Years ago, when I first strolled into Miami Beach’s swanky Fontainebleau, I felt a heightened pizzazz, aswirl in the kind of stimulating panache and prestige that trumpets: Pay attention! For travel lovers of glam getaways—especially those renowned as celeb and A-lister favorites—Fontainebleau Miami Beach is a legendary draw. Today, it continues to be a hotspot of cool goings-on, much expanded and revitalized again and again since its 1954 launch. A $1-billion makeover in 2008 wowed. “Every era of American history has its architectural touchstones, buildings that transcend their time and come to define a cultural moment,” says author Stephen Wallis in Fontainebleau, the newly published, silk-wrapped, oversized hardcover coffee table book (3.4-pounds) by luxury publisher Assouline, which celebrates the curvilinear-shaped resort’s illustrious past, present and forward leap. “The Fontainebleau hotel in Miami Beach is that kind of landmark,” he adds. “An instant sensation when it opened, it remains an enduring icon, repeatedly updated and evolving to this day.” With principal photography by Peter Arnell, who is Fontainebleau Development’s chief brand and design officer, this striking book highlights treasures and pleasures of the famous Florida oceanside symbol. Dive into its thick paper stock pages that are ripe with riveting photos and illustrations. Wallis engagingly writes about Fontainebleau’s history and mystery, deals and diversions, challenges and change-makers, imagination and innovation.
Hyatt’s new Las Vegas plan emerges post-MGM Resorts divorce
01.03.2024 - 18:27 / thepointsguy.com
Just because Hyatt and MGM Resorts are no longer partners doesn't mean World of Hyatt loyalists are devoid of options regarding casino resorts in Sin City.
World of Hyatt members can now earn and redeem points at Rio Hotel & Casino, Hyatt announced Friday morning. The sprawling resort just off the Las Vegas Strip is underway with a $340 million renovation that will result in the all-suite hotel joining Hyatt's Independent Collection under the Destination by Hyatt brand.
Plans for renovating the 2,500-suite property and its planned absorption into the Hyatt network were first announced in 2021, but details were light then.
"Destination by Hyatt hotels are individual at heart and embody the true spirit of the destination, and Rio Hotel & Casino will be no exception," David Tarr, Hyatt's senior vice president of development for the Americas region, said in a statement. "This renovation will serve as a gateway for guests to experience a place of purposefully crafted entertainment and immersive experiences, infused with authentic design, and warm and welcoming service. We look forward to providing World of Hyatt members and guests an authentic and unforgettable experience in Las Vegas."
The first phase of the renovation, slated to be completed this fall, includes an overhaul of the 1,501-room Ipanema Tower, arrival area, building exterior, lobby, gaming floor, sports book, several food and beverage outlets, meeting spaces and the outdoor pool area. The second phase includes a renovation and redesign of the 1,012-room Masquerade Tower, but no timeline was provided.
With Rio now tapped into the World of Hyatt network, the casino resort will offer members free parking while Globalists can enjoy an "enhanced arrival experience" along with the complimentary breakfast (full menu) amenity that goes with the highest-tier World of Hyatt status. World of Hyatt also offers 500 bonus points for each qualifying night at Rio Hotel & Casino on stays from April 1 to June 30 this year.
It was a loyalty sucker punch last August when it emerged that Hyatt and MGM Resorts were splitting up in favor of MGM running off with Marriott in a deeper partnership. That integration, which is still underway, has most MGM properties in the U.S. taking on various Marriott brand affiliations.
But the Rio offering at least throws Hyatt loyalists a life raft when it comes to wanting to earn and use points in Las Vegas. Of course, it doesn't come with nearly the variety or depth of the MGM Resorts deal: MGM's Las Vegas portfolio includes more than 37,000 rooms compared to Rio's 2,500-room count.
That's not exactly a jackpot for Hyatt in the top gaming destination in the U.S. Alas, 2,500 rooms are better than nothing. Take what you can get,
Avelo to launch 3 more New Haven routes, first service to home city
In most cases, major airlines have a significant presence in the city where their headquarters is located. For example, Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines is almost synonymous with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
Frontier Launches Flights From Newark and JFK
Frontier Airlines is adding New York to its network. The ultra-low-cost carrier announced Tuesday that it would operate flights out of Newark and JFK to San Juan, starting in June.
Earn Marriott Bonvoy points with sports-betting app BetMGM
Attention, Marriott Bonvoy fans — you can now place your bets and earn Marriott Bonvoy points. Yes, you can potentially gamble your way to a free hotel stay.
It'll Soon Be Easier to Travel Between Montreal and California Thanks to These New Routes
Canadian carrier Porter Airlines is expanding out of California’s largest airports, debuting new connections to Montréal this summer.
Canadian boutique airline Porter doubles down on California with new routes to Montreal
Fast-growing Porter Airlines is expanding its footprint on the U.S. West Coast.
Frontier to launch JFK service, return to Newark in June
Frontier Airlines has revealed the next chapter in its network shakeup. In the coming months, it will launch service to the two largest airports in the New York City area.
With so many flights, customers find low fares to Orlando, Las Vegas. Will it last?
If you haven't checked flight prices to Orlando or Las Vegas recently, it may be a good time to take a look.
TSA Unveils Self-screening Checkpoint at Las Vegas Airport — See How It Works
Airport security checkpoints may soon be getting a high-tech makeover.
TSA unveils new self-service checkpoint prototype in Las Vegas
The Transportation Security Administration is trying out a completely new checkpoint concept that its leaders liken to visiting the self-checkout station at the grocery store.
Self-Service for Airport Security? It’s Happening in Las Vegas.
As most air travelers can attest, the experience at an airport’s security checkpoint can be far from serene. There are many rules — often shouted by Transportation Security Administration officers — about what you can bring with you, how to array your belongings and where to stand. Lines can be painfully long and anxieties sky high. And throughout the process, there are security officers.
Move Over Vegas, Saudi Unveils New Formula One Track
The Saudi government has released its plans for the “Qiddiya Speed Track,” a Formula One-ready course being created at the Qiddiya development. The 21-turn track will go past the Six Flags amusement park and water park, similar to how the Las Vegas course wraps around the mighty Sphere.