New Orleans, LA- November & December 2023

Many years ago, my best friend lived in New Orleans and I always wanted to visit her. But life gets in the way and hurricanes happen. We now live 30 minutes from each other in Indiana and I finally got assigned to New Orleans to end this year. I get why she loved living there and it now rivals my love for New York City. Being able to walk around in 60-70 degree weather was the first step to this Hoosier’s heart, especially in November.

Add in the food, the history and the riverfront – and I am in love again. My job assignment was to assist a new Director of Sales with IT, Sales research and support for 10 +hotels that our management company had recently contracted to manage. Mostly boutique hotels from 40 to 200+ rooms, most with F&B outlets, event space in a heavy tourism market. The French Quarter is full of boutique hotels with interesting, haunting histories in some cases. I should have felt overwhelmed and I did – in a good way.

It is a highly walkable market, my hotel on Canal Street was a few blocks from the French Quarter and a little farther to the Riverfront. Safety can be a concern after dark but I keep in mind the rules for any downtown city area. As my mom would say, nothing good happens after midnight, lol.

My favorites? Cafe Du Monde for beignets and Cafe au lait, bring cash, no credit cards accepted. Royal Street for art galleries and interesting historical information. Red Fish Grill for the crab & ricotta dip, and double chocolate bread pudding. Bourbon House Seafood – where oysters are king but I had an incredible filet. GW Fins where small plates meant I got to try the bbq shrimp, watermelon & feta salad, and lobster bisque. While music was on every corner, I enjoyed the outdoor courtyard setting at House of Blues. The Stanley was a favorite brunch spot, and the Palace Cafe for the white chocolate bread pudding. Take a extra bag for the works of art you will find at Jackson Square, I wish I had.

The new year starts with me in Charlotte NC, and I am excited to get on the road again after a few weeks at home getting some valuable time with family and friends. Where will you go in 2024?

Explore in 24,

Jill

Queens, NY- October & November 2023

Yes, I am still behind on my blog, but having a wicked case of writer’s block. But to start the New Year fresh, I have to be able to finish this one out, right?

October and part of November had me back in New York, but Queens this time. An area new to me and a brand new to me. Voco Fiorello, an IHG brand – was very interesting with the aviation themed decor and it’s location being in a mixed use development. It had just opened at the end of July and still needed an on-site sales manager, a finished fitness room and base business. This is where I again will preach about how Operations & Sales have to work together for the best results. A new hotel is exciting but also has many challenges not just before opening but also months after. Staffing, maintenance and food / beverage options all play their part in how a new hotel gets off the ground.

The market around the hotel was an equal mix of residential, industrial, government and corporate sources. And not necessarily in a walkable market at all times. The importance of walking a market, and researching area businesses was huge as I wanted to prep the new Salesperson as much as possible. Our new hire was relocating and had visited New York several times. They had a strong operation and sales background, plus past experience with our management company. And was way better at using the subway than I was. Which made a Saturday trip into the city a convenient and enjoyable experience.

Getting to visit Bryant Park again when the Winter Market and ice skating was going on was a highlight of my time for sure. I also found a great place to watch the Colts game with actual Colts fans in NYC.

My favorites list and pictures this trip:

Astoria area is charming and I fell in love with the parmesan&white truffle oil tots at Rivercrest, the lobster ravioli at Alba’s Pizza and the many cheesecake options at Martha’s Country Bakery.

Bryant Park transformed into a Winter Wonderland. And Rockefeller Center, and Central Park views that had you excited for the holiday season.

I loved going to New York again and getting to experience the Queens area for the first time.

Next up…

New Orleans to finish out 2023. Keep traveling my friends,

Jill