New York’s fashion world finally gets what the world’s fashion capitals Paris, Milan and even Dubai already have – a fashion hotel with a creative mix of designer decor, art and cutting-edge hotel technology.

Fashion 26

Fashion 26 is a 280-room Wyndham hotel in Chelsea, located in a 22-story glass and steel tower across from the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Designer Glen Coben has added some fine touches, such as the custom-designed wooden reception desk in the hotel’s lobby, made to look like a fashion studio cutting-room table.

The corridors are lined with exhibits of photography created by FIT students, topped off by the hotel’s own installation made up of spools of colored thread – a very sophisticated touch which combines both art and fashion.

Fashion 26 seems to take great pleasure in turning simple things like getting out of a car, opening a room door and eating a burger into a big production. 

The hotel has it’s own private driveway where you can pull in and out at your own sweet pace, unlike most other hotels in New York where you and your luggage get dumped on the sidewalk when you arrive or leave.

A radio-frequency key opens your room door with a wave of the hand, and the RARE Bar & Grill is, as per the hotel - a tribute to the great American hamburger. Read More »

Having to fly unexpectedly to Scottsdale, Arizona recently for a family emergency, I found myself scrambling to locate a hotel with enough amenities to satisfy my parents and my wildly diverse siblings with their extended families.  Not being familiar with the area, but wanting to get a hotel with the basics to satisfy me, I can report that the Wingate by Windham in Scottsdale is where I plan to return to whenever I am back in town.

Plush Beds @ Wingate Scottsdale AZ

The Wingate by Wyndham is part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of hotel brands that includes Ramada, Days Inn, Travelodge, Howard Johnson and more.

This Wingate is targeted to the business traveler, with a 24 hour fitness room that I used daily, and a well stocked breakfast set up every morning from 6:00 until 9:00. I stuck to the cereal and eggs, but my sister raved about the “make your own waffles”. With the heat, my brother skipped the gym and used the pool. He swam every morning, reporting to me how nice and clean the water was.

Great Equipment & Television in the 24 Hour Fitness Room

They offer great deals for seniors and AAA members.  We had nicely appointed queen rooms for $89 a night.  My room had two queen beds and huge flat screen LG television.  With my sister in a room on one side of me and my mother on the other side, how quiet my room was at night was perfect.

Neutrogena Products & Fluffy Towels

We all agreed that the Moen Revolution showerhead was a nice perk and my father loved how new the ironing board and iron were. He likes a a very sharp crease in his pants. Each room has a single-cup coffeemaker with Wolfgang Puck coffee that comes in handy if you stay up late like my niece or get up at the crack of dawn, like my mom.

With members of my family unable to drive but needing to get to the mall and other destinations, we were pleasantly surprised by their free shuttle service. They have a few vans available from 7:00 to 7:00 everyday, that will take you anywhere you want to go within a 5 mile radius of the hotel. Amanda, one of the front desk agents drove us a couple of times and expertly got us to our destination. Given my parents back seat driving and the hundred temperatures, I couldn’t tip her enough.

Make Your Own Waffles!

The Phoenix Airport is too far but the Scottsdale Airport is close enough use their free shuttle.  If you need to print your boarding pass, they have a 24 hour Business Center too with free internet access and printer.  The Wingate by Wyndham in Scottsdale has an amazing staff who offered our family so much warmth. If you travel to Scottsdale for business, a round of golf or maybe a girls spa weekend, this hotel is in a great location off the 101 Loop.

All photos taken by my iPhone.