The St. Regis Chicago, Hyatt's new all-inclusive brand and other hotel news you missed this month
Welcome to June. The sun is shining bright, the days are warm and people are taking off on summer vacations near, far and everywhere in between.
In May, there was plenty of hotel news to share with you, our loyal readers. Marriott bought an affordable hotel chain based in Mexico called City Express. Hilton launched another new budget hotel brand. Soho House just keeps growing, and luxury hotel rates are finally dropping — but that doesn't mean the prices are good.
Between those bigger stories, there were a bunch of little news tidbits we wanted to share all month, from a new luxury all-inclusive brand you can book with World of Hyatt points to the long-awaited opening of a new luxury hotel in Chicago. There was even a fun deal from IHG celebrating Gemini season with an offer for identical twins.
Here's everything you missed last month.
Hyatt has a swanky new all-inclusive brand
Hyatt officially announced an entirely new, top-tier all-inclusive brand called Impression by Secrets. It's the 10th brand in Hyatt's fast-growing Inclusive Collection, and we couldn't be more excited.
If you happened to catch TPG's 2023 Trend Report, you know that we're doubling down on the notion that all-inclusive resorts are getting a luxurious new lease of life, and this new brand is proof.
In fact, we've already sent one writer to review the first of two properties in the collection, Secrets Impression Moxché, and it hit all the right marks. Now we have word that the second resort, Impression by Secrets Isla Mujeres Resort & Spa, is officially open.
At the adults-only island resort off the coast of Cancun, guests can expect a luxury experience that bucks the stereotypes of all-inclusive vacations (think: watered-down drinks, subpar food and less-than-stellar rooms). Some exciting features include arrival from the mainland on a private yacht with a butler waiting to facilitate your needs, brand-new rooms and suites designed with earthy tones, a rooftop pool bar with stunning ocean views and a beautiful spa.
Rates at Impression by Secrets Isla Mujeres Resort & Spa start at $652.50 per night, per person. World of Hyatt members can book from 50,000 points per night, based on double occupancy.
St. Regis Chicago is finally open
Claiming a spot on TPG's list of 40 most exciting hotels opening in 2023, The St. Regis Chicago has been on our radar since it was first announced.
Earlier this month, the hotel finally opened its doors to guests. For points and miles enthusiasts and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists, though, the opening was a bit rocky after top-tier elites claimed the hotel wouldn't honor the free breakfast perk. However, a spokesperson for the hotel told TPG that "the issue has been resolved and the property is offering eligible members the breakfast benefit."
That hiccup aside, there's still a lot to look forward to once the hotel gets past the new property learning curve. The hotel has 159 guest rooms and 33 suites in a shiny new tower in the Lakeshore East enclave, right along the Chicago River. All guests will have a St. Regis Butler at their service, whether staying in an entry-level Superior Room or in a two-bedroom Caroline Astor Suite.
The hotel features a St. Regis Spa, a gym and a heated indoor swimming pool. There's an all-day Japanese restaurant, Miru, from chef Hisanobu Osaka, and a Tuscan-style steakhouse, Tre Dita, from chef Evan Funke.
Cash rates at The St. Regis Chicago start at $711 per night or 55,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Two-for-one cocktails for twins
One of my favorite jokes to make around family and friends is easy and cuts right to their core, "Can you imagine if I had a twin?" Their response is always the same: NO.
But for those of you who are twins (fraternal or identical), IHG Hotels is offering a special two-for-one discount at select hotels to celebrate Gemini season, which kicked off on May 21 and lasts for a month. Show up to one of the bars at the hotels listed below, twin in tow, to claim a pair of drinks.
- Hotel Indigo Williamsburg – Brooklyn.
- Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown.
- Intercontinental Los Angeles Downtown.
- Yours Truly DC Hotel – Vignette Collection.
- Hotel Indigo Nashville – The Countrypolitan.
- InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta.
- Hotel Indigo Atlanta Downtown.
- Hotel Indigo New Orleans – French Quarter.
Anantara says ciao to Amalfi
Found in a restored 13th-century monastery just 15 minutes from Amalfi, the now-open Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel should be on your radar if you're dreaming of a vacation worthy of the "White Lotus."
Inside the hotel, expect a fresh take on beautiful, historic elements like 800-year-old cloisters, a Baroque church, and just 52 rooms and suites originally built as living quarters for the monks.
Of course, the most spectacular part of visiting the Amalfi Coast is admiring the rugged views. Whether you're soaking up the views from a lounge chair by the cliffside pool or a table full of mouthwatering Italian food and local wine at La Locanda della Canonica, you're bound to be impressed with one of the most beautiful new hotels in the area. Just know that any hotel fitting enough for Tanya McQuoid comes with an equally fitting price tag — and this Anantara is easily more than 1,000 euros ($1,068) per night.
In other news:
- The 16 best all-inclusive resorts in the US for a spectacular vacation
- The best Disney Springs hotels: How to get Disney benefits at bargain prices
- I paid $200 to renew Ambassador even though I rarely stay with InterContinental: Here’s why
- New Kimpton secret password to unlock bonus treats at hotels this summer
Hotel reviews you need to read:
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| 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.