The Marriott/SPG merger has not gone swimmingly for so many loyal members and some have suggested they are leaving. Where should they stay instead of the world’s largest hotel chain? If you haven’t followed us on Facebook or Instagram,...
Review: Ritz-Carlton Resort Grand Cayman
As a result of the Marriott/SPG merger, some high-level hotels are priced lower than they will be in the future. Taking advantage of this limited window, we tried the Ritz-Carlton Resort Grand Cayman and secured an Oceanview King. If...
Review: Philadelphia International Airport Marriott Hotel
As part of a long journey, I briefly stayed at the Philadelphia Airport Marriott and ended my stay both pleased and disappointed. Location The hotel is connected to Terminal B and on-airport parking. If you are taking a cab...
Review: Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel (Marriott)
On a business trip, I had a chance to stay in the very contemporary and dare I say, ‘sassy’ Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel. This hotel had everything, except for an upgrade for a (then) gold member. Location On the...
Marriott/SPG Devaluation: Fears Confirmed at Freddies
A few days ago I posted my suspicions about Marriott/SPG’s overwhelmingly positive reception. One Mile At A Time posted that there were some great new values in the new award chart that probably wouldn’t last. Friends, readers, strangers –...
What Are you Hiding SPG/Marriott?
With yesterday’s announcement of the new merged loyalty program for Marriott and Starwood the reviews are in and they are mostly positive. But I remain suspicious… Suspicious Yesterday’s well-covered SPG/Marriott loyalty program announcement seemed nearly all positive. Stefan from...
Review: Ritz-Carlton Shanghai Pudong – Suite
As part of my United 1K Challenge I headed to Shanghai for a quick status run. I wanted to stay in some new properties as I had previously stuck to Hyatt and hadn’t spread my wings beyond the brand....
Important Note on Marriott’s Unpublished Platinum Status Challenge
I wrote a few weeks ago regarding Marriott’s unpublished Platinum elite status challenge. I referred a contact to the process and he didn’t have the same luck. I assumed it was a case of a misinformed phone rep (as...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: September 3, 2017
A pleasant Sunday evening to you from Germany. I’m wrapping up a trip and looking forward to spending the next few weeks in California. The big news last week, at least in my mind, was Hyatt’s new status fast...
Marriott’s Unpublished Platinum Elite Status Challenge
I am in a year of limbo. While I watched friends lose hope in their faithful travel partners over the years, mine were the last to go: American Airlines and Hyatt Hotels. Hyatt practically begged their customers to look...
Review: JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok
On my last of several trips to Bangkok recently, I had a long layover in the city and have wanted to try new properties in the city. I have already secured top-tier status with IHG, Hilton, and Hyatt for...
Starwood Bidding War Begins
Breaking news this morning — Starwood has accepted a bid of $78 cash per share by Chinese investor group Anbang, throwing a wrench into the Marriott – Starwood merger. How could this be? Wasn’t a contract with Marriott already signed?...
