Due to the persistent congestion in Manhattan, which is exacerbated throughout the summer, Marriott International Luxury Group is taking steps to improve the travel experience for its customers. From July 1, 2024 to September 2, 2024, Marriott will provide complimentary helicopter transfers from John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport to visitors who stay at least two nights in one of its six luxury Manhattan hotels.
This initiative, in collaboration with urban air mobility company Blade, aims to significantly reduce travel time by providing a five-minute helicopter ride from the airports into Manhattan. Upon arrival, guests will either land at the Blade Lounge West Helipad on West 30th Street or the Blade Lounge East Helipad on East 34th Street. From there, they will be met by a car service and driven to their respective hotels.
The participating hotels in this offer are:
- The Luxury Collection Hotel Manhattan Midtown
- W New York – Union Square
- The St. Regis New York
- JW Marriott Essex House New York
- The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad
- The New York EDITION
To be eligible for the complimentary helicopter transfer, customers must reserve a specific type of suite at these five-star luxury hotels. For example, the “Liberty Suite” at the Ritz-Carlton NoMad, which generally costs around $3,500 per night, is eligible for this privilege. A Marriott spokesman told CNBC that this summer promotion includes both helicopter and ground transportation services. Typically, visitors would have paid $390 for the basic cost or up to $500 for the “Maximum Flexibility Fare” for a standard round-trip transfer by Blade chopper between the airports and Manhattan. Ground transportation to and from the Blade lounges or helipads often costs an extra $180.
This project aims to save travelers time and money by delivering a convenient and comfortable start to their stay in Manhattan.
