Jeffsetter Travel

Travel Consultants and Travel Tips

Marriott Rewards

Marriott Reveals More About the Merger

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Yesterday Bloomberg posted an article from an interview with Marriott's global brand officer, Tina Edmundson.  In the article, Marriott reveals more about the merger with Starwood.  While the article answers some questions about the future of the two hospitality giants, some important questions remain. In the article, Marriott's Tina Edmundson states that Marriott will … [Read more...] about Marriott Reveals More About the Merger

Marriott Reciprocal Benefits Revealed

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The Marriott-Starwood merger officially closed on September 23.  A lot of questions and concerns came up about Marriott Rewards and SPG.  The two programs are really different, and concerns abound.  But, a few answers have now been answered, as  Marriott reciprocal benefits revealed right at the merger close. A special webpage has been launched introducing the various … [Read more...] about Marriott Reciprocal Benefits Revealed

Marriott-Starwood Merger Approved

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The Marriott's acquisition of its smaller rival, Starwood, has been in limbo as they waited out approval from Chinese regulators.  However, the wait is no more, as news broke yesterday that Chinese regulators decided to give Marriott the green light.  What this means in the near-term, obviously, is that with the Marriott-Starwood merger approved, the two companies will now work … [Read more...] about Marriott-Starwood Merger Approved

Waikoloa Beach Marriott Conversion

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Rumors have circulated among the Marriott loyalist about a possible Waikoloa Beach Marriott conversion.  Supposedly Marriott Vacation Club sales people, some of them anyway, have been telling prospective buyers and/or current owners about plans to flip the property.  It appears that these rumors are true, at least in part. In an article ran earlier this week, the Pacific … [Read more...] about Waikoloa Beach Marriott Conversion

Waikiki Select-Service Hotel Comparison

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Select-service hotels, such as Courtyard & Hyatt Place are quickly spreading around the world.  They're supposed to be a cheaper alternative to full-service properties like Hyatt Regency, Sheraton, etc.  And as the category name suggests, these hotels typically offer just basic services.  You definitely will not find room service or concierges' at these properties, for … [Read more...] about Waikiki Select-Service Hotel Comparison

Residence Inn Maui Wailea is Now Open

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The Residence Inn Maui Wailea is now open, with its grand opening ceremony occurring today.  Granted the hotel has been open for a little while, but now it's official! As its name suggests, the Residence Inn Maui Wailea is located in the Wailea Resort on Maui's southeast coast.  It is the first Residence Inn by Marriott in the State of Hawaii.  Like other properties in this … [Read more...] about Residence Inn Maui Wailea is Now Open

New Ritz-Carlton Visa Infinite

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The buzz lately has been the rumored new Chase Sapphire Reserve card.  I thought it would be the first Visa Infinite card by Chase, but to my surprise it wasn't.  Instead, Chase released the new Ritz-Carlton Visa Infinite card as it's first Infinite product. The new Ritz-Carlton Visa Infinite card replaces the Ritz-Carlton Visa Signature card.  The two cards look fairly … [Read more...] about New Ritz-Carlton Visa Infinite

Review: Courtyard Maui Kahului Airport

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In my previous post, I covered the Maui Seaside Hotel, which isn't a property I cared for much.  In fact, when I'm on Maui, my go-to property is the Courtyard Maui Kahului Airport Hotel.  Yes the Courtyard Maui isn't on the beach, and is next to the airport and a Costco, but it has a convenient, central location, good value (for Maui), and provides good quality. When I … [Read more...] about Review: Courtyard Maui Kahului Airport