Hotels

Category Archives for Hotels.

Guest Reports Mouse Droppings At Holiday Inn — The Hotel Refused To Cancel His Prepaid Stay And IHG Backed Them

by Gary Leff on November 18, 2025

Nov 18 2025

A reader staying at the Holiday Inn Oklahoma City Airport says he found what appeared to be mouse droppings near the vending machines and asked the hotel to cancel an upcoming prepaid reservation. The property refused, and IHG backed the decision, telling him that prepaid terms still apply. That leaves the guest stuck with a stay he no longer feels comfortable taking—an example of how non-refundable rates offer little protection when a hotel’s condition doesn’t match what the brand advertises.

Worldwide Exclusive: Hilton Honors 2026 Overhaul — Confirmed Upgrades, Guaranteed Late Checkout And Elimination Of Rollover Nights

by Gary Leff on November 18, 2025

Nov 18 2025

Hilton is rolling out a major Honors overhaul in 2026, and I can confirm the key changes: a new Diamond Reserve tier with confirmed upgrades and guaranteed late checkout, lower requirements for Gold and Diamond, and the end of rollover nights.

Guests Shocked To Find Hotel Towels Are Tagged and Tracked — Even Threatened With $17,000 Fines

by Gary Leff on November 16, 2025

Nov 16 2025

Some hotel guests are learning that even towels aren’t safe from surveillance. RFID chips are now embedded in linens to track inventory — and one hotel warns guests they could face fines of up to $17,000 for taking them.

How Marriott’s New City Express Brand Turns Old Hotels Into ‘New’ Ones With Just a Coat of Paint

by Gary Leff on November 16, 2025

Nov 16 2025

Marriott’s newest brand, City Express, gives old hotels a second life — two shades of gray, a yellow stripe, and a new sign. Here’s how the company is re-branding entire properties with little more than paint, signage, and breakfast.

Photos Show Hyatt Hotel With DRIFT Bulk Soap On Housekeeping Carts While Guest Room Bottles Display Jonathan Adler Branding

by Gary Leff on November 14, 2025

Nov 14 2025

A reader who stayed at a Hyatt property reports finding DRIFT bulk soap on housekeeping carts while the bottles mounted in their guest room displayed Jonathan Adler branding. The hotel advertises Jonathan Adler as its standard amenity, raising questions about whether the in-room bottles are being refilled with a different product.

Starwood Relaunches Loyalty Program for Its Biggest Hotel Brand — Here’s What to Expect

by Gary Leff on November 12, 2025

Nov 12 2025

Barry Sternlicht has brought the Starwood name back — and now its largest brand, 1 Hotels, has relaunched its loyalty program. The return of Starwood sparks plenty of nostalgia, but the new approach looks very different from the SPG era. Here’s what’s changing and what members can expect.

Former Hotel Manager Turned Flight Attendant Reveals Two Things You Should Never Use in a Hotel Room

by Gary Leff on November 12, 2025

Nov 12 2025

A former hotel manager turned flight attendant says there are two things she’ll never touch in any hotel room: the in-room coffee maker and those refillable shower dispensers. Here’s why — and what you should do instead.

Guests Left Without Marriott Sonder Rooms Are Getting 40,000 Points — If They Ask

by Gary Leff on November 11, 2025

Nov 11 2025

Marriott abruptly ended its partnership with Sonder, forcing guests with confirmed reservations to leave their rooms the same day. Some customers have received 40,000 Marriott points as a goodwill gesture — a small consolation after being evicted from stays Marriott had confirmed.

Her $15 Hotel Room Was Non-Refundable — So She Flooded It, Called Police On Herself, And Got Stuck Paying $4,200 Instead

by Gary Leff on November 10, 2025

Nov 10 2025

A woman checking into a $15 hotel room in Sanya, China demanded a refund after midnight — and when told it was too late, she turned on the taps, flooded the room, and even called the police herself. The result: $4,200 in damages and the most expensive “refund” imaginable.

Lose Your Marriott Elite Status? Hotel Chain Now Promises You’ll Only Drop One Level