One of my biggest frustrations with Marriott Bonvoy has been their crap, free night certificates. However, the only positive change to come this year is the ability to add points to these certificates. And not long after the feature went live, I used the new Marriott Award Top Off feature with great success! … [Read more...] about I Used the New Marriott Award Top Off
Hotels
Hawaii Hotel Rates are SOARING
A Hawaii vacation has never been inexpensive - even for those who call the islands home. But, lately? Hawaii hotel rates are SOARING. You'd know this if you looked recently. For those of you who haven't, though, here's how bad things have gotten. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Hotel Rates are SOARING
Caesars Downgraded My Status
Yesterday, I read a report from Miles to Memories about Caesars' change in program terms regarding status matches. Literally minutes after that, I got an email stating that Caesars downgraded my status, citing an error on their behalf. … [Read more...] about Caesars Downgraded My Status
Hilton Increases Award Prices with No Warning
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
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