Trip Reports

Category Archives for Trip Reports.

Review: Hyatt Regency Vancouver [Australia Trip Report]

by Gary Leff

Jun 25 2022

I booked the Hyatt Regency Vancouver and used a confirmed suite upgrade. That put us in a parlor suite, which is basically two connecting guest rooms where one room has been converted to a living room (a sofa bed replaces the bed in the second room).

This hotel had no room service and its club lounge has closed (whether it’s ‘still’ closed or permanently closed is unclear). Nevertheless full housekeeping service was available and Globalist breakfast in the hotel’s restaurant was remarkable for one thing: stamping that tip is included on the bill to sign.

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Trip Report: Returning To Australia After Three Years, Part I: Austin – Vancouver

by Gary Leff

Jun 20 2022

This is the setup to a report on my just-completed Australia trip, with Air Canada business class awards on the outbound and United The trip started with Air Canada’s brand new Austin – Vancouver flight, followed by a stopover and then a visit to Air Canada’s Signature Suite – along with their Toronto lounge, the best business class dining in North America.

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Review: Park Hyatt DC Upgrade To A Georgetown Suite

by Gary Leff

Aug 15 2021

I had to go to Washington DC for work recently and my wife and I decided that she and our daughter would come along for the weekend leading up to my time there. I cringe at the industry term ‘bleisure’ but that’s what this was.

Since I was with family I confirmed a suite, and I was able to take advantage of elite breakfast from room service too.

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Review: Hyatt’s Thompson Washington DC Hotel

by Gary Leff

May 22 2021

Earlier this month I stayed at the Thompson Washington DC Hotel. It’s in a neighborhood where I haven’t spent much time before, and my first experience with the brand that Hyatt acquired when it acquired Two Roads Hospitality.

I didn’t have a fantastic stay at the property. I am not longing to return. But I’d absolutely stay here – for instance this would be my go-to pick if I had a meeting at the Department of Transportation, or for a leisure stay if I were going to a Nationals ballgame and wanted to use points.

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Review: New Alila Marea Encinitas [Hyatt Award With Confirmed Suite Upgrade]

by Gary Leff

May 09 2021

The new Alila Marea Encinitas is a fantastic hotel and a great spot for Hyatt loyalists to redeem points. It’s available as a category 6 hotel for 25,000 points per night. And I was able to confirm an upgrade at booking into an ocean suite that runs of $2000 per night.

The property combines a nice spot on the ocean, great service, and fantastic food – all to go along with fantastic value through the World of Hyatt program.

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Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour: Review Of An Award Stay With Suite Upgrade

by Gary Leff

Apr 11 2021

Ritz-Carltons don’t provide the same level of elite benefits that many Marriott brands are supposed to, but I lucked into an incredible suite upgrade anyway.

It was the perfect hotel for seclusion amidst the chaos of Florida during Spring Break, with available services that exceeded what most other properties have been offering during the pandemic. I had beach and pool access without difficulty and didn’t see many other guests despite the property being completely full.

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Trip Report: Stocking Up On Supplies During The Pandemic

by Gary Leff

Apr 06 2020

I had several reports on recent travels started but I’ve put those aside. I’m not sure it adds a lot of value to anyone right now to write about award travel to Bora Bora, or why I love to go to Paris over the winter (contrary to popular wisdom December and January are my favorite months).

Now though my trips to report on revolve around the grocery store, part of an ongoing series on the world’s most extreme staycation. Instead of a city trip report, I can write a home one. And instead of room service, there’s Doordash, Postmates, and UberEats.

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