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
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.