For those readers who value elite status with major hotel chains, 2020 was actually a pretty straightforward year. Recognising that very few people were able to travel, all of the major hotel chains automatically extended elite status for a year and some chains also made it easier to reach a…
Sadly it looks like flying abroad could be a while off, but hopefully, once lockdown is eased and it’s safe we can at least have a staycation close to home. Sometimes you don’t want to spend hours travelling, but just want a change of scene. I know I am totally…
So with hotel chains vying for your business, you may be wondering which direction to turn. If you already have status in one and think you are likely to manage the stays required, there is little to lose by doing a status match or aiming for status in Marriott. With…
In a year that has come with an entirely new set of travel trends – endless sanitising, social distancing, closed borders and many, many cancelled trips – it is nice to report on some more positive developments across the tourism board. Some of the biggest hotels chains, including Hilton and…
Hilton gives free Diamond or Gold memberships To thank their most elite members for their continued loyalty this year, all Hilton Diamond members will be able to gift status to a family or friend – regardless of whether or not they have hit the room night milestone this year. Typically,…
I had wanted to go to the Colony Clun for many years. I remember seeing it in a holiday brochure a long time ago and being enticed by the swim up rooms and lagoon like pools. All the Elegant Hotels are due to properly become part of Marriott in the…
This was the second hotel on my Barbados trip and to be honest I was not sure what to expect. I don’t generally go for all-inclusive but in the Caribbean where things can be expensive, sometimes it is a good deal. To put it into context the price for all-inclusive…
I had been hoping to stay at the Fairmont in Barbados, but sadly they only reopened just as I was leaving. Fairmont kindly offered me a dayroom to try out the hotel as I waited for my late-night Virgin flight home (review coming soon). I have to be honest and…
For many, the continued threat of COVID-19 has made working from home the new normal for the foreseeable future. Some people have been able to adapt their homes to this but for many it is difficult to find a distraction-free and comfortable area to work. Even though I am used…
Our anonymous miles and points expert, Mr. Brightside, sometimes buys airline miles and hotel chain points to redeem for flights and luxury hotel stays. But when does it make sense to do so? In Part One, he shared his understanding of the best deals usually available, and provided hints as…
