Marriott’s foray into Fortnite, Reese Witherspoon’s hotel book club and other hotel news you missed last month
October is one of my favorite months in New York City. Here, you get a mix of chilly fall days and unexpectedly warm temperatures, plus the leaves change into vibrant hues of orange, yellow and red. With many schools on fall break, there are plenty of tourists in town checking out that delightful Central Park foliage (and staying at the best hotels in the area) and, for me, it's one last chance to hold onto the city before it really gets cold.
But as those leaves were changing, so was the hotel world, and there was plenty of news you might have missed during the past month. For starters, Hyatt opened a chic new adults-only all-inclusive resort in Tulum, Marriott and MGM pushed the launch dates of their new partnership back to next year, Four Seasons joined Chase's Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection and we got a first look at the renovations of the W Union Square here in New York City.
But in between the telling of those stories, even more happened that I think you should know about. So, just like every month, I've pulled together a few of my favorite newsy tidbits that might pique your interest, from some hospitality openings in cyberspace to an upcoming opening here on Earth.
Munich just got a fancy new Rosewood
In Germany, Munich is now home to an outpost of one of the world's premier luxury brands: Rosewood. Now open, the Rosewood Munich, nestled in the Old Town neighborhood, is set in a historic space — the former Bavarian State Bank headquarters — and features 73 guest rooms and 59 suites. The building work is being overseen by Munich-based Hilmer Sattler Architekten, and interiors are designed by celebrated firm Tara Bernerd & Partners.
At the property, guests will find a handful of restaurants and bars, an indoor swimming pool, Germany's first Asaya Spa and artwork from German illustrator Olaf Hajek. Rates at Rosewood Munich start around $800 per night through the end of 2023. Since Rosewood doesn't have its own loyalty program, people who carry The Platinum Card® from American Express can book through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts for elitelike perks like 12 p.m. check-in (when available), a $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast for two, potential room upgrades and a guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout.
Sheraton and Reese Witherspoon's book club team up
As part of Sheraton's new program "Gatherings by Sheraton," which was created to help build connections between hotel guests and locals, the Marriott-affiliated brand is launching Reese's Book Club x Sheraton Lobby Library. The series will see a handful of hotel lobbies transform into meeting spaces for pop-up events like "Beyond the Page," moderated speaking events featuring authors from Reese's Book Club and more.
The events will launch at the Sheraton Grand Los Angeles (Oct. 11-Nov. 12) and continue with events at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel and Sheraton Grand London Park Lane in 2024. The hotels will also stock the entire back catalog of Reese's Book Club, while other hotels around the world will host monthly meet-ups centered around new books dropped in the collection. More information can be found here.
Hilton's LXR is opening on an Italian lake
Hilton's luxury LXR Hotels & Resorts is set to open its first property in Italy come 2026 with the Grand Hotel Gardone Lake Garda, LXR Hotels & Resorts. Set in a historic building on the waters of Lake Garda, the property will feature 160 guest rooms, two restaurants, two bars, a spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and plenty of spots to gaze out at the water. Though there's still lots to be learned about the exciting property, you can look to some of LXR's other properties, including the Hotel 1000 in Seattle and London's Biltmore Mayfair, for a little taste of the brand. And you know we'll be there as soon as it opens for a proper review.
Related: The 19 best Hilton hotels in the world
A new Las Vegas resort is taking reservations
Las Vegas has something for everyone, including some of the most over-the-top suites in the world. Come late November, Sin City will have one more resort and casino to add to its collection, Durango Casino & Resort, and it's bound to have some pretty swanky suites, too.
Located off the Strip in the Southwest Valley, the new casino has a lot to offer people who are down to get away from the hustle and bustle of the main drag. When it opens Nov. 20, the new resort will feature suites with views of the nearby mountains or the Las Vegas skyline; restaurants serving upscale American fare, steaks and modern Mexican; 83,000 square feet of gaming space; and so much more.
Opening week appears to have completely sold out, but rates through November start at $399 per night.
A new Kimpton is finally open on the island of Roatan
On the island of Roatan, some 40 miles off the mainland of Honduras, the Kimpton Grand Roatan Resort & Spa is finally open. Roatan is a gorgeous island with some of the bluest waters I've seen with my own two eyes — and the resort looks equally stunning.
There, guests will find airy and modern rooms, bungalows and even multiroom condos for booking, affording space for families or groups. Dining offerings include a locally sourced Mediterranean restaurant, a California-inspired beachfront restaurant, a seafood restaurant where you can snack on a grilled lobster roll with your feet in the sand and more. Fun activities include relaxing by one of the two pools, scuba diving in the coral reef right off the beach or enjoying the resort's water toys.
Rates start as low as $215 or 47,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
Marriott opens 4 new hotels in a virtual city
I'd be lying if I said I fully understand this one, but I sure do think it's interesting. Marriott launched a digital city called Marriott Bonvoy Land in the online survival game Fortnite, where players battle it out to be the last person standing. Though I've never played Fortnite myself, I hear it's all the rage with gamers across many demographics. Now, people can play hotel-themed minigames that represent four Marriott brands: Moxy Hotels, Westin Hotels & Resorts, W Hotels & Resorts and Autograph Collection Hotels.
To play, Fortnite players can use the game code 7652-9467-4215 to portal into the park square via Fortnite Creative, according to a statement from Marriott: "At the intersection of travel and gaming, players begin by socializing and exploring before 'checking in' to the different hotels. The virtual concierge greets guests with two options: to check out their guest room or unlock the hotel's Mini Game."
The Marriott-inspired minigames include players transforming into flamingos at the Moxy, navigating mazes at the Westin's signature Westin Workout Fitness Studio, trying to find a special DJ set at the Wet rooftop deck of the virtual W Hotel and exploring destination-centric rooms at the Autograph Collection hotel. For hotel-obsessed people like me, this might just be the best way to go for a "trip" without having to leave the comfort of home.
And, to make it more fun for Fortnite players and gamers in the know, a surprise celebrity guest will join Twitch streamer Sommerset on a live stream Nov. 2 to play in Marriott Bonvoy Land, give away Marriott stays and chat about their favorite travel destinations.
In other news:
- InterContinental brand evolution part of IHG's broader luxury liftoff
- Choice Hotels aims to acquire Wyndham in $7.8 billion hostile takeover
- Hilton opens the 1st of its 'category killer' budget-friendly brand
- Disneyland's most affordable hotel to officially transform into Pixar Place Hotel in January
- 12 best family ski resorts in the US
Hotel reviews you need to read:
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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.