I know many in the blogosphere complain about room upgrades with Marriott. Maybe it's because I don't travel a ton, but I haven't had issues with Marriott upgrades. But since I stayed with two major brands during my recent trip, I want to talk about how my recent room upgrade experiences went during these stays. … [Read more...] about My Recent Room Upgrade Experiences
Marriott
Ugh: Marriott is Switching to Dynamic Pricing
Despite the general consensus about the program, I've been pleased overall with Marriott Bonvoy. That, however, is likely to change in a few months as Marriott is switching to dynamic pricing. Farewell, transparency! … [Read more...] about Ugh: Marriott is Switching to Dynamic Pricing
Elements by Westin Hotel Coming to Kapolei
Oahu has been seeing a bit of a hotel boom in recent years. But, these hotels aren't what you'd expect when you think about Hawaii, as they're all limited-service city hotels. So, news that an Elements by Westin hotel is coming to Kapolei doesn't surprise me one bit. … [Read more...] about Elements by Westin Hotel Coming to Kapolei
The Renaissance Brand is Returning to Hawaii
In the past, Marriott's Renaissance brand had two Hawaii outposts - the Renaissance Ilikai and the Renaissance Wailea. The former is now simply the Ilikai, while the latter became the Andaz Maui. But the Renaissance brand is returning to Hawaii with a brand new hotel now under construction in Honolulu. … [Read more...] about The Renaissance Brand is Returning to Hawaii
Outrigger Moves Ahead with Kona Resort Purchase
Last year, I reported that the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay would be leaving Marriott. The reason for the departure was the acquisition of the property by Hawaii-based Outrigger Hotels & Resorts. And though it seemed like the sell was off, Outrigger moves ahead with the Kona resort purchase. … [Read more...] about Outrigger Moves Ahead with Kona Resort Purchase
Marriott CEO’s Remarks Shouldn’t Surprise Anyone
There's been a lot of talk about the comments made by Marriott's new CEO Anthony Capuano over the past week. But why I ask? In my opinion, Marriott CEO's remarks shouldn't surprise anyone. And that's not just because of our perception of the company today. … [Read more...] about Marriott CEO’s Remarks Shouldn’t Surprise Anyone
Sheraton Waikiki Breakfast at KAI Market
During our stay at the Sheraton Waikiki, I once again decided to check out the property's on-site breakfast options. Sure, there are other options conveniently located nearby, but I wanted to be able to report on the full experience for you all 😉. So we checked out the Sheraton Waikiki Breakfast at KAI Market. … [Read more...] about Sheraton Waikiki Breakfast at KAI Market
Hotel Review: Sheraton Waikiki
This year, we already stayed at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and the Westin Moana Surfrider. That's two out of three Waikiki oceanfront hotels owned by Kyo-Ya Hotels & Resorts. So, why not complete the trio and give the Sheraton Waikiki a try? … [Read more...] about Hotel Review: Sheraton Waikiki
I Canceled My Bonvoy Amex Card
With changing priorities, I've been trying to reduce the number of cards with annual fees I carry. As a result, I canceled my Bonvoy Amex Card. This was probably one of my more obvious cards to cancel. … [Read more...] about I Canceled My Bonvoy Amex Card
Breakfast at The Veranda at the Westin Moana Surfrider
During our stay at the historic Westin Moana Surfrider, I decided to check out breakfast at The Veranda at the Westin Moana Surfrider. Famous for its afternoon tea service, The Veranda is a glamorous, stately restaurant filled with old-world charm. … [Read more...] about Breakfast at The Veranda at the Westin Moana Surfrider
