Marriott’s 1st Luxury Collection all-inclusive, Nobu’s hotel empire and other hotel news you missed last month
How can it be? January 2023 has already come and gone, along with many of our New Year's resolutions (don't worry, I'll work out next year).
While we were busy reflecting on 2022, scrolling down memory lane on Instagram and setting our intentions for 2023, a lot happened in the hotel world.
New hotels opened left and right, one of the world's most highly anticipated hotels threw a larger-than-life party full of celebrities, and brands big and small made plans for growth for this year and the years to come.
Some of the bigger stories of the month included Hilton launching an entirely new budget-friendly brand called Spark; Orient Express announcing it will launch a megayacht service in 2026; and Marriott sharing with TPG how the company plans to expand the Edition brand without famed hotelier Ian Schrager leading the charge.
Oh, and the CEO of Marriott, Anthony Capuano, shared with us that travelers shouldn't expect cheaper hotel rates this summer.
Related: 40 most exciting new hotels opening this year
In between all of those stories, there was still some exciting news you should be aware of, both in terms of company restructuring (here's looking at you, Virgin!), new things to expect at some of your favorite brands, and a slew of new hotels we can't wait to visit once they're up and running.
Here's the hotel news you missed in January.
Marriott's 1st Luxury Collection all-inclusive resort is fully open
If you haven't heard us screaming it from the mountaintops, all-inclusive resorts can actually be good — really good.
In fact, over the last two years, major hotel brands have doubled down on their all-inclusive offerings as travelers' needs and desires have shifted to trips that are more easily planned, more spaced out and allow for a more uncomplicated vacation.
In an effort to keep advancing the trend of bucking the all-inclusive stereotype (you know, bad food, subpar rooms and all of that), Marriott has opened the first all-inclusive resort in its upscale Luxury Collection, Sanctuary Cap Cana.
Just 15 minutes from the Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), this recently renovated resort is now fully open (though it was added to the collection last September).
It features a slew of upgrades like a new poolside and beachfront restaurant in the shape of a canoe; a new nightclub, PM Pub; a new beach bar that also serves smoothies; and even a library with books highlighting Dominican culture.
Overall, the adults-only resort has five restaurants and eight bars, six pools and a stunning beach, a spa and 324 suites ranging in size from classic king-size rooms to the multilevel Castle Island Suite on a private island, with an indoor plunge pool and over 5,000 square feet of space in which to spread out.
Rates from $597 or 120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
2023 will be a big year for Nobu Hospitality
Ten years after the launch of the original Nobu Hotel, Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, the iconic hotel brand created by famed sushi chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and Meir Teper, is moving full steam ahead.
In fact, the brand recently announced that it'll open five hotels this year alone, with locations in Rome; Marrakech, Morrocco; Atlantic City, New Jersey; San Sebastian, Spain; and Toronto. In addition, outposts in Bangkok and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, bring the portfolio up to a whopping 32 properties.
At these luxury properties, expect fewer rooms than your standard luxury hotel — Marrakech offers just 71 suites, Toronto will have 36 — along with mouthwatering sushi from the Nobu restaurant, striking design and the chance to maybe snap a pic worthy of a share on DeuxMoi.
Destination by Hyatt makes its mark in the United Kingdom
World of Hyatt members have a brand-new reason to head across the pond: the first U.K. property in the Destination by Hyatt brand, "a collection of independent hotels, resorts and residences that are individual at heart yet connected by a commitment to embody the true spirit of each location," as the company explains.
Called Schloss Roxburghe and near Kelso, Scotland, this historic manor house offers 102 guest rooms and 12 cottages across a series of buildings. Suites are designed in traditional Scottish fashion (think: tartan plaids, vibrant wallpapers and dark greens and deep blues).
The property also features a 12,000-square-foot spa, an 18-hole golf course, restaurants with modern takes on classic Scottish food and hundreds of acres of scenic countryside to explore.
Rates from $200 or 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
At Virgin, 2 become 1
In 1996, the U.K.-based megagroup Spice Girls released the song "2 Become 1" through Virgin Records. In 2023, coincidentally, Virgin Hotels, with properties in places like Nashville, Las Vegas and Edinburgh, Scotland, and Virgin Limited Edition, the company behind one-of-a-kind retreats like Sir Richard Branson's Necker Island, also decided to become one.
Now under one consolidated roof called Virgin Hotels Collection, the two brands "come together to further change the luxury hotel business for good," according to a statement from the company.
We have to wait to see what this means for travelers in the long term (if anything, really). However, it's worth pointing out that the Virgin pipeline is strong, with much-anticipated openings in New York City and Glasgow, Scotland, this year, alongside outposts in Miami and Denver scheduled for 2025.
Hilton opened its 100th Tapestry Collection hotel
It's a party in York, Pennsylvania, where Hilton celebrates its 100th property in the Tapestry Collection, a group of independent-minded hotels that tend to pop up in smaller cities with the need for a trendy but affordable lifestyle hotel.
The hotel, The Yorktowne Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, is also celebrating its own 100-year birthday. It has played a pivotal role in the community, hosting proms, weddings and other milestone community events throughout its storied history.
Reborn as a Tapestry Collection hotel, the property has undergone an extensive renovation to bring its style and technology up to modern standards. It features 123 guest rooms, 27 long-stay suites, thousands of square feet of events space and a rooftop lounge with panoramic views of the town below.
Rates from $107 or 29,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Coming soon: A new hotel brand rooted in the outdoors
If you're a fan of the great outdoors, you're sure to be a fan of the recently announced Field & Stream Lodge Co.
It's a new branded lifestyle lodging venture created in partnership between Barry Sternlicht's Starwood Capital Group (the company behind brands like W Hotels and 1 Hotels) and hospitality and real estate company Adventurous Journeys Capital Partners, or AJ Partners.
Lodging is based on the Field & Stream brand, a company that sells outdoor gear and dates back to 1871. The plan is to build hotels near national parks, ski areas and beach and mountain towns, starting with 20 to 25 hotels in the U.S. and ramping up from there.
In other news
- Accor’s CEO on megamergers, summer deals (don’t count on them) and battling Marriott and Hyatt in Europe
- This just-launched brand from Accor will focus on smaller, independent hotels
- IHG offers a fast track to elite status with as little as 2 paid nights
- Choice Privileges and Radisson Rewards Americas points transfers are live; loyalty program integration coming soon
- Comparing the best hotel elite status tiers and how to earn them in 2023
- These are the 15 best spring break destinations to visit this year
Hotel reviews you need to read
- A luxe boutique hotel with authentic Spanish style and verve: Thompson Madrid
- A surprisingly stylish convention hotel: My stay at the Hyatt Regency Orlando
- Meet the Grayson Hotel, a new Hyatt sweet spot in New York City
- Putting on the glitz: Ski-out Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch gets a makeover
- A hip Thailand hotel at a steal of a price: My stay at The Standard, Hua Hin
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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.