The Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World issues its daily food & beverage credit at a sports bar despite 39 other options. I determined to spend every last dime. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new...
Excellent Hotel Service Makes All The Difference

On a trip to Washington DC, my family was able to stay at a familiar hotel. The little things make all the difference, especially hotel service. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both...
Hilton, Delta, Create Road Map For Elite Status Extensions

Delta first extended elite status some weeks ago but following that model we can see the road map for status extensions for the other carriers and hotel chains. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit...
Confirmable Suite Upgrades Places Hilton Diamond Status Above Peers

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...
A Year As United 1K and American Executive Platinum

Following a status match last year from American Airlines Executive Platinum to United 1K, I flew both side-by-side. My personal experience was surprising and foretells where I will spend my time next year. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for...
American Airlines Gold Status? No Thanks.

I have not flown a single flight on American Airlines this year. Nevertheless, I received an offer this week to buy up to Gold status for 2019. You might recall that I earned nearly enough AA miles last year...
IHG Finally Has Hotels Worth Booking

Following a few acquisitions, IHG has improved the value of their points by improving the quantity of their top-end properties. Is it enough to justify loyalty to IHG? If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please...
United Wants Fewer 1Ks, I’ll Oblige

United announced on Friday afternoon that they would increase the spending requirement for their 1K (100,000-mile elite) members from $12,000 per year to $15,000. This is an effort to thin the herd as they have too many top-tier elite...
Mid-Year Status Update – Surprising Results

For the first time since I became a serious frequent flyer, I am carefully tracking all of my traveling metrics for elite status. Every flight and hotel stay is logged and I am sharing my results – my expectations didn’t...
My Mid-Year Status Progress Report (Hotel + Airline)

We’re halfway through the year and I’m happy to report I’m right on target for top-tier status on one airline and one hotel chain. How about you? This year, I’m focusing on 1K status on United and Globalist status...
Free Agent Is The Best Status to Hold

After years of chasing status (I still do), sometimes being a Free Agent when it comes to choosing your travel product is the most liberating of all. While I still hold elite status, on a recent trip my family...
Review: Le Méridien New Orleans – Suite

During a business trip to the Big Easy, I stayed at the Le Méridien New Orleans, upgraded to a corner suite. It was one of the best experiences I have had as a Platinum SPG member and an excellent...
Review: W Hotel New Orleans – French Quarter

The W Hotel New Orleans French Quarter was a mixed bag. The property is well located if you want to be close to Bourbon Street but still able to sleep at night, less than ideal if you’d prefer to...
Why Did I Choose American Over Qatar?

My wife and daughter spent the summer in Thailand as it is my busy season at work and I am nearly never at home – why shouldn’t they be at the beach instead? As a result, I have been...
Review: Renaissance Oklahoma City Convention Center

As I continue to try out Marriott brands during my status challenge period, the Renaissance Hotel in Oklahoma City seemed like a perfect property to review. All hotel brands put their best foot forward in key destinations, like the...
American Executive Platinum Status: Time to Let Go

Elite status is valuable to me, as a frequent traveler, for a number of reasons but over the last two years, changes to American Airline Advantage program are causing me to ask if it’s time to let go of...
Hyatt Suite Upgrades Update: Good News But Still Confusing

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 followed us on Facebook or Instagram, add us today. Formerly called Diamond Suite Upgrades, now simply “Suite Upgrades” are the very best...
Globalist for 24 Months: Mattress Running for Hyatt Status

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 followed us on Facebook or Instagram, add us today. I’ve long been a fan of Hyatt hotels (as my reviews will show)...