Welcome to June. The sun is shining, the days are getting warmer and people are heading off on summer vacations near, far and everywhere in between.
During the month of May, there was plenty of hotel news to share with you, our loyal readers. Marriott bought a budget hotel from Mexico called City Express. Hilton introduced a new type of budget hotel. Soho House is just getting bigger, and luxury hotel prices are falling – but that doesn’t mean the prices are good.
In between the big news, there were smaller stories we wanted to share throughout the month, from a new luxury all-inclusive that you can book with World of Hyatt points to the long-awaited opening of a new luxury hotel in Chicago. There was even some fun from IHG to celebrate the season of Gemini and the opportunity for identical twins.
Here’s everything you missed last month.
Hyatt has a new all-inclusive model
Hyatt officially announced a new, luxury all-inclusive brand called Impressions by Secrets. It’s the 10th brand in Hyatt’s fast-growing Inclusive Collection, and we couldn’t be happier.
If you caught TPG’s 2023 Trend Report, you know we’re moving on from the idea that all living spaces are getting a new luxury lifestyle, and this new model is proof.
In fact, we’ve already sent one writer to review the first of the two collections, Secrets Impression Moxché, and it arrived on all the right machines. Now we have word that the second resort, Impression by Secrets Isla Mujeres Resort & Spa, is officially open.
On the adults-only island off the coast of Cancun, guests can expect high-end activities that disrupt the idea of a vacation together (think: alcoholic beverages, limited food and limited rooms). Other amenities include arriving from shore on a private boat with a butler waiting to attend to your needs, new rooms and suites designed with earthy accents, a rooftop pool with stunning ocean views and a beautiful spa area.
Rates at Impression by Secrets Isla Mujeres Resort & Spa start at $652.50 per night, per person. World of Hyatt members can book up to 50,000 points per night, based on two stays.
St. Regis Chicago finally opened
Taking a place on TPG’s list of 40 luxury hotels opening in 2023, The St. The Regis Chicago has been on our radar since it was first announced.
Earlier this month, the hotel opened its doors to guests. For points-and-miles fans and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists, the launch was a bit of a bummer after top executives said the hotel didn’t honor the free breakfast. However, a spokesperson for the hotel told TPG that “the issue has been resolved and the property is offering breakfast to eligible members.”
Besides, there is much to look forward to when the hotel goes through the new process of studying the area. The hotel has 159 guest rooms and 33 suites in a sparkling new tower in the Lakeshore East enclave, on the banks of the Chicago River. All guests will have St. Regis Butler at their service, whether they are staying in the Superior Entrance Room or in the Caroline Astor Suite.
The hotel has a St. Regis Spa, fitness center and heated indoor pool. There’s an all-day Japanese restaurant, Miru, from chef Hisanobu Osaka, and a Tuscan-style steakhouse, Tre Dita, from chef Evan Funke.
Cash Prices at The St. Regis Chicago starts at $711 per night or 55,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Two for one cocktails for twins
One of my favorite jokes to make around family and friends is simple and cut to the punch, “Can you imagine if I had twins?” Their answer is always the same: NO.
But for those of you who are twins (relatives or identical), IHG Hotels is offering a special two-for-one discount at select hotels to celebrate Gemini season, which began on May 21 and lasts for a month. Show up at one of the hotel restaurants below, two in a row, to grab a drink.
- Hotel Indigo Williamsburg – Brooklyn.
- Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown.
- Intercontinental Los Angeles Downtown.
- Yours truly DC Hotel – Vignette Collection.
- Hotel Indigo Nashville – The Countrypolitan.
- InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta.
- Hotel Indigo Atlanta Downtown.
- Hotel Indigo New Orleans – French Quarter.
Anantara says ciao to Amalfi
Located in a restored 13th century monastery just 15 minutes from Amalfi, the now open Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel should be on your radar if you’re dreaming of a vacation worthy of the “White Lotus.”
Inside the hotel, expect a fresh take on stunning antiques such as an 800-year-old wardrobe, a Baroque chapel, and just 52 rooms built like monasteries.
Of course, the most impressive part of visiting the Amalfi coast is admiring the breathtaking views. Whether you’re looking at a lounge chair by the mountain pool or a table full of mouth-watering Italian cuisine and local wine at La Locanda della Canonica, you’ll be treated to one of the region’s most beautiful hotels. Just know that every hotel worth Tanya McQuoid comes with a price tag — and this Anantara costs more than 1,000 euros ($1,068) per night.
