I am in the midst of a 15 day trip wandering across Asia that cost me $1,521 to book. It also required a lot of miles and points – 216,750 to be exact – but considering I have a first class ticket from the US, a business class seat home, coach flights intra-Asia, and 14 nights at Starwood and Hyatt properties, it was completely worth the effort amassing the points.
So how did I book it? Continue reading…
If you hold an American Express Platinum card, you are eligible for an instant upgrade to Hilton HHonors gold status. Just call up Amex, give them your card number and Hilton HHonors account number before December 31, 2013 and you’ll be all set. According to Hilton’s website, benefits of gold status include a 25% bonus on all points earned, free high speed internet access, late check-out and access to fitness centers. Some properties even offer upgrades to preferred rooms.
As part of my quest to stay at every W, I made the W Minneapolis my home on a weekend in July. The comfortable summer weather makes it a great time of year to visit Minnesota and I was particularly eager to stay at the hotel because the building, called The Foshay Tower, is a historic landmark with a bittersweet history.
I stay in lots of boutique and chain hotels when I travel but the W Hotels are my favorite. I love them for their consistent features: dim lighting, ubiquitous dance music, Bliss Spa products, lavish bathrooms, and cozy beds. The unique elements at each hotel make me forget that I’m staying at a chain and give the properties a boutique feel: unusual layouts, luxurious building materials, and art installations. Even the buildings themselves are a focal point, often historic or skyscrapers.