This fall, hotels are gearing up for the holiday season with exciting new offerings, including upgraded club lounges, special promotions, chef collaborations, and even an Olympic swim team event. Now is the perfect time to start planning your **holiday getaway or staycation**, especially if you’re looking to redeem frequent flyer miles or hotel points to significantly reduce your travel costs. Here’s a look at what you can expect during your travels this fall:
### Earn Hyatt Points for Working Out with Peloton
World of Hyatt members can now link their accounts with Peloton to earn 100 Hyatt points for every 20-minute workout session using Peloton equipment at participating Hyatt hotels. Members can accumulate up to 12,000 points annually, enough for a free stay at a Category 3 hotel or two stays at Category 1 hotels. This initiative is part of Hyatt’s broader focus on promoting well-being both during travel and at home.
### Hilton Uses AI to Assist Visually Impaired Guests
Hilton Hotels and Resorts in the U.S. and Canada have partnered with the Be My Eyes app to provide assistance to visually impaired guests. Using artificial intelligence and live video, the app connects guests with sighted volunteers and Hilton customer service agents who can help with tasks such as adjusting the thermostat, using in-room coffee machines, and navigating hotel facilities.
### Westin LAX Opens New Club Lounge
The Westin Los Angeles Airport has unveiled a new club lounge on the lobby level, offering the most extensive food and beverage options of any hotel near LAX. The lounge is accessible to Marriott Bonvoy top-tier elites and guests who book a Club room. It features hot and cold spreads for breakfast and dinner, all-day refreshments, and an evening honor bar with beer, cocktails, and a wine dispenser.
### Custom-Designed ‘Wicked’ Hotel Suite in New York
The New York Hilton Midtown has introduced a **Wicked**-themed hotel suite, available from Nov. 21 to Jan. 5. The suite features decor inspired by the popular Broadway musical, with one side themed after Elphaba’s moody green forest and the other side designed as Glinda’s pink wonderland. Guests staying in the suite will enjoy special surprises, including makeup products, a backpack, and tickets to see the **Wicked** movie in theaters.
### Wailea Beach Resort Hosts U.S. Olympic Artistic Swimming Team
Guests at Wailea Beach Resort in Maui were treated to a surprise performance by the U.S. Olympic Artistic Swimming team, fresh off their Silver Medal win at the Paris Summer Olympics. The event was part of the resort’s daily schedule of activities, which includes workout classes and cultural experiences. Wailea Beach Resort is one of the most popular properties in the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio for earning and redeeming points.
### World of Hyatt and American AAdvantage Evolve Partnership
Hyatt and American Airlines are evolving their partnership, but the news is bittersweet for top elite members. The reciprocal earning of Hyatt points and American miles when staying at Hyatt hotels or flying American will end in 2024. However, new benefits will include the ability to redeem for reciprocal awards and share elite status perks with others for a day, such as priority boarding and complimentary upgrades.
### First New Hotel in Four Years Opens in Palm Beach
Palm House, the first new hotel in Palm Beach in four years, will open next year as part of the **Iconic Luxury Hotels** collection. The hotel’s design features floor-to-ceiling seashell tapestries and bespoke Murano glass chandeliers. The two-story Presidential Suite boasts an Alaskan King bed, the largest hotel bed in Palm Beach.
### Santa Marta, Colombia Celebrates 500 Years
Santa Marta, Colombia, the oldest city in the country, is celebrating its 500th anniversary next year. The city offers stunning beaches, the nearby Tayrona National Natural Park, and a historic town center. The Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida is offering special rates to celebrate, including breakfast for two, early check-in, and late checkout.
### The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Upgrades Dining Venues
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman has revamped its dining experience, including renovations at **Blue by Eric Ripert**, the only Forbes Five-Star restaurant in the Caribbean. The hotel will host the 16th annual Cayman Cookout in January 2025. To celebrate, the property is offering a **Marriott Bonvoy Moments** package, which includes a stay, a 90-minute spa treatment, and an invitation to the reopening gala with Chef Eric Ripert.
With these exciting updates, now is the perfect time to plan your fall travels and take advantage of the unique experiences and promotions offered by hotels around the world.
Source: forbes.com