✈ Biggest Hotel Stories of the Year, Is Global Entry Worth It? & More News From TPG ✈ - The Points Guy

THE POINTS GUY

December 27, 2023

These hotel stories dominated 2023

by Andrew Kunesh, Senior Reporter, Cards & Loyalty

I might be biased as one of TPG’s senior hotel reporters, but 2023 was a banner year for hotel news — and plenty of it benefits you as a traveler. Yes, there was more in the hotel news cycle than speculation over the next hotel stand-in for “The White Lotus.”

For starters, I’d say 2023 was the year of fee transparency; after facing a string of lawsuits across the country, Marriott finally began to incorporate resort fees upfront in a nightly room rate. Hyatt and others followed suit. Even Airbnb got in on the fee transparency action.

There were also many brand launches this year, largely in the affordable end of the spectrum — Hilton launched an extended-stay brand (dubbed Project H3) as well as the “premium economy” Spark while Marriott debuted the extended-stay StudioRes brand as well as affordable options like Four Points Express by Sheraton and City Express, a Mexico-based brand it acquired earlier in the year. IHG added its own new affordable brand with Garner. Hyatt added Hyatt Studios, an extended-stay concept, as well as a vacation home rental platform: Homes & Hideaways by World of Hyatt.

We should also mention the new and extraordinarily long-awaited Fontainebleau Las Vegas opened this month — more than 18 years after it was first announced back in 2005.

In terms of wheeling and dealing, MGM Resorts ended a loyalty partnership with Hyatt to instead create a much deeper partnership with Marriott. Alas, MGM then faced a cyberattack that cost the company $100 million before an insurance payout. Ultimately, the MGM and Marriott partnership, slated to begin sometime this fall, was delayed until sometime next year.

Those aren’t even all the top stories of the year, but we have word limits here! Check out a few more of our favorites below:

That’s all from me for today. I’ll catch y’all again sometime soon!

Posts in this newsletter contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products, and this may impact how or where they appear. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.

Photo Credit: FEATURED IMAGE BY HYATT.

Today’s top stories

13 things you need to know about Global Entry

Is Global Entry worth it? Here's everything to know about the Trusted Traveler Program.

12 credit cards that can get you $1,000 or more in 1st-year value

How much value are you getting from your credit card?

The 17 best all-inclusive resorts in the US for a spectacular vacation

From all-inclusive beach resorts in Florida to Western dude ranches, these are the best all-inclusive resorts in the U.S.

Earn a 120,000-point bonus with the Amex Business Platinum

The Business Platinum Card from American Express has an array of perks and a large welcome bonus.

How (and why) to combine your Chase Ultimate Rewards points in a single account

A look at how to transfer Ultimate Rewards points between your accounts or to a household member's account to make the most of your travel rewards.

The latest

1.	The 70-foot concrete arrows you didn’t notice that were the maps of the sky

2.	Marriott Bonvoy offers properties for every type of family traveler — here are 3 to try

3.	How to sign up for Clear for expedited security at airports and stadiums

4.	Helped by federal funds and private investment, a major push for passenger rail

5.	Does Virgin Voyages have drink packages? Here’s why Bar Tab might be better

6.	An inside look at Dollywood’s newest resort, Heartsong Lodge & Resort

7.	The world’s largest airship takes flight in California

8.	5 best luxury Alaska cruises for 2024

9.	Inside Gaylord Ice! Meet the artisans who turn 5,000 tons of ice into winter wonderlands

10.	7 airline and hotel loyalty programs that let you give the gift of elite status

You are receiving this email because you opted in at thepointsguy.com.

Where to find us:
The Points Guy 100 5th Ave., 16th Floor New York, NY 10011 USA USA

If this newsletter was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.

Advertiser Disclosure:

The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

THE POINTS GUY © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Get the insider scoop on points + miles