TPG Readers' Favorite Points Hotels That Don't Feel Like Points Hotels
TPG Reader Adam B. recently posed this question to the rest of the TPG Lounge:
“What are your favorite points hotels that don't feel like points hotels? I'm talking about places with history that don't say Marriott or Hilton or any hotel brand name anywhere. A few of my favorites are Hotel del Coronado (Curio Collection by Hilton) and Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa (Autograph Collection by Marriott).” — Adam B.
Here’s a look at some of our favorite answers from our well-traveled TPG Lounge audience. (Some responses have been lightly edited for style and clarity).
Historic Hilton Hotels in the US and Italy
From a fancy Waldorf Astoria in Rome to hotels in the US where legendary author F. Scott Fitzgerald lived and worked on his masterpieces, our TPG Lounge readers have certainly had some memorable stays at historic Hilton properties around the world.
"The Seelbach Hilton Louisville, by Hilton, has a cool history. It’s where F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote The Great Gatsby." — Jon E.
"The Renwick Hotel New York City is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. The hotel rooms are old studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments in a former arts building from the 1920s. I believe they told us F. Scott Fitzgerald lived here." — Derek M.
"Rome Cavalieri. The hotel is very regal, with a beautiful art collection and a three-star Michelin restaurant on site. We stayed there in 2013 on points and it was fantastic, with a full buffet breakfast included. You wouldn't even know it was a Waldorf Astoria property. I think they even want to stay away from the name." — Anna-Lisa L.
"Arizona Biltmore [A Waldorf Astoria Resort] in Phoenix is amazing. It was designed by [Albert Chase McArthur, a student of] Frank Lloyd Wright, and so many of the buildings are perfect Art Deco style." — Lisa B.
"The Arizona Biltmore was also the former Wrigley Mansion. They do tours and talk about the secret room during prohibition." — Mialisa G.
"A few come to mind. I just stayed at the The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, Curio Collection by Hilton. Really unique and amazing property!" — Julian R.
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Memorable Stays With Marriott
Several TPG Lounge readers said they'd stayed in historic Marriott hotels around the world, some of which were former jails, featured gorgeous gardens or were actually built atop ancient ruins. Others, while not necessarily historic, made the list since they felt more like boutique hotels or extravagant resorts.
"Grand Hotel Dei Dogi in Venice, part of Marriott. Rooms are historic and tiny but the amazing garden space in the rear of the property is more than worth it. Stayed there 18 years ago and was just there last week — it's still the same!" — Laura W.
"Had a tremendous experience at The Dixon Tower Bridge, a converted old courthouse and jail in London. Lots of sights nearby and a very fun area. Many of the Autograph Collection hotels have been exciting if you have Marriott points." — Nicholas R.
"Tambo Del Inka in Peru's Sacred Valley has gorgeous architecture, beautiful rooms and sits along a scenic river. They have their own train station so you can easily reach Aguas Calientes or Cusco. The service was also spectacular and the morning buffet breakfast was one of the best buffets I’ve ever experienced." — Kari B.H.
"El Convento Cusco (JW Marriott) in Peru was built atop ancient Inca ruins and even has a mummy in the basement, which has been excavated and features displays behind plexiglass. They give tours every day that are free for guests." — Renee N.
"Brown Palace Hotel and Spa in Denver. It's part of Marriott's Autograph Collection now but a very unique and historic hotel." — Holly A.
"The Liberty Hotel in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood, part of Marriott's Luxury Collection. I watched a wedding from my room in the former jail." — Alyssa S.F.
"Union Station Hotel Nashville, part of the Autograph Collection by Marriott, as is the Cotton House Hotel in Barcelona. At The W Punta de Mita, you actually don’t feel like you’re in a brand hotel. They hired local designers from Sayulita to design it and it reminds me of my favorite shop there called Révolucion del Sueño. Most of the pillows headboards and couches are made by local artisans." — Tatiana S.
"The Algonquin Hotel Times Square in New York. I didn’t realize it was part of Marriott until I had a last-minute trip with some friends some extra points to burn." — Nicholas S.
"Hotel Marques de Riscal in Elciego, Spain, is a Marriott property designed by Frank Gehry. The hotel is part of the winery and has a Michelin Star restaurant on site." — Julia B.
"Hotel Skeppsholmen in Stockholm was built in 1699, and has phenomenal staff and a location on a small island just across from the Old Town. It's a Category 5 Marriott property." — Richard R.
"I’ve been enjoying Marriott' s Design Hotels. The Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour in Malta was an especially great property. Next week, we sample the Torre de Palma Wine Hotel in Portugal." — Albert G.
"Not necessarily much history, but Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai." — Matthew A.U.
Hyatt, IHG and Other Interesting Points Hotels
Other TPG Lounge members mentioned interesting trips to points hotels that are part of IHG, Hyatt and AccorHotels, like The Willard in Washington, DC, and a Sofitel in Prague that was once Kafka's office.
"Hôtel Grand Powers in Paris is a lovely boutique hotel with views of the Eiffel Tower. It's part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and bookable with World of Hyatt points." — Arlyce J.M.
"Staying at The Willard in Washington, DC using the IHG anniversary certificate was a nice step into history. It didn’t feel like a traditional hotel." — Drew T.
"Even though it has the brand in the name, the Crowne Plaza Indianapolis-Downtown Union Station is a must-stay if you are ever in Indianapolis. It has original Pullman railcars that are converted into hotel rooms — it was the first Union Station in the world and if you’re lucky, you can get a private tour of parts of the original station that are closed to the public. It’s beautiful!" — Jessica G.
"Hotel Century Old Town Prague MGallery By Sofitel [part of Accor Hotels] is housed in Kafka's old office building." — David D.
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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
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- 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.