Grand Canyon gets a Holiday Inn, Rosewood Amsterdam is taking reservations and other hotel news you missed last month

January was a difficult month for many people across the United States. The country experienced extreme weather, a devastating bout of fires and, most recently, the largest tragedy in U.S. aviation since 2001.

While I think we are all thankful to turn the page on a painful month, there were some interesting developments in the hotel space throughout January worth looking back on, including a serious Marriott Bonvoy devaluation, an Andaz in Mexico reflagging as an Alila and the opening of a Ritz-Carlton in Thailand's bustling capital of Bangkok.

Here are a few other lighthearted pieces of news to check out this weekend:

A chic new hotel opens in Houston under Hyatt's lifestyle umbrella

When Hyatt acquired the lifestyle hotel brand Standard International, it added a small but beloved group of properties called Bunkhouse Hotels to the mix. In January, Bunkhouse's latest boutique hotel, Hotel Saint Augustine, opened in Houston's Montrose Museum District, adding 71 bold rooms and suites to the city's hotel inventory, plus a Gulf Coast-style bistro from chef Aaron Bludorn, a stunning lobby bar, a listening room and an overarching sense of cool that few brands can deliver as effortlessly as Bunkhouse does.

For now, Bunkhouse properties have yet to be added to the World of Hyatt ecosystem, but that should change soon so you'll be able to earn and burn Hyatt points here.

Staying near Universal Studios Hollywood is going to be better than ever

There are only a handful of hotels within walking distance of Universal Studios Hollywood, and the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City is TPG's favorite. This full-service hotel has a walking path to Universal Studios, and select rooms have views of the movie-themed park.

Recently, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a proposal by Sun Hill Properties to expand the hotel. The plans call for a new 18-story tower with 395 guest rooms, bringing the property's total room count to 890. The concept art of the diamond-shaped building depicts a midcentury modern-inspired design and a rooftop pool. When completed, the expansion will provide a new option for theme park visitors and a much-needed boost in guest room availability for the upcoming L.A. Olympic Games in 2028. — Tarah Chieffi

The Rosewood Amsterdam is finally taking reservations

To say we're excited about the Rosewood Amsterdam is an understatement. In fact, the whole TPG team is clamoring to claim a spot to visit it once it finally opens this summer. If you feel the same about the hotel, which is set in a historic building built in 1665 and once the Palace of Justice, the hotel is now taking reservations for stays starting June 1.

When it opens, this Rosewood property will feature 134 rooms and suites overlooking a UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal, three undisclosed restaurants and bars, and the opportunity to take advantage of exclusive activities like cruising the canals on a private boat decorated by Studio Piet Boon, the design team behind the hotel.

Daily Newsletter

Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter

Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

Email address

Sign up

By signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Golf, food and music combine at a lifestyle festival near Dallas

The Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa in Texas is cooking up something fun: Savor, the golf resort's first festival celebrating the best in food, music and golf. Taking place May 1 through 4, the immersive festival will include more than a dozen celebrity chefs you might recognize from the Food Network, a celebrity golf invitational where you could play next to stars like Michael Strahan and Anthony Anderson, live music from acts like Midland, and events like the Margaritas & Mariachis Celebrity Brunch and other dining experiences.

Tickets can be purchased online and vary in price depending on the event.

IHG loyalists have a new reason to go to the Grand Canyon

Hospitality company Delaware North recently announced that it has reflagged the Squire Resort at the Grand Canyon (near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, in Grand Canyon Village, Arizona) as a Holiday Inn Resort.

It's now called The Squire at Grand Canyon, a Holiday Inn Resort and IHG One Rewards members will be able to earn and burn points while on vacation at one of the country's most incredible natural wonders.

In other news

• You can now book The Venetian Resort Las Vegas through Hyatt
• A chic new residential-style Autograph Collection hotel is opening in Spokane
• Why Paris' favorite fashion week hotel is always on our radar
• A beloved hotel brand is making a comeback: Starwood is being revived
• Hyatt's lifestyle-focused all-inclusive brand is heading to the Dominican Republic

Reviews you need to read

• Beach vibes and luxury digs at the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
• Approachable elegance in the Mile High City: My stay at the Thompson Denver
• A 500,000-gallon snorkeling lagoon and Champagne at the press of a button: A review of the new St. Regis Longboat Key Resort
• First look: Universal Orlando's new Stella Nova Resort is 'out of this world
• The Fairmont Breakers Long Beach reopens
• What it's really like staying at Conrad Bora Bora Nui
• The Raffles London at The OWO has a James Bond-inspired speakeasy and the city's only Guerlain Spa