NYC's hottest stay is a tent, a big Las Vegas makeover at the Wynn and other hotel news you missed
Believe it or not, Memorial Day weekend has come and gone — and that means summer is unofficially here. (The technical first day of summer is June 21.) And while you've been busy navigating what we've coined the "sold-out summer," where everything is either sold out or so expensive due to demand it might as well be, there's been a lot happening in the hotel world that you may have missed.
We try our best to keep you updated with what's going on in the hotel space, like how hotel profits recently reached their highest levels in more than two years and the secret to knowing if your city is next in line for a SoHo House. But along the way, there are smaller stories that we save to tell you about here, in this quick monthly column, so you, informed traveler, can be on top of it all.
So whether you're finally reconsidering taking a trip to an all-inclusive resort (pro tip: you should, they're having a moment) or want to go glamping in New York City, here's what you may have missed in May.
All-inclusive resorts are only growing in popularity
We've been saying for a while now that all-inclusive resorts are taking on a new life, as evidenced by the major chains heavily investing in them. One such brand going all-in on all-inclusives is Accor, which plans to have 100 in the next five years. Marriott, which recently added around 20 all-inclusive properties to its Autograph Collection, is also doubling down on all-inclusive resorts once again, adding two more to its portfolio.
Set to open in late 2022 and join the Autograph Collection, the Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun (pictured above) will bring 1,049 rooms, plus pools and other water attractions, a theater, a bowling alley and at least 12 restaurants and nine bars to the Cancun, Mexico, resort scene.
Joining the Luxury Collection, Sanctuary Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic will be a 325-room, adults-only resort featuring five restaurants, six bars, five pools and a nightclub. Owned by Playa Hotels & Resorts, the same team behind iconic all-inclusive resorts like the Hyatt Ziva and Zilara brands, this property is the company's first venture with Marriott, so it'll be interesting to see how everything plays out once the resort opens later this year.
Related: Great for families: A review of the stunning new Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort
In Tulum, Hilton just expanded its all-inclusive presence, too, with the opening of the Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All‑Inclusive Resort. Another in a string of Hilton all-inclusive openings in Mexico, alongside the Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort, this property is the company's largest in the Caribbean and Latin America, according to Hilton. But what's unique here is that the resort shares its grounds with the recently opened Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya, a luxe property that's making us wonder what's going on in the vibey beach town known for its boutique hotels and boho lifestyle.
And not to be left out, Hyatt has now incorporated 50-plus all-inclusive resorts into its World of Hyatt program, so members can now earn and redeem points at more all-inclusive resorts than ever.
Glamping in New York City is the best way to glamp
New York City has no shortage of incredible places to stay, and even more properties are currently in the works. But if you find yourself in the "Center of the Universe" this summer, skip Times Square and take the ferry to Governers Island for a glamping experience with the city skyline in the background.
Collective Retreats, a company that puts together one-of-a-kind outdoor experiences, has kicked off its 2022 season in NYC with 30 different accommodations, including luxury tents and temperature-controlled, cabin-like rooms with soaking tubs — and they all have private bathrooms. If that's not enough, there are tons of fun activities, such as floral workshops while sipping on rosé and classes that teach you how to make traditional clay drinking cups while learning about mezcal. There are also top-tier culinary offerings like seasonal brunches, chef-tasting menus, delicious sweets from chef Aura Danton and even late-night s'mores.
So whether you're a tourist looking to see a different side of NYC (surprise! there's a lot of green in the concrete jungle) or a local looking for a staycation, glamping may be exactly what you're looking for.
IHG's Vignette Collection is taking off
Last year, IHG announced an all-new collection of properties called Vignette, which will offer "one-of-a-kind exclusive hotels curated for guests seeking rich and varied independent stay experiences," according to IHG. This brand seems comparable to Hyatt's Unbound Collection, Hilton's Curio Collection and Marriott's Autograph Collection, which all feature hotels that feel distinct and individual rather than similar to every other property on the block.
As of now, the only open Vignette hotel is the edgy Hotel X Brisbane Fortitude Vly in Brisbane, Australia, but there are several others already in the works, including two in Thailand, three in Portugal and one in Austria. In late 2022, Casa da Companhia is scheduled to open in Porto, Portugal, with 40 rooms and suites in a building with interiors restored from the 18th century. Since IHG recently completed a total overhaul of its loyalty program, it'll be interesting to see how the Vignette properties find their place in the changing brand — and we can't wait to review them for you.
Wynn Las Vegas is looking better than ever
Your next trip to Wynn Las Vegas may feel a little different than your last, as the resort plans to finish the "largest and most extensive design evolution" to the tower's 2,674 guest rooms in June. Major changes include updating the bathrooms to have double vanities and twice the storage space, adding upgraded closets with more storage space and dressing areas with mirrored walls, putting in new tables better suited for work and dining, increasing the number of power points and incorporating more touchless in-room technology. Guests will also find new furniture, fixtures, lighting and artwork all curated by Todd-Avery Lenahan, president of design and development for Wynn.
In other news
- Accor wants to take Orient Express beyond the rails and into hotels
- MGM acquires the Cosmopolitan but it remains with Marriott, for now
- Hyatt's new lifestyle brand debuts soon in Memphis — and food is the main star
- Hotel hiring picks up in the US, but that doesn't mean daily housekeeping is coming back
- The tallest hotel in New Zealand is a Holiday Inn Express
- Want to avoid surging European hotel prices? Try these countries
Recent hotel reviews to inspire your next trip
- Below expectations: A review of Hilton's Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts
- This 232-year-old fort is part of Hyatt's luxury Alila brand: Here's why I loved my stay
- Stylish practicality: The renovated Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites
- 7 things to know before booking a stay at Montego Bay's Hilton Rose Hall Resort
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