way out of my price range though I’d be lying if I said I didn’t consider trying to book one (Mrs. ATX and my credit card bill are lucky we have a kiddo at home).
For travelers who were already planning on staying in those suites this summer, this is a fun little perk. If you have the chance to use the service and come across this post, let us know about your experience!
(Photo courtesy of Marriott Hotels)
