W Sydney, Hilton’s pumpkin spice waffles and other hotel news you missed last month
If you're a Swiftie like I am, the melancholy lyrics, "August slipped away like a bottle of wine" are probably dancing around your head right now. They certainly are for me.
August was an interesting month; I spent it mostly at home in Brooklyn except for one trip to Las Vegas for Virtuoso Travel Week to meet with luxury travel advisors, hotels, cruise lines and more. While there were plenty of big takeaways, the biggest tip the luxury advisors are sharing with their clients is to book early because major hotspots, especially in Europe, are already booking up.
I was lucky enough to snag Taylor Swift tickets for Paris next May and witnessed firsthand what hotel rates in the City of Light look like around those dates — astronomical. So keep that in mind if you're planning a Euro adventure next summer.
Other big news included a budget travel brand from IHG and the launch of Marriott's 32nd brand. We also got more details on what the Marriott and MGM partnership will look like from my brilliant colleague and hotel maven Cameron Sperance.
If you're curious about other hotel developments in August, read on for some more news that I found worthy of sharing.
Marriott's Delta brand opens in NYC
Marriott Bonvoy loyalists looking to spend some time in New York City's most dynamic neighborhood now have a new place to stay: Delta Hotels New York Times Square.
Featuring 310 brand-new rooms, hydration stations on every floor, a state-of-the-art gym and a chic restaurant called George's Nephew, this Delta hotel is a breath of fresh air for Times Square. Better yet, you can book it using points. This means you can save money to spend on an incredible New York City experience (like seeing Josh Groban in "Sweeney Todd," which I highly recommend).
Cash rates fluctuate wildly, according to the booking calendar. You can find some for as low as $150 a night, but most nights are more than $200. Marriott Bonvoy award bookings start at 52,000 points per night.
Construction started on a new Andaz in Turks and Caicos
Fans of Hyatt and its Andaz brand also have something to look forward to: Andaz Turks and Caicos Residences at Grace Bay is set to open in 2025.
A hotel-residence combo, it will have 59 rooms and 74 residences along with beach access, swimming pools, to-be-announced restaurants and bars, and a spa. We'll keep our eyes on the construction process over the next few years, but trust that we'll be there as soon as it opens.
Hampton by Hilton is going all-in on waffles
Hampton may not have claimed the top prizes in TPG's Battle of the Free Breakfast, but its waffles hold a special place in our hearts.
Hampton celebrates National Waffle Day every day by selling some really fun waffle-themed merch, like an insulated waffle fanny pack with a syrup holder, for a limited time online. Now that fall is right around the corner, the brand shared that pumpkin spice waffles will be back on the menu from Oct. 1 through the end of November.
W Sydney has an opening date
On our list of the 40 most exciting new hotels opening this year, W Sydney is one we've been dreaming of visiting for years. Starting Oct. 12, that dream can finally be a reality. With 585 rooms, the Sydney outpost will be the largest W hotel in the world. It'll feature a two-level rooftop Wet Deck, a spa, and restaurants and bars in a futuristic building at Darling Harbour.
Rates for the opening month start around $316 or 47,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
And on the topic of new Marriott openings in Australia, the country's first Moxy hotel just opened near the Sydney Airport (SYD).
Sonesta is making it easier to have food delivered to hotels
At more than 120 Sonesta ES Suites and Simply Suites hotels in the U.S., guests can now use Grubhub to get food conveniently delivered to hotels without any hassle.
Using QR codes around the hotel or a geotag on the app, Grubhub delivery people will be given specific drop-off instructions for that hotel. This helps avoid the confusion of whether a delivery person will come straight to your room or leave your food in the lobby.
Guests will also receive two free months of Grubhub+ to get free delivery on orders $12 and up.
Related: Make the most of your food delivery orders with these 9 credit cards
In other news...
- The most-saved Airbnbs from the 'Amazing Views' category
- The hotel brand that brings in the most revenue might surprise you
- What a nearly $16 trillion travel economy means for your future vacation
- Now live: Capital One's Lifestyle Collection for hotels
Hotels you need to check out
- A great hotel with even better views: What to know about the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile
- Inside the Rome Edition, 1 of the Eternal City’s hottest hotels
- Beachy rooms and family-friendly vibes: The Marriott Resort Virginia Beach Oceanfront
- What it's like staying at Aman New York, 1 of the most expensive hotels in NYC
- What it’s like staying at Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos, an All-Inclusive Resort
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.