Since the dawn of time, the romance of railways has seduced poets, spellbound novelists, and dealt directors the perfect hand for capturing fleeting friendships, illicit affairs, and all manner of crimes and capers. A ticket is not just a permit to ride, it’s permission to trespass on the intimacies of other people’s lives. Trains bring us up close and personal—both inside and outside the carriage. On board, passengers chat politics in Finnish dining cars, clamber into couchettes above strangers on the Trans-Siberian, and share samosas on India’s many raucous mail trains. Outside, the world flashes by, a slideshow of rivers growing into oceans, deserts rising into mountains and cities sprawling then receding into darkness as the train thunders on through the night.
Hilton adds another 100-plus hotels thanks to Small Luxury Hotels of the World partnership
17.09.2024 - 15:33 / thepointsguy.com
A new partnership between Hilton and Small Luxury Hotels of the World continues to grow mere months after its initial rollout.
Another 102 SLH properties are now available for booking through Hilton's direct reservations channels. This completes a growth target announced earlier in the summer that the SLH-Hilton partnership count would rise to nearly 400 hotels. But Hilton Honors members should go to the SLH-Hilton partnership website highlighted here to check on which hotels are participating and when they are participating, as the integration is rolling out in batches over the next few days — meaning reservations can take place Tuesday, but some hotels won't be ready for arrivals until Monday.
Some of the newest additions to the Hilton-SLH partnership include Grace La Margna St Moritz, a boutique luxury hotel in Switzerland that is popular for its mountain views, modern design and extensive art collection. The Atlantic Hotel, a culinary-forward hotel on the Channel Island of Jersey, is also part of the latest addition. Other new options for Hilton Honors members looking to earn and redeem points at an SLH property include Hacienda Zorita Wine Hotel & Spa in Salamanca, Spain, and Rawah Ranch in Glendevey, Colorado.
When staying at an SLH hotel, Hilton Honors members enjoy benefits like free Wi-Fi, complimentary late checkout and — for Hilton Honors Gold and Diamond members — space-available upgrades and continental breakfast for two people.
The Hilton-SLH partnership is part of Hilton's growing presence in the luxury and lifestyle space, as the hotel giant has also recently ramped up growth plans for newly acquired brands like Graduate and NoMad. SLH, formerly a Hyatt partner, joined Hilton earlier this year while Hyatt moved forward, launching a new boutique hotel pairing thanks to its acquisition of the Mr & Mrs Smith booking platform.
While it all may seem like a confusing game of boutique hotel musical chairs, one thing is clear: Loyalty members at Hilton have more options than ever when it comes to booking a stay at hotels outside the typical brand box.
Related reading:
A new residential cruise ship plans to sail around the world every 2½ years. Cabins start at $11 million.
Do you have a travel itch, a love of sailing, and an extra $11 million to spare? If so, Ulyssia Residences has a ship for you.
Go Here, Not There: 10 Luxurious Alternatives to Lake Como Found Across Europe
Summer vacations to Europe don’t have to mean sea and sand. Fresh water is equally as appealing, and the continent’s most beautiful lake regions are simply stunning year-round. Lake Como’s crystal clear water, dramatic scenery, picturesque villages, and five-star hotels — not to mention A-list celebrity visitors — have contributed to the region’s reputation for being the most romantic (and luxurious) lake in Europe. And while this is very true, Como is breathtaking, across the continent are other bodies of water that deserve attention. From the shores of Lough Corrib in Ireland, where you can stay in an ancient castle, to the limpid turquoise water of Lake Päijänne in Finland, where you can sleep overnight in a floating hotel made entirely of glass, these are the best lakes in Europe for a luxury vacation.
This Recently Revamped Colorado Springs Hotel Strikes Gold For Travelers
The Mining Exchange Hotel sits in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs, serving as a historic, revamped reminder that now matter how drastically the city has changed since its early prospecting days, some things have remained the same. Its name is a nod to the Centennial State’s “gilded past” — this property dates back to 1902, having originally served as the city’s stock exchange for precious gold and silver in its heyday. Back then, it quickly became a local hangout spot for those seeking to strike it rich (and those already wealthy). Inside, the atmosphere is ritzy and refined but not unapproachable. Stepping into the lobby is like partaking in a living history film as it’s playing out right in front of your eyes.
Healing Spas, Lake Cruises, and World-Class Gastronomy: 3 Small Towns to Visit in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
Southeastern France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is famous for some big things, from Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps, and the rolling landscapes that unfurl below it to the millennia-spanning architecture that defines the region’s capital city, Lyon, and beyond. Ironically, one of the best ways to experience all that grandeur is to think small — that is, to visit the small towns that reflect the best of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes’ endless outdoor possibilities, robust agriculture and gastronomy, and long history and cultural heritage.
These Are the 100 Most-Loved Sights in Germany and We Bet You Haven't Even Heard of the Top 5
I think of myself as a well-traveled individual with a very solid knowledge of geography and tourist sights. Most of the people at Matador Network see themselves in the same way. After all, we live and breathe travel day in, day out. Yet, apparently, none of us know much about Germany.
Princess Cruises Adds Another 2026 Total Solar Eclipse Sailing
Princess Cruises is giving travelers another option for viewing the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026.
World’s most powerful passport: Spain knocked off top spot by Asian nation
Singapore has risen to the top of a ranking of the world’s strongest passports, knocking Spain off the top spot.
Is the Entry/Exit Scheme delayed again? What travellers need to know about new EU border checks
The EU's post-Brexit Entry/Exit System (EES) is due to launch in November, but recent reports suggest it may face further delays.
SLS Barcelona is set to open this winter — a European first for the luxe brand
Ennismore, Accor's playful joint venture offshoot of luxury and lifestyle brands, is on track to make a splash in the capital of Spain's Catalonia region.
These are 10 of the most haunted hotels in the world — and you can actually sleep in them
Looking to celebrate Halloween in a truly spooky fashion? Why not try and brave a night at one of the most haunted hotels in the world?
Earn up to 15% back on hotels and rental cars with TopCashBack
Whether you are booking last-minute travel or simply want to try to save money on your next trip — and who doesn't? — make sure you browse the TopCashBack shopping portal first. (If you use our Tell-a-Friend referral link, you can get a $25 bonus.)