The new tallest hotel and minibar must-haves: Hotel news you might have missed this month
Here at TPG, we strive to make sure we're sharing the important news you need to know to be the best traveler possible, such as Marriott's major move to dynamic pricing, European Union nations ditching COVID-19 travel restrictions and even the launch of a new video series that'll teach you how to use your points.
But right now in the world, there's a lot of news to digest. And between all the big things that keep us glued to our televisions and the push notifications constantly pinging our phones, it's easy to miss some of the smaller stories that are still worth mentioning.
To keep you informed, we've pulled together a few hotel-related stories you might have missed this March, from an immersive new wellness retreat in Thailand to Hyatt's plans to bring Hyatt House and Hyatt Place to new cities around the country and beyond.
Hyatt Place and House House are coming to a city near you
Hyatt has plenty of brands we all know and love, including Andaz, Thompson, Park Hyatt and the all-inclusive resort brands Hyatt Zilara and Ziva. While we're always excited to hear about new Hyatt properties opening around the world, the company recently shared that it's embarking on a rapid expansion in the Americas of two brands in particular: the extended-stay brand Hyatt House, which offers studio and one-bedroom suites with kitchens and living rooms, and Hyatt Place, the select-service chain that accounts for "more of Hyatt's hotel footprint than any other brand."
Currently, there are more than 470 Hyatt Place and Hyatt House properties across the Americas and 48 more will open through 2023, adding more than 6,400 rooms to the company and representing almost 9% of Hyatt's total pipeline. The new hotels, Hyatt explained in a statement, will bring the two brands "into locations where Hyatt's loyal guests and members are traveling" across 44 markets, including 16 new ones including Montreal; Panama City Beach, Florida; Sacramento, California; and Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Related: Your ultimate guide to Hyatt hotel brands
The soon-to-be tallest hotel in the world has an opening date
Hotels just keep getting taller and taller, and in 2024, the Ciel hotel in Dubai will take the crown as the tallest hotel in the world. Set to be completed near the end of 2023 with a grand opening in 2024, the building will be roughly 1,197 feet tall, feature more than 1,000 guestrooms and suites, have a sunset lounge on the 74th floor, a rooftop infinity pool on the 76th floor and an observatory and lounge offering 360-degree views of Dubai on the 82nd floor.
Radisson is launching a new brand that wants to be cool
Country Inn & Suites is going to the city it seems, as Radisson Hotel Group recently announced plans to launch a new "metropolitan" hotel brand that will be similar to Country Inn & Suites but more upscale and modern. Called Radisson Inn & Suites, these new hotels will allow guests to "feel connected to their metropolitan destination" while offering rooms at an affordable rate.
The new brand will also be designed with large public spaces and café-inspired lobbies designed to "enable guests to feel at home both inside and outside their rooms." One unique amenity a limited-service hotel Radisson Inn & Suites will be offering is a so-called Creative Content Studio with state-of-the-art monitors, gaming chairs and high-speed internet that's specifically designed for content creators who keep us scrolling.
Banyan Tree's new resort wants to wrap you up in wellness
If you find yourself heading to Phuket in the near future, you might consider a stop at Banyan Tree's new wellness-focused resort, the Banyan Tree Veya, which is set within the larger Banyan Tree Phuket resort. Here, guests can participate in "bespoke programs" that were designed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During a stay, for example, guests have a private consultation with a "wellbeing host" who is certified and trained in Eastern medicine, naturopathy and coaching who will create a personalized itinerary with classes and therapies for their particular needs. Some of the activities include Ocean Breath and Conscious Grounding, to help with breathwork and meditation; yoga or dance; workshops around nutrition; sound therapy and more.
Visitors can book one of 23 pool villas designed to improve sleep and relaxation, eat plant-forward meals curated by the resort's resident "Nutrition Sommeliers" and take advantage of other amenities offered throughout the wider property. This is definitely an exciting take on wellness, and one this reporter can get behind.
Are sleep drinks and hangover cures the next minibar mainstays?
As a person who spends a lot of time in hotels, I'm always interested in what's happening inside my room's minibar (and what's missing). Over my last few stays, I've noticed a handful of interesting items, including drinks such as More Lab's Morning Recovery that are designed to help curb hangovers (surprise: I was in Nashville). Fortunately for me, I didn't need one at the time, but noticed quite a few folks at the airport who probably could've used the electrolytes.
Now in Miami, guests at Ennismore's SLS Brickell, SLS Lux Brickell, SLS South Beach and Hyde Midtown Miami can also get check the fridge for wellness in a bottle — this time to help you sleep. Ennismore has partnered with Som Sleep to stock a science-backed drink designed to help weary travelers catch some Zs. While I haven't tried it myself, people online swear by it and, considering a restful night of sleep at a hotel is often our first defense against jetlag, it makes sense that they'd be stocked in the room.
My guess is we'll see more and more brands continue to focus on wellness — especially following the pandemic — and, as a result, we'll see more products like this in the minibar mix. But don't get me started on those minibar prices even though I personally love paying $8 for a bottle of water. (Kidding.)
In other news
- Book Hyatt’s new Alila Maldives resort when it first opens for $350 a night
- Major hotel brands are providing rooms to Ukrainian refugees while pausing projects in Russia
- Marriott will open a luxury safari lodge in Kenya’s Masai Mara Reserve
- IHG’s credit card portfolio gets a major revamp — here are all the changes you need to know
- Hotel or home rental? These major hotel brands want to be both
Featured photo by Eric Rosen/The Points Guy.
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| 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. |
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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.