42ND STREET

[TRAVEL] Uwern Jong checks out dancing feet of a totally different kind on 42nd street.

The infamous lyrics from that Broadway number have never rung truer...

"In the heart of little old New York, You'll find a thoroughfare. It's the part of little old New York, That runs into Times Square."

There's something new afoot on 42nd Street, particularly on the west end, around 10th Ave - an area that Manhattan natives raise their brow when you mention that you're going there. But redevelopment is taking on the street usually famous for its Broadway-ish shows. Gone are the tired warehouse buildings and sleazy sex shops and rebirthed are glass commercial and residential buildings, edgy, sophisticated - but without forgetting the area's roots.

"Come and meet those dancing feet, On the avenue I'm taking you to, Forty-Second Street."

My journey to 42nd Street and 10th coincides with the launch of XL, a brand new gay super-club. The previous Chelsea venue of the same name has gone through some re-imagining and re-opened, a little later than originally anticipated, but with a mega-dancefloor, theater and event space, underneath what is to be (if it ever opens) New Yorks's first gay hotel The Out NYC.

(In the meantime, if you're looking for a place to stay in the area, you can check into new ultra-futuristic Yotel, literally just across the street from the venue. Don't forget to check out Out There's good friend Patrick Duffy's Sunday event EAT YO BRUNCH at the Yotel and stay tuned for more exciting developments to come as Patrick gets installed as Director of Programming at the hotel).

"Where the underworld can meet the elite, 42nd Street"

Back to XL, its first Friday night party sees Rokit from FornabioVoss taking resident there, with its usual stable of pretty, up for it club-kids. It was busy, with the queue going round the block with revellers waiting in the longest line in the world, some making it past the velvet ropes, others waving their membership cards in the cold New York night outside. John Blair, the man behind the club is after all, notorious for starting a system in the 90s of giving patrons cards which ranked them by attractiveness: white for the average people, gold for the above average, and VIP for the hot.

That's New York hype for you, but I'm not quite sure what the fuss is all about. Yes, the club is super trendy, but I can't help but wonder, with New York gays being such followers of fashion, if it has the legs to stand the years to come. That said, that's what many critics said about Heaven in London when it opened in the seventies and it's still going strong now. I guess only time will tell.

Nevertheless, we had a lot of fun and I wasn't short of subjects wanting to be photographed in celebration of the venue's launch. So heres it is Ladies and Gentlemen (and those in between), check out our photos from the night and don't forget to tag yourself...

SEE YOU AT THE CLUB

[TRAVEL] Uwern Jong takes Small Luxury Hotels of the Worlds "The Club" affinity programme for a whirl.

Being a Travel Editor has its perks, but it seems that the generous folk at Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ has passed on the benefits of being one to mere mortals (kidding - believe me, my job sounds glamourous, but it's a lot of hard work!).

Their marketing invites loyal guests to feel Special, Loved and Honoured (see what they did there?) to their newly enhanced "customer recognition programme" - THE CLUB.  Self-claimed arbiters of luxury travel for 20 years, the programme rewards travellers who treasure the boutique, intimate nature of the hotels in its portfolio.

So what are the perks?

Membership of The Club of SLH is offered on a complimentary basis and benefits start from the very first stay.  Perks include complimentary room nights, upgrades and access to exclusive offers.

The more a Club member stays at SLH properties, the more the love grows and the benefits they will receive increase.  After just one stay at an SLH property, Club members are upgraded from “Special” to “Loved”, and after five further stays they will become “Honoured” members, enjoying the top level of benefits.

 

The Club of SLH offers incomparable customer service through a dedicated Club Manager and Club Reservations Consultants, ensuring guests experience the very best personal service and advice and recommendations tailored to their needs.

 
Club members will also get a complimentary room upgrade, which is of course subject to availability, exclusive rates and access to the Club Concierge team.

After just one say, you're automatically upgraded to LOVED status. This means you get a daily complimentary continental breakfast for two on each stay and immediate late check-out.

HONOURED members get a complimentary night on SLH to say thank you, plus an additional complimentary night for every additional five stays, a priority room upgrade over all other members and the holy grail - early check-in.

It seems membership does certainly have it's priviledges - www.slh.com