The travel blog
Trip reports, honest reviews, and points & miles news from around the world — written after actually staying, sailing, and flying.
Andaz Scottsdale Review: The Bungalow Desert Resort I Booked for 20k Points a Night
My Andaz Scottsdale review: a bungalow-style desert resort booked on 20,000 Hyatt points, a Globalist suite upgrade, three pools, art, and dining.
Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach Review: The Pre-Cruise Hotel I Keep Coming Back To
My honest Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach review: beachfront suites, a rooftop pool, Hilton Diamond perks, and why it is a great pre-cruise hotel.
Cosmopolitan Las Vegas Review: The Terrace Room That Changed How I See the Strip
My Cosmopolitan Las Vegas review: a rare Strip terrace room, Marriott Autograph perks, the pools, dining, and how I booked with Platinum status.
Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Review 2026: The $115 Million Reboot
My review of the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale after its $115M renovation, with new Richard Blais restaurants, refreshed pools, and rebranded rooms.
Miraval Austin Review: The Best Wellness Resort in Austin
My Miraval Austin review: the all-inclusive wellness model on Lake Travis, spa and programming, dining, and how I earned 3x Hyatt points on a cash stay.
Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas Review: The Calmest, Best-Serviced Hotel on the Strip
My Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas review: the non-gaming Strip hotel with the best service, Sky Lobby views, Hilton Diamond and Amex FHR perks.
Crowne Plaza Paris Republique Review: Is the Location This Good?
My Crowne Plaza Paris Republique review: a central Place de la Republique base, IHG free-night certs, elite perks, and a King Executive room.
Hale Koa Hotel Review: The Best Value on Waikiki Beach for Those Who Serve
An honest Hale Koa Hotel review. Beachfront Waikiki value for military-affiliated guests, with rooms, pools, and booking tips from a travel advisor.
Excalibur Las Vegas Review: Castle Fun on the Strip
An Excalibur Las Vegas review covering rooms, Tournament of Kings, pools, dining, the free tram, and how to book with MGM Rewards.
Tempe Mission Palms, JdV by Hyatt Review
A Mill Avenue hotel steps from ASU with a rooftop pool. My Globalist suite upgrade, free breakfast and parking, and how to book it on World of Hyatt points
Tommie Hollywood Review: Small Rooms, Big Points Value
My Tommie Hollywood review: a JdV by Hyatt lifestyle hotel with compact rooms, a great rooftop, and a low points price in the heart of Hollywood.
Kohala Suites by Hilton Grand Vacations Review
My Kohala Suites review: 2-bedroom suites next to Hilton Waikoloa Village with full resort access, a lower resort fee, and free parking on the Big Island.
Westin Cozumel Review: Bonvoy Points on a Dive Island
My Westin Cozumel review: one of the few Marriott Bonvoy award options on Cozumel, with ocean-view rooms, a rooftop pool, and world-class diving nearby.
Anaheim Marriott Review
A full review of the Anaheim Marriott: small rooms, excellent service, and a lounge worth having status for.
Pixar Place Hotel Review
Check out our full review of the Pixar Place Hotel, one of three official Disneyland Resort hotels in Anaheim, California.
Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen Review
My honest review of Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen: adults-only all-inclusive, plunge-pool suites, and how to book it with World of Hyatt points.
Andaz Maui at Wailea Review: The Wailea Resort I Keep Booking on Points
My honest review of the Andaz Maui at Wailea, including the World of Hyatt points cost, the infinity pools, dining, and Globalist perks.
Stella Nova vs Terra Luna: Universal’s Newest Twin Resorts Compared
Stella Nova vs Terra Luna — what actually differs between Universal’s twin Epic Universe hotels and how to pick between the two.
Stella Nova Restaurant & Bar Review (Menus and Prices)
Every place to eat at Universal Stella Nova Resort — the cafe, pool grill, Nova Bar, and pizza delivery — with menu highlights and real prices.
Stella Nova vs Aventura: Which Universal Hotel Should You Book?
Stella Nova vs Aventura Hotel compared on price, rooms, dining, pools, and location — from someone who has stayed at both Universal value hotels.