The ever approachable and friendly Tom Travers is on hand at his piece of Upper West Side paradise to take the mystery out of Manhattan. e-Travel Blackboard stayed a few days and after a chat with Tom didn't want to leave.

What drew you to work in the travel industry?
My first stay at a hotel in Washington DC when I was very young made me feel that I wanted to be part of staff.

What do you like most about your job?
Listening to our guests telling me how much they enjoyed their stay at the Beacon and the friendliness of all of our staff members.

Who do you admire and see as a role model in the travel industry?
Being in the hotel industry for 30+ plus years I have seen so many over the years I would have to write a book.

What do you want to see improve in the industry?
I would like someday to see a worldwide standard of grading of hotels.

What destinations are on your travel bucket list?
I have been very fortunate to travel to many destinations and look forward to someday going to South America, and Russia.

What’s a memorable travel experience you’ve had (good or bad)?
Visiting the Taj Mahal  at sunrise was one my most memorable.

What are three things you must always take with you when you travel?
Change of clothes in my carry-on luggage (I have learned that the hard way) , my kindle and my iphone.

Name someone famous with whom you’d like to travel and where you’d take them.
Helen Mirren and I would take her anywhere she would want to go!