Hyatt Unbound

Published on March 2016 by BriAlys

The Hyatt hotel is branching out and launching a new category of hotels, The Unbound Collection, described as:

new and existing upper-upscale and luxury properties
historic urban gems, contemporary trend-setters, boutique hotels, resorts, and more

The video release is also super cute with the theme, “The Freedom to be Extraordinary“. I love this. Why? Because, as someone once told me, I like to stay in fancy hotels just as much as I love to travel #truestory You may wonder why I care, given that I’m 100% a super Marriott fan. It’s because after participating in a status match program, I’m also a Platinum member at Hyatt #winning Oh and while we’re on the travel subject, today many major airlines announced non-stop flights to Cuba! I would love to add that destination to my list of conquests! Happy traveling!

Private Meeting Space

Published on January 2016January 2016 by BriAlys

Sometimes when you’re traveling (or even at home) you want to find a private meeting space. Maybe you’ve got an interview lined up or you want a quite space to get some work done. Sometimes you just want a new environment… Welp, there’s an app for that!

The Bizly app (iOS) allows users to book private meeting space at some of the world’s best hotels with just the swipe of a finger. The benefit for travelers, freelancers and other remote workers is obvious, but the participating hotels win big, too. A partnership with Bizly allows otherwise vacant inventory to generate revenue, with minimal impact on day-to-day operations. (RoadWarriorVoices)

This is my first time learning about this company and while the service sounds intriguing, I am ore drawned to Bizly’s blog (and have already bookmarked it to add to my daily reading list). Check out a few of my favorite articles below.

YOU ARE an executive OF YOUR OWN LIFE, take advantage of the tips below

Buyer Beware – Budget Travel Sites

Published on September 2015September 2015 by BriAlys

Hotels Fight Back Against Sites Like Expedia and Priceline

This was a headline I read this morning in the New York Times. It’s true that most people are not brand-loyal when they travel and will search all sorts of 3rd party sites to get the best “at-the-moment” deal. A few days ago I even told you about a new way to search for flights that can provide tremendous value. But – Buyer Beware when it comes to these budget / 3rd party travel sites. That doesn’t mean that I used these sites to PURCHASE anything. In fact, I ALWAYS use these sites to SEARCH for deals on flights & hotels. Then I ALWAYS BOOK DIRECTLY WITH THE SOURCE. Even when I wasn’t loyal to Delta & Marriott I would do that. I don’t really know why ,I just do. I guess booking with them makes me feel more legit? (shrug) I’ve read too many cases where people use these sites and their reservations get lost, room types aren’t honored, etc. I’d rather not deal with all of that. Use the tools available at your disposal, but ALWAYS book DIRECT.

I’m saying Buyer Beware because:

Hotels can “see” on your reservation that you booked via a 3rd party site. We also know that they do not make as much profit/commission on these type of reservations. As a result, they can give you the crappiest room available and save the swankiest rooms for people who book directly with them.
Airlines are creating basic, no-amenity, no change, non-refundable no advance seat selection site ticket fares to fill demand from 3rd party sites. Delta calls theirs Basic Economy. as a Gold Medallion Member, I would never book that. Ever. Even’t if I wasn’t Gold. If you are rock solid with your travel plans and don’t care about a middle seat, then go right ahead. Just make sure you also read the fine print.
Hotels are offering perks for people without status – those who “Just Enroll” with their programs on reservations booked directly with them. Things like room type, Wi-Fi and selecting room location on your mobile phone are now offered by brands like Hilton. The offers look legit and like they may apply to ALL reservations but that’s just not the case. You must read the Terms and Conditions.
You will not earn points for you stay/flight. You’re giving up major benefits here. Loyal pays off, really. You can stay for free, eat for free and be treated pretty much like royalty wherever you go. I’m super serious here.

So ask yourself, is it really worth it? You may be saving $20 on any given flight or hotel stay but in the end, booking DIRECTLY with the travel companies almost always outweigh the GAINS.

Check out my Travel Section for more Tips and Tricks.

Marriott Terms & Conditions - WiFi only — Marriott Terms & Conditions – WiFi only

Hilton "Just Join" Member Benefits — Hilton “Just Join” Member Benefits

photo credit: http://design-milk.com/destination-design-chic-basic-ramblas-hotel/

Marriot hearts Netflix

Published on June 2015 by BriAlys

I love when two companies I love join forces! I think there should be much more of this!!! Recently we saw Starbucks and Spotify combine forces to partner on a music streaming service. Now, Marriott and Netflix are teaming up! And you KNOW how I feel about Marriott!!!

Marriott Hotels Becomes First To Offer Netflix On Guest Room Televisions: The partnership allows members to sign in to their existing accounts to stream content on their hotel room’s internet-connected TV or if guests do not have a Netflix account, they can sign up on the spot! (Remember Netflix offers a free 30-day trial). The service is available now at 6 hotels (New York Marriott East Side, San Jose Marriott, Princeton Marriott, Newport Marriott, Dallas/Fort Worth Marriott Solana, Bethesda Marriott Suites), with six launching this summer (Marriott Marquis Washington, DC, San Francisco Marriott Marquis, Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Dayton Marriott, San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, Anaheim Marriott). The press release also makes reference to the Netflix being available at 24-other properties (no mention of locations) with more on the way. By 2016 all of Marriott’s 300+ properties will offer Netflix.

I have loved to have this while I was traveling across Europe!!! Let’s hope they introduce this internationally! Marriott Netflix

Room Keys Go Mobile

Published on January 2014 by BriAlys

Most people know I’m a Marriott fanatic. I use my Marriott credit card for everything and I’ve been a Platinum member for a number of years now – It’s what I call The Marriott Factor. About 6 months ago, Marriott announced that it would let users check in to their hotel room using their smart phone. The problem is that you still have to stop at the front desk (bummer). And I’ll admit I never use this feature (keep reading to learn why).

If you are a fan of Starwood Hotels, soon there will be no need to stop at the front desk and your mobile phone will become your room key! As noted in this article from Mashable:

“Rather than waiting on a long line to get your key from the front desk at the hotel, users can check in and set their payment method on the app. The app then becomes your room key. The technology works using Bluetooth and will work with any iPhone 4S or higher, and Android phones running Android 4.3 or newer.”Amazing! Don’t we hate waiting? By now, I’m sure you’re asking yourself: What brands does Starwood own? The list includes: Sheraton, W Hotels, and a few others you’ve probably never heard of unless you live in New City or Silicon Valley. Few words of caution: You’ll want to be very careful with the Marriott or Starwoods option. Once you check in, I’m not sure how flexible the hotels will be in returning your money. So if your trip is tentative you’ll want to hold off. My advice? Never check-in the day before!

(secretly hoping my beloved Marriot is paying attention)