When you split your time between Ohio and South Florida and need to travel for business to upstate New York and around the country on short notice, private aviation is far from a luxury. It makes an impossible schedule possible, so says Kimberlie Glaser, whose Scutti Enterprises is active in commercial real estate. In a typical week, she may be in Ohio, Florida, Upstate New York, New York City, Boston, and Minneapolis.
Glaser and her husband, David Frecka, have two private jets – a Learjet and a Citation – and fly with NetJets, which she calls “perfection in the air.”
Her business of operating and developing shopping centers keeps her moving, both visiting her properties and meeting with tenants located nationally.
“I like that we can call (NetJets) 12 hours before we need to go somewhere, we tell them where we need to go, and they have an airplane. In some cases, they have done it in under 12 hours. When you think about it, it’s amazing,” she says.
Glaser says it’s not only the short notice of booking the flights, but also that “They always have my favorite beverages and snacks, no matter where we are flying.”
While most of her travel is domestic, she says NetJets’ fleet of Global ultra-long-range aircraft makes flying to Europe easy – in other words, nonstop.
Glaser also praises several luxury hotel groups, although she has a few minor complaints.
She should know.
In 1988, Glaser’s late husband, Dale Scutti, partnered with Merv Griffin and bested a young real estate developer to gain control of Resorts International and a stretch of Paradise Island in the Bahamas.
A few years later, that property was sold to Sol Kerzner, who turned it into the Atlantis resort.
The young developer went on to have a top-rated reality television show, The Apprentice, and Donald Trump is now serving his second term as president of the United States.
For Glaser, she says her number one factor in rating any hotel is the bed. “Four Seasons really stands out,” she says.
However, she also likes the classics. In New York, it’s either The Plaza or, now that it’s reopened, The Waldorf Astoria. In Los Angeles, it’s the Beverly Hills Hotel, with a preference for the bungalows.
But it’s not just bedding that makes a great hotel, Glaser says. One test is room service, but the quality of what’s offered and the speed of delivery. “It should be at least as good as what you can get in the restaurant.”
She says the spa experience is also an essential part of hotels, as well as shopping. She travels to Las Vegas several times a year for conferences and events. “That’s why I stay at the Wynn. They have an amazing spa, and all the shopping right there, and the service is impeccable. I love Cipriani.”
In terms of relaxation, her top spots are St. Barts, Turks & Caicos, the Bahamas, and Aspen.
Her bucket list destination is Greece. “I don’t know why. I’ve never been. I want to go.”
Always with her are her Louis Vuitton and Tumi luggage.
What are the biggest letdowns when traveling? “Slow room service, waiting to check in, poor maid service.”
Glaser says while luxury hotels generally do a good job, “I don’t think service is as good as it used to be – everything has been downgraded and more expensive.”
Her favorite part about traveling? “The NetJets cabin attendants are fabulous.”