By James Wilkinson in New York

Novotel New York Times Square has unveiled a stunning $85 million renovation at what will become one of the global flagship properties for Accor.

New York is high on the list for incentive travel planners and PCOs at present and the property is now arguably the best value proposition in the heart of the Big Apple.

The hotel was unveiled in New York late last week (Sep 19 local) at an event themed ‘Electric Reveal’ attended by hundreds of local dignitaries and media.

Top spot: The outdoor terrace at Novotel New York
Times Square overlooks Broadway

“We’re thrilled to debut the ‘new’ Novotel New York,” said Novotel New York Times Square General Manager, Marc Sternagel.

“The revived look of the hotel, combined with Supernova restaurant and our stunning Terrace, offers locals and visitors alike a reason to create their own New York memories.”

Owners, the real-estate asset management companies Chartres Lodging Group LLC, Apollo Global Management LLC, and Lubert-Adler Partners, engaged design firm Stonehill and Taylor to undertake the makeover, one that saw rooms, common areas, food and beverage outlets and meeting rooms renovated.

Sternagel said the brief was to bring elements of Broadway into the design, and that’s something that’s been done exceptionally well from the lobby with its LED-screen walls and touch-screen tables through to the carpets and guest rooms.

The rooms have been given a fresh look, with new carpets and paint in soft and engaging colours that complement the comfortable beds, modern bathrooms and chaise lounges.

The hip lobby at Novotel New York Times Square

The highlight of the property is undoubtedly the outdoor terrace that overlooks Broadway from 52nd street, where the hotel is located, right down to Times Square, located next to hip eatery and bar Supernova.

Accor’s Global Chief Marketing and Distribution Officer, Grégoire Champetier, said it was important the company’s flagship North American Novotel hotel made a statement.

“The metamorphosis of this property demonstrates Novotel’s ability to constantly reinvent itself,” he said.

“Through its powerful worldwide network of 400 hotels, located in strategic locations, Novotel remains one step ahead in its concepts, in order to anticipate and fit business and leisure new consumer trends.

“This French pioneer brand was born and raised with an audacious and innovative mindset.

“Nowadays, Novotel – and this iconic property in particular – keeps this spirit alive and continues to promote innovation as a way of life,” he said.

Sternagel said the hotel aims to be a “go-to destination for both travellers and locals who long to be where the action is, thanks to its electric atmosphere”.

Sound like a good place to be for New Years Eve? At just under USD$600 per room per night, it’s a steal for it’s location. But it’s already sold out and everyone in the house is on a minimum 5-night stay.

Qantas flies Boeing 747-400 aircraft to New York

SPICENEWS flew to New York on Qantas, the Spirit of Australia. Qantas offers daily flights to the city from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney via Los Angeles and recently upgraded the Boeing 747s that fly on the Australia-New York route, which feature the new A380-inspired interiors including new, larger economy class seats in a cabin that’s highlighted by an extensive range of entertainment on demand alongside a great selection of Australian wine and meals designed by star chef Neil Perry. For bookings, visit www.qantas.com