July 9, 2003 -- New York City in the summertime is awash with travelers (tourists, if you will), and bargains are hard to find. The Big Apple can be an expensive place for most people, but what about men and women in the armed forces, who put their lives on the line for not much money? With them in mind, the Triumph Hospitality Group, representing four hotels in New York, is offering good discounts for active-duty servicemen and women this summer, good through mid-August, the end of August, or the end of September, depending on the property. One rate is for $99 per room!
The best of the four deals, a Salute to Soldiers $99 room rate, is good through September 2003 at the Iroquois New York, a marvelous old hotel (but recently completely refurbished and upgraded) at 49 West 44th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues. You also get free fruit and wine and VIP amenities. On the same block with the famed Algonquin, and neighbor to the ritzy Yacht Club and Harvard Club, the Iroquois now boasts a 24-hour fitness center, cable TV, Nintendo, in-room movies, mini bar, free Internet access, and a marvelous (and expensive) restaurant, "Triomphe." Tinsel Town fans may be interested to know that in its earlier days, James Dean lived here, from 1950-1953, and film stars still love the place, the management says. Reservations at 800/332-7220 or reservations@iroquoisny.com, website www.iroquoisny.com.
Next best of the four deals is a 50% discount off the lowest available rate at the Le Marquis New York, located at 12 E. 31st Street, for a two-night stay in July and most of August, 2003. Most of the same amenities mentioned for the Iroquois are available at this location near the Empire State building and Murray Hill. There's even a nice little library to unwind in at the end of the day. Contact them at 866/MARQUIS or info@lemarquisny.com, website www.lemarquisny.com.
Another nice deal is at the Washington-Jefferson Hotel (WJ) situated in the heart of midtown Manhattan at 318 W. 51st Street.Along with the great location you get a 50% Freedom discount on the second night of a two-night stay from now through August 31, 2003. This amounts to a 25% discount. The theme here is show business, with cable TV, data port connections, phones in bedrooms and bathrooms, and more. There's also a nice Japanese restaurant, Yasu, just off the lobby, and a 24-hour fitness center. Contact WJ at 888/567-7550 or reservations@wjhotel.com, website www.wjhotel.com.
At the Hotel Belleclaire, an historic landmark at 250 W. 77th Street, you need to stay three nights (in the range of Sundays through Thursdays) in order to get one of those nights free, in effect a 33% discount. This offer is good through August 31, 2003. You'll be near the American Museum of Natural History, Central Park and Lincoln Center, not to mention the Upper West Side, a destination unto itself. You'll have a large room with access to Nintendo, a new gym with spa services, and such. For interested literary types, Mark Twain at the Bellclaire. Contact them at 877/HOTELBC or at their website, www.hotelbelleclaire.com.
All military personnel must present valid military ID for discounts, and rooms are based on availability.