InterContinental New York Barclay is now a “Gold level” GreenLeader in the new TripAdvisor® GreenLeaders™ program. The program helps travelers plan greener trips by identifying environmentally-friendly accommodations  across the U.S.

Additionally, the hotel is currently ranked as the #1 Green Hotel in New York on TripAdvisor® – a nod to the InterContinental New York Barclay’s assertive sustainability program which includes 100% wind powered energy, organic, seasonal, natural or local food, waste management to include onsite composting, recycling and reduced paper, compact fluorescent bulb lighting, roof top garden with honeybee maintenance, and an energetic variety of volunteer, mentorship and charitable efforts.

According to TripAdvisor, GreenLeaders have met a set of environmental standards developed for TripAdvisor by a leading environmental consulting firm, with input from expert partners. The more green practices a hotel has in place, the higher its GreenLeader level, which is shown on the property’s listing on the TripAdvisor site.  Travelers can now search for accommodations that have a GreenLeaders status on the TripAdvisor site, and view a detailed list of environmentally-friendly practices that they can expect at each location.

The TripAdvisor GreenLeaders program was developed in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® program, the U.S. Green Building Council, and the United Nations Environment Programme. For more information, please visit www.tripadvisor.com/GreenLeaders.

About 23 days ago by Barbara Bahny |  No Comments   

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Hailed as the largest storm the Atlantic has ever seen, Hurricane Sandy left thousands without homes, power and water.

New York City shutdown on Sunday, October 28^th, 2012 in anticipation of the storm.  The surges rose up to several feet in much of Lower East Side and downtown Manhattan in a matter of minutes.  Though Manhattan did not sustain the worst parts of the storm, there were several scenes of despair noted throughout the duration of the storm.

An 80-ton crane dangling from a construction site in Midtown Manhattan from extreme wind.

An apartment in Chelsea destroyed from the storm.

Subway stations flooded.

At our hotel, we were fortunate enough to have power throughout the duration of the storm and provide a place of refuge for several New Yorkers and their families.

A complimentary children’s entertainment room and indoor dog park was provided throughout the days that followed Hurricane Sandy for our patrons traveling with children and pets.  The children particularly took to Magician John Born.

We didn’t forget about Halloween!  Facepainting and lobby trick-or-treating was available for our younger guests.

The fact that our hotel was able to provide a “home-away-from-home” to many of our guests during Hurricane Sandy is a true testament to the amazing, dedicated staff of the InterContinental New York Barclay.

Here are some guest comments from our Facebook page:

Our employees are more than just colleagues.  They are true heroes.  Several team members came into work on Sunday, many leaving their families at home, and stayed on property through Thursday to ensure that our guests were well taken care of.  We are so proud of our Barclay heroes for a job well done!

Colleagues at the Barclay and at our sister property, InterContinental Times Square, even took catnaps between shifts to offer around-the-clock-service.

It is truly inspiring to see everyone come together in the face of tragedy.  Our parent company, IHG, has already opened our Corporate Responsibility initiative, Shelter in The Storm Program.

This program is built up through fundraising activities in our hotels and corporate offices throughout the year and enables us to respond as soon as disaster strikes (instead of waiting to raise funds after the fact) and provide vital assistance right away.  In addition, our hotel has partnered with Food Bank for New York to also help New Yorkers during this vital time.

If you would like to make a donation to either IHG’s Shelter in a Storm Program, click here: http://www.ihgplc.com/index.asp?pageid=853 and/or https://secure3.convio.net/fbnyc/site/Donation2?idb=1474389737&df_id=2781&2781.donation=form1

About 200 days ago by Barbara Bahny |  No Comments   

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Time sure does fly!  Can’t believe it’s already nearly November.  This year has been quite a busy year for the Barclay especially with all the activity going on our rooftop!

Just in time for Halloween, the Barclay’s very own pumpkin makes its autumn debut at 3 ½ feet in circumference.  The pumpkin, grown on our very own rooftop garden, was the hotel’s first experiment with using our on-site compost to enhance the soil from which it was grown.  It sure looks like it did well!

The pumpkin was just one of many successful harvests this year.  Entering into our second year of planting on our rooftop garden, we experimented with several other herbs and vegetables.  The purple basil and hot peppers we planted in early May really thrived!

Here at the hotel, we believe in promoting sustainability in both big and small ways.  Reusing materials is a small act, but a big priority for us.  So when it came to enhancing our rooftop garden, our expert carpenter, engineer and garden guru, Chris, put his creativity to use.  Chris made the pumpkin crate from salvaged pieces of wood that our products get delivered in.  He even custom built a bird house made from “ice machine” signs that were about to be thrown into the trash—giving those items a “second life”!

Remember the pillars of eco-friendly living start from: Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.  Reusing materials is a great way to get creative!  For more fun reuse ideas that you can do at home check out Recycle Bank: https://www.recyclebank.com/live-green/.
Peace and sustainability to all,

Jenni
Sustainability Management Intern

About 218 days ago by Intercontinental New York Barclay |  No Comments   

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Green Fuzzy Ball flowers

A recent Saturday took us to Union Square Farmer’s Market. I’ve been meeting buddies for a stroll through this delightful slice of city life as a weekly morning ritual for years.  The market has developed in really fun ways since its 1976 inception and a visit here is a must.

 A center for people watching and street musicians, Union Square is foremost a park , with statuary and green lawns, surrounded by benches, famous for over a century for its public speakers expounding on everything from politics to the latest sporting events.

Shoppers at Union Square Market

 Located in one of New York City’s great public spaces, the atmosphere at Union Square on a market day is electric: legions of market goers shop and chat with farmers; students of all ages tour the market and learn about seasonality; visitors watch and taste samples and procure ingredients for their afternoon repast or evening’s feast.

 The seasonal bounty is unparalleled, with hundreds of varieties to choose from

Variety of Fresh Peppers

Colorful carrots at Union Square Market

during any given season. From just-picked fresh fruits and vegetables, to heritage meats and award-winning farmstead cheeses, artisan breads, jams, pickles, a profusion of cut flowers, plants, wine, ciders, maple syrup, honey and much more.

Doling out advice for a quarter!

And it’s that “much more” that especially delights market-goers beyond the usual ways.  This weekend, we met up with the Advice 4 quarterfolks.  These are a non-profit group of bold, quirky tipsters who give advice for 25 cents in public places in the city. So ask for advice on anything at all, or bring a folding chair and get ready to advise the seekers

Fortune Teller at Union Square Market

And for a mystical approach to advice, we spotted a lovely teller of fortunes ensconced by a picturesque  Union Square fountain.

 Each year from Thanksgiving through Christmas, the farmer’s Market transforms into the popular Union Square Holiday Market.  Festively-lit stalls feature a broad array holiday gifts items such as handcrafted jewelry, original art, clothes, ornaments and toys for children of all ages.

Statue of Andy Warhol Commemorated in Chrome

  The market is located in a large open area between 14^th and 16^th streets by Broadway.   Eight subway lines converge at Union Square, the 4, 5, 6, L, N, R, and Q trains.  Other subway lines are just two blocks west of UnionSquarePark.

About 222 days ago by Intercontinental New York Barclay |  No Comments   

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