Hotels

As part of a recent family vacation to Orlando, I decided to book a couple of nights at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. After a couple of days at the theme parks in the infamous Florida summer heat, my wife…

Renaissance Hotels is one of Marriott Bonvoy’s 30+ brands — and as a premium brand offering full-service amenities, there’s a lot to love about this brand. In particular, we love Renaissance Hotels because there are many opportunities to redeem points…

Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s charming beach towns. If you enjoy white sand beaches, a charming small-town feel, gastronomy, and Mexican culture, this city should definitely be on your wish list. In addition to having beautiful beaches, fantastic marine…

Vacation ownership is a way of buying into a vacation commitment. Often called a timeshare, it involves prepaying for your vacations and locking in today’s rates with a specific hotel brand for years to come. While that might not appeal…

Punta Cana isn’t quite as popular as Cancún or Cabo, but the Dominican Republic’s easternmost city is famed for its 20-mile stretch of white sand beaches, clear waters, and delightful people. And although Punta Cana has plenty to do, including zip-lining,…

The World of Hyatt program is a favorite among many travelers thanks to its excellent redemption options and fantastic elite member benefits. One of the other great things about the World of Hyatt program is that you can book suites…

Dazzler by Wyndham is a small brand that’s only found in 4 countries in South America, so it might not be that familiar to you. Since it’s part of the Wyndham family of brands, you can earn and use Wyndham…

Often referred to as the birthplace of America, Philadelphia has tons of fun things to do for both kids and adults. It makes a great road trip stop or a weekend getaway, so my family and I decided to hop…

San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas are 2 of Mexico’s most frequented beach towns, especially by the wealthy. If you’re staying at a luxury resort in Los Cabos, there’s a decent chance you’ll spot a celebrity, depending on…

Marriott Hotels & Resorts is the classic, full-service, namesake brand within the greater Marriott International portfolio of over 30 brands. It’s associated with a full-service hotel concept, offering plenty of facilities and amenities for city hotels and resorts alike. Even…

Heading to Las Vegas? Trying to figure out how to book Sin City hotels for free? You’re not alone! Whether you’re visiting Las Vegas for business, casinos, shows, or even the famous buffets, there’s plenty of luxuries to look forward…

Design Hotels is one of the most niche brands in Marriott’s portfolio. Started in 1993, this Berlin-based company was acquired under a majority 72% ownership by Starwood Hotels Group. And when Marriott merged with Starwood, it absorbed Design Hotels by…

A free night certificate is one of the biggest money savers you can use when booking travel. While it’s hard to imagine that you could ever get anything for free, getting these certificates as a credit cardholder is possible. Thanks…

Are you or have you been in the military at some point in your life? Perhaps you’re married to a service member, your dad was in the Army, or your sister just finished boot camp? If you answered “yes” to…

Cancún is just a short flight away from the U.S. It’s a popular tourist destination year-round, but especially so during the spring and summer months, as well as the Christmas holiday season. Known for exceptional white-sand beaches, a lively culture,…

Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts is a familiar brand to road warriors or anyone who has needed an inexpensive yet comfortable place to stay for a night or 2. What you may not know is that it is part of…

Perhaps the best-kept secret of the luxury hotel world is Marriott Bonvoy’s The Luxury Collection, which often represents an incredible use of Marriott Bonvoy points. One of Marriott Bonvoy’s luxury brands, this brand’s history traces back all the way to…

Hyatt is one of the world’s most recognizable hotel companies. Headquartered in Chicago, this behemoth hospitality company has grown tremendously in the past few years, thanks to some incredible acquisitions and key business moves. Today, its World of Hyatt program…

Marriott STARS and Marriott Luminous are the 2 benefits programs available to travel advisors and agencies and offer special perks to those who book through them. Similar to Hyatt Privé, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Hilton Impresario, and Virtuoso, Marriott STARS…

Booking your hotel room with points is a great way to save money on your next vacation. However, there are so many hotel brands and loyalty programs out there that it can be hard to know which ones offer the…

Rising from the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is famous for its vibrant arts scene, multiple cultural attractions, interesting architecture, excellent shopping, great food, and lively nightlife. From the wide-open spaces of Millennium Park to the amazing views from Skydeck…