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The Manhattan Club: Subtle Elegance in The City --A Resort Review by E.R. Liberatore The Manhattan Club is New York City's premiere "city share". Located on 7th avenue in the heart of Midtown Manhattan at 56th street, Central Park is a block north and Carnegie Hall is across the street. The "new" Times Square, Broadway plays and the best window shopping in the world are all within walking distance. Carnegie Hall The shopping continues to break records for the city: In 2004 tourism reached a record breaking $39.6 million and the Manhattan Club was not far behind in gross sales volume. According to the New York Times, "... the rebound in the economy during this post 9/11 period was reflected in `soaring' real estate prices and low commercial vacancy rates of 11.4 percent..." The "unusual recovery", as further stated by the article, was not assisted by the financial district's power of consumption. Traditionally, the heavy year end bonuses from a couple of hundred thousand dollars to upward in the millions would boost the business community across the retail board. Sadly, the fun-filled memories of colleagues spending their well deserved earnings in local restaurants, watching the "Knicks", the US Open or a world-class boxing match in Madison Square Garden is bittersweet due to those lost in the tragedy of 9/11. The rebound is testimony to the resilience of the city and a world of confident travelers who frequent the Big Apple. The attraction of this classy destination is embodied in the city's commitment towards security and never missing a beat in providing the best of the best in the free world. And World Class it is. There are five or six major cities in the world that share a unique kinship with New York - a sort of unspoken acknowledgment about its place in the itinerary of the sophisticated traveler. Rome, London, Prague, Tokyo, and San Francisco, our sister from the bay, send their most discerning "interval owner base" while exchanging and comparing entertainment and cuisine. That's not to say that you could not confirm an exchange from Villa Roma in a more rural area of NewYork State, it's just that the "like-kind" arrangement and availability that sets New York City and its counterparts in a distinctive role has its limitations. Limitations also include the availability of current inventory. Since its inception in 1996 and its subsequent marketing and sales effort, The Manhattan Club has been the Landmark of Interval Ownership in New York City. At the ship's helm (or more appropriately Yacht), navigating through uncharted waters, is Ian Bruce Eichner, a well respected developer in the city and nationwide for his innovative thinking and dedication to quality. The Kingsley, Royale, City Spire and America are full ownership residences of Mr. Eichner's near The Manhattan Club that reflect some of his creations in New York. In regard to The Manhattan Club inventory specifically: The four "Phases" of full One-Bedroom and Executive Suites were introduced over the past years with corresponding price increases. As an example, floors 22 to 25 of Phase One consist of 1,664 Ownership Interests of 32 Full One-Bedrooms and 1,716 Ownership Interests of 33 Executive Suites, at approximately 450' square feet to 600' square feet in area. Phase 2 consists of floors 17 to 21 of similarly sized suites, varying in design layout ever so slightly but making an interesting difference in your apartment in Midtown. A refreshing new look down 7th avenue watching the Ball drop on New Years Eve or towards Central Parks' lush green playground makes the yearly visit exciting. Phase 3 consists of floors 12, 14 and 16 with similar availability and has also sold out at an increase of approximately 13.8% which has been consistent with prior years. The current Phase 4 offers an interesting crescendo to this Golden Opera: the Masterpiece Penthouse Suites. The Masterpiece Penthouse Suites consist of floors 27 to 30 and have been designed to save the best for last, with such amenities as lofty ceilings, personal penthouse concierge, private penthouse terraces, in-room desktop computers with high-speed Internet access, plus wireless Internet access for convenient laptop connectivity, flat panel LCD televisions, and much more. However, you would not be disappointed to spend time in any of the Manhattan Club's luxury residences. A traditional visit to NYC enables you, family members or business associates to experience what the diverse cultures of the world have brought to your doorstep. You will find trendy cafes, fine-dining restaurants and chic nightclubs as well as entertainment and international venues that encompass everything from fierce competitive indoor and outdoor professional sports to the serene setting of the best Ballet and Opera houses the world has to offer. If you can't feel the spine tingling sensation of this town get an exchange somewhere less exciting. However, if you love New York City you'll love all that it offers today! Please send inquiries about this article to: E.R. Liberatore vacationtime888@aol.com Mr. Liberatore has had extensive experience in the industry. In 1976 as a representative for the Playboy Vacation Key Plan in MacAfee, New Jersey and its subsequent completion, he was invited to the Shennandoah Valley where one of the country's first "purpose-built" timeshares was developed and has since held various positions with large and small developers in the US. He holds the industry required licenses in NY, NJ and Nevada. A credentialed journalist/photographer and NJPA member. This article is for the exclusive use of publications and mediums so designated by the author. Any commercial reproduction, or re-use of this opinion is in violation of intellectual property rights protected by federal law. Web published Jan. 2005 For additional information on The Manhattan Club, see also Resorts in the Spotlight

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