Hilton has been trialing a new Honors Diamond perk, confirmed suite upgrades. If Hilton adds the perk to their program permanently, Honors would be the hotel loyalty program to beat and Diamond status the best in the business. If...
Leaving Marriott/SPG “Bonvoy?” Here’s Where I’d Move
The Marriott/SPG merger has not gone swimmingly for so many loyal members and some have suggested they are leaving. Where should they stay instead of the world’s largest hotel chain? If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new...
Have You Traded a Welcome Amenity?
Some hotels treat their most frequent guests to a welcome amenity waiting for them in their room. But they don’t always suit their audience. You should never look a gift horse in the mouth, but what about trading one...
My Top 10 Hotel Stays In 2018
As 2018 draws to a close, it is time for my annual “Top 10” series. Here, I’ll look back on my 10 favorite hotel stays from 2018. As a reminder, this is not a top-1o all-time list nor does...
Meanwhile, I’ll Stick To Hyatt…
I read with some amusement the recent back-and-forth between View from the Wing, One Mile at a Time, and Frequent Miler over Marriott versus Hilton. My solution is simple: I’ll just stick to Hyatt. It started when Gary argued...
I Found A Needle In My Hotel Room
I stay in hotels often – as many as 200 nights every year – and I thought I had seen everything. Until the day I found a needle in my hotel room. What would you do? If you are...
Review: Hyatt Regency Hong Kong Sha Tin (Suite)
As part of my United status run this year, I returned to the Hyatt Regency Hong Kong Sha Tin – our home away from home in Hong Kong. There was much to love and much to learn about our...
Review: Hyatt Regency Hong Kong Tsim Sha Tsui (Suite)
As part of my United status run this year, I decided to try the Hyatt Regency Hong Kong Tsim Sha Tsui one last time after I hadn’t loved my previous two experiences. The third time was the charm! If...
Hotel Standards Still Lag, Updates Needed
I spend a lot of time on the road and nights away from home for work and our own personal trips. More and more, I have found that hotels have failed to update their basic standards and that needs...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: August 05, 2018
After a lot of domestic travel last week, it has been nice to spend the last two days at home. Another trip, however, is on the horizon. More details on that in the days ahead. Here’s a review of...
My Massive Suite Upgrade At The Wynn Las Vegas
My suite at the Wynn Las Vegas this week was bigger than my house and included such “necessities” as a bar and private massage room. I’m in Las Vegas for meetings this week and it occurred to my business...
$100 Hotel Credit At Park Hyatt When You Stay Two Nights
If you’re staying at a Park Hyatt hotel this summer, don’t forget to take advantage of an easy way to earn $100 in hotel credit. Stay two nights or more from July 1 through September 30, 2018, to receive...
Maximizing Your 10% Rebate On Hyatt Redemptions
During the months of August and September, Hyatt if offering its Chase-branded credit card cardholders a 10% refund on award redemptions. To take advantage, simply register by August 31, 2018. This promo runs for stays between August 01st and September 30th....
I Challenge You To Identify This Hotel Brand
We stayed at a hotel that was so far off brand that we checked out before our luggage arrived from the bell staff. Without cheating, can you identify this bad hotel room’s brand? If you are considering booking travel or signing...
My Dumpy Hotel in New York City
Every time I have a bright idea to save some money, I end up regretting it. When it comes to hotels, you tend to get what you pay for. I was in New York City last weekend for FTU...
My Office Playlist Represents The Power Of Airline Marketing
Stop by office in Southern California and you might think you just stepped into a Park Hyatt hotel or onto an Etihad flight. My business partner John and I enjoy listening to music during the day. There are some...
My Park Hyatt St. Kitts Dilemma…
The Park Hyatt St. Kitts is offering an incredible deal right now. It is also a resort I’ve talked about visiting for more than a year. Yet I’m struggling over whether to book it. At around $255 night with...
Review: Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel (Marriott)
On a business trip, I had a chance to stay in the very contemporary and dare I say, ‘sassy’ Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel. This hotel had everything, except for an upgrade for a (then) gold member. If you are...
Review: Grand Hyatt Denver Suite and Valet Trouble
During a stay at the Grand Hyatt Denver we got a chance to try the parlor suite and enjoy the pool. But this great property is let down by the overpriced valet that under delivers. If you are considering...
A Horrible Stay at the Famed Plaza Hotel in New York City
What happens when a five-star hotel that runs over $1,000 night doesn’t have any food or beverages? That’s what happened at the famed Plaza Hotel in New York City (and still is…). One of my best Award Expert clients...
