Ritz-Carlton is coming to Italy, Hyatt opens in San Miguel de Allende and other hotel news you missed
The shortest month of the year has come and gone — and with it, so have many important news stories from the hotel world.
I hope your February was full of fun moments, lovely Valentine's Day plans and time spent celebrating Black History Month. (Though there are incredible destinations where you can celebrate and learn about Black history every month of the year.)
Last month, the hotels team and our TPG colleagues reported that if you want daily housekeeping at Marriott, you should expect to pay more and that the future of Hyatt is all about luxury, lifestyle and resorts. They also reported that President Joe Biden is targeting "junk fees" tacked onto hotel stays, airfare and credit cards.
If you haven't already, I would also recommend reading about the five biggest hotel industry changes that could affect your next stay — from my fellow hotel reporter Cameron Sperance — and a hot take on why hotel resort fees are out of control and need to end ASAP from executive editor Scott Mayerowitz.
Also, check out this incredible review of a hotel that helped one of my favorite teammates rediscover his Dominican roots here in New York City.
But between all of those stories, there were still tidbits of news that deserve a little attention. Here's the hotel news you might have missed in February.
Hyatt's new properties in the Dominican Republic and Mexico
One of TPG's 40 most exciting new hotels opening in 2023 is finally welcoming guests — the Numu Boutique Hotel San Miguel de Allende. You can find it in Mexico's ultracharming city of San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The boutique hotel has just 44 keys, art-filled spaces that draw inspiration from the beautiful city and the Nubye Spa, offering traditional Mexican healing rituals. It features a series of restaurants, including a rooftop venue serving southeast Mexican fare, an all-day courtyard Mexican restaurant and a lobby bar.
A Category 6 World of Hyatt resort, award nights are 25,000 points per night or around $309 per night.
If you'd rather jump on the booming all-inclusive trend (trust us, they're finally getting good!), Hyatt also has a brand-new, all-inclusive resort to check out. Found on the beautiful beach of Cabeza de Toro in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, the Dreams Flora Resort & Spa offers 520 suites — all of which include balconies or terraces. Club-level suites offer access to a club pool, bar and upgraded amenities. There are also multiple pools and a water park as well as kids and teens clubs and a spa.
As for restaurants and bars, options range from a teppanyaki-style Asian restaurant to seafood and Mexican outlets, plus an international buffet. There are 13 bars, including swim-up options, a sports bar and a beachfront bar.
A Category B hotel on Hyatt's all-inclusive award chart, expect to spend 17,000 to 23,000 points per night or around $566 per night, based on double occupancy.
Ritz-Carlton is heading to Lake Como
If you're a fan of luxury hotels, the beautiful village of Bellagio on Lake Como in Italy and the Marriott Bonvoy program, we have some great news that broke on the last day of February. The former Hotel Grande Bretagne will transform into The Ritz-Carlton, Bellagio, the first in Italy, with an expected opening date in 2026.
The Hotel Grande Bretagne was one of the first resorts on Lake Como and has roots dating back to 1850. It had since fallen into disrepair, but it will get a "complete conservative restoration and reimagining of the property with the utmost respect for the historical significance of the building," Marriott, alongside Grimit S.r.l., said in a statement.
Once open, The Ritz-Carlton, Bellagio will feature 59 guest rooms, 46 suites, an outdoor swimming pool, various restaurants and bars (to be announced) and a private boat dock on the lake. If waiting until 2026 feels too long to enjoy a Ritz-Carlton by the water, visit a Ritz-Carlton on the water by taking a vacation on the Ritz-Carlton yacht.
Four Seasons wants to take you for a ride
Four Seasons is known for taking its customer experience to new heights (literally — it has a private jet that can fly you around the world to visit the Canadian brand's best resorts). However, if you like to keep things a little lower to the ground, the company has announced two new Four Seasons Drive Experiences. This way, you can whip around Napa Valley in California or the European Alps in a luxury car before resting your head at multiple Four Seasons properties.
From June 12 to 18, the Four Seasons Drive Experience in the heart of the Alps will allow guests to explore the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), taste wines and cheeses, learn the Swiss art of watchmaking, and rest at the Four Seasons Hotel Des Bergues Geneva and the Four Seasons Hotel Megeve.
In the fall, from Oct. 29 through Nov. 4, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley plays host to the Napa Valley Drive Experience; it explores Napa's world-famous scenic views, culinary offerings and wineries alongside the San Francisco Bay, oyster farming in Tomales Bay and a hot air balloon ride.
More information, pricing and booking information is available through Four Seasons.
Celebrity chefs are turning up the heat for the Las Vegas Grand Prix
If you haven't heard, Las Vegas is about to have a banner year full of new experiences, shows and restaurants; Sin City will even host next year's Super Bowl. But first, folks from around the world will take over the Strip for the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix. The best place to watch is the Bellagio Fountain Club — an indoor-outdoor temporary club built into the elevated viewing platforms that will be constructed over the resort's famed fountains.
At more than $11,000 per ticket, the experience doesn't come cheap — but it does come with a rotating selection of unlimited drinks from mixologists and sommeliers. The beverages also come alongside food crafted by some of the most famous names in the game, including Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Masaharu Morimoto, David Chang, Mario Carbone, Michael Mina, and Bryan and Michael Voltaggio. The experience also includes meet-and-greets with the racers, F1 racing simulators, three-day luxury accommodations at an MGM resort and the chance to go on a pit lane tour to watch the racers prepare for the big moment.
In other news
- These Hilton hotels are the most popular for repeat stays
- The era of hotel bargains is over, Hilton CEO suggests
- How to use the $50 hotel credit on the Chase Sapphire Preferred
- How to match your World of Hyatt status to MGM Rewards for free perks in Las Vegas
- This major hotel company is leading the pack on business travel recovery
- The cheapest place to stay at Disney World is a tent — so I tried it
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.