Hyatt Hotels increased the cost of award redemptions and while most of the miles and points community is outraged, I’m really not bothered but for practical reasons. Award Changes The headlines in the miles and points community this week...
The Value Of Points: Hotel Employees Have No Clue What They Are Worth!
A Bad Hampton Inn Stay Gets Worse Let me just give you a little glimpse into an interaction I had at a Hampton Inn where I stayed for two nights. The first night did not go well. I had...
Days After Hyatt Bought Playa Resorts It Sold The Properties
Just days after Hyatt closed its $2.6bn acquisition for Playa Resorts, it sold the hotels for $2bn – but why? Hyatt Buys Playa Resorts, And Then Immediately Sells Playa Resorts… Kind Of Nearly as soon as the stories were...
Starwood Hotels Is Back, And It May Be Better Than Ever
As of March 5, 2025, SH Hotels & Resorts has officially rebranded as Starwood Hotels, marking a significant return of the iconic brand under its original founder, Barry Sternlicht . The Return of a Hospitality Icon Barry Sternlicht, the...
Sneak Peek At The Thompson Miami Beach (Opens Fall 2025)
I was invited to a behind the scenes sneak peek at the glorious new Thompson Miami Beach, and it looks amazing – even under construction. Address: 1685 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 Google Maps Link Under Construction In...
Boutique Hotels Are Eating Business Travel’s Lunch
Something’s happening on the hotel scene, and if you’ve blinked, you might have missed it. Boutique hotels, once niche and novelty, are now quietly becoming the go-to for business travelers—and that should have traditional business hotel brands very worried....
Standard Hotel Sunsets “Secret Agent” – Privé Move Imminent?
The Standard International was purchased by Hyatt and recently announced the discontinuation of its Secret Agent program, is a move to Privé imminent? If you are considering booking travel LiveAndLetsFly.com appreciates your support. If you haven’t followed us on Facebook or Instagram, add us...
Hyatt Posts Another Strong Quarter, Buys Playa Resorts
Hyatt Hotels posted another strong quarter and full year filled with acquisitions in 2024, only to announce yet another acquisition of Playa Resorts. If you are considering booking travel LiveAndLetsFly.com appreciates your support. If you haven’t followed us on Facebook or Instagram, add us...
WSJ Evaluates Travel “Hacks”, Gets Some Right, Some Wrong
The Wall Street Journal critiqued travel “hacks” shared by influencers and failed on some, got others right. Here’s where they nailed it and didn’t. If you are considering booking travel LiveAndLetsFly.com appreciates your support. If you haven’t followed us on Facebook or Instagram, add...
Rumor: Hyatt Hotels Buying Standard Hotels (Chain)
Hyatt Hotels is rumored to be in negotiations for acquiring Standard Hotels, a small buy growing chain of premium boutique hotels in major markets. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both...
Airbnb, Homeshares Need Pricing Transparency Regulations
Hotels have come under scrutiny for adding in junk fees, something the Biden administration has been working hard to eliminate. But it’s far worse in the Airbnb Homeshare market. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new...
My Take: Hyatt Didn’t Really Need SLH or MGM Anymore
Hyatt Hotels has lost its MGM and Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) partnerships in the last eight months. But I don’t think it needed either anymore. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please...
American Airlines-Hyatt Status Challenge Perfectly Timed
In either a strategic masterstroke or an incredible coincidence, American Airlines and Hyatt Hotels reciprocal status challenge is perfectly timed, and even better for me personally. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please...
Another Data Point Suggests Hyatt Ziva, Zilara Going Away
Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara may be going away according to a new data point. 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...
Hyatt Acquisition of Mr. And Mrs. Smith Platform Aligns Well
Hyatt announced the acquisition of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, a luxury booking platform for boutique hotels and it aligns well with the company’s strategy. Here’s why. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please...
Hyatt Should Consider Acquisition of Rosewood Hotels
Hyatt has been expanding over the last few years, but Rosewood Hotels & Resorts might be a nice boost to the top end of the chain. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please...
Overheard: Marriott Bonvoy Lost A Lot Of Elites Last Year
Clients this week shared some information from a Marriott employee that suggested the brand had a significant drop off in Bonvoy elite status holders. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both...
What Can Be Done About Smoking Pot In Hotel Rooms?
After a recent stay in a hotel absolutely reeking of marijuana, what can be done about this problem? 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...
IHG Finds Creative New Ways To Disappoint Customers
IHG (Intercontinental Hotels Group) is finding new, creative ways to disappoint customers and no one should be surprised. 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...
Nearly Free Status With American Airlines Loyalty Points
I had written off American Airlines’ new Loyalty Points, and frankly, the airline until I found this way to cheaply and quickly earn status and points. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please...
