Welcome to June. The sun is shining bright, the days are warm and people are taking off on summer vacations near, far and everywhere in between.
In May, there was plenty of hotel news to share with you, our loyal readers. Marriott bought an affordable hotel chain based in Mexico called City Express. Hilton launched another new budget hotel brand. Soho House just keeps growing, and luxury hotel rates are finally dropping — but that doesn’t mean the prices are good.
Between those bigger stories, there were a bunch of little news tidbits we wanted to share all month, from a new luxury all-inclusive brand you can book with World of Hyatt points to the long-awaited opening of a new luxury hotel in Chicago. There was even a fun deal from IHG celebrating Gemini season with an offer for identical twins.
Here’s everything you missed last month.
Hyatt has a swanky new all-inclusive brand
Hyatt officially announced an entirely new, top-tier all-inclusive brand called Impressions by Secrets. It’s the 10th brand in Hyatt’s fast-growing Inclusive Collection, and we couldn’t be more excited.
If you happened to catch TPG’s 2023 Trend Report, you know that we’re doubling down on the notion that all-inclusive resorts are getting a luxurious new lease of life, and this new brand is proof.
In fact, we’ve already sent one writer to review the first of two properties in the collection, Secrets Impression Moxché, and it hit all the right marks. Now we have word that the second resort, Impression by Secrets Isla Mujeres Resort & Spa, is officially open.
At the adults-only island resort off the coast of Cancun, guests can expect a luxury experience that bucks the stereotypes of all-inclusive vacations (think: watered-down drinks, subpar food and less-than-stellar rooms). Some exciting features include arrival from the mainland on a private yacht with a butler waiting to facilitate your needs, brand-new rooms and suites designed with earthy tones, a rooftop pool bar with stunning ocean views and a beautiful spa.
Rates at Impression by Secrets Isla Mujeres Resort & Spa start at $652.50 per night, per person. World of Hyatt members can book from 50,000 points per night, based on double occupancy.
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St. Regis Chicago is finally open
Claiming a spot on TPG’s list of 40 most exciting hotels opening in 2023, The St. Regis Chicago has been on our radar since it was first announced.
Earlier this month, the hotel finally opened its doors to guests. For points and miles enthusiasts and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists, though, the opening was a bit rocky after top-tier elites claimed the hotel wouldn’t honor the free breakfast perk. However, a spokesperson for the hotel told TPG that “the issue has been resolved and the property is offering eligible members the breakfast benefit.”
That hiccup aside, there’s still a lot to look forward to once the hotel gets past the new property learning curve. The hotel has 159 guest rooms and 33 suites in a shiny new tower in the Lakeshore East enclave, right along the Chicago River. All guests will have a St. Regis Butler at their service, whether staying in an entry-level Superior Room or in a two-bedroom Caroline Astor Suite.
The hotel features a St. Regis Spa, a gym and a heated indoor swimming 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 rates at The St. Regis Chicago start 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 easy and cuts right to their core, “Can you imagine if I had a twin?” Their response is always the same: NO.
But for those of you who are twins (fraternal or identical), IHG Hotels is offering a special two-for-one discount at select hotels to celebrate Gemini season, which kicked off on May 21 and lasts for a month. Show up to one of the bars at the hotels listed below, twin in tow, to claim a pair of drinks.
- 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
Found 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 beautiful, historic elements like 800-year-old cloisters, a Baroque church, and just 52 rooms and suites originally built as living quarters for the monks.
Of course, the most spectacular part of visiting the Amalfi Coast is admiring the rugged views. Whether you’re soaking up the views from a lounge chair by the cliffside pool or a table full of mouthwatering Italian food and local wine at La Locanda della Canonica, you’re bound to be impressed with one of the most beautiful new hotels in the area. Just know that any hotel fitting enough for Tanya McQuoid comes with an equally fitting price tag — and this Anantara is easily more than 1,000 euros ($1,068) per night.
