After arriving into Manhattan by BLADE helicopter I caught a Lyft over to Hyatt’s Hotel 50 Bowery in Chinatown.
This was actually my first JdV property. I was a little bit excited over it because this is one of the brands that Hyatt acquired as part of its Two Roads Hospitality purchase seven years ago – news that I broke several days before it was announced.
Marriott Bonvoy is looking to make a couple of hires that suggest changes coming to the program.
A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.
A reader was checking into the Hyatt Union Square and asked prior to arrival about possible suite upgrades. They were told a standard suite was available, it would be provided if they wanted to use a confirmed suite upgrade, but they would not honor a complimentary elite upgrade to a suite.
The guest reports that hotel’s direct phone number was disconnected. After about ten minutes, someone emerged from the open front door stating that the hotel was closed and that canceling the reservation—even late—would incur no charge. How could it possibly incur a charge? Eventually they found a room at a Residence Inn in Port Arthur, stuck with a rate of $300 per night.
American Airlines is sending out challenges for some customers to earn coveted ConciergeKey status. It even comes with trial status for four months, and achievable benchmarks to keep that status – through early 2027.
Dear American Airlines. One simple change to your service would signal a break from the past and a bright premium future. Change the coffee, and I have a specific suggestion for how you do this.
Part of the ‘premium pivot’ means paying attention to cabin maintenance and appearance, but that will entail a huge culture shift. One commenter explains just how much the airline is up against if they are to make this shift. This American Airlines employee says they were offered therapy for their insistence on getting aircraft clean between flights.
Some customers choose on schedule and price. They may not value the difference in product across airlines, or may not be aware of them. To Kirby, those are basic economy customers – show them the lowest price and give them the least. (This may be a mistake, I will explain below.) Others choose on product elements. Those are the customers to fight for.
A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.
Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel -- a topic he has covered since 2002.
Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »
