New Hotel Indigo coming to downtown Atlanta

Famed architect John Portman has unveiled a new Hotel Indigo in downtown Atlanta. He has now renovated one of his earliest buildings, 230 Peachtree "into a 206-room Hotel Indigo, upscale restaurant JP Atlanta and office space."

HotelsDerek CookJanuary 6, 2016John Portman, Atlanta, architect, architecture, Hotel Indigo, IHG

Aloft Charleston Airport does not live up to brand promise

My girlfriend and I recently stayed at the Aloft Charleston (SC) Airport. While I love the Aloft brand, I was very disappointed with the quality of service at this particular property.

HotelsDerek CookDecember 30, 2015Charleston, Starwood Hotels, Starwood Preferred Guest, Aloft Hotels, SPG Keyless, mobile app

Marriott Autograph Collection to add two Atlanta hotels

Atlanta's TWELVE Atlantic Station and TWELVE Centennial Park hotels will soon join the Marriott Autograph Collection. The Atlanta Business Chronicle reports that an investor group will buy the hotels, renovate them and convert them to the new branding.

HotelsDerek CookDecember 22, 2015Marriott Hotels, Marriott Rewards, Marriott Autograph Collection, Atlanta

Hilton and IHG unveil first quarter promotions

Hilton and IHG unveiled their first quarter promotions for 2016. "Double Your HHonors" offers double points on stays at worldwide Hilton properties. IHG's "Accelerate" presents a list of offers that allows you to earn bonus points as you complete individual offers.

Starwood's spring promotion: Take Two

Earn double Starpoints for multiple-night stays at any Starwood property worldwide from January 11 to April 30, 2015 with SPG's Take Two promotion. Stays at certain properties will also earn an additional 250 points per night.

Hotels, Loyalty Programs, Points and MilesDerek CookDecember 16, 2015Starwood Preferred Guest, Starwood Hotels, promotions

Yearend hotel bonuses

Both Starwood Preferred Guest and Hilton HHonors are offering more than 2,000 bonus points for stays during the month of December. This is potentially lucrative for holiday travelers!

One multiple-night stay or multiple one-night stays?

For my recent trip to Miami, I had to decide between a two-night stay at one hotel or two one-night stays at two properties. The decision came down to whether immediate bonus points or SPG Gold Preferred status for 2016 was more valuable.

Status matched to Hilton HHonors Diamond Elite

I have been status-matched to Hilton HHonors Diamond Elite. The beauty of it is that I received the elite status that was matched by holding a rewards credit card! Two elite levels from one card - not bad for a non-road warrior!

Hotels, Loyalty ProgramsDerek CookDecember 3, 2015IHG Rewards, Chase IHG Rewards Mastercard, status match, Hampton Inn, Hilton Honors

Review: Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons

The Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons, Starwood's only Piedmont Triad-area property, makes up for a garish exterior with a tasteful, upscale interior design, comfortable rooms, and numerous amenities.

Reviews, HotelsDerek CookNovember 7, 2015Sheraton, Greensboro, North Carolina, review, Starwood Hotels

Hyatt reported to be close to acquiring Starwood

Hyatt may be close to an acquisition of Starwood CNBC reported last week, saying a deal could occur as early as this week. A merger would greatly expand the Hyatt portfolio of properties, but travelers would be wise to wonder what could happen to the chains' loyalty programs.