Paris Hilton’s Beverly Hills Suite, Banyan Tree turns 30 and other hotel news you missed
For me, September is a hard one to see go. With it, those last little moments of summer slip away, the temperature starts to change and it's time to start pulling out your warm coats. My September was especially great, though. It started with cruising around the Mediterranean and checking out a few dreamy hotels in Italy, followed by a quick trip to Mexico to check out Hyatt's new all-inclusive brand.
While I was busy galavanting around, a lot of hotel news broke out over the course of this month. Graduate Hotels officially joined Hilton Honors, as did about 100 Small Luxury Hotels. Wyndham rolled out its newest luxury brand in the U.S., and Kimpton started taking reservations for its first-ever all-inclusive resort.
Here's some more hotel news you may have missed in September.
Banyan Tree celebrates 30 years
Now through the end of the year, Banyan Tree — a collection of wellness-focused resorts — is celebrating its 30th anniversary with activations, events and special experiences around the world. Some of the events include wellness activities and dining experiences at the original Banyan Tree in Phuket, Thailand; a sunset dinner and Urban Wellbeing Retreat at the new Banyan Tree Dubai; 60 curated activities at other Banyan Tree properties (like the new property in Kyoto); and a refresh of the brand's signature dining experience, Saffron.
Paris Hilton's Beverly Hills suite
From Oct. 4 to Nov. 1, Paris Hilton will take over The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles with the launch of two "Stay Like an Infinite Icon" suites. The over-the-top suites are "complete with a touch of glamour, fun, and, of course, lots of pink," Paris Hilton said in a statement. The socialite and original influencer added that she "grew up celebrating special moments" with her family at The Beverly Hilton.
For a chance to stay, Hilton Honors members can bid for a two-night stay that includes a "special Paris surprise," gift bags and round-trip airport transfer. Or, a few lucky people will be able to book the suite directly through the hotel's website, with stays running from Oct. 4 to Nov. 1
A resort near Zion is shaking up Utah's vacation scene
A new luxury resort set on more than 600 acres is set to open in St. George, Utah, near Zion National Park. It'll have direct access to Snow Canyon State Park — a great location for outdoor enthusiasts who also seek elevated dining and spa experiences. Black Desert Resort will unveil its first phase following the PGA Tour FedEx Cup tournament in October 2024. Its Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course will also be home to the LPGA Tour competition in May 2025.
The resort is in one of Utah’s certified Dark Sky Places making it a great location for stargazing. Amenities also include nine Wellness Suites with direct spa access, 13 spa treatment rooms, more than 700 guest rooms, 45,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting and event space, and seven diverse restaurant and beverage options.
The resort has created a special preview experience offer: Get a 50% discount with room rates starting at $199 per night, valid through March 31, 2025. — Becky Blaine
Alila opens first urban resort for the brand in China
Thinking of Hyatt’s Alila brand often conjures images of leisure destinations like the Maldives or Big Sur. The ultraluxurious imprint in the World of Hyatt network dipped its toe in the urban resort market when Alila Shanghai opened its doors this month in the Chinese city. At the hotel, quiet luxury and wellness meet Shanghai style.
Related: These are the best Hyatt Category 4 hotels, according to Globalists
The 186-room property includes 94 suites, all elegantly appointed with neutral colors and furnishings. While guests might be in the heart of one of Asia’s busiest cities, Alila Shanghai offers a cool, quiet vibe — thanks in part to a water feature and a 17-foot gathering tree in the middle of the fourth-floor lobby.
Even entry-level guest rooms have walk-in closets here. But the ultimate splurge is the 2,626-square-foot Penthouse Suite, which features a spacious entertaining area, city views and a deep-soaking elliptical bath.
Thinking about checking into Alila Shanghai? Act fast and enjoy some great grand opening deals, where you can find suites for under $400 for a nightly rate. — Cameron Sperance
Andaz Culinary Series launches in October
Happening through December, the Andaz Culinary Series will see a handful of chefs from Andaz properties in the U.S., Costa Rica and Mexico set up camp at the Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows for weeklong events featuring special dining experiences, limited edition menus and other food-forward events for guests and locals.
Here's a rundown of the events.
Oct. 17-20: Andaz Peninsula Papagayo @ Andaz Scottsdale
- Six-course private chef’s table experience hosted by Costa Rica’s chef Bruno and Scottsdale’s chef Sammy
- Limited-edition menu at Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen
- Crudo station and more
Nov. 7-9: Andaz Maui @ Andaz Scottsdale
- Luau-inspired menu with live entertainment
- Six-course private chef’s table experience hosted by Maui’s chef Ritchard and Scottsdale’s chef Sammy
- “Poke All Around” class — a unique and immersive class where culinary tradition meets Hawaiian history and showcases the ancient Hawaiian roots of poke (originally crafted by native Hawaiians using freshly caught fish and local ingredients that were available from the land and sea, including sea salt, ogo [seaweed] and inamona [roasted kukui nuts])
Dec. 12-14: Andaz Mayakoba @ Andaz Scottsdale
- Six-course private chef’s table experience hosted by Mayakoba’s chef Miguel and Scottsdale’s chef Sammy
- Limited-edition menu at Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen
- Ceviche-making classes and more
Reservations and more information are available on the Andaz Scottsdale website.
In other news:
- Aman is opening a luxury resort in the Maldives
- Hyatt is bringing a new Hyatt Regency to the Maldives
- The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay unveils a sweeping new look
- Highly anticipated Regent Santa Monica Beach will open Oct. 1
- There’s finally a Hyatt in Santa Monica — and it’s about to get a major face-lift
- A luxe new St. Regis is opening near Punta Cana — and reservations are now open for April
Reviews you need to read:
- Inside Janu Tokyo, the first hotel from Aman's new brand
- A long way from Sandals: My first all-inclusive experience at a super-luxe upstate New York resort
- Classic luxury in the French Quarter: A review of Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans
- Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome: Revisiting an old favorite to see if it stands the test of time
- Affable service, glamorous common spaces and mediocre rooms: My weekend at the Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World
- A review of Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel: Resort living in the Eternal City
- Where the Wild West meets rustic California glamour: A review of The Inn at Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection
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| 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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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.