This Holiday Inn Express Charges A Fee To Pay—$1.65 Extra Just To Take Your Money

May 10 2025

Since it is not optional, it’s really part of the rate. They’re just breaking it out to make the rate look lower, to make you think you’re paying less or at least make you think their property is cheaper than it is when you’re comparison shopping.

Plus, since it’s collected on property even for prepaid rates sold through travel agency sites, they don’t pay commission on part of the rate. Put another away, all of the reasons to do this seem to essentially be fraud.

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This New York Marriott Wants You To Tip the Front Desk Staff—Some Pull In $500 A Night For Handing Out Keys

May 09 2025

I’ve written about a Marriott that wants you to tip the front desk staff at check-in, and not even for an upgrade. They use a QR code, so the employee probably doesn’t even know right away that you’ve paid. The Hyatt Centric Boston was doing this too.

This really is spreading. Here’s Here’s the Fairfield Inn New York Midtown Manhattan Penn Station.

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Delta Found A Way Around Tariffs—So Missoni Bedding Is Finally Coming To Business Class Flights Across The Pond

first class seats
May 09 2025

Delta was expected to start offering new bedding and a mattress pad in long haul business class in early May. That was delayed because the cost of the Missoni products become prohibitive under the new tariff regime.

Now – just like with taking delivery of new Airbus aircraft without tariffs – Delta has figured out a way around the most draconian fees so that they can move forward with the product plan.

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19 Things I Love About The Capital One Venture X Card

May 09 2025

There’s no question that Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the most exciting premium rewards card of the last couple of years. It has a huge up front bonus offer, strong points-earning, airport lounge access and a host of premium benefits.

Here are the 19 things I’m loving about the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

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