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New (or old) British Airways route to the US
Twitter account To fly to Serve, which is usually pretty spot on with new routes, tweeted that BA is due to announce a new route to the US imminently. I innocently said that I hoped that Charleston would return since it got cancelled during Covid, after only operating one seasonal route from April to October in 2019 before the pandemic hit. Funnily enough, I then heard via the rumour mill that Charleston may indeed be coming back. Previously it operated with a B787 from Heathrow. Whether this is the route that To Fly to Serve mentioned, I am not sure, but either way, if it’s Charleston I think it’s good news. Being something of a Gone with the Wind fan, I’m keen to go!
A few people have been remarking that BA seem very US-centric currently versus Asia where they have few routes. It’s all down to demand and what prices they can charge. With the dollar strong against the pound, Americans are streaming over here for a cheap holiday. Whereas in Asia some places have not reopened, there is extra mileage on some routes due to Russia, and the yield is low with strong competition from the Middle East carriers and Finnair.
Abu Dhabi removes Covid restrictions
Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates has finally lifted all remaining COVID entry restrictions from today. Dubai so far is yet to announce anything similar as it still requires you to be vaccinated (although on my flight there I have not been asked to upload anything).
Visitors are no longer required to register their vaccination status with the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship before arrival. More importantly, you no longer need Green Pass status on the Al Hosn app to access things such as hotels, restaurants and attractions. This is long overdue 2 and a half years since the pandemic started. I suspect the lack of visitors caused the change as they are now starting a tourist campaign to attract people.
Previously, visitors had to register with the ICA Smart Travel Service and download the Al Hosn app. Unvaccinated travellers had to present a negative PCR test taken 48 hours before their flight, but tests are no longer required.
Personally, I like Abu Dhabi as it can be better value than Dubai and the centre is smaller and quieter.
Hyatt 20% off sale
The run-up to Black Friday is yielding some early sales. With something like 20% off a hotel, I’d probably jump on it now if I had something in mind as there is not usually much more off most hotel brands for BF.
Hyatt launched a new, limited-time offer, and for reservations booked by Nov. 30, 2022. You can save up to 20% at more than 950 participating Hyatt hotels and resorts around the world for stays through April 30, 2023. Additionally, members can also maximize savings by stacking additional offers such as the World of Hyatt Bonus Journeys offer.
You can visit the offer page here for more information, including terms and conditions.
Here are some of the properties included (if you are considering Japan, Kyoto is amazing and the relatively new Park Hyatt looks stunning!). I also recently visited the Hyatt Centric in Honolulu which I reckon along with the Hyatt Regency. The Hyatt Regency Malta is also a favourite.
Grand Hyatt Vail (Vail, Colorado): Nestled at the base of Vail Mountain, along the banks of Gore Creek, Grand Hyatt Vail is located in the heart of Vail Valley. Featuring Vail’s premier open-air chairlift directly next to the spacious ski valet and rental shop, Grand Hyatt Vail offers the most convenient access to Vail Mountain, adventure, and respite. From skiing and snowboarding, seasonally inspired resort activities, and luxurious amenities, the property has something for everyone. (I don’t ski but I really want to go, looks stunning).
Andaz Prague (Prague, Czech Republic): Located on Senovážné Square in the heart of the historical center of the city, Andaz Prague encompasses the iconic Sugar Palace and takes inspiration from the rich local culture to provide you with an unforgettable stay. The hotel is situated close to Wenceslas Square, the Old Town Square, and the historic Municipal house (Obecní Dum), offering some of the most beautiful historic sites in Europe within a short walking distance.
The Driskill (Austin, Texas): Recognized as a coveted Austin hotel since 1886, The Driskill, which is part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, offers a historic setting entrenched in timeless charm. With a prime downtown location, this property is the perfect vantage point for exploring Austin’s entertainment district and beyond. The Driskill is less than 10 minutes by foot from historic attractions like the Texas State Capitol Building and Congress Avenue Bridge and is surrounded by Austin’s foodie scene, nightlife and live music.
The DriskellHyatt Centric Melbourne (Melbourne, Australia): Located in the heart of Melbourne, Hyatt Centric Melbourne is close to many of the city’s popular hotspots and offers convenient access to Southern Cross Station, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and the Crown Entertainment Complex. Guests can enjoy wellness facilities such as a pool and 24-hour gym, flexible function space and an alfresco terrace.
Park Hyatt Kyoto (Kyoto, Japan): Park Hyatt Kyoto combines the distinctive culture of Japan’s ancient capital of high art and soul with elegance. In harmony with iconic landmarks, temples and spiritual gardens, Park Hyatt Kyoto’s hillside retreat is an architectural gem, offering a unique blend of modern and heritage hospitality in the comfort of 61 guestrooms and 9 suites. Guests can enjoy the fragrant tamo wood, contemporary art created by local artists and the Japanese gardens on display throughout the property.
4 comments
I love Hyatt…but for those of us in the UK whose travel has been restricted, renewing Globalist is the first priority, not getting extra points. US clients and those other who after Covid have the time to have all inclusive holidays (isn’t all inclusive a rather 1970s thing?)get double night credits. Come on Hyatt think of your real customers and give us some double nights for notmal business stays!
I agree I don’t think they have been very cognitive of those outside the US. I was trying to do a promotion to Globalist during Covid and even though virtually every single Hyatt in the UK was closed several months after they could open they refused to pause or extend the length of getting the nights during the promotion. Given we couldn’t fly to the US, I’m not quite sure what they expected me to do?
I am a skier. I know Vail quite well, and I’ll be there in January.
The Grand Hyatt would be far from my first choice of hotel, as it’s not located away from the pedestrianised heart of Vail village where the restaurants, bars and boutiques are clustered. It would be a fine spot for a short visit if you’re happy to eat in the hotel after a day on the slopes, but, for most skiers, the après ski is an essential part of the holiday.
If you’re visiting Vail, you really need to stay in the central village. Even the Lionhead village is a second-tier choice.
Really hope Charleston comes back – were due there in 2020 and still want to go!
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