This year I branched off into a new form of travel: cruises. After promising never to go on a cruise after COVID-19, I found myself trying out Virgin Voyages and fell in love. I took four total cruises this year and already have more planned for 2024. This meant less … Read more
In my years of traveling, I’ve never stayed at a Thompson Hotel before. I tried once but was walked on Thanksgiving. I decided to give it another try; this time at the Thompson Denver. The rate for a standard room in December was $179.10 + tax for a total of … Read more
I spent Thanksgiving at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa, a resort property in Orange County, California. The sprawling resort, built in 2003, has 517 rooms in a four story building with five wings. On the property are a number of restaurants, a spa, three pool areas (including … Read more
Harrah’s Las Vegas opened in 1972 as the Holiday Inn Center Strip. In 1992 it changed names to Harrah’s Las Vegas and is managed by Caesars. The property has undergone multiple renovations over the past 50 years; but it is clear it is not a modern resort property. The rooms … Read more
The Hyatt Centric The Liberties Dublin opened in fall 2019 with 234 rooms. It is not Hyatt managed, but instead managed by a third party – the Hodson Bay Group. It is a Category 4 property which means Category 1-4 Free Night Certificates can be used. I booked two nights … Read more
After sailing with Virgin Voyages, I flew from Athens to Nice, France for a two night visit before flying on to Dublin. The Hyatt properties near Nice were extremely expensive (August is peak season), so I decided to try the Crown Plaza near the Nice airport. The property is new … Read more
Story Hotels are a set of three hotels in Sweden that recently joined Hyatt as JdV properties. They are full integrated with Hyatt; meaning you can earn points, book reward nights, and are entitled to World of Hyatt elite benefits. I booked two nights after my Holland America cruise that … Read more
Comwell Copenhagen Portside Hotel Review My first stop for my summer 2023 trip to Europe was two nights in Copenhagen. I had previously spent 24 hours in Copenhagen in 2016, so I wasn’t feeling a huge need to see all the tourist sites. There are no Hyatts in Copenhagen so … Read more
New York New York Soho Premier King Review New York New York Las Vegas Hotel and Casino opened in 1997 and really hasn’t changed much in 25+ years. It still has the Manhattan theme in the casino, still has the roller coaster, still has the small pool, still has the … Read more
Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale Review I spent one night at the Hyatt Centric Las Olas after my Virgin Voyages cruise that docked in Miami. It is a Category 4 property so I was able to use one of my free night certificates. The 238 room property is a … Read more
Hyatt Regency Miami Review Prior to my cruise on Virgin Voyages, I had a night in Miami. The Hyatt Regency Miami is a Category 3 property. I booked my one night for 12,000 points. The cash rates were $250/night. The hotel is old and dated. It could use a serious refresh. … Read more
Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas Review A few months back I responded to a Hampton Inn Twitter post and received a free Hilton “Be Our Guest” certificate that allowed me a free night at any Hilton property as long as a base level room was available. Unfortunately the expiration date was … Read more
Park MGM Peacock Suite Las Vegas Review The Park MGM (formerly Monte Carlo) is one of my favorite spots to stay in Vegas. It has a great location, the rooms are relatively recently updated, prices are reasonable, and the entire property is smoke free. Plus I can earn Hyatt elite … Read more
Mission Pacific Dreamscape Suite Review The Mission Pacific Hotel and partner property The Seabird Resort are new builds in Oceanside, CA. Mission Pacific is a JdV by Hyatt branded Category 5 property. Both properties opened in May 2021. I booked my three night stay in February with cash for $336 … Read more
Hyatt Regency Seattle Review I was invited to the grand opening of the Hyatt Regency Seattle back in 2018 but had yet to spend the night as a guest. I found myself at the end of 2022 with 59 nights towards Hyatt Globalist status and an expiring Category 1-4 free … Read more