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...
Great Hotel Concept: Hospitality Suite
What happens when you check-in and your hotel room isn’t ready or you check-out but are not ready to leave the hotel? The Kahala in Honolulu provides a great solution: a hospitality suite. I wrote about my recent stay...
Would You Take a Quadruple Upgrade in Exchange for Early Checkout?
The title says it all, but let me lay out the context. I booked our stay at The Kahala last week using the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts program. Among the AMEX FHR benefits at the Kahala are:...
Resort or City: Conrad Cartagena Makes You Choose
When putting together the last minute pieces of our spontaneous trip to Cartagena, Colombia we decided to book our four nights at the Conrad Cartagena, a stunning, secluded resort just outside of the city. But just how far outside...
Review: Aloft Houston by the Galleria
Hotels in Houston can be a difficult nut to crack, it’s all about location and convenience. The Aloft Houston by the Galleria is well positioned, offers premiums that other full-service hotels do not, and a reasonable price point for...
Review: Westin Alexandria – Suite Upgrade
As I continue to re-qualify for Starwood Preferred Guest Platinum (and as a result, matched over to Marriott Platinum) my tour of SPG properties continues from coast-to-coast. This property, the Westin Alexandria located just outside of Washington DC, ran...
Review: Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh – Presidential Suite
Room 1101 – The Presidential Suite at the Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh (Airport). Hyatt’s new Globalist benefit of suite upgrades at checkin subject to availability meant that we were able to score not just any suite, but the Presidential suite...
Review: Hyatt Regency (Kota) Kinabalu – Suite
During our Christmas/New Year’s trip to Borneo, we stayed at the Hyatt Regency Kinabalu. We were able to use a suite upgrade and it was one of the best we have had. The waterfront location, excellent service, and suite...
Hotel Upgrades Remain Elusive Without Insistence
This year I am traveling more than ever, giving Ryan Bingham a run for his money. As such, I find myself in many hotels some of which honor elite benefits regarding hotel upgrades, and others that do not. Instead...
How I Scored an Amazing Upgrade at Park Hyatt Sydney
It was a dark and stormy night in Sydney. We had checked in late to the Park Hyatt Sydney after our train ride from Canberra and were cold. Small problem. Our heater in the room didn’t work. And the...
