Hyatt’s Las Vegas gamble, Marriott’s new London residences and other November hotel news you missed
November: What a month — especially this one. There was a lot to get through between the election, the start of the holiday season, the time change and, at least, for those who love and support me and my fellow TPG hotel reporter Cameron Sperance, two Scorpio birthdays.
Between all of that, there was still some hotel news that you might have missed.
A few new hotels opened, including two in Utah: a Grand Hyatt welcoming guests just in time for ski season and a stunning hotel in Salt Lake City, set in a historic train depot. We learned that Hilton has plans to open new all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic next year, while Belmond shared that it has plans to launch a luxurious new overnight train through England in 2025.
Here's what else you should know about.
Shanghai will get another Edition hotel
Marriott's Edition brand is no stranger to China: There are already locations open in the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai and the resort destination of Sanya.
Next year, Shanghai will get a second Edition outpost, this time in the Putuo District. Called The Shanghai Edition, Changfeng Park, the hotel will feature 278 rooms and suites, views of Suzhou Creek, a swimming pool, a spa and (we assume) all the Le Lebo smells your nose can handle. (And if you need more, you can get Edition's Le Lebo products, including candles and even an electronic scent diffuser, online.)
Related: The best Edition hotels in the world, according to Marriott Bonvoy loyalists
Waldorf Astoria New York reveals more about the hotel's signature restaurant
The long-awaited return of the Waldorf Astoria New York is just around the corner — and new details seem to be emerging weekly. The latest is the unveiling of the hotel's signature restaurant, Lex Yard by chef-partner Michael Anthony, with the name serving as an ode to "the urban legend of secret travels taken by distinguished hotel guests and dignitaries, connecting the hotel to Grand Central Station," according to Hilton.
Once open, the two-story restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner with a menu of seasonal American cuisine.
"My favorite restaurants are approachable, offer a personalized experience to guests and don't take themselves too seriously," Anthony said in a statement. "This is what we will focus on at Lex Yard, creating a space for guests to enjoy elevated American food and excellent service with their family, friends, and business partners, time and time again.”
The Waldorf Astoria New York is scheduled to open in the spring of 2025.
Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas officially joins Hyatt
Hyatt's relationship with Las Vegas has changed a lot in the last year. But World of Hyatt loyalists heading to Sin City can celebrate that Rio, the off-Strip casino resort that just underwent the first phase of a $340 million renovation, is now officially part of the Destination by Hyatt brand. With the integration, Rio becomes Hyatt's largest property based on room count. During the renovation, the hotel's Ipanema Tower saw room and suite redesigns, the addition of a new food hall, a revamped pool complex, new casino games and new bars and restaurants.
Rio is a World of Hyatt Category 3 hotel with award nights starting as low as 9,000 points per night.
The Westin London City debuts residences perfect for extended stays
London has one of the best hotel scenes in the world — and it just keeps getting better. For folks looking to stay on the longer side or simply need more room to spread out, look no further than The Westin London City's four new residences. Starting at 1,770 feet, the four residences each offer three bedrooms, a balcony facing the River Thames, living and dining areas and a kitchen. Guests can even arrange for a private chef to come cook or take advantage of discounts on spa treatments or dining at the hotel.
Rates for the four residences start around $2,142 per night with a three-night minimum. Now through October of next year, you can earn 2,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points for stays in the residences.
Related: TPG exclusive: Your first look inside the new Park Hyatt London River Thames
A star Fifth Avenue hotel gets a shining new chef
One of TPG's best hotels in New York City, The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue is a fabulous hotel with some of the most impressive views of the Empire State Building around. (Seriously, book a one-bedroom Empire State view suite and thank me later.)
It's also home to Ai Fori, a restaurant serving coastal Riviera cuisine that's part French, part Italian and 100% fresh under the helm of new executive chef Lauren DeSteno, previously with Marea. Now, in DeSteno's reign, guests will experience a new menu that's the culmination of a year spent exploring more than 10 cities in France and Italy. Be sure to order the tagliatelle royal, made with Nova Scotia lobster, crustacean butter, sea urchin and American sturgeon caviar.
Oh, and if you happen to be free between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m., Bar Fiori's daily martini hour shouldn't be missed (just don't forget to invite me).
The StandardX lands in Thailand
The Standard's "rebellious younger sibling," The StandardX, first touched down in Australia — and now is expanding outward to Thailand. At The StandardX, Bangkok Phra Arthit, guests will find 62 rooms, an all-day Thai restaurant, a Mexican-inspired rooftop restaurant by the pool, an art gallery and a chic minimalist vibe in a trendy neighborhood. And, since The Standard brand is now officially part of Hyatt, it's also a place where you'll be able to earn or use World of Hyatt points.
A Veuve Clicquot pop-up is taking over the Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman
On Nov. 29, French Champagne house Veuve Clicquot will launch the Veuve Clicquot Sun Club at Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman’s Bata Bar. Set to be open for six weeks and planned to return throughout the year, the club will offer an Instagram-friendly experience full of photo ops, bottles of Veuve Clicquot, including exclusive bottles like RICH Rosé cuvees, and food by chef Andrea Gaia (we’re talking chicken and Champagne waffles).
In other news
- Hyatt Place (yes, Hyatt Place) is piloting paid breakfast at over 40 hotels
- Accor’s luxe Sofitel Legend brand expanding to the pyramids of Giza
- Luxe Viceroy sets out on global brand relaunch and expansion into Portugal
- Marriott leaders hint at cost cuts that will almost certainly impact future hotel stays
Reviews you need to read
- What it's like to stay at Dream Hollywood by Hyatt
- Serenity in the Sonoran Desert: A review of JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
- What it's like staying at Il Tornabuoni Hotel, a design-centric Hyatt in historic Florence
- Colombian chic: Staying at the Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogota
- Legendary luxury on the Athens Riviera: A review of Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens
- An exciting addition to London's luxe hotel scene: A review of the new Park Hyatt London River Thames
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.