A hotel with unlimited spa treatments, a points property in the Galapagos and other hotel news you missed in July
July is the best and the worst, in my humble opinion. It's a time to bake in the summer sun, light fireworks, barbecue in the backyard with friends and family and, for a lot of us, finally set out on those vacations we spent all winter and spring planning.
But then, in the blink of an eye, the summer nights start to get shorter, school supplies take over the seasonal aisles of the big box stores and we're queuing up at airport security to return home from those long-awaited trips. But that's how it goes, right?
While we've all been busy out there living life, a lot has happened in the hotel space, including a few incredible TPG trips that might inspire your next getaway.
On the way home from the most beautiful wedding I've ever been to (congrats Caroline and Celik!) a flight cancellation in Tennessee gave me the chance to finally check out the perfectly kitschy Dolly Parton-themed Graduate Hotel in Nashville. Our travel director, Eric Rosen, stayed at a recently renovated oceanfront hotel near San Diego that he remembers from childhood trips to the beach. And director of content Summer Hull pulled out her family's cold-weather clothes for a dream trip to the picturesque Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Meanwhile, we found out that the long-awaited Six Senses New York project has been scrapped and my fellow senior hotel reporter, Cameron Sperance, did a deep dive on the future of hotel stays. (Hint: It looks less like a Moxy and more like an Airbnb.)
I know there's still some summer left and a lot to look forward to as fall inches closer. But until then, here are the hotel stories you might have missed over the last few weeks.
Hilton's new hotel is 'on the doorstep of the cathedral'
There's no shortage of incredible sights to see in London, one of the world's most dynamic cities. There's also no shortage of hotels. Now, guests who want to step outside of their hotel and be greeted immediately by one of London's most famous sights can book a room at the new Lost Property St Paul’s London, part of Hilton's Curio Collection.
Located about 328 feet from the towering St. Paul's Cathedral, the 145-room hotel is full of art, history and a beautiful bar and restaurant called Found that serves classic French and British food and cocktails. While we haven't had the chance to get into this new hotel to see it for yourselves just yet, I can say the rooms look chic, and it's exciting to have a new Hilton in London where we can earn and burn points.
Rates for this new hotel start at $216 a night and award nights are mostly available from 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
A hotel is offering unlimited spa treatments
I'll be the first to tell you that a hotel spa is probably where you'll find me if I'm suddenly absent on vacation. Now, at the El Mangroove resort in Costa Rica, which is part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, I'm considering just moving because the property is offering a special package now through Dec. 19 that includes unlimited spa treatments.
Found on the Gulf of Papagayo's Playa Panama, El Mangroove is a beautiful boutique resort near the beach with modern rooms, a picture-perfect pool and two restaurants that focus on making dishes with fresh, seasonal produce. But with the Relax & Recharge Package, the real star of the show is the Bearth Spa.
For guests who book the package, which starts at $349 a night (based on double occupancy), spa treatments are unlimited, meaning you'll return home as a new person thanks to a few days of facials followed by massages and body wraps and more massages and maybe even an eye treatment or two.
Unfortunately, this package cannot be booked with points and it also has a two-night minimum stay. But hey, considering how much a massage is on any given day, I think an all-in price of $698 for two days of unlimited spa treatments isn't a bad deal, especially since a single 60-minute massage here will set you back $135.
The Galapagos gets a points hotel
It's been a lifelong dream of mine to visit the Galapagos, far off the coast of Ecuador, to see (from a safe and appropriate distance) the incredible wildlife that calls the area home — particularly the sea lions. Now, Hilton is making it easier than ever to visit with the conversion of the Royal Palm Galapagos into a Curio Collection property.
So, for the first time, you can earn and redeem points for a stay at one of the most ecologically diverse places on the planet.
I covered the opening of the hotel early in July so you can read all the details here, including the property's refreshed pool area and spa. There's also a special dining experience where you can enjoy a locally-sourced meal in a lava tunnel.
Thompson Hotels want you to get your flow on
As more and more hotels lean into wellness, Hyatt's lifestyle brand, Thompson, wants guests to do more than downward-facing dog. To help, it's teaming up with CorePower Yoga, the largest yoga studio brand in the U.S., to offer free classes at select hotels and studios.
Starting in July, guests at participating Thompson hotels in Austin, Hollywood, Nashville, Seattle and New York City can join a complimentary class on the respective hotel's rooftop to find a moment of peace. Guests who really feel the power of the class can also get 20% off an All-Access Membership or a 10-class pack. Find more information and a class schedule here.
Los Angeles just got a new entertainment complex with a Conrad
One of the most anticipated hotels of 2022 has finally opened its doors in Los Angeles: the Conrad Los Angeles. Part of the massive new Grand LA Complex designed by Fank Gehry, with shops, restaurants, living spaces and more, the 28-story hotel adds 305 new luxury rooms to the City of Angels. It also has a 16,000-square-foot rooftop with a pool deck overlooking downtown, a spa to help you look Hollywood-ready and public plaza that'll host year-round concerts.
Cash rates for this new Conrad can be found from $606 a night for Hilton Honors discount or 90,000 points per night.
In other news
- Wyndham rolls out a major all-inclusive resort expansion.
- How rebooking hotel stays can help you save on award nights.
- IHG joins Marriott and Hyatt in cutting ties with Russian hotels.
- Luxury living in London with Marriott’s first Autograph Collection Residences.
- Why hotel companies can’t quit China even after pandemic lockdowns.
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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
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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.