2022 has been a rough year for hotel awards. First, we have Marriott's previously announced award chart disbandment. Then, Hyatt added an additional category to its chart. Now, Hilton increases award prices with no warning. Luckily, the increase appears to be limited - at least for now. … [Read more...] about Hilton Increases Award Prices with No Warning
Hotels
Review: Westin Maui Resort and Spa
As I mentioned in a previous post, we split our time on Maui between Kaanapali and Wailea to sample a Marriott and a Hilton. The first of these hotels ended up being the Westin Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali. … [Read more...] about Review: Westin Maui Resort and Spa
Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
After our interesting flight and securing our car, all I wanted to do was get something to eat and get to bed. However, that meant driving 45-ish minutes on the 405 down to Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. … [Read more...] about Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Marriott Bonvoy Changes in Hawaii
In late March, Marriott is eliminating its award charts. They say that for the remainder of 2022, we shouldn't see significant pricing changes. But that doesn't mean things stay as they are. Changes are coming. So let's discuss the Marriott Bonvoy changes in Hawaii for 2022. … [Read more...] about Marriott Bonvoy Changes in Hawaii
Chase Improves the Marriott Boundless Card
What's old is new again. Chase improves the Marriott Boundless card by bringing back an old benefit of the Marriott Premier card while also sweetening its points earning potential. But do these changes make a compelling difference? … [Read more...] about Chase Improves the Marriott Boundless Card
The 2022 Hyatt Award Chart Changes in Hawaii
Hyatt gave us a lovely Valentine's gift in the form of an all-new award category level. So let's take a look at and discuss the 2022 Hyatt award charge changes in Hawaii and beyond. … [Read more...] about The 2022 Hyatt Award Chart Changes in Hawaii
MGM Rewards is Finally Here
MGM Resort International's new loyalty program, MGM Rewards, is finally here. And, unfortunately, the program did make earning status a lot more difficult going forward, as was rumored earlier last month. … [Read more...] about MGM Rewards is Finally Here
Hilton Prohibits Upgrades at Most Properties
Hiltons Honors has long been a second-rate loyalty program, at least to me. Yet, yet, Hiltons has managed to make the program even worse! How you ask? Well, I recently learned that Hilton prohibits upgrades at most properties. … [Read more...] about Hilton Prohibits Upgrades at Most Properties
Review: Queensbreak Restaurant
During our most recent stay at the Waikiki Beach Marriott, we were given a credit for the hotel's newest eatery - the Queensbreak Restaurant. Wanting to maximize the value of this stay, we decided to go check them out for pupus and cocktails. … [Read more...] about Review: Queensbreak Restaurant
My 2022 Outlook
To say the year started off as expected is an understatement. Two months ago, I thought we'd be getting out of this pandemic. Alas, here we are. So here's my 2022 outlook, which looks remarkably similar to what I actually did in 2021. Sort of. … [Read more...] about My 2022 Outlook