Marriott loyalists and Disney enthusiasts, listen up! There’s a new Bonvoy property entering the game at Walt Disney World, and it might be happening sooner than you may have expected. Thanks to the sharp eyes of one of our readers, Mike Jones, we’ve got the scoop on the latest addition to the Marriott WDW lineup. Enter the Renaissance Orlando Resort and Spa.
Nestled conveniently at 1905 Hotel Plaza Boulevard, this property is just a stone’s throw away from the bustling Disney Springs shopping & entertainment district, within the boundaries of WDW property and the hotly-debated Reedy Creek Improvement District Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. But this property isn’t a new build, and that’s why it may come online sooner than you’d expect. For those who frequent the House of Mouse, this address may ring a bell – it’s the same spot currently operating as the B Resort & Spa. And it looks like it’s transforming into a Renaissance.
According to the B Resort & Spa website, they’re knee-deep in renovations, with active areas of renovation off-limits to guests. Guests are advised to expect some alterations to services and operating hours. It does seem they are very much renovating, indeed… into an entirely different brand.
We are renovating our resort!
Pardon our Dust. We are currently renovating our resort, and active areas of renovation will not be accessible to guests. During this time, certain services and operating hours may be altered. Our team will update all arriving guests of those changes.
B Resort & Spa Website
Now, the Marriott website tantalizingly mentions that the Renaissance will be swinging its doors “open” come March 2024. However, as of now, you can’t book your spot in this new gem through any of Marriott’s platforms.
No official announcement has dropped from either side, nor do we have any concrete info regarding Disney benefits at this new Bonvoy property. But if history is any indication, we’re looking at a setup similar to the current B Resort & Spa situation. So, keep those Mickey ears to the ground for updates on that front.
What’s particularly exciting about this addition is the prospect of using your hard-earned points on WDW turf. Disney might be a magical kingdom, but it’s also a place where cash is king. Opportunities to use your points on Disney property are as rare as a hidden Mickey, making this Renaissance a potentially welcome game-changer.
Now, the burning question: how many Bonvoy points will it take to stay at such a convenient location on Disney property? Well, that remains a mystery since the property isn’t yet bookable through Marriott’s platform. But fear not – as soon as those details drop, you’ll be the first to know.
So, mark your calendars for March 2024, keep an eye on your Bonvoy apps, and get ready to add another Marriott option to your WDW playbook. The magic is expanding, and this time, it’s in the form of a Renaissance. Stay tuned for more details.
Hyatt Hotels is doubling down on Mexico with the announcement of four new properties in the pipeline. Collaborating with franchisee Parks Hospitality Holdings, the brand is aiming to leave its mark in the vibrant landscapes of Mexico City, Los Cabos, and Cancun. With the first of these properties set to welcome guests starting in 2024, these developments underscore Hyatt’s commitment to meeting the rising demand for luxury and leisure travel experiences.
Among the upcoming properties, the roster includes two Grand Hyatt hotels, a select-service Hyatt Place location near Cancun International Airport, and the debut of the Park Hyatt brand in Cancun. This strategic move appears to be a conscious effort by Hyatt to cater to the evolving dynamics of travel demand, especially with international demand remaining robust while demand for domestic travel largely evaporating, affecting low-cost carriers like Spirit (Spirit does fly to Mexico, but not Europe).
Grand Hyatt Los Cabos rendering, courtesy PHH
While Hyatt’s international growth trajectory in recent years has often been marked by acquisitions, such as the recent additions from Apple Leisure Group’s resorts and Lindner Hotels and Resorts, these four properties all appear to be new builds, purpose-built for Hyatt’s portfolio.
Camilo Bolaños, Senior Vice President of Development for Latin America & the Caribbean at Hyatt, emphasized the significance of these expansions, citing the brand’s intentional strategy to fortify its presence in Mexico. He highlighted the pivotal role of collaborative owners like Parks Hospitality Holdings in amplifying Hyatt’s reach and meeting the preferences of their guests, World of Hyatt members, and customers.
Our intentional growth strategy for our portfolio in Mexico is driven by strong relationships with owners like Parks Hospitality Holdings who are helping expand Hyatt’s brand footprint across markets that matter most to our guests, World of Hyatt members and customers. Hyatt occupies a unique position in the marketplace, and we believe we are optimally positioned because of our size, scale and portfolio – we are agile enough to create personal relationships, draw on our own experiences and lead with empathy, which allows us to deliver the world-class hospitality for which Hyatt is known.
Camilo Bolaños, Senior Vice President of Development for Latin America & the Caribbean
Delving into the specifics, the forthcoming Park Hyatt Cancun, set to open its doors in 2025, promises a sophisticated experience, boasting beachfront access and a host of culinary delights amidst Cancun’s breathtaking scenery. Meanwhile, the Grand Hyatt Mexico Santa Fe, slated for a 2025 opening, will offer an urban retreat with panoramic views and ample meeting and event spaces as part of the Distrito Santa Fe project. This will be Hyatt’s first urban Grand Hyatt property in Mexico.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Grand Hyatt Los Cabos will nestle itself within the OLEADA Pacific Living & Golf private resort community, presenting a lavish spread of luxurious amenities, including an 18-hole golf course designed by the renowned Ernie Els.
Furthermore, the Hyatt Place Cancun Airport, also due to open in late 2026, will cater to travelers seeking both leisure and business accommodations, conveniently situated just minutes away from the Cancun International Airport (CUN).
Hyatt really seems to be focused on where the demand is here – Mexico and Europe. Domestic travel within the US is going to be weak for a long time. While Hyatt still has a considerable domestic pipeline, all but three properties are select-service. Two of those three properties are Captions. They’re opening a ton of Hyatt Houses and Hyatt Places, but we really don’t see any full-service growth at all. It really seems that for those who are traveling domestically at all, budget travel is the order of the day.
Changes are coming to Marriott Bonvoy’s upgrade awards in 2024. First and foremost, the Suite Night Awards that we’ve grown accustomed to will be rebranded as “nightly upgrade awards.” Marriott seems to be using this new name to set the record straight: don’t expect to be swimming in suite upgrades, even if you’re an elite member.
Now, let’s dig into the nitty-gritty details. These nightly upgrade awards will extend their reach to a broader range of brands, including Ritz-Carlton, EDITION, Aloft, Element, and Protea Hotels. While the notion of an upgrade at an Aloft might be puzzling, the prospect of an upgrade at Ritz-Carlton or EDITION is genuinely exciting, as it enhances the overall program experience. Ritz-Carlton previously hardly offered any elite benefits at all, so it’s nice to see them aligning the brand a little more closely with competitor Park Hyatt, where full elite benefits are offered to World of Hyatt members.
The suite upgrade game is also evolving in terms of room types. Marriott will expand the room inventory, adding nearly 20% more room types beyond just suites. Expect to see options like oceanfront rooms, balconies, and additional space, though it’s worth noting that even with these new room types, the 20% figure they’re promoting is influenced by the inclusion of five additional brands.
One significant shift to be aware of is the timing of upgrade processing. In the past, suite upgrade requests were considered five days prior to check-in. However, Marriott is shortening the upgrade window, now processing upgrades a mere three days before arrival and allowing more time to upsell on paid upgrades or sell the suites outright. This puts them in stark contrast to Hyatt and IHG, who confirm upgrades in advance, either at booking or 14 days before check-in.
Marriott will often try to upsell guests, even non-elites, on paid suite upgrades. In contrast, IHG and Hyatt are more generous when it comes to offering suite upgrades to elite members. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Hilton doesn’t seem to have a defined policy on suite upgrades, leaving it up to the discretion of the front desk agent.
In the end, this isn’t as groundbreaking as it sounds; what Marriott is doing with upgrade awards is simply a step toward setting realistic expectations for Platinum elites and higher. While upgrades will still be part of the perks, the chances of snagging a suite are slim. In many ways, Marriott is merely formalizing what has been the unofficial policy for years – many Bonvoy elites will attest to difficulty in redeeming SNA awards under the current scheme. So, as you look ahead to 2024, keep these changes in mind when planning your Marriott stays. Happy travels!
Last month, I had the pleasure of staying at The Glasshouse Hotel in Edinburgh, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection of boutique properties. Admittedly I was cheating on Hyatt here, as there are currently no Hyatt options in or near any major cities in Scotland – in fact, the only Hyatt property in Scotland is in a remote area near the border with England (though this will change in 2025 with the new Centric near Haymarket Station). The hotel is situated right in the heart of Edinburgh, and I was pleasantly surprised by my stay. Here’s my review of this unique establishment.
Location The hotel’s location is tough to beat. It is nestled in the city center, conveniently located on a square, just steps away from the Picardy Place tram stop. This hotel is a mere one tram stop away from Waverley Station and a 45 minute tram ride directly to and from Edinburgh Airport (EDI). Moreover, it’s a short walk to St. James Quarter, where I recommend snagging a reservation at Duck & Waffle. Be prepared to walk up and down some steep gradients – though that’s more of an Edinburgh problem than a problem with this specific property.
Accommodation The Glasshouse Hotel boasts 77 rooms, including 17 suites, each named after a Scottish whisky or whisky region. No two rooms are alike, as the hotel is a historic building. The rooms are well-appointed, with many (but not all – mine did not) featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and blackout curtains, perfect for the long summer days at such a high latitude. While my view was nothing to write home about, featuring an office building, some parts of the hotel offer a distant view of the Firth of Forth. Each room features a complimentary minibar, restocked daily by the housekeeping team; while this was a wonderful and unique feature to have, the hotel could do a better job of communicating that the minibar’s contents are free to take. If I’d known that from the get-go, it would have saved me a trip across the square to Tesco after a very long travel day.
View from First Floor Room, Glasshouse Hotel, Autograph Collection by Marriott (C) Points & PDBs
Layout The hotel’s layout is one of the most bizarre I’ve encountered in any hotel, which I supposed is expected in a historic church repurposed into a hotel. If your room isn’t on the 3rd floor, be prepared for a bit of a hike. You’ll need to take the elevator from the lobby to the 3rd floor, as it does not access floors 1 or 2 – the staff cited UK historical preservation regulations as the reason, though I suspect the real reason is those elevator landings likely connect back to the OMNi Centre (more on that in a sec). From there, you must navigate a long hallway to reach the Snug bar and then walk down a staircase (an elevator is available within a nearby fire escape).
I almost never accept offers from hotel staff to personally show me to my room and help with my luggage, but Morgan at the front desk insisted due to the unusual layout of the facility. Indeed, I’m not sure I would have located my room without his help, and I’m not normally one to be directionally-challenged – the layout was simply that strange. Pro tip: the fire escape that contains the elevator is a much more convenient way to exit the hotel, though re-entry still requires a trek through the lobby.
Elite Recognition As a lowly Bonvoy Gold Elite member, I went in with low expectations, but was pleasantly surprised that the hotel went above and beyond the published tier benefits. I was upgraded to a larger and newly remodeled king room on the first floor, which was relatively spacious even by American standards and massive by European standards. I received two drink coupons for the bar, which is not a normal elite benefit but was a welcome gesture. I also managed to secure a 2 pm checkout at the last minute, after KLM offered me significant compensation to move to a later flight following an equipment swap from a 737-800 down to a -700. All Bonvoy members enjoy a 10% discount on all food and beverages at the Snug, regardless of their status.
Spacious King Room at the Glasshouse Hotel, Autograph Collection by Marriott (C) Points & PDBs
Service The service at The Glasshouse Hotel was exceptional and the staff very warm and friendly, as expected in Scotland. Every member of the staff, from management to housekeeping, went out of their way to ensure a memorable stay. One manager, hailing from Poland, even took the time to personally escort me through a staff corridor to show me her favorite view of the Firth of Forth from the hotel. We had a wonderful conversation, and she even jotted down recommendations for my next destination in Europe, Amsterdam.
Clientele During my stay, I noticed that nearly all of the clientele were Americans. According to the staff, the hotel and Edinburgh as a whole used to be popular with guests from Asia. However, even as pandemic-era travel restrictions have eased, guests from Asia have yet to return in significant numbers. That said, Americans have flocked to Edinburgh in droves to pick up the slack, with even JetBlue adding nonstop flights from JFK to EDI (if anyone from AA is reading this… hint hint). Despite the way American tourists are perceived in many parts of the world, the Scottish seem to genuinely like and welcome us, and the hotel staff were certainly no exception.
Rooftop Garden One of the standout features of this hotel is the rooftop garden. It offers stunning views of Calton Hill and, in the far corner, the Firth of Forth. It also contains a small wedding/event venue, but during my stay, guests were up there simply enjoying the warm, sunny weather.
Rooftop garden at the Glasshouse Hotel, Autograph Collection by Marriott (C) Points & PDBs
Food and Beverage The hotel’s Snug Lounge on the 3rd floor is the centerpiece of the hotel… which it sounds strange that the centerpiece would be on the 3rd floor, but again, the layout is odd. It features an indoor fire pit and offers locally sourced Scottish cuisine, afternoon tea, and whisky tastings. While I didn’t dine there, I did use my drink coupons at the bar. Haig, the bartender, made excellent recommendations, and his captivating Scottish storytelling added to the ambiance – the stories would be outlandish anywhere else, but in a magical place like Edinburgh, anything seems believable. The Brasserie, which offers breakfast only, received mixed reviews. As a Gold member, I was not entitled to complimentary breakfast, so I opted to explore local restaurants instead.
Hotel Facilities One aspect worth noting is that the hotel is not a standalone building but is built into the margins of the OMNi Centre, a small shopping mall with various dining and entertainment options. Much of the hotel’s namesake glass facade belongs to the mall, not the hotel itself. While I experienced no noise issues, some guests have reported hearing loud music from bars and restaurants in the mall inside their rooms, so be aware of this when booking.
Additionally, not long after my stay, an incredibly bright advertising display was installed on the side of the building, and I’d have to think that might be disruptive to sleep. Despite facing away from the building, the layout of the square and the sheer brightness might still cause the display board to impact your sleep quality.
Bottom Line Those who enjoy more boutique-type properties and aren’t dissuaded by the price tag (and relative lack of amenities for a full-service property) will absolutely love this hotel. However, while I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at The Glasshouse Hotel and was impressed by the exceptional service, I might hesitate to stay again. The rates at this hotel usually exceed £300 per night (and often north of £500), which I found challenging to justify given this is a boutique hotel in a secondary European market. The Great Scotland Yard Hotel by Hyatt often commands comparable pricing, but the hotel is much better, and it’s steps from Trafalgar Square and Charing Cross Station in central London! Marriott Bonvoy points are a better value, clocking in between 40k-65k points many nights with Marriott’s fully dynamic award pricing.
Additionally, most of us will likely be better served by some interesting Edinburgh properties currently in the pipeline, both of which will feature a more comprehensive range of amenities (and hopefully, a better layout). As a Hyatt Globalist, I’d find it tough to cheat on Hyatt for this property once the Hyatt Centric Edinburgh Haymarket opens in 2025. For Marriott loyalists, the highly anticipated W Edinburgh (or as the locals call it, the “poop building”), slated to open in just a few short weeks, is just steps away, attached to St. James Quarter. These may be worthwhile alternatives for your next visit to Edinburgh.
Hyatt Globalist status is the pinnacle of hotel elite status, offering a host of remarkable benefits that elevate your travel experience. If you’re like me, you treasure your Globalist status and all the perks that come with it, from those sought-after space-available suite upgrades to complimentary breakfast, 4 pm late checkouts, and even a dedicated My Hyatt Concierge once you’ve hit your 60th night. It’s a treasure trove of privileges, but what happens when a Globalist is under 21 years old? Do they still get to enjoy the full spectrum of Globalist benefits? A recent Reddit post in /r/Hyatt sheds light on this intriguing topic.
Captain_nonsense3738 shared their experience during a stay at the Confidante Miami Beach, a property soon to become the Andaz Miami Beach. While the property has a minimum check-in age of 21, the front desk agent allowed this Globalist, who was under 21, to check in. However, things took an interesting turn as they were denied complimentary breakfast – a benefit they had rightfully earned as a Globalist. The agent also informed them that they couldn’t charge anything to their room, which meant they couldn’t utilize the $100 property credit from AmEx The Hotel Collection (THC).
Now, let’s dive into some thoughts on this matter:
Minimum Check-In Age: It’s reasonable for the hotel to waive the minimum check-in age for a Globalist. These travelers have displayed loyalty to Hyatt and have built a history with the chain that vouches for their trustworthiness.
Breakfast Benefit: Refusing breakfast was a misstep. Breakfast is a well-earned benefit, and the excuse of being unable to charge it to the room isn’t sufficient. The hotel could have found an alternative way to provide breakfast, such as a voucher. It’s always puzzled me why domestic Hyatt hotels tend to require Globalists to charge to their folio and then manually remove the charge later; any foreign Hyatt property I’ve ever visited, the hotel restaurant usually receives a list of Globalists currently on property, and they simply don’t charge you. Maybe this has to do with American tipping culture, as a room charge gives you the opportunity to write down a specified gratuity amount on a receipt?
Room Charges: The decision to restrict the guest from making room charges, assuming they provided a valid credit card with enough available credit for the deposit, seems unnecessary. While it’s unclear which card was used to pay, the post implies that it might have been an AmEx Platinum, which typically doesn’t come with a preset credit limit and is typically issued only to those with excellent credit.
Age Restrictions: The only valid reason to modify or deny a Globalist benefit due to age might be in cases involving alcohol, especially in the United States, where the legal drinking age is among the highest in the world. For instance, a complimentary mimosa at breakfast could be legally problematic in some jurisdictions.
It’s always surprising how, in the United States, one can make life-altering decisions and even enlist in the military at 18, but can’t enjoy certain privileges like drinking alcohol or checking into many hotels until 21. The age restrictions seem arbitrary in many cases.
In the case of this Redditor, it appears that the hotel made some questionable decisions. Globalist benefits are earned and should be honored, irrespective of age. If the hotel is willing to check in a Globalist under 21, they should be prepared to extend the full array of benefits that come with the coveted Globalist status. It’s an interesting topic to consider, and it’s clear that there’s room for improvement in how these situations are handled, especially when it comes to ensuring that Globalists get the full experience they’ve earned.
What do you think about this situation? Have you encountered similar issues when traveling as a Globalist? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.
It appears that the installation of an eye-catching digital display at a Marriott property in Edinburgh’s city center has stirred quite the commotion. This monumental screen, which has been hailed as the largest in all of Scotland, now graces the exterior of the Omni Center, a multifaceted complex that houses a mix of retail, a movie theater, various dining establishments, and the elegant Glasshouse Hotel, affiliated with Marriott’s Autograph Collection.
While the screen is angled away from guestrooms, the sheer luminance of this mammoth display would likely reflect off nearby buildings and back into guests’ windows, not to mention generally ruining the charm of the immediate area. To give you a sense of the scale, one glance at a snapshot shared by @SuperStevie268 on X (formerly Twitter), and you’d swear the entire square was in daylight at midnight – a sight that, to be fair, isn’t uncommon in the summer months at such a high latitude.
Thankfully for the hotel’s occupants, the good folks at The Glasshouse Hotel seem to have had the foresight to furnish their guestrooms with blackout curtains. After all, Scotland’s summer sun, with its penchant for lingering late into the evening, is an old acquaintance for those familiar with the region.
Having checked in at this establishment just a month prior to the screen’s installation, I can vouch for its charm and sophistication, frequently commanding rates north of GBP £300 per night. Nevertheless, the promise of the impending Hyatt Centric Edinburgh Haymarket would likely prevent me from needing to stay with Marriott on future visits to the Scottish capital. A comprehensive review of The Glasshouse is in the pipeline, so stay tuned for that (UPDATE: review now live).
News has reached us that an investigation is now underway by the council, thanks to the diligent reporters over at EdinburghLive.co.uk. The seemingly audacious screen has raised enough questions to warrant official scrutiny, and rightly so.
GEM Display, the company behind this luminous spectacle, had boasted about their creation, describing it as “Scotland’s largest” and the “first large format digital display within Edinburgh’s World Heritage zone in the city center.” Well, it appears they’ve certainly accomplished their mission of being unmissable, but perhaps they didn’t factor in the sleep patterns of the hotel’s guests, or the fact that it’s in, well, a World Heritage zone.
It’s safe to say that this larger-than-life display isn’t going unnoticed, and its brightness is, well, certainly hard to miss. We’ll be keeping an eye on how this situation unfolds, but for now, all we can say is, sleep tight, guests of The Glasshouse – and don’t forget to pull those blackout curtains!
Marriott Bonvoy members have been eagerly anticipating the opportunity to start earning and redeeming points at MGM Resorts properties. The hype around this partnership escalated when MGM Resorts made the significant move to sever its ties with Hyatt in favor of embracing a broader, more extensive collaboration with Marriott International. The possibilities seemed endless, spanning not only the realm of hotel loyalty but also branching out into online betting and hotel branding. This announcement angered Hyatt loyalists, who had previously used Vegas as an all-you-can-eat buffet of cheap elite nights.
A specific launch date remained shrouded in uncertainty. While October 1st had been casually tossed around as a potential start date, the situation took a sudden turn when MGM Resorts faced an unprecedented cyberattack last month. The fallout from this event cast doubts on the partnership’s commencement. Now, we have official word from both companies that Marriott and MGM Resorts have decided to postpone the launch to sometime in early 2024.
In a joint statement, the companies expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership and the vision they have for their collaboration. “Marriott International and MGM Resorts International are creating an extraordinary experience for our loyalty members with the introduction of MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy,” the statement read. “Our two companies are excited to deliver world-class offerings and benefits for our guests. We look forward to debuting MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy by early 2024.”
Despite the anticipation surrounding this partnership, neither company has commented on the specific reasons for the delay. However, considering the recent cyberattack on MGM Resorts, it’s not entirely surprising that the launch has been pushed back by a few months. Cybersecurity concerns are no small matter, and both companies likely want to ensure the utmost security and readiness before introducing their collaboration to the world.
As we wait for the dust to settle and the partnership to take shape, many details about the specifics of this collaboration remain to be announced. While the delay may be a tad disappointing for Marriott Bonvoy members eager to explore the offerings at MGM Resorts properties, great things are worth the wait. Let’s hope the extra time gives the companies the opportunity to refine and enhance the offerings they plan to bring to the table.
Hyatt Globalist status is, without a doubt, the crown jewel of hotel elite statuses, and possibly one of the most valuable elite statuses across the board. With a slew of perks that make your hotel stays leaps and bounds better, it’s a highly sought-after status. Space-available suite upgrades, club lounge access, complimentary breakfast at all hotels, 4 pm late checkout, no resort fees even on cash stays, free parking on award stays, and being assigned a dedicated My Hyatt Concierge (after your 60th night). It’s a traveler’s dream come true.
But today, we’re here to discuss a lesser-discussed benefit that comes with hitting that magical 60-night threshold: the annual Category 1-7 free night certificate. This milestone award can be worth potentially thousands of dollars depending how it’s used, but its timing can make all the difference. And Hyatt has some room to do better here.
Here’s the deal: the Category 1-7 certificate is issued when you reach 60 nights, coincidentally the same threshold for achieving or renewing your Globalist status. However, a key point to remember is that this certificate is technically considered a milestone award and not a direct benefit of Globalist status (just like the My Hyatt Concierge benefit). So, if you obtained your Globalist status through Bilt Rewards or a corporate challenge, you won’t receive it unless you later hit the full 60 nights.
The Category 1-7 certificate isn’t your run-of-the-mill free night certificate, as it’s considerably rarer than the more common Category 1-4 certificates. You can only obtain one Category 1-7 certificate per year, and it’s issued soon after your 60th night posts in your account. The catch is, it’s only valid for six months, and the clock starts ticking the moment it’s issued. To make matters worse, it’s not enough to just book a stay before the expiration date; you must actually complete your stay by that date, just like all Hyatt free night certificates.
Now, here’s where the timing aspect comes into play. If you’re already a Globalist and you don’t have immediate plans to use that certificate, it might be in your best interest to pace yourself and time your 60th night closer to December 31st, which is the deadline to earn elite nights for the Hyatt membership year. Just remember you have to check out before the ball drops on Times Square in order to avoid inadvertently crediting those nights towards next year.
For example, if you hit your 60 nights today, you’ll have to complete your stay by mid-April. However, if you strategically time your 60th night for December, you could potentially use your Category 1-7 certificate as late as June.
Hyatt has some serious room for improvement regarding this aspect of their program. By tying the certificate’s expiration date to when you achieve an elite night milestone, it could unintentionally create a situation where a loyal member is actually discouraged from staying at a Hyatt to avoid triggering the certificate’s premature issuance. Hyatt could consider making changes to address this issue.
One way to do this would be to make the certificates valid until the end of the following calendar or membership year (December 31st or February 28th, respectively). Alternatively, extending the certificate’s validity to a full 12 months, similar to how several of the Hyatt free night certificates already are (such as those from the World of Hyatt Credit Card by Chase), could give Globalists greater flexibility in planning their stays.
The Category 1-7 free night certificate is a valuable perk that comes with achieving 60 elite nights with Hyatt. However, the timing of when you earn this milestone can significantly impact its usefulness. Hyatt could make a few adjustments to their program to provide more flexibility and ensure that loyal members can fully enjoy the benefits of their milestone awards. So, if you’re on the path to 60 elite nights with Hyatt, it might be worth pondering whether to wait a little longer before hitting that milestone.
Hilton has just thrown open the doors to the first member of its new Spark by Hilton brand, and boy, oh boy, does it leave us with some questions. Say hello to the Spark by Hilton Mystic Groton in Mystic, CT, a place that, at first glance, looks like a questionable roadside motel with a fresh coat of paint. And that’s no optical illusion – this property used to go by the name “Days Inn by Wyndham Mystic.” While Hilton seems to have slapped on a new (and might I add, less than appealing) paint job and spruced up a few areas, let’s not get carried away. It’s akin to slapping lipstick on a pig.
Spark by Hilton is Hilton’s newest addition to its roster of economy brands. Following rivals Marriott and Hyatt amid these uncertain economic times, Hilton’s leaping into the lower-tier market, and it’s diving in headfirst. Perhaps a bit too headfirst, given the dubious “charm” of this Mystic property. Spark seems dead-set on converting old motels into something that, at best, competes with the likes of Motel 6 and Howard Johnson. Conversion-only brands rarely produce anything that’s, well, truly worth staying in, and Spark’s no exception. The writing on the wall suggests that this is a brand that’s more in line with your typical motel next to an interstate and a Denny’s than midscale joints like Hampton Inn or Hyatt Place.
What do you get when you shack up at Spark? The usual amenities you’d expect from a low-tier Hilton brand – complimentary breakfast that might make you wish you’d just gone out to eat locally instead, free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour market stocked with life’s essentials, simple furniture that’s functional but hardly Instagram-worthy, and an open closet – which, let’s be honest, the fewer nooks and crannies in a hotel likely to have hit-or-miss housekeeping, the better. We just hope the towels are good.
While Hilton’s Spark by Hilton brand enters the economy hotel segment, competitors like Hyatt and Marriott have introduced their own low-tier brands. Hyatt’s new brand Hyatt Studios focuses exclusively on new-build properties, potentially addressing their weaknesses in the select-service space, and allowing them to expand to markets they otherwise may not have served. Marriott’s StudioRes appears geared towards extended stay travelers who want amenities like a full kitchen. These moves may make a lot more sense than simply taking old Wyndham motels and giving them a fresh coat of paint.
But here’s the real head-scratcher. Are we witnessing a subtle shift in Hilton’s grand strategy? It’s no secret that domestic Hilton properties took a nosedive in quality, especially when compared to heavy-hitters like Hyatt and Marriott during the pandemic. Could it be that Hilton’s given up on trying to duke it out with the big boys and is slowly realigning itself to take on Wyndham and Choice Hotels? With Spark, they’ve effectively rolled out a motel brand that, well, looks like it belongs in Wyndham’s stable more than Hilton’s.
So, there you have it, folks. Spark by Hilton has entered the chat, and it seems like they’re setting their sights on the motels rather than the Marriotts of the world. Let’s just hope the rest of the Spark properties have a bit more shine.
If you’re a World of Hyatt elite member and you haven’t heard about the American AAdvantage Instant Status Pass yet, you’re in for a treat. The clock is ticking, and there’s only one day left to take advantage of this fantastic offer. So, let’s get straight to the details.
The AAdvantage Instant Status Pass
If you’re a loyal member of both World of Hyatt and AAdvantage, you’re in luck. American Airlines is offering complimentary AAdvantage status to World of Hyatt Explorist and Globalist members. All you need to do is link your World of Hyatt and AAdvantage accounts and register for this promotion before October 12, 2023.
Globalist Members: You’ll be upgraded to AAdvantage Platinum Pro status.
This elite status will be yours for four months after registration. And the best part? You can extend it for an additional four months through specific activity.
Maintaining Your AAdvantage Status
To keep enjoying your AAdvantage status, here’s what you need to do during the qualifying four-month period:
Explorist Members: Earn at least 25,000 Loyalty Points to maintain AAdvantage Platinum.
Globalist Members: Aim for at least 42,000 Loyalty Points to hold onto your AAdvantage Platinum Pro status.
If you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can even earn AAdvantage Executive Platinum status by reaching 67,000 Loyalty Points.
The icing on the cake is the opportunity to extend your status for an entire membership year after completing three consecutive four-month “qualifying phases.”
How to Register
To get started, head over to the link provided on Hyatt’s official page to connect your Hyatt account to your AAdvantage account. If your accounts are already linked, check out the “Promotions” tab in your AAdvantage account for the registration details.
Important Notes
Before you jump in, take note of a couple of important points:
You can’t participate in an offer for the same or lower status during the same membership year. So, choose wisely.
If you’ve enrolled in the Instant Status Pass™ in the previous 24 months, you won’t be eligible for this promotion.
A Growing Trend
For those of you who’ve been in the loop, you might recall that AA and Hyatt ran a similar promotion last year, which gained significant popularity. It seems like more travelers have been targeted this year, so you won’t want to miss out. This joint promotion is an extension of a wider partnership between the airline and hotel group, allowing elite members in both programs double-dipping opportunities on revenue flights and hotel stays (the latter of which also counts towards Loyalty Points with AA).
So there you have it, folks! The clock is ticking, and you’ve got just one day left to make the most of the AAdvantage Instant Status Pass. If you’re a World of Hyatt elite member, this is an offer that could elevate your travel game for months to come. Don’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers. Register now and enjoy the perks of elite status. Safe travels!
