A truly accessible hotel in Texas, Hilton’s 'Lion King' Suite on Broadway and other hotel news you might have missed
Don't ask me how, but August is leaving and September is knocking — and while there are technically still a few weeks of summer left, I'm already dreading its end. This summer has been a good one for me, full of travel, friends and family. This month has been full of hotel news, too, including a few exciting things you might have missed.
Late in August, Hyatt announced its plans to buy the hip Standard International hotel brand for a cool $335 million. Marriott also made waves with the announcement the company will be rolling out a partnership with Sonder, a short-term rental company that offers apartment-style stays in major cities.
We also saw the opening of two different hotels on our list of the most exciting hotel openings of 2024: the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort in Florida and the Graduate Princeton in New Jersey.
Marriott lands in South Australia
Folks heading to Australia — the state of South Australia, specifically — can finally cash in Marriott Bonvoy points for a hotel stay, as the first Marriott in the state has opened in Adelaide. Set in the 150-year-old Adelaide General Post Office building (along with a shiny new tower), the hotel has 285 rooms, including 12 suites, plus a restaurant and bar and even an indoor swimming pool. The hotel marks the 600th Marriott International property in Asia-Pacific (excluding China), with another 400 in the pipeline.
'The Lion King' is taking over the Hilton New York Times Square
"The Lion King" has long been one of the most loved shows on Broadway. Now, fans of the musical can spend the night in an immersive suite decked out from top to bottom in a "Lion King"-themed design and memorabilia from the show, like fabrics used on stage and drawings of various costumes.
Designed by Devin Sparkles Design, "The Lion King's" Royal Suite is part of a larger package that also includes two drinks (either a Hakuna Manhattan or a Serengeti Sunrise mocktail), a wake-up call from Rafiki (played by Tshidi Manye), Simba-themed s'mores, gifts inspired by the show, breakfast at the hotel and access to special rates for premium seating at "The Lion King" on Broadway.
Rates for the suite start from $500 per night and can be booked online by emailing NYCTS-SALESADM@hilton.com or by calling (212) 913-9488.
Orlando's getting a luxe IHG property
Good news for IHG loyalists who love the thrills and entertainment of Orlando! The city is getting an InterContinental hotel. Set to open in 2028, the InterContinental Orlando will have 700 rooms, five restaurants and bars, a 15,000-square-foot wellness area and a Club InterContinental Lounge, all found on International Drive and near the major theme parks.
Orlando has a lot to look forward to over the next few years, starting with the opening of the new Epic Universe theme park and the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which will have a dedicated entrance into the park. Over at Walt Disney World, new upcoming attractions include new lands at various parks centered around "Monsters, Inc.," "Cars," Disney's famous villains, "Zootopia" and more.
A beloved European escape transforms into a Four Seasons
Over 100 rooms spread across a 100-acre resort on the Spanish island of Mallorca make up Four Seasons' latest trick: Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor. Set beside a working wine vineyard on a property that dates back to 1929, this Four Seasons combines the natural beauty of the island with the brand's legendary service to create a seasonal holiday experience that encompasses a temporary pop-up spa, multiple bars and restaurants and days spent lounging by the pool, snorkeling or hiking up to catch scenic views. Open through the end of October, guests can currently get 15% off stays of two nights or longer.
Next year, the resort will reopen in March.
A new Texas hotel will be 'ultra-accommodating' for guests with all kinds of needs
As someone who travels often with a family member who uses a wheelchair, I can tell you firsthand how frustrating hotel stays can be. Morgan's Wonderland, a San Antonio theme park created to give guests with and without disabilities a place to go for fun, is opening a new hotel tailored to accessibility needs. The property will have staff who specialize in disability assistance and are trained in disability etiquette, offering special accommodations for people with specific hearing, visual and physical needs and even catering to aging populations.
Gordon Hartman, the founder of the theme park, which is named after and inspired by his daughter and set to open in 2026, said, "This will certainly be a hotel for everyone, including those with special needs who, going forward, will feel more included, valued, and fulfilled."
And to make the hotel even sweeter, it looks like Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott are all vying to get their respective names on the property, meaning that once Morgan's Hotel is open, points-and-miles enthusiasts will have an ultra-accommodating property at which to earn or burn points.
In other news...
- Six Senses Telluride slated to open in 2028
- Park Hyatt plans to open its fourth hotel in Japan — but don’t rush to book your trip
- Park Hyatt New York plans multimillion-dollar suite upgrades
- First look: Inside the new Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto
- The best no-annual-fee hotel credit cards
Reviews to inspire you
- What it’s like staying at The Londoner, a massive 'boutique' hotel in central London
- Timeless elegance, sumptuous suites and a new spa: A review of Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC
- Where luxury and wellness meet: A review of Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
- Mango House Seychelles: A tropical luxury hotel where Hilton points come in handy
- Disney perks and Marriott Bonvoy points: My stay at the Walt Disney World Swan
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.