This is Window Shopping, a weekly briefing from Window Seat. Every issue covers essential news in luxury travel, spotlights one exceptional hotel, and shares personal updates or recent product discoveries.
Ever found yourself paying for a window seat only to end up staring at a wall? Delta and United are now facing class action lawsuits alleging they knowingly charged passengers extra for window seats that didn’t actually have windows. For anyone who pays extra to pick a seat, the outcome could set a precedent for a fairer booking process across the board. (For what it’s worth, I always double check my flight map on Seatguru or read One Mile at a Time flight reviews if I’m flying in a premium cabin.)
The next generation of U.S. train travel is here. For those who bounce between Boston, New York, Philly, and D.C., Amtrak’s Acela is often the quickest alternative to flying. Starting next week on August 28th, it’s getting a serious upgrade. The new trains will run faster (up to 160 mph), ride smoother with a tilt system, and feel much more modern onboard. This launch shows us that domestic train travel is finalllllly starting to inch toward the kind of high-speed, design-forward experience we’ve come to expect in Europe or Japan. I know I’m more of a plane girl, but I’m excited to try them out.
In partnership with Devour Tours
I’m heading to Portugal next month, and one of the items at the top of my itinerary is a Devour Tour in Lisbon. If you’re not familiar, Devour specializes in food-forward walking tours that blend history, storytelling, and the kind of hidden gems locals swear by. I’ll be joining a tour taking me through Baixa, Chiado, and Cais do Sodré with stops at century-old establishments, tastings of iconic Portuguese dishes (yes, Pastéis de nata are on the list!!), and plenty of context from an expert guide. I always try to eat like a local when I travel, so I truly can’t think of a better crash course in how to eat like a Lisboeta.
The Manner — New York City
The Manner in SoHo is one of my favorite new openings in the city. Dripping in ochre, red, and gold, it sports a kind of easygoing glamor; you could just as easily curl up by the fire with a book as head out dancing until the morning. Rooms are bold and playful with mirrored walls and mahogany against red-hot accents that create a vibe that’s equal parts sexy and fun. All of its personality is a refreshing departure from the understated beige that so many luxury properties seem to go for. This one is high on my list for a staycation!
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Window Seat covers the intersection of luxury hospitality, aviation innovation, and the culture of modern travel, written by Tori Simokov, a writer and designer based in New York. For partnership opportunities: tori@v1projects.com. You can also connect with her on Instagram, TikTok, or ShopMy.
Okay life-changing to know there are sites that will show you exactly what your seat experience will be like. I have absolutely dealt with the dreaded "window" wall
Excited to eat everything in Lisbon!