We bring you SPG Exclusives, a few articles about hotel loyalty, more on gift card arbitrage, earn more bank bonuses, visit Hyatt Zilara in Cancun and the Four Points by Sheraton in Havana and lots more.
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Thanks for the kind comments on my son’s Hong Kong trip post. By the way, he is in his second year at the University of Michigan studying Computer Science in the College of Engineering. 3.8 GPA and good all around hard working kid so far. He is looking for a spring/summer internship and his interests are software engineering and web technology/applications. Looking to learn and contribute. Let me know if you know of anyone interested, maybe it is you!
If you are going to use Airbnb (email me for a referral if you need one) and want to earn some miles, even if they are Delta Skymiles, click HERE. Why not, never say no to freeeeeee miles!
Try your luck to see if you get any SPG exclusive offers. I always get nada, good luck!
Looks like the Chase Ink Preferred Signup Bonus will increase to 100,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Darn you Chase for messing up all our routines in obtaining travel rewards cards. Maybe with my slowdown across the board….maybe I can snag one of these 100k cards one day #dreaming So, hold off if you were planning to go for it!
Many are going to Cuba so if you wanted to see what the Four Points Sheraton in Havana is like, here is a review.
I see an interest in this lately, so here is a review of the restaurants in the Hyatt Zilara in Cancun.
Some interesting commentary from 8 top execs telling us where hotel loyalty is headed next. Mostly BS but some good nuggets of information in there, such as, going on record that Accor will incorporate the Fairmont Presidents Club into its own program (yes I am crying). I also think Wyndham betting on simplicity may be up to something as many of these points schemes are appearing more and more to be, well, schemes! And the BS from the Hilton guy was so much you needed two shovels, wow!
Another one on hotel loyalty: Hotel loyalty programs get more hospitable. Finally, calling out the Amazon “enhancement” in the new Hilton program for what it is, a horrendous use of points! The Wyndham guy is back on the simplicity thing and the Hilton guy is now in shovel #3.
All the ads that ran during the Superbowl. I did not think this year’s ads were that great.
I am sure you saw it but just in case you missed it, here is Melissa McCarthy as Sean Spicer in SNL. I never liked her as an actress but, wow, she nailed this role.You know we really appreciate humor here at TBB.
When someone tries to sell you a Buffer Annuity product, walk run away!
Hey ladies and gents, this site can not afford private jets and stuff like that. But sometimes I wish I was in Russia where I can have a TU-144 in my backyard!
This also went viral, just in case you missed it. The Girl And Her Dog Saving Mom Goat and her baby in a raging snowstorm. Hey, inspiration is part of the blog mission statement too! I just hope it is not a photo shop fraud lol.
BLOG BUZZ
This section is for advanced level hobbyists and veteran blog readers.
For the Detroit based reader going to France this summer who recently got the Hilton Reserve card, read this post: Is Hilton Diamond Force for Award Stays Still a Thing?. Good info on how the 2 free nights work in general and more…
Miles Per Day says that 2017 is the year of gift card arbitrage. I say it is the year of the world record in trip report parts!
As the credit card restrictions have settled in our space the past few years, the bank bonuses are becoming more popular among us addicts looking for the next crack score! Here are two posts on the subject:
My 2016 Roundup of Bank Account Bonuses by Travel With Grant
Are Checking Account Bonuses the New Credit Card Sign-up Bonus? by Out and Out
My latest travel hacking score:
One night in the Fairmont Grand Del Mar (google it, awesome place!)
In the Prado Suite. Got lost in it and had a hard time deciding which bathroom to use lol.
Superbowl All You Can Eat party buffet for $40 (wings, nachos, amazing burgers, hot dogs, salads, chili, fries, etc etc) Yes I made several trips!
Two cocktails and a diet Coke
Full Breakfast ordered off the menu including at least 6 cup of coffee
Rode one BMW bike and crashed it (just scratches thankfully, it could have been a lot worse, phew!)
6 bars of soap, yes I always take them I haven’t bought soap in years!
They did not get me a Platinum welcome amenity. I did not complain (I forgot!)
At checkout I was asked if I want $0.83 to go on the credit card on file. I said, no here is $1. I got 17 cents in change.
#MindBlown
Check out my updated blog lists: Blogs I Love, Blogs I Like, Blogs To Ignore
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Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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Btw, I really enjoyed the Hong Kong trip report. Wish I’d done something like that in college. It’s pretty late in the cycle for Summer 2017 internships in my industry but I’ll keep my ears open….
Thanks. Yeah, he is now starting to finally appreciate all the travels he has had.
I had the idea to post here a minute ago before I did. I thought why not, you never know!
El segundo
Like Avis?
Great post, thank you.
On bank bonuses, I wish it was like CC sign ups, but the taxes on the money received really do make them not as lucrative as CC bonuses. I guess it depends on your tax bracket. I admit, I pull the trigger on $250-$400 bonuses when they show up. I always have my January/February hangover when all of those tax forms show up for last year’s bonus $ received. Part of the game, I guess.
Cheers,
PedroNY
Shoot, I thought I said something about the 1099s!
Yeah, part of the game for sure.
Did you get scratches on yourself or on the BMW bike?
Myself. I fell very awkward and nearly missed my head…A car was driving by, they laughed…I hope my fall does not show up on youtube!
Another day TBB makes me smile with my morning coffee….Great photo of the baby goat being saved…I enjoyed your son’s posting OG Hong Kong.
I enjoyed the immigrant ads especially the AB ad…considering I am first generation here I have heard those stories of discrimation from family members. Immigrants are the backbone of this country.
As for trip reports, I can do with less photos (especially of airplane food) I want to know about food and travel, I watch Anthony Bourdain. On that note, I would love to see when bloggers/anyone in those reports; the award, airline, or otherwise flights people took, the cost in mileage or money and their thinking process especially when someone is bouncing around countries.
Another day that I say no to prospective client because it will take time away from TBBing here for you John! 3 days the site brought me 40 cents John. Do you feel guilty John?
Just messing with you.
Actually the facts above are true.
Ingy is laughing right now. Sometimes I think I am a communist lol.
Dear Guest, We will be adding a charge of $304.00 to your credit card to cover expenses fixing the bicycle you damaged.
Dear Management:
You did not provide me with a Platinum welcome amenity. First time this happened. Just fyi.
I was not offered a helmet and did not ask one.
So, lets not go there 🙂
Your place was beautiful!
Except that dick Patriot fan who was so drunk and loud that several of us had to move to a different room at the restaurant. Perhaps maybe your bar staff should have stopped serving the guy.
Thank you.
Valued Lifetime Plat Member…for about 13 more months #so sad
Google say me you blog Dubai sex hotels. No read nothing in here blog on Dubai or sex. Only hotel in you break bike. No pitchers?
Oh we talk about sex but not in Dubai woohoo!
Bike crash, no evidence!
Got started to edit the Kazakhstan guest trip report…I don’t know how Lucky does it, these take so long! Oh, maybe a template will help 🙂
Loving the slightly new direction. You’re a legend – always in my feedly.
And thanks for including me!
You mean going slightly non miles and points? Yeah, it’s a tiny new change, based on the hobby activity out there.
Not sure about the legend part…but thanks.
You missed earning cash back on the 87cents? Not good…
I thought about it…but made an executive decision 🙂