Marriott’s new all-inclusives, tattoos at Andaz and other hotel news you missed

Most Decembers, I take an admittedly self-indulgent look back at my favorite new and new-to-me hotels. As travelers continued to make up for lost time (even as staffing remained a challenge and the world became an ever more confusing place), hotels continued to dazzle. My hat is off to the places that opened. And my heart is filled with love for those places that have held strong, raised the bar and innovated.

Travelers who are already looking ahead to spring break are in luck: There's a promotion going on from Marriott Bonvoy that's ideal for those trying to book an all-inclusive vacation in 2024.

Snow isn’t completely unheard of in Las Vegas as the desert valley gets occasional flurries. But a cutting-edge spa amenity—a “Snow Shower”—at the brand new Fontainebleau Las Vegas means that flurries will fall all year round, a welcome reprieve when temperatures on The Las Vegas Strip hit the triple digits during summer months.

Singer, songwriter, philanthropist — it seems like there’s nothing Dolly Parton can’t do. The same can be said of her success with her theme park, Dollywood, and resort, DreamMore Resort and Spa. Now the singer has further expanded her hospitality empire with the opening of her latest hotel, Heartsong Lodge and Resort.

While traveling to a new destination means exploring new foods and cities, there’s nothing quite like stepping into a fresh hotel room. Whether you’re staying in a budget hotel or splurged on luxury accommodations, it turns out there’s a bit more ick in the room than you probably expected. TikToker and hotelier @queenevangeline25 recently went viral for the list of things she’d never do at a hotel, and it turns out the most significant issues have to do with cleanliness. While you might think to wipe down common surfaces like the kettle in the room, the dirtiest part of a hotel room might be where you rest your head.

The White House is announcing billions of dollars in new funding for train projects from coast to coast.

Go2Africa recently announced what purports to be the world’s most expensive wildlife safari. For $690,000, a family of four will visit six African countries (including Kenya, South Africa and the Seychelles) over 24 days. The luxurious accommodations range from tented safari camps to beachfront villas, and remote wellness retreats. The package also includes hot air balloon rides, gorilla trekking—even a personal film crew to document the journey.

Making its entrance into the booming all-inclusive sector, Marriott Hotels is joining Marriott International’s All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, beginning with an eagerly anticipated new resort in ever-popular Cancun, Mexico.

Visitors to Scotland will usually land in either Glasgow or Edinburgh, or enter the country from England in the south and make a beeline for these cities or the Highlands. We have all heard about the Isle of Skye, the island distilleries and the majesty of Edinburgh castle. But just south of all these famous Scottish wonders you’ll find landscapes, castles, forests and experiences to rival anything further north.

Encourage empowerment and job crafting to fuel innovation and creativity among employees.

As the All-Inclusive sector continues to thrive, Marriott Hotels will set itself apart bringing ‘Wonderful Hospitality. Always.’ to every aspect of the guest experience – from enriching artist workshops to lively poolside service.

Airline network planners kicked off the holiday season dreaming about warm-weather destinations.