Hilton’s overnight oats, Raffles goes to Tokyo and other hotel news you missed
July was a whirlwind — and, well, the news was nonstop. Between politics, that wild global computer fiasco (you know, the one that hit airlines hard) and the Olympics starting, you might have missed some big news on the hotel front.
Earlier this month, we reported that the Park Hyatt Marrakech finally opened its doors to guests, and later, we learned that the brand's parent company, Hyatt, is in talks to partner up with Standard Hotels, the ultracool hotel brand with locations from New York to Bangkok. Also in the world of Hyatt (pun intended), the highly anticipated Park Hyatt London River Thames is now accepting reservations for the fall.
We also learned World of Hyatt members can now go glamping on points, while Hilton Honors members can book nearly 400 Small Luxury Hotels; Rosewood opened in a stunning Austrian castle; and Wyndham's new extended-stay brand opened its first location in the U.S.
Personally, I thought the biggest news was that The Mirage in Las Vegas officially closed and will begin the process of transforming into the Hard Rock Las Vegas, replacing the famed volcano with a towering glass building shaped like a guitar. If you have feelings about that like I do, you'll appreciate my love letter to The Mirage, the hotel that changed the world — and my life.
Here's what else you need to know:
Drift Hotels' Baja-cool properties are now part of Marriott Bonvoy
Known for minimalistic, boho designs and an overall sense of laidback cool, Drift Hotels' four chic properties are now part of Marriott's Design Hotels portfolio and Marriott Bonvoy. Found in San Jose del Cabo in Mexico and Santa Barbara, Palm Springs and Nashville in the U.S., these hotels are the kind where you know you'll get a good meal, a good cocktail and a really good Instagram photo. And now, you can book a stay at one of these properties using Marriott Bonvoy points, whether you're looking for a taco-centric trip on the Baja peninsula or something that feels more West Coast than country in one of Nashville's trendiest neighborhoods.
Luxury fashion brands take over Four Seasons
Every summer, major fashion brands open pop-up stores and take over beach clubs and pools around the world. This year is no different — and Four Seasons is right in the middle of the action, if not pushing it to the next level by playing host to the first-ever North American outpost of Jacquemus. The French brand's pop-up store can be found at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, in the Bahamas, alongside a Jacquemus-themed pool takeover featuring Simon Porte Jacquemus' take on everything from pool loungers to pool toys. But you don't have to travel to the Bahamas to get in on the action — a limited-edition Jacquemus beach towel is available for purchase on the Four Seasons website.
Other Four Seasons summer collaborations include Christian Dior at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, my favorite resort in the world, and Dolce & Gabanna at San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel. If that name sounds familiar, it's because the iconic resort in Sicily was the filming location for season two of every hotel lover's favorite TV show, "The White Lotus."
The St. Regis Venice partners with a luxurious spa brand
One of the most luxurious hotels in Venice, Italy, is getting even better with the partnership of the new Valmont Spa, the first spa from the renowned Swiss skincare company specializing in cellular cosmetics. At the spa, treatments include Valmont's signature Hydration of the Bisses and Energy of the Glaciers experiences, as well as hyperpersonalized treatments tailored to guests' individual needs and skin types.
The addition of the Valmont Spa and its age-defying treatments is particularly fitting for the St. Regis Venice, considering the property is set in a historic hotel building that originally opened in 1895. In 2019, St. Regis took over the storied building where Monet painted "San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk" in 1908 and has hosted a slew of celebrities, dignitaries and everyone in between.
Related: The best St. Regis hotels for the most luxurious hotel stays
Homewood Suites by Hilton is offering healthy new options
We know people love free hotel breakfast — so much so that a few years back, I checked into 10 hotels to find out which one was the best. Embassy Suites reigned supreme, by the way. Now Embassy Suites' fellow Hilton brand, Homewood Suites, is upping its breakfast offering with all-new overnight oats and chia pudding at locations in the U.S. and Canada. These new healthy options join other recent additions like a taco bar with chorizo and chicken tinga.
Raffles is heading to Tokyo
Tokyo is no stranger to luxury hotels. The city has two Four Seasons, two Editions, an Aman and its trendy new sister brand Janu — and arguably the world's most famous Park Hyatt, which is currently closed for renovations. In 2028, Japan's capital city will also be home to a Raffles property, part of the redevelopment of Tokyo's World Trade Center in the Hamamatsucho district. Once open, the Accor-affiliated Raffles Tokyo will have 130 guest rooms (including 27 suites), six restaurants and bars, a swimming pool, a spa and meeting spaces on the top 46 floors of the building, replacing the original skyscraper that was built back in 1970.
Related: Raffles and Fairmont CEO on growing hotels with soul in the Americas and beyond
If you can't wait for a world-class Raffles stay, the Raffles Jaipur opened in July in India. That hotel is made of hand-carved white marble in a reimagined palace featuring 50 guest rooms and suites, a handful of restaurants and bars and a rooftop swimming pool fit for royalty.
Banyan Tree's first stand-alone Veya property is now open in Mexico
Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe is now open in Mexico's wine country, just 90 miles from the U.S. border on the Baja peninsula. Set on 16 acres, this Veya property has 30 villas featuring private plunge pools, a signature Banyan Tree Spa offering a traditional Mexican temazcal experience and desert springs, plus a soon-to-open fine-dining Asian restaurant to join the already-open Mexican restaurant.
Veya is a wellness-focused Banyan Tree sister brand that offers a personalized well-being plan centered around a three-step protocol of awareness, discovery and sustenance.
Aman New York wants to take you through the harbor
Summer might feel like it's slipping away, but guests of the ultraluxe Aman New York (and Aman Club members) still have time for a boat ride. Now until October, and back again next year, Aman New York has partnered with Barton & Gray Mariners Club to offer special cruises around the waters of New York, past the Statue of Liberty and under the Brooklyn Bridge with the option for meals provided by Aman's chefs and other customizations to make it the dreamiest excursion possible.
In other news:
- Le Labo lament: Travelers say bon voyage to mini shampoo bottles at hotels
- 14 hotels where historically significant meetings have happened
- Embassy Suites is transforming with new designs, beach resorts and sleek city hotels
- You can now visit a Dior Spa on a luxury train through Southeast Asia
- New York City’s Upper East Side will get a stunning 'reborn' hotel Sept. 1
Reviews you need to read:
- A glamping getaway you can book with Hilton Honors points: My stay at AutoCamp Yosemite
- Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya: An all-inclusive resort opting for quality over quantity
- Modern design and Brazilian artistry revive a historic corner of Sao Paulo at South America's first Soho House
- A remote tropical island paradise: Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island
- Terrific location but an unkempt room: A review of the Kimpton Hotel Eventi in New York City
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.