Denise Godreau knew next to nothing about Eswatini before 2022.
03.02.2025 - 16:37 / thepointsguy.com
January was a difficult month for many people across the United States. The country experienced extreme weather, a devastating bout of fires and, most recently, the largest tragedy in U.S. aviation since 2001.
While I think we are all thankful to turn the page on a painful month, there were some interesting developments in the hotel space throughout January worth looking back on, including a serious Marriott Bonvoy devaluation, an Andaz in Mexico reflagging as an Alila and the opening of a Ritz-Carlton in Thailand's bustling capital of Bangkok.
Here are a few other lighthearted pieces of news to check out this weekend:
When Hyatt acquired the lifestyle hotel brand Standard International, it added a small but beloved group of properties called Bunkhouse Hotels to the mix. In January, Bunkhouse's latest boutique hotel, Hotel Saint Augustine, opened in Houston's Montrose Museum District, adding 71 bold rooms and suites to the city's hotel inventory, plus a Gulf Coast-style bistro from chef Aaron Bludorn, a stunning lobby bar, a listening room and an overarching sense of cool that few brands can deliver as effortlessly as Bunkhouse does.
For now, Bunkhouse properties have yet to be added to the World of Hyatt ecosystem, but that should change soon so you'll be able to earn and burn Hyatt points here.
There are only a handful of hotels within walking distance of Universal Studios Hollywood, and the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City is TPG's favorite. This full-service hotel has a walking path to Universal Studios, and select rooms have views of the movie-themed park.
Recently, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a proposal by Sun Hill Properties to expand the hotel. The plans call for a new 18-story tower with 395 guest rooms, bringing the property's total room count to 890. The concept art of the diamond-shaped building depicts a midcentury modern-inspired design and a rooftop pool. When completed, the expansion will provide a new option for theme park visitors and a much-needed boost in guest room availability for the upcoming L.A. Olympic Games in 2028. — Tarah Chieffi
To say we're excited about the Rosewood Amsterdam is an understatement. In fact, the whole TPG team is clamoring to claim a spot to visit it once it finally opens this summer. If you feel the same about the hotel, which is set in a historic building built in 1665 and once the Palace of Justice, the hotel is now taking reservations for stays starting June 1.
When it opens, this Rosewood property will feature 134 rooms and suites overlooking a UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal, three undisclosed restaurants and bars, and the opportunity to take advantage of exclusive activities like cruising the canals on a private boat
Denise Godreau knew next to nothing about Eswatini before 2022.
Guests at the summit discussed the future of the tourism industry - balancing growth, regulation and sustainability investment.
Air New Zealand has long factored sleep into its decisions, coming up with creative solutions to help its passengers find a sense of calm and peace on ultra-long-haul flights (up to 18 hours from the United States). The Auckland-based flag carrier first came up with the Skycouch—three side-by-side economy seats with footrests that pull up to form a “couch”—in 2011, changing the travel game for families with young children, couples, and solo travelers willing to pay for a bit more space.
A major Florida airport has an expansion on the horizon. Tampa International Airport recently announced that its new $1.5 billion Terminal D will be anchored by Delta Air Lines, which will have access to at least six gates, and also operate a new airline lounge in the space. Delta currently operates a variety of flights from Tampa, including direct routes to its hubs in Atlanta, Boston, New York (JFK and LGA), and Minneapolis. It also operates an international route to Amsterdam, and will soon launch a direct flight to Austin, Texas.
Anne Frank's "The Diary of a Young Girl" remains one of the most famous and powerful works of the 20th century — and one of the most poignant accounts of a young person's life during the Holocaust.
It’s hard to imagine a more archetypical New England town than Litchfield, CT. Tucked into the northwestern edge of Connecticut, it’s the kind of small town that would inspire a George Durrie landscape or a comfort-television drama, with a village green that’s brimming with cafes and shops and streets lined with stately Colonial homes and institutional landmarks (America’s first law school, for instance). But tucked behind its pastoral charm and old-world graces, too, are signs of a more modern underpinning: dozens of striking mid-century modern buildings, designed by some of the era's most prominent architects, including Bauhaus architect Marcel Breuer.
There's a common misconception that you need to book a flight to experience honeymoon-worthy romance. Often, when couples envision a dreamy getaway (think: overwater bungalows, waterfront dinners and unforgettable views), they assume such wow factors can only be found overseas.
"New Orleans is a city of mood,” chef Serigne Mbaye tells me one Wednesday morning in September. We've been discussing the merits of Parkway's po'boys and the old-school kitchen at Commander's Palace. While growing up in Senegal and New York City, Mbaye cooked with his mother, and his Uptown restaurant, Dakar NOLA, braids his memories of this time with his haute restaurant experiences and the deep-rooted African heritage of New Orleans.
Jan 31, 2025 • 8 min read
A European getaway just got cheaper.PLAY Airlines, a discount carrier based in Iceland, recently announced a 25 percent discount on flights from the United States to Europe, including Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen, London, and Paris. Best of all, the tickets can be purchased now for travel throughout the spring, fall, and winter travel seasons. The discounted fares are available in PLAY Basic, and the discount only applies to airfare, and not taxes or fees.
It just got easier to visit Iceland and the rest of Europe from the Sunshine State. Icelandair recently announced new service between Miami, FL, and Reykjavík, Iceland that will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The inaugural flight will takeoff on October 25, 2025, and the service will run seasonally through March 2026. Best of all, Miami travelers can connect in Reykjavík to another Icelandair flight for access throughout Europe, including Berlin, Paris, Rome, and Zurich.
Jan 30, 2025 • 8 min read