Johnny Jet's Travel Tales

The Minister of Finance accepted the invitation to be the keynote speaker at the International Symposium on Global Finance. He was also planning to bring his family. They would stay in New York for the next four months.
His wife planned business meetings as well as family medical check-ups at New York University hospital. She and he wanted to maintain their daily physical workouts and generally enjoy the New York way of life.
The challenge was to find accommodations that would meet a demanding criterion, which included privacy, elegance, luxury, comfort and convenience. The family needed space that would give them a feeling of being "at home" - and elegant enough for entertaining.
They needed private meeting space; a screening room to show the new video promoting trade to their country. It had to be near parks and entertainment for the children. They wanted someone to shop for and prepare dinner, cater their parties and generally take care of their daily requirements. Planning to bring the terrier, they needed a daily dog walker.
In a city the size of Manhattan, one would expect a plethora of facilties..but not so. Extended stay properties, with well-appointed interiors and personal services are "finds" in New York City.
Looking up and downtown, east and westside, the answer finally surfaced: The Envoy Club, 377 East 33rd Street, New York City.
Item #1. Accommodations With 57 tastefully decorated studios, one and two-bedroom suites, The Envoy Club is so special that you may want to keep it as a secret, shared only with your best friends and clients with excellent taste.
Each suite is spacious. The workspace is equipped with a TV, VCR, stereo, two-line telephones, voice mail, safe, in-room fax machine, modem and ISDN lines for quick Internet access. The kitchens are equipped with full size appliances, including dishwashers, microwaves, Royal Dolton china, flatware by Christofle and kitchen utensils for the gourmet chef (or caterer).
In the bedrooms, you'll find Frette linens, robes and slippers. The body and bath amenities in the bathrooms are by Molton Brown.
Item #2. Services Upon arrival, you are presented with personalized business cards. By calling in advance, your kitchen and pantry are stocked with your favorite foods, wines and snacks.
The children have their own special space for play, just off the state-of-the art exercise room for the adults. For the Minister and spouse, a sauna, steam room and a massage treatment/meditation room with experts in massage therapy are available by appointment.
The property has a modern and clean laundry room, but same day laundry and dry cleaning services are available through the 24-hour concierge desk. There is also valet and on-site parking, increasing the security for VIPs and families.
The Business Center includes a well-appointed conference room, small cubicles for secretaries and administrators to process paper work and "down the hall" a 14-seat, luxurious, private screening room for videos, movies, etc. The 5-foot screen has Surround Sound and there are oversized leather reclining chairs for comfortable viewing. Guests are served from a full wet bar and there is space for cocktails and dinner service. This room can also be used for video conferencing
The Pet Attaché program at The Envoy Club insures that every pet is a "privileged pet." The concierge arranges for dog walkers and sitters as well as grooming. If your pup needs a new outfit or gets a sniffle, the Envoy staff will be happy to coordinate a doggy fashion show or recommend a reliable veterinarian.
Chefs on Call is uniquely - Envoy Club. The hotel found that 90% of their guests did not use their kitchens and a personal chef is more convenient than dining out every night - certainly healthier. For weeks' worth of gourmet dinners, plan on a budget of approximately $1500.
NYCHIC is a special service at The Envoy. This program includes certificates for a facial and manicure at Bliss, a martini at Rande Gerber's Whiskey Blue bar, lunch for two at the DKNY café on Madison Avenue and $100 certificate at ABC Carpet, plus a two-day pass to the Guggenheim Museum and a box of Krispy Kreme donuts. The Suddenly Single program includes aromatherapy candles, a selection of herbal infusions and the best seller, The New Creative Divorce by Dr. Mel Krantzler and Pat Krantzler. If you still can't fall asleep, ask the concierge for the sound machine, the list of the ten top New York lawyers or the self help tapes which include Stress Reduction: Creative Meditation, How to Overcome Life's Problems and Loving East Other. Need more help? Arrange for a meeting with The Envoy psychic.
Item #3. Location
Definitely not a neighborhood frequented by tourists, The Envoy Club is located in the residential neighborhood of Murray Hill. Within walking distance is New York University Hospital, movie theatres, Office Max, hardware stores, as well as cozy and low-key dining, hair and nail salons, coffee bars and parks.
Item #4. Best Bet
Whether you are a head of state, a CEO or just need (want?) to be in New York City for 30 days or more, you will find that life can be suite by reserving at The Envoy Club.
Monthly rates range for $4800 to $13000 and include all amenities of a luxury hotel. Yearly leases can be arranged. For information contact The Envoy Club 377 East 33rd Street, New York, New York 10016 212 481 4600 P. 212 481 8600 F. envoyclub@aol.com www.envoyclub.com

From New York City, Elinor Garely go4travel@hotmail.com