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Marriott Bonvoy Global Autumn Promo cover
Loyality Programs

Marriott Bonvoy Launches New Global Autumn Promotion: Earn Up to 4,500 Bonus Points on 2-Night Stays

Marriott Bonvoy has launched a new global promotion for autumn 2026, giving members the opportunity to earn up to 4,500 bonus points on a single eligible stay of two nights or more. The promotion, titled “Earn 1,500 Bonus Points on Stays of 2+ Nights and 3,000 More at Resorts,” is available at participating Marrio

September 9, 2026
by Bruno Brunovsky
Bruno Brunovsky

Europe-based luxury travel curator with roots in solo budget backpacking—now exploring the world through exceptional, one-of-a-kind hotels. I specialize in standout stays across Asia, especially Japan, South Korea, and China, blending insider knowledge with a sharp eye for unique experiences.

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One of the First Looks at new Waldorf Astoria Raba One of the First Looks at new Waldorf Astoria Rabat-Salé 👀 I’d been wanting to see the new Waldorf Astoria Rabat-Salé for myself, so I was very happy when I managed to arrange a site visit during my few days in Rabat. With stays at the Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton already on my schedule, I simply didn’t have enough time to add a night here as well. Luckily, I was still able to get a good feel for the hotel and see what it has to offer. The location is definitely unique. The hotel occupies the Mohammed VI Tower, the tallest building in Morocco, rising 250 metres above Rabat and Salé. It’s also the first Waldorf Astoria in Morocco, with just 55 rooms and suites. 🌆 The views are spectacular, with Rabat, Salé and the Atlantic all stretching out below you. For now, the surroundings are probably the weakest part. There’s still a lot of construction around the hotel, but I can easily imagine this area looking very different in a few years. The hotel itself is honestly beautiful. From the entrance and rooms to the restaurants and indoor pool, everything feels polished and luxurious, with strong Moroccan influences. ✨ I got to try several dishes in the restaurant and, without exaggerating, had the best food of my entire stay in Rabat here. 🍽️ There was one thing that didn’t quite fit with the rest of the hotel for me: the outdoor pool. It’s great that the hotel has both an indoor and outdoor pool, but the outdoor one feels like a bit of an afterthought. It sits underneath the tower and honestly looks small, visually pretty uninspiring and feels more suited to a much lower-category hotel. Apart from that, though, I genuinely loved what I saw. And if I come back to Rabat, this would very likely be my number one choice. ❤️ 🎁 VIP perks available with my booking: • Complimentary breakfast • 16:00 late checkout • Room upgrade • $100 restaurant & SPA credit Planning a stay at Waldorf Astoria Rabat Salé or another luxury hotel? Send me a message and I can help arrange your booking with VIP perks and additional benefits ✉️ #WaldorfAstoria #WaldorfAstoriaRabat #Rabat #Morocco #LuxuryTravel
Mandarin Oriental Vienna - my honest review The b Mandarin Oriental Vienna - my honest review The building itself is a heritage-listed Art Nouveau structure from 1908, originally a courthouse. Tucked away on quiet Riemergasse street - genuinely peaceful location, yet a short walk from many tourist spots in Vienna. That quiet followed me into the room. I didn't hear a single neighbor or hallway sound throughout my stay. The room was beautiful, modern and well equipped, with a fast-boil temperature-controlled kettle, a Dyson humidifier on request, and thoughtful details throughout. ✨ Downstairs, the gym was also perfect, equipped with newest Technogym machines and kept at exactly the right temperature for workout. Lunch, though, was the moment that stayed with me 🍽️ — the mains felt original rather than safe and were very tasty. The pastries, made in-house, were some of the best I've had at a hotel in a while. Unfortunately, breakfast was disappointment for me — à la carte only, with no small buffet option. There's a breakfast basket you can order instead, but it comes packed with items I'd never choose myself. The à la carte food itself was inconsistent: the eggs Benedict were genuinely good, but the miso pho missed the mark entirely, which was confirmed by my wife but also, unintentionally, by the Japanese guests at the next table who left theirs untouched 😅. One more thing worth mentioning: the pool loungers were noticeably short — my legs hung off from the knee down, probably the least comfortable poolside seating I've experienced anywhere. Overall, this stay left a strong impression. The silence, the location, the room quality, and that unforgettable lunch made this an easy hotel to fall for. Yes, breakfast needs rethinking and the pool loungers could use an upgrade, but those are fixable details next to everything the hotel gets right. ⭐ HotelGuy Score: 9/10 🎁 VIP perks I received: • Complimentary breakfast • 16:00 late checkout • Room upgrade • $100 restaurant & SPA credit Planning a stay at Mandarin Oriental Vienna or another luxury hotel? Send me a message and I can help arrange your booking with VIP perks and additional benefits ✉️ #MandarinOrientalVienna #TheHotelGuyStays #LuxuryHotel
The Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Es Salam 🇲🇦 You arriv The Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Es Salam 🇲🇦 You arrive through a huge green estate before the hotel suddenly appears in front of you: a beautiful white marble building that feels almost like a palace. ✨ The first impression continues inside. The lobby is genuinely impressive, especially the huge chandeliers, marble and Art Deco-inspired design. 🏛️ The whole hotel is visually beautiful, although I have to say that the corridors and rooms somehow feel a little older than the hotel actually is. What I really loved was the setting. 🌳 The hotel is surrounded by greenery and sits right next to the famous Royal Golf Dar Es Salam. Back at the hotel, the outdoor pool area was one of my favourite spots. 🏊‍♂️ It's huge, beautifully landscaped, with plenty of palm trees, quiet corners and even a shallow section for children. ⚠️ But the stay wasn't perfect. The indoor pool looks beautiful and is located inside the equally impressive spa. 💦 Unfortunately, during my summer visit it was so incredibly hot inside that it felt like a greenhouse. I can understand the idea during the colder months, but in summer I simply couldn't imagine actually using it. The restaurants were another mixed experience. 🍽️ They look beautiful, but unfortunately I found the food rather average for a hotel of this level. And then came my biggest disappointment: in-room dining. 🥡 I won't go into the details, but I had quite a serious issue with one of my orders. What impressed me was how the hotel handled it. 🤝 There were several sincere apologies and the dinner was eventually taken off the bill. Things don't always go perfectly, but how a hotel responds when something goes wrong makes a big difference — and the Ritz-Carlton team handled it very well. So, looking back, I actually left with a positive feeling about the stay. ⭐ HotelGuy Score: 7/10 VIP perks I received: • Complimentary breakfast • 16:00 late checkout • Room upgrade • $100 restaurant & SPA credit Planning a stay at The Ritz-Carlton Rabat or another luxury hotel? Send me a message and I can help arrange your booking with VIP perks and additional benefits ✉️ #TheHotelGuyStays #RitzCarlton #Rabat #Morocco #luxuryhotels
The Grand Hotel Taipei is far more than just a hot The Grand Hotel Taipei is far more than just a hotel... Originally opened in 1952, this magnificent palace-style building was designed to showcase traditional architecture on a grand scale 🤩. Hidden beneath the hotel is another fascinating piece of history: a network of secret tunnels, built as an emergency escape route for political leaders during uncertain times. I was really happy to have had the chance to spend a night here during my trip to Taiwan last year. ✨ The building itself is absolutely majestic—you can spot it from far away, and it's easily one of the most impressive buildings I've ever stayed in. Walking into the breathtaking traditional lobby instantly makes you realize why this hotel has become such an icon. The guest rooms and corridors do show a little of the hotel's age, but I honestly think that's part of its character. My room had a balcony overlooking the city and Taipei Songshan Airport, and watching the planes in the distance made the stay even more memorable. ✈️ The hotel also features a large outdoor swimming pool, perfect for cooling off after a day of sightseeing. 🏊 One thing I highly recommend is booking the guided tour of the hotel's secret tunnels. It's a fascinating glimpse into Taiwan's history and one of the most unique hotel experiences I've had. Breakfast didn't completely wow me, but it was still good with a solid selection of both local and international dishes. Overall, spending a night at The Grand Hotel Taipei is much more than simply booking a hotel—it's an experience that combines history, architecture, and an atmosphere 🙂. ⭐ Rating: 8.5/10 #GrandHotelTaipei #Taiwan #LuxuryHotels #HotelReview #TravelAsia
Is this the most luxurious hotel in Istanbul? 🤔 T Is this the most luxurious hotel in Istanbul? 🤔 The Peninsula Istanbul is located in Karaköy, right on the Bosphorus, and consists of four waterfront buildings, including three historic landmarks that have been beautifully restored. 📍The location definitely has its pros and cons. On the one hand, you can walk to many of Istanbul's most famous attractions, which makes sightseeing incredibly convenient. 🚶‍♂️ On the other hand, Karaköy is one of the city's liveliest neighborhoods, packed with bars and restaurants. Despite requesting a quiet room, the nightlife noise was still noticeable. 🌃 If I'm being completely honest, that's probably the only thing I could criticize about this hotel. The design is exactly what I expect from a Peninsula property—classic, elegant and timeless without being overly flashy or extravagant. Walking into the spacious lobby immediately impressed me. It's bright, welcoming, and also where breakfast is served every morning. ☕🥐 🛏️ The room was spacious, featuring a huge bathroom, a Japanese toilet (let's be honest... can a hotel really call itself luxurious without one? 😂), and three tablets that let you control practically everything in the room. 📱 🌊 But the real star of the hotel is undoubtedly the outdoor pool. Relaxing there while enjoying breathtaking views of the Bosphorus and Istanbul itself is an experience on its own. If you're visiting during winter, you'll also appreciate the indoor pool and sauna. 🏊‍♂️🧖‍♂️ 💡 Pro tip: Don't forget to use Peninsula Time! I checked in at 10 AM and checked out at 6 PM, making the most of my one-night stay. Overall, I absolutely loved my stay and would happily come back. ⭐ Rating: 9.5/10 VIP perks I had with my booking: • Complimentary breakfast in the restaurant • Peninsula Time • Room upgrade • $100 spa/restaurant credit • Welcome gift If you are planning to stay at The Peninsula Istanbul or other luxury hotels and would like VIP perks like these, feel free to send me a message - I can help arrange your booking with additional benefits. 📩 #PeninsulaIstanbul #PeninsulaHotels #Istanbul #LuxuryHotel #HotelReview
A palace reborn into a luxury hotel. 👑🇲🇦 What make A palace reborn into a luxury hotel. 👑🇲🇦 What makes the new Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr so special isn't just the luxury—it's the history. The hotel occupies the beautifully restored Kasr Al Bahr ("Palace by the Sea"), a former royal residence and later military hospital overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Walking through the property feels like stepping into a piece of Moroccan history, carefully blended with modern Four Seasons elegance. ✨ The lobby is easily one of the most beautiful hotel lobbies I've ever seen. The check-in experience was warm, polished, and exactly what you'd expect from a luxury brand. 🛏️ My room was nice as well. Soundproofing was nearly perfect, creating a very peaceful atmosphere. The ocean view was partially combined with a road view, but honestly, it didn't bother me at all. One thing I did miss was an insect screen on the balcony doors—after opening them for a while, the room quickly filled with small insects. 🥐 Breakfast was enjoyable, with a wide selection of local Moroccan specialties. However, I was surprised that there was no à la carte menu available, something I would normally expect at a hotel in this category. 🏊‍♂️ The outdoor pool is nice enough, but it doesn't really stand out. What did impress me was the indoor pool—easily one of the most beautiful indoor hotel pools I've ever seen. The wellness area also includes saunas, and there's a fitness center upstairs. The only downside is that these facilities are located in a separate building, so you'll need to leave the main building to access them. ⚠️ My biggest criticism concerns the pool service. On several occasions, we arrived at the pool area and nobody acknowledged us. At a hotel of this caliber, that simply shouldn't happen. ⭐ Rating: 8.5/10 VIP perks I had with my booking: • Complimentary breakfast in the restaurant • Late checkout at 16:00 • Room upgrade • $100 spa/restaurant credit If you are planning to stay at Four Seassons Rabat or other luxury hotels and would like VIP perks like these, feel free to send me a message - I can help arrange your booking with additional benefits. 📩 #LuxuryHotel #MoroccoTravel #HotelReview #LuxuryTravel
The Castle Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dalia The Castle Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dalian is honestly one of the most spectacular-looking hotels I’ve ever stayed at from the outside. Perched high above Dalian with insane views over Xinghai Bay 🌊, the entire place feels like a real European castle dropped into China. At night, when the whole building lights up, it almost looks unreal. 🌃 The entrance lobby is absolutely stunning ✨ — giant chandeliers, grand staircases and full palace vibes. But once you look closer, the experience becomes a bit mixed. The rooms unfortunately feel quite outdated and worn for a luxury property, and I even found black mold in several places, especially around the AC areas. 😐 💡 My biggest tip: pay extra for a balcony room. There aren’t many of them, but the views are 100% worth it. Just don’t forget to ask reception to unlock the balcony door 🔑 🍜 Breakfast had a huge selection and was surprisingly good. We also tried the hotel’s Chinese restaurant for dinner and it was genuinely excellent — both the food and the service 👌 Unfortunately the famous beer cellar wasn’t open during our stay 🍺 Overall, I’d recommend this hotel more as a unique one-night experience rather than a long luxury stay. Still… how often can you say you stayed in a castle in China? 🏰🇨🇳 ⭐ HotelGuy Score: 6/10 #LuxuryHotel #ChinaTravel #Dalian #HotelReview #TravelAsia
Signiel Busan 🌊✨ Rising above Busan’s famous Haeu Signiel Busan 🌊✨ Rising above Busan’s famous Haeundae Beach, SIGNIEL Busan is one of South Korea’s most iconic luxury hotels. Located inside the futuristic LCT Tower — one of the tallest buildings in the country — the hotel combines sleek modern design with insane panoramic ocean views, while currently holding two Michelin Keys, which says a lot about its quality. 🗝️ SIGNIEL is an ultra-luxury brand 🤩 with only two properties in the entire country — Busan and Seoul. I stayed at both, so stay tuned for my review of SIGNIEL Seoul. But for now, back to Busan. Honestly, the entry-level rooms were a bit smaller and less impressive than I expected for this category. Nice and elegant, yes — but not necessarily spacious. But the real highlight here is, without question, the outdoor infinity pool. 🏊 Even during colder months it’s heated, making it incredibly relaxing while overlooking the stunning coastline of Haeundae Beach. The atmosphere there — especially around sunset or early morning — is absolutely unforgettable. As a bonus there is a direct connection to the indoor pool. The hotel also features several high-end restaurants, adding even more to the luxury experience. 👨‍🍳 Luxury hotels often try to impress with interiors, but SIGNIEL Busan’s biggest strength is definitely the view from the pool and the feeling of being connected to the ocean. 🌅✨ ⭐ HotelGuy Score: 9/10 If you are planning to stay at Signiel Busan or other luxury hotels feel free to send me a message - I can help arrange your booking with additional benefits ✉️ . #SignielBusan #Busan #LuxuryTravel #HotelReview #SotuhKorea
Neon dreams in ancient Xi’an ✨ Staying at W Xi’an Neon dreams in ancient Xi’an ✨ Staying at W Xi’an felt like stepping into the future 🚀—right in the middle of one of China’s most historic cities. The hotel’s bold, neon aesthetic creates a stunning contrast to the timeless atmosphere of Xi'an 🏮 and it works beautifully. From the glowing exterior to the dramatic entrance and jaw-dropping lobby 🤯—this is easily one of the most visually striking hotels I’ve ever seen. The pool (with big screen) and the gym are insanely photogenic 📸 and worth experiencing even if you’re not working out. That said, not everything hit the mark… Dinner at YEN 🍽️ didn’t impress me much 😕, but the evening buffet at WEI 🍜🔥 was absolutely top-tier. We were lucky enough to get upgraded to a massive suite 🛏️✨ overlooking the lake. The room was really spacious, modern with a huge balcony. And while I’m usually not the biggest fan of W hotels (they often lean too much into the party vibe), this one felt surprisingly different. In Xi’an, it came across more like a family-friendly escape or as a neon playground 😂 . Overall? A very positive stay and a hotel that truly stands out. ⭐ HotelGuy Score: 9/10 VIP perks I received with my booking: Complimentary breakfast in the restaurant Late checkout at 16:00 Room upgrade $50 spa credit + $50 restaurant credit If you are planning to stay at W Xian or other luxury hotels and would like VIP perks like these, feel free to send me a message - I can help arrange your booking with additional benefits ✉️ . #WXiAn #Xian #LuxuryTravel #HotelReview #NeonVibes
Tianjin 🇨🇳 is a city with a unique past – once div Tianjin 🇨🇳 is a city with a unique past – once divided into foreign concessions (British, French, Italian, etc.), which left behind a fascinating blend of European architecture in the middle of China. That’s exactly where The Ritz-Carlton Tianjin 🏨 fits in. Located in the former British concession, the hotel feels more like a European palace than a modern Chinese luxury property, making the “old Europe” atmosphere feel authentic and well placed. I personally loved this style ✨ Even though my upgraded large suite felt slightly too classic (and a bit dated), it was still elegant and very comfortable overall. Breakfast was excellent 🍳 – great selection and, importantly, not overcrowded (a big plus in China). The Club Lounge 🥂 was a highlight, offering a generous dinner with a strong variety of hot dishes. Even the so-called “light lunch” was, in my view, more than sufficient. The pool was more average 🏊‍♂️ – not particularly luxurious in design, but still served its purpose. Overall, a very positive stay 👍 A property that stands out not only for its comfort, but also for how well it reflects the historical character of Tianjin. A very unique stay which I can highly recommend. HotelGuy Score: 9/10 VIP perks I had with my booking: - Complimentary breakfast in the restaurant - Late checkout at 16:00 - Room upgrade - $50 spa credit + $50 restaurant credit If you are planning to stay at The Ritz-Carlton Tianjin or other luxury hotels and would like VIP perks like these, feel free to send me a message – I can help arrange your booking with additional benefits. ✉️ #tianjin #ritzcarlton #luxurytravel #hotelreview #chinatravel
I really wanted to love the new Rosewood Amsterdam I really wanted to love the new Rosewood Amsterdam… but I didn’t. 😕 The hotel is located in a beautiful 17th-century historic building that used to serve as a court of justice. After 10 years of reconstruction, it is probably the last hotel development allowed inside a monumental building in Amsterdam. The property also doubles as a small gallery, displaying hundreds of modern artworks 🏛️🎨 So what went wrong? The biggest disappointment was the restaurant The Court. We waited over 20 minutes just to place an order. After asking at the bar, we were told a waitress would come to our table — but nobody came. Only after almost 30 minutes were we finally able to order. Simply not acceptable for a luxury hotel of this level. Another serious issue was the noise in the room. The sound insulation from outside was really poor. Our canal-view room was loud, with drunk people shouting outside for most of the night. Not everyone comes to Amsterdam to party — we came to relax — and this turned into one of the worst hotel nights I have had in a long time. 😴 To be fair, the hotel itself is visually stunning, and the spa with the pool is definitely a highlight 🧖‍♂️✨ However, considering the price (cheapest rooms start at around €650–€1000 depending on the season), the overall experience simply did not match the expectations. There are many luxury hotels in Amsterdam offering a significantly better experience for a lower price. Stay tuned — I will definitely share my favourites soon. 👀  Rosewood Amsterdam  is still relatively new, so perhaps I will give this property another chance in the future, but for now I need to give lower score... HotelGuy Score: 6/10 VIP perks I had with my booking: • Complimentary breakfast in the restaurant • Late checkout at 16:00 • Upgrade to a better room • €90 credit If you are planning to stay at Rosewood Amsterdam or other luxury hotels and would like VIP perks like these, feel free to send me a message — I can help arrange your booking with additional benefits. ✉️ #Amsterdam #Rosewood #LuxuryTravel #HotelReview #LuxuryHotelReview
🇦🇪 Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi E 🇦🇪 Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi Ever since my first visit to Abu Dhabi over a decade ago, I knew that one day I had to experience this legendary hotel. In October 2025, that dream finally came true — and here’s how it felt. ✨ Let’s start with some impressive facts: 🏗 Built at a cost of around $3 billion, making it one of the most expensive hotels ever 🏖 Set on 1.3 km of private white-sand beach, with sand imported from Morocco 💎 Decorated with 1,002 crystal chandeliers (the largest weighs about 2.5 tons) 💰 Nightly rates range from €350 off-season to €1,000+ during peak season So… how was the experience? Simply put: this hotel truly lives up to its name. It feels like a real-life palace. From the moment you arrive, the scale and grandeur are breathtaking. Both the exterior and the interiors are absolutely stunning. Service is flawless — as you’d expect from Mandarin Oriental, where every detail is handled with elegance and precision. 🌟 The resort is enormous and packed with amenities: 🏊 Two huge pool areas — one family-friendly with a lazy river and waterslides, the other more serene with whirlpools and a pool bar 🏖 Both pools are connected by the 1.3 km private beach 🚗 Because of the size of the property, guests are driven around in golf buggies The rooms are spacious, modern, and beautifully designed — and I have to highlight the Mandarin Oriental-style minibar, which is a design masterpiece in itself. 🍸 We sadly missed breakfast due to an early flight, but instead we enjoyed: 🍕 Lunch at Talea by Antonio Guida (Michelin-starred) — try the black charcoal dough pizza 🥢 Dinner at Hakkasan (also Michelin-starred), famous for its incredible dim sum If you only have time for one, Hakkasan is an absolute must. This stay was truly unforgettable, and as we checked out, my wife and I promised each other that this would not be our last visit here. 💫 If you’re considering staying at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental and would like special perks like a room upgrade, complimentary breakfast, and $100 hotel credit, feel free to reach out — I’ll be happy to help you ⭐. #emiratespalace #abudhabi #luxuryhotel #mandarinoriental #hotelreview
JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa From the moment I b JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa From the moment I booked this stay, I had high expectations — after all, this is said to be the most luxurious hotel on Jeju Island. Whether it truly lived up to its name… you’ll find out below. ✨ The hotel sits dramatically on the cliffs of Jeju’s southern coast, about an hour from the airport. From the property, you can easily access several hiking trails leading to stunning viewpoints. 🌿🏞️ As for the hotel itself — it’s absolutely enchanting. It blends choga architecture (the traditional Korean hanok style), with a modern yet natural design aesthetic. We were incredibly lucky as our Night Upgrade Award was approved, which got us an amazing corner suite with ocean views. 🌊🏡 The room was genuinely flawless: visually beautiful yet wonderfully functional. Highlights? The marble bathtub, the balcony, and the gorgeous light-wood interior design. 🛁✨ The hotel’s facilities are just as impressive: a huge indoor pool with a jacuzzi and kids’ area, an outdoor heated infinity pool, gym, spa, kids’ club, and excellent restaurants and cafés. One thing to note — breakfast is served as a set menu, not a buffet. Personally, I didn’t mind it at all. And if you prefer buffet-style, you can always enjoy their brunch that starts right after breakfast. 🍳🥐 What surprised me the most was how relaxed and perfectly taken care of I felt throughout the entire stay — I didn’t miss anything. JW Marriott Jeju is, without a doubt, my best hotel stay of 2025. 🌟 HotelGuy Score: 10/10 My Marriott Bonvoy experience: Free breakfast: In the restaurant Late checkout: Possible until 13:00 Upgrade: NUA accepted for Panorama Suite #JWMarriottJeju #JejuIsland #LuxuryTravel #HotelReview #KoreaTravel #JejuHotels #LuxuryResort #TravelDiary #TravelKorea #SuiteLife #HotelViews #InfinityPool #Travel2025
The InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam, known as Ho The InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam, known as Hotel Amstel, is one of the most prestigious hotels in the Netherlands and a true icon of Amsterdam 🇳🇱. So of course, I had to try it for myself. What were my impressions after spending one night there? From the outside, the hotel is absolutely beautiful 😍. It was built in the 19th century in a neo-Renaissance style, right on the banks of the Amstel River. The lobby certainly doesn’t disappoint either – it’s full of charm and history ✨. The rooms, however, felt a bit underwhelming. During my entire stay, I couldn’t quite decide if I was experiencing historical luxury or just visiting my great-grandmother’s house 😅. Compared to the grandeur of the rest of the hotel, the room furnishings just felt a bit too old. The pool and wellness area were much more satisfying 🧖‍♂️. The pool is located right by the river, offering stunning views while you swim 🏊‍♂️. You can also enjoy a selection of complimentary drinks by the pool, and it’s easy to walk over to the gym or one of the two saunas. Breakfast was tasty, but it was à la carte only. Personally, I prefer a mix of à la carte and at least a small buffet, so I found that a bit disappointing 🍳🥐. The staff were... okay. I’d say it was standard European service 😅. From a hotel of this reputation, though, I did expect just a little bit more. Some extra details worth mentioning: - The original hotel elevator from the 19th century is still in use 🛗 - An impressive list of past guests, including Walt Disney, Audrey Hepburn, The Rolling Stones, Elizabeth Taylor, and George Clooney. Staying at this hotel was certainly a special experience, and I’m glad I had the chance to try it. But to be honest, it didn’t quite live up to the expectations I had based on its reputation and price. I’m happy I stayed once — but once was probably enough. 💭🏨 HotelGuy Score: 7/10 #HotelReview #AmstelHotel #InterContinentalAmsterdam #LuxuryHotelExperience #AmsterdamStay #TravelDiaries #HotelGuyReviews #OneNight #HistoricHotels #NotSponsoredJustHonest #AmsterdamViews #RiverfrontLuxury #TravelRealTalk #BucketListChecked
W Hotel Shanghai Shanghai is a futuristic and vib W Hotel Shanghai Shanghai is a futuristic and vibrant city, and when you're there, you want a hotel that matches that energy. 🌃 That’s exactly W Shanghai – The Bund. Perched right on the iconic waterfront, the location is unbeatable if you're looking to explore both the historic Bund and the modern skyline of Pudong. 🏙️  The hotel is bold, stylish, and unapologetically modern. Neon lights, cutting-edge design, and a high-energy vibe set it apart from your typical luxury stay.  But what’s the absolute highlight? Without a doubt, the views. I got incredibly lucky and, thanks to my status, received an amazing upgrade to a spacious suite. Watching the Shanghai skyline from my bed was simply priceless. 🤩 When it comes to amenities, W Shanghai doesn’t hold back. There’s a glamorous outdoor pool surrounded by loungers and palm trees, plus a heated indoor pool with a cinematic vibe. 🏊‍♀️ As a bonus great spa area with jacuzzi. Minor downsides? The hotel’s vibe may not be for everyone—if you're after peace and quiet, this might feel too high-octane.  Still, for travelers who want their stay to be as dynamic as the city itself, W Shanghai delivers in spades. HotelGuy Score: 9/10 My Marriott Bonvoy experience: Free breakfast: In the restaurant Late checkout: Possible until 16:00 Upgrade: Fabulous Room to Fantastic Suite Free drink in W lounge. #WShanghai #TheBundViews #LuxuryHotel #HotelReview #ShanghaiTravel #WHotels #BonvoyElite #SkylineViews #LuxuryLifestyle #TravelInStyle #SuiteUpgrade #ModernLuxury #ChinaTravel #HotelGoals #urbanescape
InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland Visiting thi InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland Visiting this hotel had been on my bucket list for years... and wow, it did not disappoint! Built inside an abandoned quarry, 16 out of its 18 floors are located underground, making it officially categorized as an earthscraper 🤯. As a bonus, the last two floors are actually underwater! Here, you’ll find the most luxurious suites, where you can fully enjoy stunning views of the underwater life 🫧. Just walking around the hotel itself is an experience. Imagine breathtaking views of the quarry, an artificial waterfall, dramatic cliffs, and a gorgeous futuristic hotel design all around. In terms of amenities, the hotel offers everything you would expect from a luxury property: restaurants, a gym, an indoor swimming pool, a go-kart track (because why not? 😂), a mini museum about the hotel’s crazy construction story and also an exclusive club lounge 🏨. Personally, I booked a room with club access, which was totally worth it, as you could enjoy a decent dinner there. At night, the quarry turns into a giant light show you can watch from your balcony (or from your room if you're lazy 😂)  And if you miss it, no worries — there's a mini water show twice a day in the lobby too. Now you’re probably wondering how much all of this costs. Room prices start from €300 and go up depending on the type of balcony view you choose but honestly, considering the entire experience, it’s a real bargain 💶. The only slight downside could be the location, as the hotel is about 50 km from Shanghai and feels a bit in the middle of nowhere. But I can guarantee you won’t regret visiting — the hotel truly lives up to its name: Wonderland ✨. HotelGuy Score: 9.5/10 #TravelGoals #LuxuryHotel #HotelLife #BucketListTravel #UniqueHotels #HotelReview #LuxuryTravel #Wanderlust #DreamHotel #TravelInspo #Earthscraper #UnderwaterHotel #QuarryHotel #WonderlandHotel #ArchitecturalWonder #HotelArchitecture #FuturisticHotel #LuxuryEscape #ExclusiveExperience #NextLevelTravel #Shanghai #China
The St. Regis Doha In Doha, there are two St. Reg The St. Regis Doha In Doha, there are two St. Regis brand hotels. I decided to visit the older one. To be honest, the main deciding factor was the price, as the newer one, located on an artificial island, is usually twice as expensive. Whether I made the right choice, you can read below. 🤑 I stayed at The St. Regis Doha during Ramadan 2024. The advantage of this was the favorable price, and the disadvantage was that one of the two hotel towers was closed, as few guests were expected during Ramadan season. This resulted in the hotel having very few available premium rooms, and unfortunately, I didn't get any room upgrade. However, I was pleasantly surprised when the reception credited 1000 points to my Marriott Bonvoy account as an apology. A very nice gesture, considering that I always count on the fact that an upgrade is not guaranteed. The only place where I felt the hotel showed its age was in the hallways. Everything else must have been renovated, as the rooms and the hotel lobby felt really luxurious. The clear highlight of the stay was undoubtedly the breakfast. 🍳🥓 There was a huge selection of prepared dishes as well as menu offerings, and the staff was amazing. I was equally satisfied with the hotel beach. 🏖️ The pool in front of the hotel was decent, but for my taste, it was a bit boring, as it was just a large rectangle. However, that's purely my preference, as I prefer pools with various nooks and seating areas. Overall, the impression of the hotel was excellent, and I can definitely recommend it. On my next visit, though, I must try the newer The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island so I can compare them. 🔍 HotelGuy Score: 9/10 My Marriott Bonvoy experience: Free breakfast: In the restaurant Late checkout: Possible until 16:00 Upgrade: No #doha #stregis #qatar #stregisdoha #hotelrecommendation #hoteltip #luxury #beach #hotel #uniquehotel #uniqueexperience #beachhotel #luxuryhotel #luxuryexperience
Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake West Lak Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake West Lake is undoubtedly the centerpiece of Hangzhou. 🌅 During my visit, it was clear that I’d spend a few days by the lake. Staying at the Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake became an obvious choice—not only because it’s located right by the lake but also because the price was quite tempting. 🏨 If you’ve ever wanted to experience a stay at the ultra-luxurious Four Seasons, China might just be the perfect place to do so. Let’s move on to whether it was really worth it. The hotel combines traditional Chinese architecture with modern elements and luxury. Just strolling inside the hotel or its outdoor gardens is an experience in itself. 🌸 Regarding the rooms, even the most basic one is incredibly spacious, like a suite. My room overlooked a serene Zen garden and apart from a bedroom and a spacious bathroom, included a small living area and balcony. While the furnishings showed that the hotel isn’t brand new, everything was impeccably maintained. 🛋️ As for facilities, the hotel features two pools: an outdoor infinity pool overlooking West Lake 🏞️ and a beautifully designed indoor pool. The spa is equally luxurious, and thanks to the property credit I received, I tried a massage that was genuinely one of the best I’ve ever had. On the downside, the gym 🏋️‍♂️ was a bit disappointing— small and without proper ventilation. However, everything else was nearly perfect, reflecting my overall rating below. 🌟 HotelGuy Score: 9.5/10 #fourseasons #hangzhou #china #traditionalchina #hotelrecommendation #hoteltip #luxury #hotel #uniquehotel #uniqueexperience #westlake #luxuryhotel #luxuryexperience
J Hotel During my trip to China, I had the opport J Hotel During my trip to China, I had the opportunity to stay at this unique hotel. The J Hotel is located in the Shanghai Tower, the third tallest building 🏢 in the world. The rooms are situated between the 86th and 98th floors. Above the rooms, you’ll find the hotel’s restaurants, including the highest restaurant in the world, Heavenly Jin, located on an astonishing 120th floor. 🤩 But let’s get back to the rooms. Unsurprisingly, this is a truly luxurious hotel, which is reflected in the design of the rooms. The standard rooms start at an impressive 61 square meters. The furnishings are modern yet luxurious, offering a perfect combination of comfort and style.✨ As a bonus, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views throughout your stay. However, the views aren’t the only thing that makes this hotel exceptional. It also serves as a gallery of various artworks. For me, though, the real masterpieces were the restaurants. I highly recommend exploring the hotel and visiting every floor with a restaurant—you won’t regret it.😍 The hotel also features a swimming pool. In my opinion, it’s a bit too simple, and I expected something slightly more impressive. On the other hand, the gym deserves praise; for China, it’s quite well-equipped and managed by a very friendly staff. From this hotel, I got exactly what I expected: a unique and truly special experience.👌 HotelGuy Score: 9.5/10 #jhotel #shanghai #china #shanghaitower #hotelrecommendation #hoteltip #luxury #atthetop #hotel #uniquehotel #uniqueexperience #inthesky #luxuryhotel #luxuryexperience
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi During my trip in March, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi During my trip in March, when I decided to try out the most interesting hotels in Abu Dhabi and Qatar, I also spent a few days at the luxurious ✨ St. Regis Abu Dhabi. The hotel is located in the Nation Tower skyscraper 🏙️ in the renowned Corniche area. The building is connected to a shopping mall, which is always a plus for me. As you can see from the photos, the St. Regis brand did not disappoint, and the hotel lobby is truly stunning 🤩. The same goes for the restaurants and other areas of the hotel. However, some rooms show that they've seen better days and could use some renovation 😐. Fortunately, I was upgraded to a truly fantastic suite, so I didn’t have to deal with it. However, I did have the chance to see some of the lower-category rooms, and they definitely need a refresh. That said, I must mention that outdated rooms are, in my opinion, the only downside of this hotel, for which I unfortunately had to deduct one and a half points in my overall rating. Everything else was truly top-notch 🔝. Whether it’s the amazing breakfast with a vast selection of ready-made dishes 🥯🥪, the first-class service, or the excellent facilities. The hotel offers a spa, gym, two outdoor pools, and a private beach. One of the pools is located directly within the hotel, while the other, larger pool is situated by the beach in a private beach club with a bar 🍹. There’s an air-conditioned tunnel from the hotel, built solely for hotel guests, that leads under the highway to this club. In this area, in addition to the mentioned pool, beach, and bar, you’ll also find several hotel restaurants. It’s truly a perfect place to relax 🏖️. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is an excellent blend of a city hotel and a resort, which personally suited me very well. I had a very positive experience throughout my stay and wouldn’t rule out returning (hopefully the rooms will be renovated by then 🙃). HotelGuy Score: 8.5/10 My Marriott Bonvoy experience: Free breakfast: In the restaurant Late checkout: Possible until 16:00 Upgrade: From Superior room to The St Regis Suite #abudhabi #stregis #uae #stregisabudhabi #hotelrecommendation #hoteltip #luxury #luxuryhotel
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