My knee-jerk answer is NO WAY, but hotels are not totally out-of-line for raising questions about local residents checking-in. The issue was brought to my attention by The Gate, which shared a story about an Illinois couple being denied...
Dear Expedia, Penalizing Resort Fees Is Only The Start…
Expedia, to its credit, will begin penalizing hotels with hidden resort fees by ranking them lower in search results. That may help in some cities, but what about Las Vegas, where every hotel tacks on these bogus fees? I...
My Take: A Clairvoyant Compromise On Single-Use Hotel Toiletries
I’ll admit at the outset that I am not in favor of hotels eliminating single-use toiletries. But, I’ve decided it is not worth losing sleep over. Instead, I’ve decided to bring my own. My two esteemed colleagues, Ben Schlappig...
Review: Chicago Athletic Association (Hyatt Unbound)
The Chicago Athletic Association is a new hotel to the Hyatt family but not a new property in downtown Chicago. Since joining Hyatt, this was our first chance to try the property and we loved it – with one...
Review: Brand New Park Hyatt Shenzhen – Suite
The brand new Park Hyatt Shenzhen perfects luxury high above southeastern China’s Silicon Valley. When given the opportunity to review the property, I couldn’t pass it up. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click...
21-Year-Old College Student Runs Texas Hotel Alone…For 32 Hours…During A Tropical Storm
Satchel Smith’s eight hour shift turned in a marathon 32-hour effort at a Homewood Suites in Beaumont, Texas. By the time his shift had ended, he was hailed a hero for single-handedly caring for so many hotel guests. Tropical...
Why Do Airlines, Hotels Limit Top Spenders Earnings?
Delta, United and American limit mileage earning on very expensive tickets, hotels stop giving incentives to stay more nights with them. Is this oversight, protection, or stupidity? If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click...
My New Favorite Hotel In Barcelona
I was recently in Barcelona and had the chance to check out two Hyatt properties. One did not impress me at all. But one I fell in love with…and cannot wait to return. I arrived late into Barcelona and...
The Solution To My Orange Juice Woes In Hotels and Airport Lounges
The solution to my orange juice woes was right under my nose…literally. Ok, I think we need a disclaimer to start. This is one of the ultimate first world problems. But that’s what this blog is about, so let’s...
A Maid Walked In On Me…Naked
I really need to follow my own advice on locking the deadbolt in hotel rooms. Here’s another friendly reminder via an unfortunate anecdote. I spent the night at the Sheraton Milan Malpensa, a great hotel if you have a...
A Restful Sunday At The Swanky Shangri-La In Colombo
Warm Sunday greetings from Colombo. It has been a fabulous day of rest here as I take a break before boomeranging back to East Asia on Monday. The Shangri-La has truly impressed me. I realize I haven’t discussed my...
Honolulu Desperately Needs An Airport Hotel!
Oh Honolulu, so quaint in so many ways. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) is in desperate need of a proper airport hotel. There must be an opportunity for an enterprising investment firm to construct a lucrative on-site hotel....
Rollover Credits Move My Remaining Stays to Hilton Over Hyatt
This year I have top tier status with several hotel chains but re-qualifying for next year will place an emphasis on Hilton going forward over Hyatt, my focus program. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit...
Bangkok Hotel Comparison: Park Hyatt vs. Waldorf-Astoria
After staying in both the amazing Park Hyatt Bangkok, a favorite, and the new Waldorf-Astoria Bangkok, a comparison is in order. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both support LiveAndLetsFly.com. If you haven’t...
Review: Waldorf-Astoria Bangkok Suite Upgrade
The brand new Waldorf-Astoria Bangkok has opened and it’s incredible. Our suite upgrade and status gave us an experience that we can’t wait to repeat. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both support...
Would You Use Bulk Toiletry Dispensers At Hotels?
Bulk toiletry dispensers at hotels are catching on fast. But would you use them? Yesterday I posted a review of the beautiful new Andaz Munich, a five-star property. But despite its luxury status, toiletries in both the sink and shower...
Why Must I Always Demand My Elite Perks?
Must I be the one who is forced to assert the perks and benefits I am entitled to as an elite guest if I actually want them? I’m tired of being that guy. Earlier today I wrote about my...
First Impressions: Andaz Munich
I checked out the brand new Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor this week and was very impressed. Hyatt’s eighth hotel in Germany is a beautiful stone edifice located in the heart of Munich. The lobby and other common areas are modern...
When The Hotel Concierge Comes Through
On a recent visit to Bangkok Thailand, we stayed in a number of hotels at a variety of price points. It was a pair of concierges at the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit that made all the difference for our...
Review: Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit – Suite
After decades of just a single property in Bangkok, Hyatt has added three in the last two years, the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit the most recent addition. We frequent the Big Mango and have stayed at more than a...
