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Barbie, Indiana Jones and Wes Anderson fuel summer offerings at these hotels

July 21, 2023
7 min read
Grand Hyatt Kuala Lampur
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Summertime is for beach trips, backyard barbecues and blockbuster hits at the movie theater.

From “Barbie” to Wes Anderson’s “Asteroid City” to “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” there are plenty of reasons to head to your local cinema this summer. But it’s not just the box office and popcorn line staying busy with movie theater buzz.

Hotels are getting in on the action and leaning into the latest from Tinseltown, from special packages and events to themed suites that could double as Barbie’s Dreamhouse. C’mon, Barbie, let’s check into some of our favorite movie-themed happenings.

Moxy Times Square — New York City

Moxy Times Square
MOXY TIMES SQUARE

We’re fond of the Moxy Times Square for being an affordable points hotel with style in the heart of Manhattan. Cozy, modern guest rooms and fun public spaces draw guests to the Moxy brand, and it’s no different at the Moxy Times Square. This summer, however, there’s even more reason to check out (and into) the Moxy, as the hotel’s Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge will feature a Pink Bunny Beach pop-up with pink lifeguard chairs and beach balls to fuel plenty of party photo ops fit for Barbie, Ken and the whole gang.

Rates at the Moxy Times Square start at $228 or 58,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Villa Igiea and Verdura Resort — Sicily

Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel
VILLA IGIEA, A ROCCO FORTE HOTEL

While you might be inclined to flock to Sicily due to the highly popular second season of “The White Lotus,” it’s the "Indiana Jones" movies that are being celebrated this summer by Rocco Forte hotels on the island. Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel is already a destination on its own with its picturesque stretch of Mediterranean shoreline, culinary and wellness activities, and luxe accommodations. Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel is Verdura’s Palermo sibling, equally as stunning with its glamorous layout across a 19th-century palazzo featuring tiered gardens, Tyrrhenian Sea views and overall glamour. Both properties are featuring "Indiana Jones"-themed experiences this summer.

Villa Igiea guests can follow “in the footsteps of Indiana Jones” by joining an archaeological walking tour through UNESCO-inscribed Cefalu and other historical settings like a Doric temple dating to the fifth century in Segesta, as well as the pink-and-orange-hued Stagnone di Marsala Nature Reserve at sunset.

Refuel with a Far East cocktail in honor of actor Harrison Ford, who stayed at the hotel during the filming of the latest "Indiana Jones" movie — and enjoyed a Manhattan at the end of each day. Over at Verdura Resort, guests can go for the ultimate thrill by exploring the filming locations of "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" aboard a twin-engine Leonardo A109 helicopter. The chopper will take you over Segesta Archaeological Park, Castellammare del Golfo, Zingaro Reserve, San Vito Lo Capo Tonnara and Stagnone di Marsala Nature Reserve.

The “In the Footsteps of Indiana Jones” experience for two people starts at 900 euros (about $1,000) at Villa Igiea, where rates start at 1,150 euros ($1,280) per night.

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The “Indiana Jones Heli Experience” starts at 7,500 euros ($8,350) at Verdura Resort, where rates start at 835 euros ($930) per night.

W Montreal — Montreal

W Montreal
W MONTREAL

The W Montreal offers all the vibrant, youthful vibes you’d expect in this outpost of the W brand at the intersection of downtown and Old Montreal. This summer, the hotel’s Live House Speakeasy Karaoke Room invites guests to croon out their best take on “Barbie Girl” in the venue’s fuchsia lighting and decor. Come for the movie tunes and be sure to stick around for the rooms and suites featuring views of the city.

Rates start at 391 Canadian dollars (about $297) or 46,000 Bonvoy points per night.

Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur — Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Grand Hyatt Kuala Lampur
GRAND HYATT KUALA LUMPUR

Head to Malaysia this summer for the Barbie Ultimate Staycation at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur. The hotel has an entire floor of 14 Barbie-themed guest rooms and suites, as well as a Barbie Cafe where you can fuel up before exploring one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting cities.

Each of the themed rooms and suites features views of the Kuala Lumpur skyline, as well as that signature pink palette to let you indulge your inner Barbie. These spaces feature themes like “Barbie You Can Be Anything,” “Barbie Fantasy” and “Barbie Extra.” Have no fear: It’s okay to be a little extra in life!

Rates start at $160 per night for the Barbie Ultimate Staycation.

Dream South Beach — Miami

Dream South Beach
DREAM SOUTH BEACH/HYATT

Dream Hotels only recently joined World of Hyatt, and Dream South Beach is diving right into the Barbiecore experience. The luxury Miami hotel this summer is offering two special Barbie-themed cocktails: the Malibu Barbie Pink (comprised of coconut rum, pineapple juice, cranberry juice, orange juice, grenadine and a sugar rim) and the Barbielicious (featuring vodka, pink lemonade, lemon-lime soda and a sugar rim).

Dream South Beach will even host a Barbie Party on July 29 for those looking to walk the pink carpet into an affair of Ken and Barbie burlesque dancers, a DJ, a foam pool party and a Ken and Barbie costume contest.

Rates this summer start at $139 per night for the Barbiecore experience.

High Country Motor Lodge — Flagstaff, Arizona

High Country Motor Lodge
HIGH COUNTRY MOTOR LODGE

If you haven’t taken part in the Wes Anderson-style Reels and TikToks craze, have no fear: There’s plenty of opportunity to get your Anderson vibe on this summer at the High Country Motor Lodge in Arizona.

Anderson’s latest film, “Asteroid City,” takes place in a fictional desert town hosting a stargazing competition (as well as a few guests from outer space). Flagstaff’s real-life Meteor Crater and the High Country Motor Lodge are the perfect backdrop for Anderson film buffs, as this former Route 66 roadside motel is ready to debut the results of a recent $13 million face-lift. Take part in stargazing (the hotel features an in-house Stargazing Guide) amid this retro-inspired desert retreat. We’re particularly fond of the Cosmic Cottages for a little midcentury modern glamor with a splash of mountain cabin aesthetic.

Rates start at $139 per night.

Westin Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas — Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

The Westin Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas
THE WESTIN IRVING CONVENTION CENTER

Greater Dallas will be abuzz this weekend at the Westin Irving Convention Center, which is hosting a Barbie Pool Party on Saturday with a DJ, themed games, pink pool floats, a look-alike contest and festive cocktails at the Vibe Pool Bar. It seems like the perfect way to cool off after a “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” double feature to us!

The hotel’s Barbie Pool Party Package, available July 21 and July 22 only, features a $50 gift card for the Alamo Drafthouse movie theater chain for tickets to see the movie, as well as passes to the rooftop pool party and a pool-themed gift.

Rates for the Barbie Pool Party Package start at $229 per night.

Featured image by GRAND HYATT KUALA LAMPUR/RYAN CHIN
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • 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.
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  • $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.
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  • 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.
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
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Rewards Rate

4XEarn 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.
4XEarn 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.
3XEarn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
2XEarn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
1XEarn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
  • Annual Fee

    $325
  • Recommended Credit

    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.