Hawaii’s biggest spa, Cabo’s new Four Seasons and other hotel news you missed in February
This year the shortest month was a day longer, meaning 24 more hours of hotel news you might have missed in February.
For us here at The Points Guy, it was a busy one full of exciting (and unexpected) announcements, some frustrating devaluations and a lot of hotel reviews.
The biggest news of the month was that Hilton snatched up Small Luxury Hotels from Hyatt, a major loss for World of Hyatt loyalists. But it's not too late to book some of those SLH properties with Hyatt's Award chart, and we rounded up our favorites you should consider. Hilton also announced that it's partnering with AutoCamp, so Hilton Honors members can now book some outdoorsy vacations on points.
Marriott also had an exciting month with the opening of the highly-anticipated Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa, plus the news that Marriott Bonvoy is giving away tickets to see Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tour," including an out-of-the-world experience that'll have one winner seeing the biggest name in music right now three times in three different countries.
Here's what else you need to know happened in the hotel world last month.
Maui's Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort got a swanky new spa
If there's one place I want to be on every vacation, it's the spa. Even better if it's in Hawaii. Thankfully, the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort on Maui just unveiled its all-new Kilolani Spa, a 50,000-square-foot oasis that also happens to be the largest spa in the state and cost a whopping $55 million to create.
At the Kilolani Spa, guests will find 40 treatment rooms, a hammam, hydrothermal gardens, halotherapy-infused infrared saunas, a meditation lounge and a reflection lounge, all in a conceptual space centered around the Hawaiian moon calendar. This unique concept was developed by Grand Wailea’s in-house cultural and wellness team in collaboration with the renowned spa consultancy TLEE Spas + Wellness and Rachael McCrory, Hilton’s regional director of Spa & Wellness.
The innovative and fresh oasis follows moon cycles (known as Helu Po) with changes to programming coinciding with 10-day moon cycles and using native plants, Maui-made products and other holistic treatments. There will also be a new Hawaiian-inspired sound healing experience using native chants, a saltwater pool for floating experiences, the only hammam in Hawaii, an open-air area with saunas and steam rooms, fitness classes, Peloton bikes, a salon and more.
One of the most exciting hotels of 2024 opened in Savannah
There's no place better for an Aperol Spritz than Hotel Bardo in Savannah, Georgia — because the orange-hued property, especially Bar Bibi, feels like it was inspired by the drink. Featured on TPG's list of most exciting hotel openings for 2024, the hotel has chic rooms with a less-is-more vibe, a cozy Italian restaurant that also offers cooking classes, an Instagram-worthy pool (see the gallery above) and even a spa. If you live in the area, there's also a private membership club, Club Bardo, that comes with access to a private pool, lounge and fitness center.
Rates at Hotel Bardo Savannah start at $297 per night.
Paris Las Vegas gets a fresh new hotel tower
Ooh la la, Paris Las Vegas has been growing thanks to the City of Light-themed resort taking over the Horseshoe Las Vegas' Jubilee Tower and converting it into the Versailles Tower while also giving the property a head-to-toe renovation that's near completion. Costing over $100 million in total, the project adds 756 rooms to Paris, as well as a pedestrian bridge to connect the tower to the original part of the resort. And, according to Caesars, the rooms, which start at 436 square feet, are some of the largest standard rooms in Sin City. Even better, some rooms will have 55-square-foot Strip-view balconies.
Related: 15 best hotels in Las Vegas
Hot tip for anyone staying at Paris or heading to Las Vegas: Vanderpump a Paris, reality star Lisa Vanderpump's restaurant and bar in the resort, has one of the most interesting martinis in town, Le Dirty Bleu, made with Bombay Sapphire gin, blue cheese-stuffed olives, rosemary and an everything bagel spice rim.
Houston gets its first taste of Thompson Hotels
Opening just in time for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, one of the biggest rodeos in the world, there's no better way to say "welcome to the Thompson Houston" than by saying "Howdy." At the 172-room hotel overlooking Buffalo Bayou Park, guests will find design-forward rooms (I mean, look at that bathroom), the six-treatment-room Thompson Spa, an all-day restaurant and bar called Sol 7, and a soon-to-open French restaurant and an upscale supper club.
Rates at Thompson Houston start at $349 or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Mexico's newest Four Seasons is taking reservations
Another on our list of most exciting openings of 2024, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol is now accepting reservations and plans to welcome guests starting May 1. Likely to become a staple in Cabo's luxury hotel scene, the new resort will have 96 rooms, casitas, suites and villas, as well as 61 residences, villas and estates for people looking to plant their flag on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. There will also be a spa offering treatments inspired by the healing traditions of the native Kumiai tribe, plus seven restaurants and bars.
Opening rates at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol start at $1,380 per night.
In other news:
- TWA Hotel owner plans to turn London’s BT Tower into a hotel
- Marriott CEO expects MGM Resorts partnership to get fully underway by mid-March
- Global hotel industry bigwigs convened last month. Here’s how that impacts your next trip
- Six Senses is opening a 3-island resort in South Carolina — and the journey starts on Hilton Head
- Brilliant by Langham: Everything you need to know about Langham’s all-new loyalty program
- Adults-only Miraval Berkshires is letting in kids for first-ever family week
Hotel reviews to inspire your next trip:
- Mountainside luxury: What it’s like staying at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole
- My fun but not-so-adults-only stay at the Hideaway at Royalton Punta Cana
- Colorful, convenient and charming: Review of Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
- What it's like staying at IHG's Coral Level at Iberostar Selection Bavaro
- Inside the new Conrad Orlando that has an 8-acre blue lagoon and borders Disney World
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.