This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Brandon Chia, 31, a nurse in the South Island of New Zealand. Chia moved from Singapore to New Zealand in 2022. The following has been edited for length and clarity.
26.11.2024 - 18:09 / thepointsguy.com
I was disappointed when Wyndham updated the terms and conditions for its status match with Caesars Rewards on Nov. 13. Starting Feb. 1, 2025, members will no longer be able to match the elite status they've earned by holding a Wyndham Rewards Visa credit card to Caesars Rewards.
As a cardholder of the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Card — which offers complimentary Wyndham Diamond status as a perk — I've enjoyed waived resort fees and parking fees in Las Vegas several times through this status match. However, I usually stay at the Rio Hotel & Casino when visiting Las Vegas to earn inexpensive tier-qualifying nights with World of Hyatt. So, I rarely use my Caesars Rewards status perks in Las Vegas.
The information for the Wyndham Earner Business Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
While I don't often use my Caesars Rewards status perks, this doesn't mean I'm not sad about the upcoming change that will no longer let me match the status I earn via a Wyndham Rewards Visa credit card to Caesars Rewards. After all, my husband and I have enjoyed several inexpensive stays at Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas due to Caesars Rewards' partnership with Atlantis.
I initially thought my discounted stays at Atlantis would end with the Nov. 13 changes. However, there are still several ways to stay at this property without paying full price.
I first stayed at Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas over 25 years ago. My parents and I had such a great stay that we returned annually for a few years. So, long before I knew anything about status matches or hotel loyalty programs, I formed fond memories of Atlantis.
The resort was very different 25 years ago. The Beach at Atlantis — which may eventually reopen as Somewhere Else — has remained closed since the coronavirus pandemic began, as have the pools and lazy river between The Beach and The Coral.
My family stayed in The Coral over 25 years ago, and it's where I've stayed the most on casino comp stays through Caesars Rewards' partnership with Atlantis. In addition to The Coral — the most budget-friendly lodging option at Atlantis — you can stay at The Royal, The Cove, The Retreat or at vacation rentals in the Harborside area (all of which have opened in the last 25 years and since been remodeled).
Related: Here's why your whole family will love Atlantis
Last week, I spent four nights at The Coral at Atlantis on one of these casino comp stays. You have to show four hours of rated casino play during your stay, but I lost less than $100 (despite playing longer than required) and enjoyed complimentary drinks while playing in the casino.
You must also pay
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Brandon Chia, 31, a nurse in the South Island of New Zealand. Chia moved from Singapore to New Zealand in 2022. The following has been edited for length and clarity.
Cyber Monday is here. This year, it seems to be turning into Cyber Week, with cruise deals running through midweek and, in some cases, much longer. But what if I told you that you could stack the cruise lines' current offers with a way to score up to 60,000 bonus miles from your favorite airline just by booking a sailing?
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Nov 29, 2024 • 5 min read
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‘Tis the season for savings. And theme park fans have a lot to be thankful for this Black Friday and Cyber Monday with holiday deals they won’t want to miss. If your wish list includes a ride on the newly opened Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, or a festive visit to one of Disney’s award-winning holiday food festivals, there’s plenty of theme park tickets and hotel offers to make that dream a reality. And many of these deals extend into 2025 for those anticipating the opening of Epic Universe.
TPG Brian Kelly is a Bilt advisor and investor.
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I was sailing around Lake Como on the penultimate day of a family trip when my mind started to wander from the lakeside mansions and crisp autumn breeze to the dread of returning home. The feeling was familiar, but unlike in the past, I consciously halted these perturbed thoughts. While focused on the glimmering water ahead of me, I whispered to myself, “I am here.” I gazed up at the soaring mountains surrounding the lake and repeated it: “I am here.” I looked around the boat inconspicuously, at my smiling family, and said it again and again, until I felt calmer. Finally, a simple meditation technique I'd been working on revealed its efficacy.