If you’re a Swiftie like I am, the melancholy lyrics, “August slipped away like a bottle of wine” are probably dancing around your head right now. They certainly are for me.
August was an interesting month; I spent it mostly at home in Brooklyn except for one trip to Las Vegas for Virtuoso Travel Week to meet with luxury travel advisors, hotels, cruise lines and more. While there were plenty of big takeaways, the biggest tip the luxury advisors are sharing with their clients is to book early because major hotspots, especially in Europe, are already booking up.
I was lucky enough to snag Taylor Swift tickets for Paris next May and witnessed firsthand what hotel rates in the City of Light look like around those dates — astronomical. So keep that in mind if you’re planning a Euro adventure next summer.
Other big news included a budget travel brand from IHG and the launch of Marriott’s 32nd brand. We also got more details on what the Marriott and MGM partnership will look like from my brilliant colleague and hotel maven Cameron Sperance.
If you’re curious about other hotel developments in August, read on for some more news that I found worthy of sharing.
Marriott’s Delta brand opens in NYC
Marriott Bonvoy loyalists looking to spend some time in New York City’s most dynamic neighborhood now have a new place to stay: Delta Hotels New York Times Square.
Featuring 310 brand-new rooms, hydration stations on every floor, a state-of-the-art gym and a chic restaurant called George’s Nephew, this Delta hotel is a breath of fresh air for Times Square. Better yet, you can book it using points. This means you can save money to spend on an incredible New York City experience (like seeing Josh Groban in “Sweeney Todd,” which I highly recommend).
Cash rates fluctuate wildly, according to the booking calendar. You can find some for as low as $150 a night, but most nights are more than $200. Marriott Bonvoy award bookings start at 52,000 points per night.
Construction started on a new Andaz in Turks and Caicos
Fans of Hyatt and its Andaz brand also have something to look forward to: Andaz Turks and Caicos Residences at Grace Bay is set to open in 2025.
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A hotel-residence combo, it will have 59 rooms and 74 residences along with beach access, swimming pools, to-be-announced restaurants and bars, and a spa. We’ll keep our eyes on the construction process over the next few years, but trust that we’ll be there as soon as it opens.
Hampton by Hilton is going all-in on waffles
Hampton may not have claimed the top prizes in TPG’s Battle of the Free Breakfast, but its waffles hold a special place in our hearts.
Hampton celebrates National Waffle Day every day by selling some really fun waffle-themed merch, like an insulated waffle fanny pack with a syrup holder, for a limited time online. Now that fall is right around the corner, the brand shared that pumpkin spice waffles will be back on the menu from Oct. 1 through the end of November.
W Sydney has an opening date
On our list of the 40 most exciting new hotels opening this year, W Sydney is one we’ve been dreaming of visiting for years. Starting Oct. 12, that dream can finally be a reality. With 585 rooms, the Sydney outpost will be the largest W hotel in the world. It’ll feature a two-level rooftop Wet Deck, a spa, and restaurants and bars in a futuristic building at Darling Harbour.
Rates for the opening month start around $316 or 47,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
And on the topic of new Marriott openings in Australia, the country’s first Moxy hotel just opened near the Sydney Airport (SYD).
Sonesta is making it easier to have food delivered to hotels
At more than 120 Sonesta ES Suites and Simply Suites hotels in the U.S., guests can now use Grubhub to get food conveniently delivered to hotels without any hassle.
Using QR codes around the hotel or a geotag on the app, Grubhub delivery people will be given specific drop-off instructions for that hotel. This helps avoid the confusion of whether a delivery person will come straight to your room or leave your food in the lobby.
Guests will also receive two free months of Grubhub+ to get free delivery on orders $12 and up.
Related: Make the most of your food delivery orders with these 9 credit cards
