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Is the Grand Hyatt brand moving away from complimentary toothbrushes?

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I realize in the big scheme of things, the complimentary toothbrush and toothpaste found in most mid-to-high end hotel rooms is minimal. But, based on a recent stay at the Grand Hyatt Incheon (just outside of Seoul, South Korea), I am wondering if the Grand Hyatt brand is moving away from complimentary toothbrushes.

The Grand Hyatt Incheon

A few friends and I had decided to get a day room at the Grand Hyatt Incheon, as we had a roughly 14 hour layover during the day and figured it would be helpful to have a base of operations. So we checked into a room in the West Tower (this was the new tower built around the time the hotel switched brands from a Regency to a Grand). The room was pretty standard, but the thing that struck me was what was in the bathroom drawer.

Cost for a Toothbrush and Toothpaste at the Grand Hyatt Incheon

Cost for a Toothbrush and Toothpaste at the Grand Hyatt Incheon

Now I didn’t particularly need the toothbrush or toothpaste – I had brought my own on this particular trip. But seeing the charge, I had to inquire.

A public tweet garnered a collection of responses, generally expressing distaste.

The tweet also received a request from the Hyatt Concierge team to Direct Message them. I explained my concerns, and they forwarded those concerns on to the hotel’s Executive Assistant Manager, who I caught up with later that evening in the lounge.

Is the Grand Hyatt brand moving away from complimentary toothbrushes?

Speaking with the hotel’s Executive Assistant Manager, it seemed that the direction from Chicago, or Hyatt Corporate was to limit one gratis toothbrush per standard room, with additional toothbrushes and toothpaste at a cost (in this case, 6,600 Won which translates to $6.14 US).

I haven’t been able to get Hyatt to confirm this, but, it certainly is one data point indicating that Grand Hyatt brand may be moving away from complimentary toothbrushes.

Moving away from complimentary toothbrushes at Grand Hyatt hotels, it would seem like a small cost savings, though I’d imagine it could generate a decent amount of frustration.

Wrapping Up

If Hyatt really is moving away from offering complimentary toothbrushes at Grand Hyatt branded hotels, it’s not a tectonic shift. It makes me wonder if this is more akin to American Airlines removing olives from the salad in domestic first class back in the 1980’s. I doubt it will change anyone’s stay habits, but it still strikes me as cheap, especially when Grand Hyatt’s are largely viewed as a high quality hotel brand. Obviously Grand’s are behind the Andaz and Park Hyatt brands, but I’d argue that they would fall as a close 3rd in the Hyatt family.

What do you think of the possibility of the Grand Hyatt brand no longer offering complimentary toothbrushes?

Marriott Rewards Members: A Birthday Surprise awaits

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Mark this under Speculative, but Marriott is sending out e-mails to Marriott Rewards enticing Marriott Rewards Members to add their birthdays. This is a quick way to possible increase your points balance, or otherwise see what Marriott’s proposed birthday surprise is. 

Marriott Rewards Members

Add your Birthday to your Marriott Rewards Account

Adding your birthday to your Marriott Rewards account is actually really quick and easy. You can click on the link in the e-mail, or go here, sign in, and you’ll arrive at the below screen. Marriott only wants to know your birth month and birth day, so anyone who’s nervous about Marriott knowing your age – you needn’t worry.

Marriott Rewards Members

There’s no telling what Marriott will be giving Marriott Rewards Members on their birthdays, but, if I had to guess, it’d probably be points. Besides, who doesn’t like points?

Marriott Likes to give Marriott Rewards Members Points

This is yet another in a long line of nice gestures for Marriott Rewards. Earlier this year, they sent me a nice tweet and gave me 500 points. Not huge, but its the thought that counts:

Marriott Rewards Members

Overall, this isn’t going to be a game changer, but its another example of Marriott doing the right thing. Small gestures–500 points for example doesn’t really move the needle–that don’t cost the company much, helps members to feel appreciated, and to continue to patronage Marriott hotels. Its kind of like how American used to deposit some miles into members accounts after you did a redemption, as a way to keep you engaged in the program. 

Did you receive an e-mail invitation to add your birthday to your Marriott Rewards account?

Comparing the Hyatt Zilara Cancun and Jamaica

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One of the most frequent comments I’ve gotten when reviewing either the Hyatt Zilara Cancun or the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall has been: “Which is better?” Unfortunately there’s no clear cut answer, because each property has their strengths and weaknesses. So rather please take this as my way of comparing the Hyatt Zilara Cancun and Jamaica.  

Comparing the Hyatt Zilara Cancun and Jamaica – Property

The two Zilara properties could not be more different. The Hyatt Zilara Cancun is more vertical, while the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall is much more spread out. Cancun is stand-alone, while Rose Hall shares a larger former Ritz Carlton footprint with the Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall. Of course, this results in a different experience. For example, the lobby of the Cancun property is beautiful, spacious, more vertical, and also ends up being the central point for nightly entertainment.

Whereas the Rose Hall property is more spread out, but does have an evening entertainment area on the Ziva Rose Hall side of the property.

As far as pools go, the Cancun property has a single expansive pool spanning the property with more cabana style lounges rather than regular chaise lounges.

The Rose Hall property on the other hand has 2 pools on the Zilara side, and an additional pool on the Ziva side. Both seemed decent in size. There were however only a few cabanas, and those had costs associated with them.

Winner: Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall

Rationale: I like to walk on vacation, so the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall definitely won when it came to property  

Comparing the Hyatt Zilara Cancun and Jamaica – Food and Drinks

Where the Cancun property lacked in property it certainly made up in food. The Hyatt Zilara Cancun’s food options were plentiful and all were wonderful.

Our first day started with lunch by the pool in Pelicanos, a very reasonable start.

We escalated from there to tepanyaki grill that night,

But the coup de grace was the Chef’s Table. It was phenomenal. This was not just a meal, it was an experience – somewhat customized, and prepared in front of you. 

For example, I don’t typically eat seafood, so they substituted chicken in place seafood in some dishes. 

hyatt zilara cancun

now with chicken instead

 

Even the buffet restaurant looked rather appetizing with ice cream, and a variety of dishes.

 

The Rose Hall property’s food offerings on the other hand, left something to be desired.

Similar to our Cancun experience, we decided to have lunch upon arrival at the restaurant close to the beach and pool. It was Jamaican flavor, which was appropriate and probably our best meal of the trip.

That evening, we ate at the Brazillian inspired restaurant, figuring we might need a day to sleep off the food coma from all the wonderful meat. It wasn’t as good as we had experienced elsewhere, but it wasn’t bad.

We also tried the Asian fusion restaurant and the British Pub. Ironically, for dinner options, the pub food was probably the best of those restaurants we tried.

Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall

meat pie at the pub

For breakfast, we didn’t venture out, instead opting for room service, which was reasonably good each day. 

Winner: Hyatt Zilara Cancun

Rationale: Food was a very clear and deliberate focus at the Hyatt Zilara Cancun, and it made a huge difference.

Comparing the Hyatt Zilara Cancun and Jamaica – Service

This is probably not the most fair comparison, as we had an upgraded room at the Hyatt Zilara Cancun, but were upgraded to a Butler Suite at the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall. This meant that well, we had a butler. That made an impact, but it wasn’t the only impact. Every single employee we saw when wandering the resort was kind, and truly seemed to care about how we were enjoying ourselves. The lady who brought us our drinks at the pool remembered what we were drinking and truly enjoyed her job. Everyone came off as happy, and it didn’t look like an act.

That isn’t to say that the Cancun properties’ employees didn’t. They did, but just not to the extent that the Rose Hall property’s staff did.

Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall

Phone that Butler Suite residents get for anything they need at the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall.

Winner: Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall

Rationale: If the Cancun property made food a priority, the Rose Hall property made service the priority.

Comparing the Hyatt Zilara Cancun and Jamaica – The Room

The Cancun property’s room was reasonably expansive, it had an in room hot tub, a nice lanai, a sitting area; all the necessities of a nice quality room.

The Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall on the other hand provided us a pretty impressive Butler Suite which was significantly bigger than that of the Cancun property. This room had so much space that sometimes it felt a little empty. 

Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall Jamaica: Butler Suite

Overall, the suite provided plenty of room to spread out, which was nice, even though we spent most of our time down at the pool.

Winner: Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall

Rationale: This was a tough one, because its hard to truly compare the two rooms since we had a suite at only one of the two.

Final Thoughts

Both Hyatt Zilara properties are great. I think though it depends on what matters more to you, as to which one may be a better fit for you. For me, I would likely return to either, though I did appreciate the ability to walk around the Jamaica property, but the food was really quite good in Cancun, so it could be a toss up. 

What are your thoughts? Have you been to both? Did you have a different experience?

Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall Jamaica: Property and Restaurants

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Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall, Montego Bay Jamaica 

Part One: Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall Jamaica Arrival Experience
Part Two: Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall Jamaica Butler Suite
Part Three: Property and Restaurants

I wanted to try to be consistent with my review structure as compared to Hyatt Zilara Cancun. I’ll say at the onset that I had fairly high expectations.

Lunch at Jamaican Rootz At Horizons:

Our flight in was fairly early, so we ended up grabbing a bight to eat at the Jamaican restaurant on the beach. It was a logical way to start the day.

The sea breeze was great, the view was nice, and I ordered chicken. 

My wife ordered a beef dish.

And of course there was pie. Everyone loves pie.

And cake, in this case, cheesecake, which was enjoyable.

During the evening, the restaurant was lit up quite nicely.

Dinner at Brazilian Steakhouse:

Our first night, we opted for the Brazilian Steakhouse. We figured we might need a relaxing day at the pool or frequent laps around the property the next day, so we wanted to ensure we visited there early in our stay. 

Overall, the meat was good, not great. The service was very good, and the buffett of greens and grains was as you would expect.

Dessert was nice as well.

Back at the room, we ordered Bread Pudding, every single night! Unfortunately quality  and quantity varied.

Also, a benefit (I think) of the Butler Suite was that we always had a bottle of bubbly on ice in the room.

Breakfast Room Service:

We ordered room service for breakfast every morning, and had varying results.

Every time it was very well displayed.

I typically enjoyed french toast and eggs, my wife enjoyed eggs with some ham.

Breakfast Buffet:

While we didn’t actually eat at the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall’s buffet, we did check it out, and it looked pretty nice. 

More breakfast buffet

More breakfast buffet spread.

Warm options at the breakfast buffet.

Union Jacks:

Union Jacks, while touted as a British pub, definitely had a mix of things. I will say, it did not disappoint, even with its menagerie of culinary offerings. 

I chose a Heineken and a meat pie. The Heineken was ok–nothing compared to a true British ale!–but the meat pie was wonderful. So wonderful that I would give the dish high regards with regard to the entire Zilara-Ziva compound’s offerings.

FEZ:

While not a restaurant, Fez, a floor above Union Jacks, was a bar offering. It had Hookah options–though we did not partake–and a great view of the evening entertainment.

Fez also had a comfortable area to watch a movie in; I don’t recall the movie they were projecting in the photo below, but, as you can see, many were excited to see it.

Wrapping Up

Overall, the food at the Zilara Rose Hall was probably the biggest disappointment, but there were some high points. Union Jacks being one of them. I think the message to take away though is that there are plenty of options, and you are bound to find something that you enjoy. 

 

Do this now if you have the Chase Fairmont Visa

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Last week the Blogosphere was rattled with news that Chase Fairmont Visa holders would have their cards converted to Chase Sapphire Preferred cards in August. For some this may not be so rattling, but, Fairmont, like SPG, attracts a rather dedicated bunch. If you don’t believe me, just check out my review of the Fairmont Southampton, which I did in two posts.

Chase Fairmont Visa

But, there is still something you can do to extract some remaining value from the Chase Fairmont Visa!

Getting the last of the Chase Fairmont Visa Benefits

First of all, the Chase Fairmont Visa is a great card. Its got some great benefits, but, at this point, this post only matters to you if you already have the card. You see, in addition to all of the great sign-up benefits that there were, there’s also a little bit of an Easter Egg in that if you spend $12,000 per year, you get a free night. So far as I am able to figure out, this annual free night is based on your card member anniversary–read: when your annual fee hits–rather than calendar year. Why is this important? Because, if your annual fee is in August or, probably the following 6 months, you might be able to get some reprieve from the $12,000 spend.

What to do?

Update #1: Start considering your spend now. If your annual fee is anytime from August to to the end of the card being offered, The letter says that the required spend drops down to $6,000 for the annual free night benefit.

Update #2: Of course, if your annual fee is in June or July and you aren’t quite at the $12,000, or even $6,000, you may want to call and see if they can move your anniversary date further out, so you can meet the necessary spend for the annual free night. That’s what my father was able to do (see comment below).

Wrapping Up

Its a big shame that Chase and Fairmont are parting ways. We’ve really enjoyed the benefits of the Chase Fairmont Visa, its just that good a card, and Fairmont is that good a hotel chain. But there is still some opportunity to get a bit of value from the Fairmont card, that is, putting some spend on it between now and 15 August when it gets converted to a Chase Sapphire Preferred. Spending $6,000 may either be huge, or not a big deal, depending on how you feel about manufactured spending, but, for some properties, this can be an arbitrage opportunity. I say that, because there is always a cost to spend, but many Fairmonts can be, well, pricey. So, do the math, make the phone call, and please share a comment on your experience.

Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall Jamaica: Butler Suite

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Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall, Montego Bay Jamaica 

Part One: Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall Jamaica Arrival Experience
Part Two: Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall Jamaica Butler Suite
Part Three: Property and Restaurants

Around 2 or 2:30pm we visited the front desk to see if our room was ready, and it was! We were escorted by to our room on the 4th floor (the highest floor at the hotel), and shown our beautiful Butler Suite. Up until this point I had thought we would just be in a Junior Suite, so we were very pleasantly surprised by the room.

Butler Suite Main Room:

The room had a spacious sitting room, as well as a table with seating for four

A wet bar (sink in corner).

Butler Suite half bath:

Butler Suite Lanai:

As well as a reasonably spacious lanai with a very comfortable day bed

The view from the lanai

Butler Suite Bedroom:

The bedroom was also spacious.

Just behind the bedroom was a fairly decently sized bathroom, which had his and hers closets on either end. 

There was a separate shower that had either a handle or rain shower head.

A separate water closet, and a tub, though we didn’t really utilize that one.

The Butler!

As if the room was not enough, about 5 or so minutes after we arrived to the room the doorbell rang.

It was Stephen our butler!

He explained that he and another gentleman (Marcelle) were available on call pretty much from 8am to 8pm daily. He provided us a mobile phone with his number on speed dial.

Stephen also explained the variety of services that he and his colleague offered, including arranging for room service–in the room or down by the pool–, arranging for tours, and other fun things. In fact, the last night, they set up a nice little surprise for us:

Overall, we were quite impressed with our Butler Suite! 

Review: The Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall Jamaica – Arrival Experience

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My wife and I were excited at the chance for a long weekend trip to the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica. We had the opportunity to visit over Memorial Day weekend, which I was concerned would be overly crazy. It turned out that the hotel wasn’t that busy. We got lucky.

We flew into Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport. There is a nice arrival lounge just past Immigration, which starts the experience. 

We entered and found a desk, a moment later I had a Red Stripe in my hand, my wife had a rum punch drink, and the process for checking in had already started.

Once the credit card was swiped for the room, no fee for the round trip transfer to and from the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall, they tagged our bags.  A few moments later, we were told that our transfer would be available shortly.

The small bar outside the arrivals hall was very busy, we were happy to have had the AC and the quiet that was the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall’s arrival lounge.

 

We were soon found and escorted to the bus, it was a short twenty or so minutes to the hotel. 

 

Lobby with our small airport shuttle bus in the background. 

 

Once we arrived at the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall, we were welcomed with another welcome beverage and a great view. 

The Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall Jamaica

Unfortunately, our room was not yet ready, so we opted to find a nice lunch. But we’ll save that for the next installment. 

 

New Marriott Rewards Credit Card Apple Pay Promotion

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I don’t usually get excited about small credit card offers like this, but, its not very often we see something for the Marriott Credit Card. This isn’t nearly as good as the Discover Apple Pay promotion a few years back–which I bought an iPhone for by the way!

Marriott Rewards Credit Card, Apple Pay Promotion

Marriott Rewards Credit Card Apple Pay promotion

The promotion is pretty simple – use Apple Pay to make 5 purchases with your Marriott Rewards Credit Card between 15 May and 15 June and you’ll get a $15 statement credit. 

The terms are fairly straight forward, see pasted below:

Offer: This offer is valid from 05/15/2017 through 06/15/2017. To qualify for this offer, you must make 5 transactions using your consumer Marriott Rewards® credit card with your Apple Pay® account during checkout. Purchases are when you, or an authorized user, use a card to make purchases of products and services, minus returns or refunds. Please allow up to 8 weeks after the qualifying purchase(s) post(s) to your account for the statement credit to post to your Marriott Rewards® credit account. To receive the statement credit, your account must be open and not in default at the time of fulfillment. If you change your credit card product during the promotional period you will forfeit this offer. This offer is non-transferable. Limit one statement credit per customer or card account. Chase may terminate this offer at any time without notice.

It seems like a pretty easy promotion to do in order to get yourself a $15 statement credit. One caveat – its not clear to me that it is specifically targeted.

Will you be taking advantage of the Marriott Rewards Credit Card Apple Pay promotion?

H/T Slickdeals

Review: The Castle Hotel Orlando

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I had a short trip to Orlando recently and wanted something a little bit different. The Castle Hotel Orlando is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. I’m familiar with other hotels in the collection, such as the Casa Monica in St. Augustine, which I’ve had the pleasure of dining at but not staying. That said, I was excited to have the chance to finally stay at one of the Autograph Collection hotels.

The Castle Hotel, Orlando FL

The Castle Hotel, Orlando FL

The Castle Hotel Orlando

We arrived at the hotel late, it was after 11pm by the time we got there. The lobby was rather eclectically decorated.

The Castle Hotel

Lobby

The Castle Hotel

Lobby

The check in experience was pretty good, aside from poor timing on my part, in walking in after a multi-room family walked in to check-in. The front desk associate was apologetic and was kind enough to give us a $10 credit to the lobby bar, which was all we needed to convince us to check it out.

Lobby Bar

There were a number of people sitting at the actual bar, so we went back to take better photos in the morning.

The Castle Hotel Orlando

The Lobby Bar

There was also a nice sitting area outside the bar near the elevator, in the event you wanted to get a slightly quieter atmosphere.

The Castle Hotel

Even the elevators were rather intricately decorated.

The Castle Hotel 

Once up on the 6th floor, the decor was fairly consistent:

The Castle Hotel Orlando

Hallway

The Castle Hotel Orlando

Hallway

The Castle Hotel Orlando – The Room

The room was your fairly standard look, with only slightly eclectic accouterments.

The Castle Hotel Orlando

Bed

The Castle Hotel Orlando

Dresser / TV / Desk

The bathroom was pretty standard business hotel, but with Kessler Amenities.

The Castle Hotel Orlando

Sink

The Castle Hotel Orlando

Shower

The Pool

The Castle Hotel had a smallish pool and hot tub that seemed like it could be nice to enjoy on a warm day.

The Castle Hotel Orlando

Heading out to the pool

The Castle Hotel Orlando

Pool

Then there was the hot tub.

The Castle Hotel Orlando

Hot Tub

Final Thoughts

Overall, I felt the The Castle Hotel to be a perfectly sufficient hotel for a quick overnight. I enjoyed the lobby bar, as well as the unique decor. I’m not sure that I’d necessarily pay a premium for the hotel, but, for the night that I did stay there, it was comparable priced. If you’re in that type of a situation, then I’d definitely recommend giving this hotel a shot!

Have you ever stayed at the Castle Hotel?

Review: Grand Hyatt Taipei

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We were excited to have the chance to stay at the Grand Hyatt Taipei, as we’ve enjoyed many of the other Grand Hyatt properties across Asia, like the Grand Hyatt Tokyo and Grand Hyatt Singapore. But I have to say, this hotel was just a little different.

Arriving at the Grand Hyatt Taipei

Grand Hyatt Taipei

Arriving at the Grand Hyatt Taipei

The lobby was airy and very open.

Grand Hyatt Taipei Lobby

Grand Hyatt Taipei Lobby

Grand Hyatt Taipei Lobby

Grand Hyatt Taipei Lobby Check-in

Of course, we were whisked up to the Grand Club for check-in.

Unfortunately, our room wasn’t ready — we had arrived into Taipei at 6am, and made good time, so it was not even 9am when we had gotten to the hotel. So we were invited to enjoy breakfast in the lounge. This wasn’t ideal, but, it was certainly comfortable.

Breakfast at the Grand Hyatt Taipei’s Grand Club

The spread was reasonable – perhaps not as exhaustive as some hotels, but certainly more than sufficient.

Grand Hyatt Taipei Grand Hyatt Taipei

The Room at the Grand Hyatt Taipei

When we finally got to the room–after a short breakfast–we were happy to the space.

Grand Hyatt Taipei Sitting Room

Sitting Room

Grand Hyatt Taipei Sitting Room

Sitting Room

There was a wall separating the sitting area and the bedroom.

Grand Hyatt Taipei Bedroom Room

Bedroom

There was a nice sized television too. 

Grand Hyatt Taipei Bedroom Room

Bedroom 

Grand Hyatt Taipei

Control Panel by the bed

The bathroom was well adorned as well.

Grand Hyatt Taipei Sink

Sink

Grand Hyatt Taipei Sink Amenities

Sink Amenities

Grand Hyatt Taipei Shower

Shower

Grand Hyatt Taipei Bathtube

Bathtub

Overall, we found the room to be comfortable, and more than sufficient for our two night stay in Taipei.

Evening Drinks at the Grand Club

One thing that we tend to enjoy, is spending our evenings at the Grand Club. I realize that we’re missing out on some of the nightlight, but it always ends up being a relaxing environment to talk about the day, plan for the next day, and catch up on e-mail (a necessary evil).

Evening snacks at the Grand Hyatt Taipei's Grand Club

Evening snacks at the Grand Club

Evening snacks at the Grand Hyatt Taipei's Grand Club

Evening snacks at the Grand Club

Grand Hyatt Taipei

Conclusion

Overall, the hotel was more than satisfactory. I thought the Grand Club was great, although as I went through my photos, I missed the little kitchen area that they would prepare omelettes in the morning and warm dishes in the evening. The location wasn’t perfect, its in the business district, but, I really found the city to be walkable, and certainly hospitable, so the location was more than fine. The hotel had all the amenities you’d expect for either a vacation or a business trip.

Note: Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. The owners of this website may be compensated in exchange for featured placement of certain sponsored products and services, or your clicking on links and advertisements posted on this website. For more information, please see our Legal Notice.