Window shopping #13
A hotel suite with a library, a lounge that costs $0, and airport food I’m still thinking about
This is Window Shopping, a weekly mini-letter from Window Seat—your stylish scroll through what’s new, noteworthy, and next in the world of travel. Each issue blends timely headlines, personal favorites, and design-forward hotels to keep your wanderlust well-fed.
Marshalls launched The Upgrade Lounge at JFK’s Terminal 4. Designed to offer travelers a taste of elevated comfort without the exclusivity, the space features a beauty bar, complimentary amenities, and a curated shop of fashion finds and travel accessories. According to a survey by Marshalls, cost is a primary barrier for two in three travelers seeking a more pleasant, elevated airport experience; by reimagining the lounge as a democratic space, the brand is aligning with a broader trend of bringing attainable luxury to the masses—no elite status necessary.
Aman wants in on the tenniscore trend. Aman Tennis Club, a new collection “from cross court to off court,” is the brand’s latest lifestyle play with a goal of tapping into the tenniscore trend and the growing desire among luxury travelers to bring their routines with them on the road. But if you didn’t know it was a tennis-themed launch, you might miss the memo entirely. The pieces are understated to the point of ambiguity—mostly just basic hoodies, hats, and tees—but still unmistakably Aman in their quiet, status-forward simplicity.
The best thing I ate this week? At Laguardia Airport. On Wednesday, I was invited to a special event hosted by Delta and Uber: a tasting tour of the chef-led dining offerings inside Delta’s stunning Terminal C. And while the food was excellent (steak topped with chimichurri, raw oysters, and truffle pasta among my favorite bites), the experience meant so much more to me than what was on the plate. As someone who’s been a Delta loyalist for over a decade (and happens to love aviation more than anything), it was surreal to be walking through the airport I’ve watched rise from worst to first, this time with Delta’s Managing Director of Design and Construction, Ryan Marzullo, as our personal tour guide.
When asked what he was most proud of about the redevelopment project, his answer impressed me: that they were able to make the airport experience less stressful. And it’s true—the terminal is filled with light, open spaces, intuitive signage, and details that seem purposefully designed to lower your heart rate, not raise it. It doesn’t feel like your traditional airport experience in that, well, it doesn’t absolutely suck.
But the most moving part of the tour was Delta’s Sensory Room: a peaceful, softly lit space designed with care for travelers who need a moment to regroup due to sensory sensitivities, disability, or overstimulation from the airport experience. There’s soft seating, kinetic light features, and—the best part—a partial mock-up of an aircraft cabin so first-time flyers can get familiar with the space before they ever step onboard. It’s a thoughtful detail that reflects something larger: a genuine awareness of the diverse needs of today’s travelers.
I left with a deeper appreciation for how every element of this terminal has been designed with care for the body, mind, and palate. If you’re passing through soon, here are a few restaurants worth arriving early for:
Prime: A New York-style steakhouse with incredible dry-aged cuts and seafood
Soleil Brasserie: Offering seasonal French fare in a casual setting (get the truffle pasta and French dip)
Calista Taverna: A Mediterranean grill with an open flame kitchen that has a can’t-miss leg of lamb dish on the menu
Hotel Park Ave—New York, NY
NoMad just got its next great haunt. The latest from Lore Group and their first-ever New York property is officially open, and I was invited to experience its showstopping Nomad Penthouse Suite this week at the opening party. Designed by creative director Jacu Strauss, the space is a maximalist dream: bold red accents, sculptural furniture, and a curated mix of art and books (including a Phaidon-stocked library) that make it feel more like the home of a chic collector than a hotel room. From the custom cabinetry to the graphic rugs and expansive terrace views, every corner is designed to be seen.
Tori Simokov is a Travel Writer and Graphic Designer/Strategist based in New York. To get in touch, email tori@v1projects.com. Want more? Check out Instagram, TikTok, or shop her curated favorites.
As a tennis player, I confirm that you're not missing anything 😂 but honestly the launch was a smart marketing play to highlight the tennis facilities at the Amanruya, which has now been added to my list of to-stay hotels. To play tennis on red clay in the Turkish Riveria at an Aman - so dreamy!