Some New York Marriott hotels offer complimentary helicopter airport transfers for top-paying guests

Marriott said Tuesday that some guests staying two nights or more in select suites at the hotels, all part of its Luxury Group, will receive complimentary round-trip helicopter transfers to and from John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport, operated by Blade.

Marriott said guests could travel from the airport to midtown Manhattan “in just five minutes, significantly reducing travel time due to heavy traffic.”

Offering premium perks is one way for luxury hotels to differentiate themselves in a crowded market and make guests feel like they’re getting more bang for their buck.

Kathleen Reidenbach, senior vice president of marketing and commerce for IHG Hotels and Resorts, told The Telegraph that the perks build brand loyalty “and leave lasting impressions.”

Marriott said the helicopter would land at one of Blade’s helipads, on East 34th Street or West 30th Street, where guests would be taken to their hotels. The company also offers the service in reverse for guests returning to the airport.

The service, offered from July 1 to September 2, is available at the following locations:

The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, featuring The Ritz-Carlton Suite, Liberty Suite and Penthouse Residences.
The St. Regis New York, including the 5th Avenue Suite, the Grand Suite, the St. Regis Suite and the Madison Suite.
JW Marriott Essex House New York, featuring the Delacorte Presidential Suite, Meadow Terrace Suite and Artisans Terrace Suite.
W New York — Union Square, including WOW and EWOW suites.
THE New York EDITION, including the Madison Suite, the Flatiron Suite, the Park Suite and the Penthouse Suite.
The Luxury Collection Manhattan Midtown hotel, including the Sky Suite with 1 King Bed, the Atrium Suite with 1 King Bed and the Penthouse at 54.

Blade, founded in 2014, offers shared and private helicopter services in the United States, Canada and Europe.

It also runs a medical service and describes itself as “one of the largest transporters of human organs for transplantation.”

Blade offers transfers between JFK or Newark and Manhattan starting at $195 per seat each way. This includes ground transportation between the airport and the helicopter landing pad.

But passengers can only bring one commercial carry-on bag and one personal item each, with a maximum total weight of 25 pounds, Blade said. Passengers who want to bring more than that will have to pay for a Tote Taxi service.

Marriott said all guests staying at the above hotels, regardless of suite, would have access to “exclusive rates” for Blade helicopter and car airport transfers.