Raffles coming to Mexico, Marriott partners with Goop and more hotel news you need to know
G'day mates. April was a whirlwind for this hotel reporter. I spent a good chunk of the month in Australia exploring what's new Down Under, from the classic places that bring people to the continent to brand-new hotels we've been waiting for.
While there will be plenty of great stories coming your way soon (like a review of The Sundays, one of the most anticipated hotel openings of the year), I've also been keeping my pulse on the hotel beat while away.
I wasn't shocked at all to hear that Marriott is acquiring the Dutch lifestyle brand CitizenM. Over the last few years, Hilton and Hyatt have been snatching up lifestyle and outdoor-centric brands left and right, so it only makes sense that Marriott got in on the action.
April also brought us the Season 3 "The White Lotus" finale — and it sure was something. The general manager of the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, one of the real-life hotels depicted in the show, stopped by TPG HQ to share the details on what it was like having the TV show filmed on the property.
While I work on my tan at the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, one of the best IHG hotels in the world, you should catch up on the rest of the hotel news you missed last month.
Raffles is slated to open a resort in Mexico
Los Cabos has no shortage of luxury resorts, but in 2029 the East Cape area will get one that might be a real game changer: Raffles. The first Raffles resort in North America, the property will feature 80 rooms, 46 branded residences, multiple pools, a spa, beachfront watersports, Raffles' signature Long Bar and Writers Bar, and more.
"This resort will be more than a new destination, it will be a bold expression of our brand’s commitment to remarkable design, sustainable practices, and the art of exceptional guest experiences," Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles Hotels & Resorts, said in an announcement.
Now, we just have to wait a few years.
The W Austin's newly renovated penthouse is the biggest in town
As a native Texan (shoutout to my panhandle people!), I can tell you everything is, in fact, bigger in Texas. And now the W Austin's Penthouse I suite, found on the 16th floor, has been fully redesigned. Inside the 1,798-square-foot suite, you'll find panoramic views of the skyline and Lady Bird Lake, art from Austin-based Ysabel Lemay, Frette linens, record players, Dyson Airblade hair dryers and photography from "Austin City Limits" photographer Scott Newton.
Austin is one of my favorite cities. And this suite feels like something truly special for those who can splurge.
Rosewood Amsterdam finally opens
Rosewood Amsterdam snagged a place on TPG's most anticipated hotel openings of 2024, but the hotel, set in the former Palace of Justice on Prinsengracht (the Prince's Canal), wasn't quite ready to open last year. Now, the hotel has finally started taking guests, at least according to a LinkedIn post from Rosewood's CEO, Sonia Cheng (one of my personal hospitality heroes).
The hotel, set in a building dating back to 1665, has 134 rooms (including five signature suites), an indoor pool, the Asaya Spa, a produce-forward restaurant, a bar and distillery, and an upscale Indian restaurant.
Westin teams up with Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop to help us sleep better
Listen, there are two things in life I deeply love: a good night's sleep and the movie "Country Strong" starring Gwyneth Paltrow. So I was stoked to learn that Paltrow joined forces with Marriott's brand Westin, the creator of the iconic Westin Heavenly Bed, and Dr. Cheri D. Mah for a three-part video series on the importance of sleep, and how to get the best of it whether you're at home or on the road. In the series, you'll learn the ideal temperature to sleep soundly (did you know it's between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit?) and even the art of strategic napping. Yes, strategic napping. I'm in.
Check out the videos online at the Goop website.
NYC's The Mercer hotel joins forces with an iconic membership club
The Mercer, found in SoHo, is one of New York City's most sought-after stays. Now, Scott Sartiano, the founder of Bond Hospitality, is joining The Mercer as a partner — and bringing a slew of new benefits to hotel guests and members of swanky Zero Bond. Now, guests of The Mercer can visit Zero Bond, the Taylor Swift-frequented membership club, even without a membership. In return, members have access to exclusive rates and concierge services at the hotel.
One of Honolulu's favorite cocktail bars moves to Romer House Waikiki
The Lei Stand, a popular cocktail bar in Honolulu's vibrant Chinatown, has relocated to the adults-only Romer House Waikiki. Paying homage to Chinatown's lei shops, the bar offers modern takes on tiki classics, live music, lei-making demonstrations and island vibes off one of the world's most famous beaches.
In other news:
- New Hyatt hotels where you can get 500 extra points per night
- Monthly checklist: Credit card perks and benefits you should be using in May
- Register now: New Hilton bonus points promotion for summer stays
- The St. Regis Cap Cana Resort is officially open
Reviews to inspire you:
- This lavish London hotel is looking better than ever thanks to a top-to-toe renovation
- A review of the new Universal Helios Grand Hotel, the 'crown jewel of Epic Universe'
- The long-awaited return of a Manhattan icon: Four Seasons Hotel New York is back
- An art hotel with breathtaking views: My stay at the iconic St. Regis Venice
TPG featured card
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.