Another blogger raised questions about Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s “struggles” and trouble with the brand, and market. Here is my response as a luxury travel agency owner specializing in this market. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Financial “Struggles” Details were released this...
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...
Private Clubs Are The Latest Trend In Luxury Hotels
After meeting with more than 60 hoteliers over a three-day period at an invite-only event, the next big trend for luxury hotels doesn’t involve guests at all. Private members’ clubs have long been the domain of the elite, offering...
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....
Review: JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort – Junior Suite
My family checked into the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort for a conference and stayed for a hurricane. The property was a mix of highs and lows. If you are considering booking travel LiveAndLetsFly.com appreciates your support. If you haven’t...
New FTC Rule To Eliminate Junk Resort Fees, Will It Work?
A new FTC rule is intended to create transparency in pricing and eliminate “junk fees” including resort fees for hotel guests. If you are considering booking travel LiveAndLetsFly.com appreciates your support. If you haven’t followed us on Facebook or Instagram, add us today. New...
A Surprising End of Year Elite Status Review
Like many travelers, I’d given up on chasing elite status but as a result of travel and some backpedaling, I have a surprising 2024 end-of-year status review. If you are considering booking travel LiveAndLetsFly.com appreciates your support. If you haven’t followed...
Riding Out Hurricane Helene At The JW Marriott Marco Island
I was attending a conference at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort and we all chose to ride out Hurricane Helene, here’s what that experience was like. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please...
Review: Le Meridien Visconti Rome Hotel
For a short, one-night stay, I tried the Le Meridien Visconti Rome hotel and was a little heartbroken at what’s happened to the brand over the years. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click...
California Honest Pricing Law Attacks Resort Fees, Changes Cruise Pricing Nationwide
California’s Honest Pricing Law forces companies to disclose all fees and charges but it’s having an effect well beyond its borders and its great for consumers. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please...
Review: JW Marriott Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa (Disney World)
A new premium property opened up with Disney theme park benefits, the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa. But how does it compare to alternatives? If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card...
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...
Trying To Find Value When Hotel Points Let You Down
We have an upcoming trip to New York City, and despite the rumors of travel experiencing a lull, the city is absolutely packed. How do you find value when hotel points aren’t an option? If you are considering booking...
Huge Frequent Flyer Programs Struggle At Freddie Awards
The Freddie Awards signal the best of the best loyalty and frequent flyer programs. This year was full of surprises and point to a possible shift. 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...
Virgin Atlantic Transfer Bonus Makes 77k Points Worth $3800
One of the best values for Virgin Atlantic’s 30% Transfer Bonus can make 77,000 points worth more than $3,800 but it’s not what you might think. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please...
Conflicting Information Creates Cloudy Summer Travel Picture
Industry leaders have touted how busy this summer will be for travel, but other data points counter that. Will 2023 be a busier travel season than 2022, or fall flat? If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a...
Do Marriott Points Expire? (Bonvoy)
Marriott is one of the largest hotel chains in the world and its loyalty program is one of the largest as well. But do Marriott points expire and what can you do about it? If you are considering booking...
Marriott Elites Soft Landing, Hyatt Globalists Back To 2019 Levels
Hotel chains suffered during the pandemic to secure and maintain elites. With travel roaring back, Hyatt is back to pre-pandemic levels while Marriott appears to struggle. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please...
Review: Renaissance Hotel Vendôme Paris – Don’t Stay Here
My family had an unexpected additional night in Paris and stayed at the Renaissance Hotel Vendôme Paris for the very first, and last time. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both...
