"aria"

With the addition of the Hounds Tooth Inn in Oakhurst, California,  and now the El Capitan Hotel in Merced, California, Hyatt has made some positive inroads into the gateway entrance markets that…

Continuing our epic National-Park-during-the-pandemic road trip, we made our way from Glacier National Park to “the Yellowstone”. We decided to stay in Bozeman, Montana, before making our way to the gates of…

After a wonderful stay at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa, we were ready to move back to the World of Hyatt side of things with a stay at Coronado Island’s…

In terms of which trail is “the best day hike in Yosemite National Park”, Half Dome may get all the press, but I’d argue the best day hike in Yosemite is easily…

Years ago, I summited Mt. San Jacinto in one day via the Marian Mountain Trail, and let me tell you, that thing kicked my @$$. Since then, I’ve been meaning to return…

I had stayed at Vdara several times (years ago), not long after its opening in 2009, and I remember being very impressed. One time, I was even given a massive City Corner…

Although it was Oktoberfest that brought me to Munich, I had no intention of missing the other main attractions of Bavaria. Chief on my list was Neuschwanstein Castle. Review: Neuschwanstein, Linderhof Royal…

During my Oktoberfest pilgrimage to Bavaraia, I had the chance one morning to wander around the “Old Town” section of Munich. My original idea for this post was going to be a…

First, the bad news. Oktoberfest 2020 has been cancelled due to worldwide pandemic. Now, the good news. You now have more time to learn about Oktoberfest and begin planning for 2021. 10…

Thus far on my Moroccan adventure, I had visited Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech. The final stop on the trip was the legendary town of Fes. Review: Private Full-Day Tour Of Fes With…

With the morning portion of the tour (the tour of Casablanca) completed, we left Casablanca behind as we jumped on the highway for the 1 hour and 30 minutes ride to Rabat.…

It’s been said Patong Beach is dirty, seedy, grimy, and unabashedly debaucherous – even dangerous. All that may be true. I get it, it’s not everybody’s cup of tea. But I love…

Editor’s Note: This post is part of my Myanmar–Thailand trip to Asia. For more on this trip, check out my other posts on Myanmar, Thailand, and Japan. Both “Day 1” and “Day 2“ at Inle Lake were simply…

Our initial fears that Inle Lake was just “one big tourist trap” were thankfully misplaced as “Day 1” started slow, but ended great. 48 Hours At Inle Lake: How To See Inle…

Over the weekend, I received a mailer from Mandarin Oriental and American Express. Turns out they have a new “complimentary night” promotion, the details of which I’ll break down in the post below.…

Review: Fine Hotels & Resorts – The Cosmopolitan Of Las Vegas (Las Vegas, NV) Editor’s Note: The following review is of American Express’s Fine Hotels & Resorts as utilized at the The…

I’m just ending my third cardmember year with the Chase Sapphire Reserve (“CSR”) credit card. In my mind, this card is a keeper for sure (it has been since year one). But…

I love the Hilton Honors Aspire Credit Card – so much so – I actually have 2 of them! Review: Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas With that said, I wanted to cash in…

Editor’s Note: This post is part of my Myanmar–Thailand trip to Asia. For more on this trip, check out my other posts on Myanmar, Thailand, and Japan. Although I had been to Phuket many times, I…

Review: Luxury Hotel And Resorts Collection – NoMad Las Vegas – Classic King Edition (Las Vegas, Nevada) Editor’s Note: The following review is of Chase’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection [as utilized…