Fuel surcharges (also known as carrier-imposed surcharges, fuel fees, YQ/YR fees, or international/national surcharges) are additional charges introduced during periods of high fuel prices. While initially linked to fuel costs, they have evolved into…

Embarking on Lufthansa’s First Class flight LH717 from Tokyo-Haneda to Frankfurt offers a blend of luxury and efficiency, though not without its issues. Below is an in-depth review of the experience, as well as a video…

While this is a pretty niche development, a former Marriott in Jakarta has recently transitioned into a Hyatt, and we’re genuinely excited about it. We first mentioned this several months ago, but now that the hotel has officially opened, we wanted to…

Flying Eurowings’ Business Class from Stuttgart (STR) to Dubai (DWC) is an “interesting” experience, blending budget airline efficiency with some premium elements. However, it’s important to manage expectations: this is not a luxury offering but rather a slightly upgraded…

We’re always excited to see Hyatt’s luxury portfolio expand, especially given the value of World of Hyatt Globalist status and the ability to redeem points. In the past, we’ve written about what might be one of the most exciting properties in the Hyatt pipeline—particularly for those of us who love…

The Waldorf Astoria New York is set to reopen in Spring 2025, and reservations are now available for stays starting September 1, 2025. This includes bookings through Hilton Honors. A single night at the Waldorf Astoria New York requires 150,000 Hilton Honors points, offering an attractive redemption opportunity given the standard room rate of approximately $2,000 per…

The Waldorf Astoria Osaka is now open for reservations, with stays beginning on April 14, 2025. This 252-room property marks the Waldorf Astoria brand’s debut in Japan. It will occupy the upper floors (levels 28 through 38) of the Grand Front Osaka South Building, located in Osaka’s vibrant Umekita area…

The Private Room at Singapore Changi Airport is one of the most exclusive first-class lounges in the world, accessible only to passengers flying Singapore Airlines First Class to or from Singapore. Below is a brief look at the lounge’s features and what makes it special. We also have a video review…

Ritz-Carlton’s newest property has just opened its doors, and we believe it’s a hotel that will capture the interest of many Marriott Bonvoy members. I for sure cannot wait to try this hotel out! Bangkok stands as one of the world’s top luxury hotel markets, boasting an impressive array of…

Well, here we are again. You might already be familiar with my analyses - I have previously looked at a bunch of higher-end Hilton properties’ points value and published my first full report on maximizing the value of Marriott Bonvoy points. If you are curious, you can find the files also below or in our shop on the…

In 2022, we learned about plans for an Andaz property in Miami Beach, involving the renovation and rebranding of an existing Hyatt hotel. Now there’s a major update: the hotel is accepting reservations for stays starting March 2025...

Compiling a list like Fodor’s Finest Hotels is a monumental task, given the sheer number of hotels worldwide. Estimates range from 700,000 to over 1 million properties, spanning from budget hostels to opulent luxury accommodations. While the exact figure is uncertain, the abundance of choices is…

Starting from early 2022, the Maldives implemented a Departure Tax and an Airport Development Fee for all outbound flights. These charges are determined by the travel class and currently range between $30 and $120 per passenger. However, effective December 1, 2024, these fees will increase significantly, ranging from $50 to $480, representing a hike of…

Wow, this has been a ton of work. Over the last days and weeks, I have been diligently gathering data on all luxury Marriott properties in the world, all 1,109 of them, to give you the most advanced insights on pricing and cents-per-points values…

In this post, we’ll dive into the Thompson Miami Beach, set to open in June 2025, just a couple of months after the Andaz. This property is also now accepting reservations, though it might not generate as much buzz as the Andaz…

Star Alliance operates its own lounges at various airports worldwide. On November 21, 2024, Star Alliance announced the opening of a new lounge in Guangzhou, China. This is the seventh lounge of the aviation alliance globally and the first of its kind in Asia…

With Marriott boasting a vast array of properties and brands worldwide, there are a few premium brands that stand out, each offering luxury experiences in sought-after destinations. For my analysis, I looked at the following Marriott brands…

Finnair’s new business class seat has generated significant attention, especially in the frequent flyer community, due to its unique non-reclining design. But does it truly offer a comfortable experience over long-haul flights? Here’s my comprehensive review of Finnair’s A350-900 business…

Is it just us, or do you also feel that time has flown by once again? This year has already brought significant developments, especially in the global hotel market, but more exciting launches are on the horizon. It’s time to take a look at the luxury hotel openings from international hotel chains planned for 2025…

Until Dec 13 2024, IHG One Rewards is offering a bonus on purchased points. While different members might receive varying offers, most accounts I've checked show an 100% bonus, which is likely common. To receive this maximum bonus, you need to purchase at least 5,000 points in…