Hard Rock International has rolled out the red carpet for the launch of its new loyalty program, Unity by Hard Rock.
Artist Noah Kahan recorded a cover of The Beatles’ “Come Together” for the ad campaign, reflecting how the program aims to connect the brand’s diverse offerings — hotels, cafes, casinos — for members worldwide.
“Hard Rock is uniquely positioned to launch this one-of-a-kind loyalty program that rewards our guests’ passions for entertainment, travel, gaming and food,” Keith Sheldon, president of entertainment & brand management at Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming, said in a statement.
Here’s what you need to know about this new loyalty program.
How to earn and redeem points
Members can earn Unity Points at Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming locations through gaming, dining, merchandise purchases and hotel stays. Earning rates vary.
Earn 3 points per $1 spent at participating cafes, Rock Shops and noncasino hotels.
Earn 1 point per $1 spent on nongaming spending in participating casinos.
Earn game-specific rates in participating casinos.
Points redeem like cash (100 points = $1) at participating locations.
You can use Unity points to earn loyalty status and move up membership tiers. To track loyalty status, Unity uses “Tier Credits” in addition to regular points earned.
You can earn Tier Credits toward higher membership status by spending at Hard Rock and Seminole locations throughout the calendar year. Earn 1 Tier Credit per $1 spent (rates may vary for casino gaming). Note the Tier score resets annually.
Hard Rock Unity member benefits
Unity members can access various benefits and services at over 200 Hard Rock locations worldwide, including hotels, cafes, casinos, Rock Shops and others. Benefits vary across locations and reward status.
There are four membership tiers: Star (0–3,999 tier credits), Legend (4,000–14,999 tier credits), and Icon (15,000+ tier credits). The fourth tier, X, is by invite-only.
Member benefits include:
Hotels and cafes: Members get exclusive rates, birthday treats (Cafes), priority seating (Icon & X tiers), and complimentary live music access (X tier) at participating locations.
Casinos and hotels/casinos: Members can book directly and receive special rates, play-based rewards, and tier-specific benefits.
Hard Rock Games: Unity members earn points and credits with purchases across online games.
Rock Shops: Members earn points and credits on qualifying merchandise purchases in store and online.
Extra travel partner benefits: Unity members enjoy reciprocal benefits with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises programs.
Come Together experiences sweepstakes
In addition the benefits and ways to earn points above, Hard Rock’s Unity program offers “Come Together Experiences,” a sweepstakes series of travel and entertainment prizes throughout the year. Learn details and how to enter at unity.hardrock.com/come-together. At time of publishing, these sweepstakes were open for entries, or coming soon.
Win an all-inclusive Maldives vacation for two at the Hard Rock Hotel. The prize includes a seven-day, six-night stay with airfare, accommodations, watersports, spa access and dining options. Enter by Aug. 31, 2024.
Win a trip to the Guitar Hotel in Hollywood, Florida, for three, for three nights (including airfare and ground transportation), a complimentary day cabana and a resort credit. You’ll also get tickets to an Inter Miami soccer match. Enter by June 30, 2024.
Win an intimate concert experience for two with John Legend at the original Hard Rock Cafe in London. You’ll receive signed merchandise, a $200 Rock Shop gift card, airfare, lodging and ground transportation. Enter by July 31, 2024.
You can join Hard Rock Unity for free online or at any participating Hard Rock location, enter the sweepstakes and start racking up points and tier credits on your next visit or stay.
Taking off from the Zayed International Airport’s recently opened Terminal A in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, was a special treat, especially considering I was flying on an Airbus A350-1000 in Etihad Airways’ business class, which offered sliding doors at each seat.
From on demand a la carte dining to a new triple-level lounge in the airport, traveling aboard Etihad, one of the national airlines of the UAE, is a unique way to learn about Emirati culture while also enjoying top-notch service.
Etihad’s many partnerships with other airlines puts award flights more easily within reach for those who want to redeem their points and miles. Here is what to expect when traveling business class with Etihad.
The airport experience
Etihad offers chauffeur service in Abu Dhabi for business class passengers, which was easy to book online. My personal driver arrived right on time to take me from my city-center hotel to the new terminal. The driver dropped me off at the business class check-in area, which was bright and airy.
(Photo by Ramsey Qubein)
There was a short wait, and an agent from the first class check-in area flagged me over to check me in. All in all, check-in took two minutes. In addition, there were comfortable seating areas and even refreshments to enjoy before heading through security.
(Photo by Ramsey Qubein)
Terminal A, which just opened in November 2023, is bright and airy. It showcases enormous windows and an undulating roof sculpture that looks like the shape of the region’s desert sand dunes.
After a little shopping, I made my way to the terminal’s new Etihad business class lounge, which has three floors.
Etihad business lounge in Abu Dhabi
Once I arrived at the Etihad Airways lounge for business class passengers, I asked the friendly check-in agent which floor they recommended and made my way to the suggested top floor. A full-service bar and buffet setup proved an interesting way to pass the time.
My flight was departing at 3:05 a.m., which was a difficult time to stay awake for, but surprisingly, I was hungry and helped myself to the large selection of salads and curries on offer. When it was time to board, there was no extra security check, and I was in my seat in minutes.
The business class seat
The 1-2-1 layout in Etihad’s business class meant the seats have spacious side counters and wireless charging surfaces, which worked brilliantly.
(Photo by Ramsey Qubein)
Several storage compartments allowed me to keep my belongings in order, and the enormous touch-screen monitor in front had a wide range of movies and TV shows. Even with a flight duration of 14 hours and 30 minutes, I had barely enough time to even scratch the surface of entertainment options.
(Photo courtesy of Etihad Airways)
The best part of the seat was the sliding privacy door that was unlocked by the crew after takeoff. This keeps movement in the aisle from disturbing passengers while trying to rest. I kept mine closed most of the flight except when eating.
(Photo by Ramsey Qubein)
Waiting near my seat was a large pillow, padded seat cover, blanket and beige Acqua di Parma amenity kit. It had hand lotion, lip balm, eyeshades and socks. Cushioned noise-reducing headphones were wrapped in a compartment to one side with a bottle of water.
I appreciated how often the crew offered to refill my water bottle, as I prefer to stay hydrated in flight.
Meal service
Etihad offers a dine-on-demand service, and I struggled to decide when I wanted to eat and when I wanted to sleep.
Not wanting to miss out, I decided to try a light snack after takeoff and ordered the Arabic mezze with a glass of Chardonnay plus an acai bowl for dessert.
Just what you want at 4 a.m., right?
(Photo by Ramsey Qubein)
It was quite tasty, and I liked how my flight attendant brought out a bowl of warm nuts before serving my food.
After the light snack, I reclined my seat into bed mode and slept for four hours. My plan was to sleep for eight or nine hours and then have a larger meal before landing, but I could not stay asleep.
So what do you do on an Etihad flight when you can’t sleep? Eat again!
I went to the galley to see if there were snacks available. Sure enough, a display of potato chips, chocolate bars and fruit was laid out. I grabbed a few snacks and informed the flight attendant I also wanted to order something more substantial.
Another glass of wine soon arrived along with a tray of lentil soup and a side salad. It was served at the perfect temperature and with a slice of lemon to squeeze onto it.
After this, my next course arrived, Indian paneer curry. Other options on the menu included a roasted chicken dish and local Emirati grouper fish.
(Photo by Ramsey Qubein)
Etihad has a new partnership with Armani Casa to supply its cutlery, dishes and glassware from the brand. It was very elegant and had the appearance of a fine restaurant.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Interestingly, Etihad uses trays in business class rather than putting the dishes one by one on the table like its peers. Still, this made the service more efficient for the flight attendants and did not detract from the presentation.
For dessert, I ordered the cheese plate, which had cheddar, brie and blue cheeses with fresh fruit. After working a little on my laptop, I reclined my seat again to doze until landing.
(Photo by Ramsey Qubein)
The details
I loved how the crew was from different parts of the world. In addition to the Lebanese flight attendant who took care of me, the purser was from Thailand, another flight attendant in my aisle was from Egypt and the pilot was from Ireland.
Etihad has a very international crew, and its uniforms, in hues of beige and purple, made them look like runway fashion models.
The bathrooms were clean and tidy the entire flight, and they had Armani Casa toiletries, although I was surprised and disappointed there were not more products like shaving or dental kits on display.
Another bummer was the lack of air nozzles at each seat, as the cabin was rather warm.
(Photo courtesy of Etihad Airways)
One unique feature about U.S.-bound flights from Abu Dhabi is that the airport has a preclearance facility. This means passengers complete U.S. customs and immigration formalities before boarding, allowing them to land in the U.S. as a domestic passenger.
Unfortunately, the new airport terminal meant that not all U.S. flights were eligible yet for this service, as the U.S. officers worked only during the morning hours. This added some extra time to my itinerary when arriving at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, but normally, this is an excellent reason to connect on Etihad in Abu Dhabi versus other area airports.
How to book Etihad business class
Redeem points and miles
In addition to paying cash for Etihad’s premium cabin, members of its own Etihad Guest loyalty program can redeem miles for the experience.
The airline uses a distance-based chart, which means the number of miles you need varies by flight. This flight clocks in at more than 7,000 miles, which means a business class seat requires 110,000 miles in each direction.
Transfer travel rewards from airline partners
Another popular way to enjoy business class is by redeeming American Airlines AAdvantage miles, as Etihad is one of the carrier’s partners. A one-way business class flight from the U.S. to Abu Dhabi costs 70,000 miles based on its partner award chart.
Smart cards for Etihad flights
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Citi Premier® Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Annual fee
Earning rates
• 5 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 spent per year.
• 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
• 10 ThankYou® points per $1 spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through the Citi Travel site.
• 3 points per $1 on air travel and other hotel purchases.
• 3 points per $1 on supermarkets.
• 3 points per $1 on gas stations and EV charging stations.
• 3 points per $1 on restaurants.
• 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
• 5 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
• 2 miles per $1 on all other purchases.
Learn more
Etihad impresses on ultra-long-haul flights
Etihad offers an impressive business class product on the A350-1000. If you can’t redeem miles to fly on one of the airline’s first class A380 flights (complete with in-flight shower), this is the next best thing.
To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.
The information related to Citi Premier® Card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.”
After a makeover, Omni Hotel & Resorts’ Select Guest loyalty program is now a spend-based rewards system, with members earning Omni Credits that can be redeemed for hotel stays.
Program members are rewarded for spending more with the brand; big spenders have access to a faster path to elite status and the chance to earn and redeem awards more quickly.
Technically, you can get all the way to its top-tier elite status level through spend alone. Want to host an event or big dinner? Why not do it when checked into the hotel to earn extra Omni Credits?
These changes make its loyalty program more in line with other major hotel loyalty programs in terms of your ability to spend to earn elite status tiers. Here’s what you can expect with the new version of the program.
How to earn Omni Credits
The new program awards Omni hotel points (known as Omni Credits) for qualifying purchases. Examples include eligible room rates, spending at onsite restaurants, bars and spas, and spend on other activities like hotel-run golf courses.
Members earn points at different rates depending on the type of purchase:
Per eligible room rate: Members earn 5-10 Omni Credits.
Per $100 of eligible purchases beyond the room: Members earn 1 Omni Credit.
The higher your elite status, the more Omni Credits you earn. Tier three and tier four levels, called Champion and Icon, earn 10 Omni Credits per night stay instead of five (like the two lower levels).
🤓Nerdy Tip
If your spending beyond the room rate doesn’t reach the minimum $100 increment, you won’t earn extra on the non-room spend. What’s more, this total does not round up. If you spend $199 on hotel dining, you’d earn only 1 Omni Credit — not 2 — unless you exceed the $200 mark.
Elite status tiers
Omni’s Select Guest loyalty program has four tiers of status: Member, Insider, Champion and Icon. Status is earned by qualifying spending with the brand and can be unlocked at $1,000, $4,000 and $8,000 spend levels, or “Tier Dollars.” Tier Dollars include most charges to the room except taxes, gratuities and fees.
Member
General members receive these benefits:
Free deluxe Wi-Fi.
Free bottled water and a welcome drink upon arrival.
Earn 5 Omni Credits per room night.
Earn 1 Omni Credit per $100 of other hotel purchases.
Insider
Once you spend at least $1,000 in Tier Dollars within the calendar year, you advance to tier 2, the Insider level.
Insider benefits include:
Earn 5 Omni Credits per room night.
Earn 1 Omni Credit per $100 of other hotel purchases.
Free deluxe Wi-Fi and bottled water upon arrival.
Daily beverages comped by the hotel.
Two complimentary clothing items pressed or two shoeshines during the stay.
Champion
After you spend $4,000 in Tier Dollars within the calendar year, you will level up to Champion status.
Champion benefits include:
Earn 10 Omni Credits per eligible room night.
Earn 1 Omni Credit per $100 of purchases.
Free one-room-type upgrade.
Check-in as early as 1 p.m.
Checkout as late as 3 p.m.
Free bottled water each day.
Daily beverage delivered in the morning.
Four complimentary items pressed or four shoeshines.
Local market amenity provided upon arrival.
Guaranteed room availability if checking with the hotel at least 24 hours before arrival.
Icon
This is the top-tier level within the program and is for guests who spend at least $8,000 in Tier Dollars within the calendar year.
Icon benefits include:
Earn 10 Omni Credits per eligible room night.
Earn 2 Omni Credits per $100 of purchases in addition to the room spend.
Free premium Wi-Fi.
Free two-tier room upgrade.
Check-in as early as 9 a.m.
Checkout as late as 6 p.m.
Suite upgrade on redemption stays.
Guaranteed room availability by 4 p.m. on the day of arrival (available for one room per member).
Turndown housekeeping service.
Free bottled water daily.
Daily beverage delivered each morning.
Unlimited complimentary clothes pressing and shoeshines.
Chef-inspired welcome amenity/snack plus the choice of beverage the first night of the stay.
Ability to gift Champion status to another member.
It’s clear that the more business you do with Omni Hotels & Resorts, the more benefits you will receive when achieving different elite status tiers.
How to redeem Omni Credits
Once you earn 100 Omni Credits (or 20 stays at the lower two status levels), you can redeem them for a night’s stay.
There are no complex award charts or dynamic pricing for your award redemptions, and Omni Credits are valid for 36 months from the date of earning.
🤓Nerdy Tip
When the program changed in January 2024, it converted existing Award Credits to Omni Credits at the rate of 1:5.
Omni Select Guest gives more rewards for frequent travelers (and spenders)
The more you spend with Omni, the faster your path to elite status and free night redemptions. These changes to the program make it more rewarding and put it more in line with other hotel loyalty programs. By spending $8,000 with the brand within a calendar year, you will reach the program’s highest elite status tier, Icon. 100 Omni Credits will net you a free award night, which can be redeemed on non-blackout dates at any of the 50+ Omni destinations in the U.S.
Even when flying on a long-haul flight across the Atlantic Ocean, it can be tough to fully disconnect.
British Airways realizes this and offers Wi-Fi on most of its aircraft. However, between two different speed options, three currency options and up to three connection lengths, passengers may be overwhelmed by choice.
Here’s what you need to know about British Airways Wi-Fi, its availability, pricing options and how you might be able to get it for free.
Does British Airways have Wi-Fi?
British Airways was relatively late in installing Wi-Fi on its aircraft, with its first three aircraft only connected in 2018. However, British Airways now offers Wi-Fi on most of its flights — both long-haul and short-haul.
Unfortunately, the London-based airline doesn’t publish which particular aircraft types are connected and doesn’t let passengers check in advance if their flight will have Wi-Fi capabilities.
Instead, the airline advises passengers to wait for an announcement onboard to see if their flight is connected.
Alternatively, travelers can look for a small “hump” on the top of their aircraft or a “.air” sticker near the boarding door.
(Photo by JT Genter)
British Airways Wi-Fi coverage map
British Airways Wi-Fi is available over most of the globe, including most of the key transatlantic routes between the U.S. and British Airways’ hub in London.
However, it’s important to note that you may lose connection mid-flight. Wi-Fi is not available as the aircraft travels to high latitudes, or over India.
British Airways Wi-Fi speeds
British Airways doesn’t publish expected speeds for its two connection tiers, “Browse and stream” (higher speeds) and “Messaging” (slower speeds).
On a recent flight from London to Budapest, I was rather disappointed by the slow speeds for the more-expensive “Browse and stream” package. When I ran a speed test, I found that the connection seemed to be throttled to 1.4Mbps.
That’s a rather low speed for for less than two hours of connection for $11.
British Airways Wi-Fi Cost
The cost of British Airways Wi-Fi depends on several factors, including the length of the flight, the tier of the connection, how long you want to be connected and even the currency in which you pay.
Let’s take a flight from New York-John F. Kennedy to London-Heathrow as an example. When paying in US dollars, the faster “Browse and stream” connection costs:
$6.99 for 1 hour.
$16.49 for 4 hours.
$20.99 for a full-flight pass.
Meanwhile, the BA Wi-Fi cost for the slower “Messaging” connection is:
$4.49 for 1 hour.
$6.99 for a full-flight pass.
Meanwhile, on a shorter flight from London-Heathrow to Budapest, passengers have just three British Airways Wi-Fi connection options:
$4.49 for a full-flight “Messaging” pass.
$6.99 for a 1-hour “Browse and stream” pass.
$10.99 for a full-flight “Browse and stream” pass.
How to get free (or cheap) British Airways Wi-Fi
Use exchange rates to your advantage
Travelers may be able to save on their British Airways Wi-Fi cost by choosing to pay in a foreign currency.
As an example, let’s review the (overwhelming) 15 Wi-Fi pricing options from New York to London and their USD equivalents at current exchange rates:
Connection tier
€3.49 = $3.77.
£2.99 = $3.77.
Flight pass.
€5.99 = $6.47.
£4.99 = $6.29.
Browse and stream
€5.99 = $6.47.
£4.99 = $6.29.
Browse and stream
€13.49 = $14.58.
£11.99 = $15.10.
Browse and stream
Flight pass.
€16.99 = $18.36.
£14.99 = $18.88.
At the time of writing, paying in U.S. dollars is the most expensive option in every case, although the least-expensive currency varies between euros and pounds.
🤓Nerdy Tip
If you want to save a few bucks, it’s worth checking the current exchange rate to see which option is best.
Fly first class
British Airways offers free Wi-Fi connection for passengers flying in first class.
Unlike similar offerings from its competitors, passengers don’t have to book through a particular channel to get this free connection (e.g. Emirates, who offers no free connection if you book using partner miles), and you don’t have to get a paper voucher from the crew and scratch off to reveal a code (e.g. Etihad Airways).
Instead, if you’re flying in British Airways first class, simply connect to the BA Wi-Fi network and open shop.ba.com. There, you should see a banner for “Free Wi-Fi if you are flying in first.” Click “Connect now” and then enter your seat number and last name in the form to activate your connection.
Spend wisely with the right credit card
But if you pay for your Wi-Fi connection using a travel card that includes an airline spending credit that can be applied to in-flight Wi-Fi, you can consider it free.
Cards that cover airline Wi-Fi fees
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
on Bank of America’s website
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
on Chase’s website
Annual fee
Airline spending credits
Up to $200 annually with your preferred airline. Enrollment required. Terms apply.
Up to $100 annually.
$300 annual statement credit for travel purchases.
Still not sure?
How to connect to Wi-Fi on British Airways
British Airways activates the Wi-Fi connection when the aircraft is above 10,000 feet. That means you’ll need to wait until around 10 minutes after takeoff to connect, and you’ll be disconnected about 10 minutes before landing. That differentiates it from some U.S.-based airlines which offer a gate-to-gate Wi-Fi connection.
Once above 10,000 feet, turn on your Wi-Fi connection, connect to the BAWi-Fi network, and browse to shop.ba.com — if you aren’t automatically redirected.
Keep in mind that British Airways doesn’t let you switch between devices using the same Wi-Fi pass. So, you’ll want to be intentional about choosing which device you connect.
The bottom line
You have a pretty good chance of getting a Wi-Fi-enabled aircraft on your next British Airways flight. However, you won’t know for sure until you’re at your gate and can see if the aircraft has the tell-tale radome bump.
(Photo courtesy of British Airways)
Depending on the flight, British Airways offers up to five different Wi-Fi packages, each of which can be purchased in one of three currencies. The cheapest option will depend on current exchange rates, so it might be worth having an updated currency converter app on your phone to do some quick math.
To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.
Atop the Hyatt Regency San Francisco lies not just another hotel lounge but an experience that puts a unique spin on what it means to hold elite status or book a club-level room.
(Photo by Sally French)
That spin is, in fact, quite literal. At one point, the top floor of the Hyatt Regency San Francisco slowly rotated, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the city skyline and the San Francisco Bay. And as of May 2024 — after a 17-year hiatus — it spins again.
Getting to experience the rotation, though, is a somewhat exclusive experience, as the top floor houses the Regency Club Lounge. To access it, you must book a Regency Club guest room, which is typically more expensive than a standard room. Or, you can gain Hyatt Regency Club access by holding the highest tier of World of Hyatt elite status, Globalist.
Hyatt invited NerdWallet to tour the San Francisco Hyatt Regency Club. Here’s a glimpse at what it’s like, how to get in, and a breakdown of whether it’s worth the effort (and cost).
A history of the San Francisco Hyatt Regency Club
A rotating restaurant, The Equinox, which previously occupied the spinning space, closed in 2007. After that, Hyatt used the floor — albeit in static form — as its private Regency Club for World of Hyatt members.
(Photo by Sally French)
The Hyatt Regency San Francisco marked its 50th anniversary in 2023 — upon which the property underwent a $50 million renovation. That included a refresh of the 42,000-square-foot lobby with a 17-story indoor atrium, which holds the Guinness World Records for the world’s largest hotel lobby. It also entailed bringing back the club’s rotation.
What it’s like inside
(Photo by Sally French)
Hyatt Regency San Francisco’s Regency Club is open throughout the day on most days of the week, though it rotates for just six hours (three hours in the morning and three in the evening).
(Photo by Sally French)
Floor-to-ceiling, curved glass windows provide abundant natural light and offer panoramic views of the water and downtown. The spin is slow, requiring 56 minutes to complete a 360-degree rotation.
(Photo by Sally French)
Most mornings, there’s a continental breakfast featuring fruit, yogurt, pastries, quiche, eggs and potatoes. Throughout the day, there’s coffee plus light snacks like cookies.
(Photo by Sally French)
In the evenings, hors d’oeuvres are hefty enough to comprise a full dinner for some people. Dishes vary daily, but generally include roasted root vegetables, assorted salads, locally-sourced charcuterie, plus bread and cheese including Acme Bread and Cowgirl Creamery’s Mt Tam cheese.
(Photo by Sally French)
When we visited, hot foods included beef empanadas, cheesy bread with caramelized onions and gluten-free pasta.
(Photo by Sally French)
Although alcohol is available, it’s not free. Served honor bar style (where you write down on the accompanying piece of paper what you drank), expect a room charge for whatever you pour.
(Photo by Sally French)
How to get in to the Hyatt Regency Club
There are a few ways to get inside.
(Photo by Sally French)
Hold elite status: Hotel guests with World of Hyatt Globalist status can get in for no additional charge. To earn that ultra-high status tier, you must spend at least 60 nights with Hyatt or earn 100,000 base points per calendar year. Base points are earned when paying for certain purchases with Hyatt, including eligible room rates, on-site dining or spa treatments.
Pay at check-in: You can also pay for the privilege. At check-in, you can purchase Regency Club access for $125 per night, which covers everyone in the room (up to four guests).
Pay in advance: When making your reservation, there’s sometimes the option to book a Regency Club room or package. Prices vary by day and can be somewhat unpredictable.
But often, the price difference between a standard room and a Regency Club package costs much less than $125, making booking the package in advance more economical. NerdWallet found dozens of summer nights where the price difference to upgrade to Regency Club access was only about $60.
San Francisco Hyatt Regency Club: Is it worth it?
The club’s value comes down to whether you’ll take advantage of the refreshments — and how much you pay to get inside.
If you have Globalist status
If you hold Globalist elite status and you’re staying at the hotel anyway, you may as well pop in at some point (or perhaps multiple points).
(Photo by Sally French)
If you’re considering a paid upgrade
Since Regency Club access is issued by room rather than individual traveler, you’ll milk more value if multiple people share one room. After all, it’s $125 per person if you travel solo, versus $31.25 per person when split across four people sharing one room.
Considering up to four travelers could graze throughout the day on Regency Club food, the $125 upgrade could be worth it if you’ll mostly eat at the hotel.
(Photo by Sally French)
And it’s not just the food, but the experience, too. Views are comparable to San Francisco’s other top-tier panoramic bars. You won’t need a reservation, nor will you feel rushed out. This lounge typically has ample seating. Plus, the rotation is just plain cool.
Have you always dreamed of owning your own home? It’s not an uncommon goal. But one of the greatest challenges is saving up enough for a down payment.
Does this mean you’ll have to wait several years to buy a home? Not quite. Read on to discover the best ways to save up for a down payment.
How to Save for Down Payment on a House
Before you begin saving for a down payment on a house, you need to know how much house you can afford. There are several things you will need to plan for. Your monthly mortgage payment will include the following:
Mortgage principal and interest
Real estate taxes
Private mortgage insurance (PMI)
Homeowners insurance
Homeowners’ Association (HOA) fees, if any.
You will also have closing costs and possibly moving expenses.
Furthermore, remember that for a conventional mortgage, you’ll typically need to save up to 20% of a home’s purchase price for a down payment. That means you’ll likely need to come up with tens of thousands of dollars.
1. Make a Plan
Making a plan can be helpful in saving money, even if you are unsure of where the funds will come from. It allows you to set a timeline for reaching your savings goals and helps to keep you motivated. Additionally, having a plan can help you track your progress and make measurable progress towards your financial goals.
To illustrate, if you need to save $6,000 in 12 months for a down payment, you must find a way to come up with $500 each month.
Some may be able to do this by cutting a few expenses. Others may have to get creative and find other ways to earn money. Either way, breaking it down into small chunks makes meeting the goal a lot more workable.
So, start by figuring out how much you need, come up with a plan, and execute. And remember that discipline is a must. If you have the right mindset and commit to the plan, you’ll be closing on your new home in no time.
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2. Prepare for the Unexpected
Life happens, and sometimes those unexpected occurrences can wreak havoc on your finances. This makes it near impossible to achieve your savings goals. But you can cut the chances of this happening by creating a safety net before you start saving for a down payment. That way, your dreams of buying a home won’t crash and burn if a financial emergency comes up.
3. Pay Yourself First
Have you ever tried saving money at the end of the month only to have your plans go up in smoke? It usually goes a little something like this: you make a budget for the month and vow to follow it line by line. And whatever is remains at the end of the month gets deposited into your savings, CD, or money market account.
Sounds good, but that’s not typically how it goes. A more realistic chain of events: you create a budget and all is well until life happens. By the end of the month, your wallet is empty and you’re awaiting the next paycheck.
We’re talking about saving up thousands of dollars for a down payment fund. For this reason, you want to save money at the beginning of the month or pay yourself first. This ensures a busted budget doesn’t get in the way of saving up for a down-payment on a home.
4. Start a Side Hustle
Starting a side hustle can be a great way to earn extra money and save for a down payment on a house. If you have a particular skill or talent, you may be able to offer your services as a freelancer or independent contractor. This could include writing, design, photography, or any other service that you have experience in and can offer to others.
You might also consider starting a small business on the side, such as selling handmade crafts or offering a service like pet sitting or tutoring. This allows you to diversify your income streams and potentially increase your overall earning potential.
5. Make It Fun
Did you discover a brand-new savings challenge at the beginning of the year? You don’t have to wait until the new year to partake in the fun. Put a savings challenge in place now to help accomplish your goal. A few ideas:
Gather a group of friends to join in as you embark on the challenge. You can come up with some sort of small incentive to award the person who reaches their target goal the fastest. Even if you don’t win, having that sort of accountability will help reach your goals faster.
Keep the change. You won’t get very far saving coins from transactions. But committing to saving every $1 or $5 bill could be effective. (This approach is most effective when you only use cash for everyday transactions).
Commit to no-spend days. Pick one day of the week to not spend a single dollar (unless it’s an emergency).
Rotating spending category months.
Use financial windfalls wisely. If you receive an unexpected financial gift or a lump sum of cash, put it in your down payment savings account.
Participate in a 52-week challenge with weekly increases. You don’t have to wait until the first of the year to get started. Start on your next payday and stretch it out for an entire year.
6. Look at Your Budget
When was the last time you took a close look at your budget? If it’s been a while, you may be wasting money on items or services that are no longer needed or beneficial to you. Or you can stand to reduce some expenses and reach your savings goal faster. Some tips to cut costs:
Bundle cable, internet, and phone services or cut them altogether.
Request a free energy-audit to identify problem areas in your home.
Increase the deductible on your insurance policies to decrease premiums.
Create weekly meal plans to decrease grocery expenditures.
Ditch eating out for home cooked meals.
Use coupons and shop for bargains.
Avoid impulse spending.
Downgrade your cell phone or opt-in for a low-cost prepaid plan.
7. Get a Roommate
Having a roommate can be a great way to reduce your living expenses and free up more money to put towards a down payment on a house. By sharing the cost of rent and other expenses, you can significantly reduce your monthly expenses and save more money each month.
Additionally, if you are able to find a roommate who is willing to pay more than their share of the expenses, you may be able to increase your overall income and save even more.
8. Boost Your Income
Worried about stretching yourself too thin from your savings plan? Explore other ways to boost your income, so your efforts won’t interfere with your budget. Some ways to pull this off:
Work overtime to earn some extra cash.
Ask for a raise if it’s been awhile and your latest evaluation was stellar.
Get a part-time job and work when you have spare time.
Find odd jobs on Craigslist.
9. Sell Your Unwanted Stuff
Selling items that you no longer use or need can be a good way to raise extra money to put towards a down payment on a house. Here are a few ideas for items that you might consider selling:
Clothing and accessories: Do you have clothes, shoes, or accessories that you no longer wear or that no longer fit?
Home decor and furniture: Do you have furniture or home decor items that you no longer need or that no longer fit your style?
Electronics: Are there any electronic devices that you no longer use or need, such as an outdated phone or laptop?
Books, CDs, and DVDs: Do you have a collection of books, CDs, or DVDs that you no longer want or need?
Collectibles and antiques: Do you have collectibles or antiques that you no longer want or that you think may be worth a lot of money?
Consider selling these items through an online consignment shop or online marketplace like eBay or Craigslist.
10. Refinance Existing Loans
Are you paying too much in interest for your current debt obligations? The only way to find out is by reaching out to your lenders to determine if you’re eligible for lower interest rates.
If not, consider refinancing your loans, especially student loans, to lower the monthly payment and free up funds to go towards your down payment. (Keep in mind that extending the loan term could mean more interest paid over the life of the mortgage loan unless the new interest rate is lower).
11. Consolidate Your Debt
What about credit card debt with exorbitant APRs that are costing you a fortune? Explore debt consolidation options to determine if you qualify for a loan with a competitive rate. By going this route, you could shave hundreds off your monthly expenses, and pay off the credit cards much faster while saving for a down payment on a house.
12. Automate Savings
One simple way to boost your savings is by setting up an automatic deposit from your paycheck. By transferring a predetermined amount from your checking account into a high-yield savings account on a regular basis, you can watch your savings grow over time. This way, you don’t have to actively remember to transfer the funds yourself.
13. Explore First-Time Home Buyer Programs
If you are a first-time home buyer working towards the goal of homeownership, it can be helpful to research first-time home buyer programs that may be available to you. These programs may offer assistance with a down payment or low down payment options.
Some examples include Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s down payment assistance programs, VA loans, USDA loans, and FHA loans.
By considering these options, you may be able to significantly reduce the amount of money you need for a down payment on a home. It’s worth taking the time to research and see what kind of help may be available to you based on your personal financial situation.
14. Save on Transportation
Consider switching to cheaper forms of transportation, such as biking or public transit, if you live within a reasonable distance from your workplace. This will this save you money on gas and parking fees. It can also improve your physical fitness if you choose to ride a bike.
If you live in an urban area, using the subway or bus as an alternative to driving can also help reduce air pollution and traffic congestion, benefiting both your personal well-being and the environment.
15. Save Money on Your Purchases
There are several ways to save money while shopping, both online and in-store. Here are some suggestions:
Use online browser extensions like Honey or Rakuten to find and apply coupon codes automatically at checkout. These extensions can also alert you to price drops and help you find the best deals.
Look for sales and clearance items, and consider buying in bulk when it makes sense.
Compare prices across different retailers before making a purchase. Websites like PriceGrabber and CamelCamelCamel can help you find the best prices online.
Use cashback credit cards or apps like Ibotta and Dosh to earn money back on your purchases.
When shopping for groceries, try to plan your meals in advance and make a list of the items you need to purchase. This can help you avoid buying unnecessary items and sticking to a budget.
Consider buying generic or store-brand products, which can often be just as good as name-brand items but at a lower price.
Look for deals and discounts, such as buy-one-get-one-free offers or discounts for purchasing a certain number of items.
Use coupons and take advantage of loyalty programs if the store offers them.
Consider purchasing items that are in-season, as they are often cheaper than out-of-season items.
Shop at discount stores or warehouse clubs such as Costco or Sam’s. They often offer lower prices on a wide range of products.
Bottom Line
While it may be intimidating to save for a down payment, you can pull it off if you have a solid plan. It may take a bit longer than you’d like, but the benefits of homeownership will make your efforts worthwhile.
From Avelo Airlines and Breeze Airways in the United States to Norse Atlantic Airways and Play Airlines in Europe, budget airlines have recently been popping up like mushrooms after a rainstorm. These carriers allow flyers to stretch their budget further by offering no-frills flights at a lower price with fewer amenities than full-service airlines.
For travelers seeking a thrifty transatlantic trip, Norse Atlantic Airways operates several budget flights between select European and U.S. airports. Here’s everything you need to know about this low-cost airline.
What is Norse Atlantic Airways?
Norse Atlantic Airways is a Norwegian low-cost long-haul carrier headquartered in Arendal, Norway. It was founded in 2021 with its first flight taking off from Oslo, Norway’s capital, in 2022.
The Norse Atlantic fleet includes 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Does Norse Atlantic fly to the United States?
Yes, Norse operates transatlantic service between Europe and the United States, with an additional flight to Asia between Oslo, Norway, and Bangkok, Thailand.
The airline flies the following routes as of May 2024, some only seasonally:
Athens – New York-John F. Kennedy.
Berlin – Miami.
Berlin – New York-JFK.
London-Gatwick – Cape Town, South Africa.
London-Gatwick – Las Vegas.
London-Gatwick – Los Angeles.
London-Gatwick – Miami.
London-Gatwick – New York-JFK.
London-Gatwick – Orlando, Florida.
Oslo – Bangkok, Thailand.
Oslo – Los Angeles.
Oslo – Miami.
Oslo – New York-John F. Kennedy.
Paris – Los Angeles.
Paris – New York-JFK.
Rome – New York-JFK.
According to the Norse Atlantic website, more routes are coming in the future.
Classes of service
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft from the Norse airline are equipped with two cabins: economy and premium. Seats are arranged in a 3-3-3 configuration in economy class and 2-3-2 in the premium cabin.
Every seat in both cabins offers a seatback TV, USB charger and power outlet.
Premium class sweetens the deal by offering passengers a dedicated cabin, complimentary in-flight meals, a wider seat and 43 inches of pitch, blankets, pillows, ear plugs, and an eye mask.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Seat “pitch” is the distance from any point of a seat to the same point of a seat behind it in the same cabin.
Fare types
The two service cabins are then subdivided into the multiple fare bundles — a common pricing model among low-cost airlines.
Each cabin offers fares at Light, Classic and Flextra levels. Light fares charge the most to change or cancel ($200) and do not include even a carry-on. Flextra fares, meanwhile, offer free changes or cancellations and include carry-on and checked baggage, a meal, seat selection and priority boarding.
Economy Light, Classic and Flextra
Economy cabin tickets are divided into three fares: Economy Light, Economy Classic and Economy Flextra. You’ll customize your flight experience by selecting one of these options during the booking process. Here’s what each fare includes.
Economy Light
One personal item not exceeding 15.5 x 11.5 x 5.5 inches (40 x 30 x 15 centimeters).
Changeable for $200 plus fare difference, if any.
Last boarding group.
Economy Classic
One personal item not exceeding 15.5 x 11.5 x 5.5 inches (40 x 30 x 15 centimeters).
One carry-on bag not exceeding 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 45 x 25 centimeters) and up to 22 pounds (10 kilograms).
One checked bag not exceeding 50 pounds (23 kilograms).
One meal service with one nonalcoholic beverage (on flights longer than six hours).
General boarding.
Changeable for $125 plus fare difference, if any.
Economy Flextra
One personal item not exceeding 15.5 x 11.5 x 5.5 inches (40 x 30 x 15 centimeters).
One carry-on bag not exceeding 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 45 x 25 centimeters) and up to 22 pounds (10 kilograms).
One checked bag not exceeding 50 pounds (23 kilograms).
One meal service with one nonalcoholic beverage (on flights longer than six hours).
Seat selection.
Priority boarding.
Free changes and cancellations (for a travel credit).
Premium Light, Classic and Flextra
Premium cabin tickets on Norse are also divided into three fare classes: Premium Light, Premium Classic and Premium Flextra. Below is what is included with each fare class.
Premium Light
One personal item not exceeding 15.5 x 11.5 x 5.5 inches (40 x 30 x 15 centimeters).
One carry-on bag not exceeding 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 45 x 25 centimeters) and up to 22 pounds (10 kilograms).
Two meal services (on flights longer than six hours) and complimentary beverages.
Premium boarding.
Priority check-in.
Changeable for $200 plus fare difference, if any.
Premium Classic
One personal item not exceeding 15.5 x 11.5 x 5.5 inches (40 x 30 x 15 centimeters).
One carry-on bag not exceeding 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 45 x 25 centimeters) and up to 22 pounds (10 kilograms.).
One checked bag not exceeding 50 pounds (23 kilograms).
Two meal services (on flights longer than six hours) and complimentary beverages.
Premium boarding.
Priority check-in.
Changeable for $125 plus fare difference, if any.
Premium Flextra
One personal item not exceeding 15.5 x 11.5 x 5.5 inches (40 x 30 x 15 centimeters).
One carry-on bag not exceeding 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 45 x 25 centimeters) and up to 22 pounds (10 kilograms).
One checked bag not exceeding 50 pounds (23 kilograms).
Two meal services (on flights longer than six hours) and complimentary beverages.
Premium boarding.
Priority check-in.
Seat selection.
Free changes and cancellations (for a travel credit).
Does Norse Atlantic partner with other airlines?
Because Norse Atlantic operates a rather small fleet, its route network is limited. However, the Norwegian carrier partners with several other low-cost airlines across the globe via a service that helps customers book self-connected flights, known as the Dohop connection service.
Norse Atlantic partners with the following carriers:
Aegean Airlines.
Norwegian.
Pegasus Airlines.
VietJet Air.
If you book a connecting flight operated with a Dohop connection on any airline above, your flight will be booked on one ticket, but multiple airlines will operate the segments.
In the example below for a trip from London-Gatwick to Austin, Texas, the two flight segments are flown by Norse Atlantic and Spirit Airlines, respectively.
Despite one ticket, you are still flying on multiple airlines when you book via a Dohop connection. As such, you need to have visa clearance to enter any country you transfer through, and your checked baggage will have to be collected and rechecked during your transfer.
To the good, if your flight is delayed or canceled and you miss your connection, Dohop will rebook you on another flight at no extra cost to you.
Is Norse a good option for budget travelers?
Norse Atlantic describes itself as a low-cost airline, but are the prices really as low as advertised? Let’s take a look at a few scenarios.
Cost of a bare-bones ticket
We began our search on the Norse website. Right off the bat, we noticed that a sale was happening, and it was possible to fly to Europe and back for as low as $362. However, it quickly became apparent that the sale price applied to select routes and dates only.
For example, the itinerary that’s priced out at $362 is for a departure in March and a return in May. Most leisure travelers can’t travel for that long and therefore opt for shorter trips.
Let’s say you want to travel from Miami, Florida, to Oslo, Norway, in the summer and for a shorter time period. Norse gives you the option to view airfare prices by list view or calendar view. The calendar view allows you to see a month at a time, which is useful when your dates are flexible.
The prices that you see upfront are Economy Light and Premium Light fares, meaning if you want to book a higher fare class like Classic or Flextra, it’ll cost you more than what you see initially.
Based on this calendar, we’ve found a round-trip Economy Light fare between Miami, Florida, and Oslo, Norway, for $475. This ticket type includes just a personal item that fits under the seat in front of you and puts you in the last boarding group.
You’ll probably need to pay out-of-pocket to add on a carry-on bag at minimum, depending on your travel style.
Cost of a ticket after the add-ons
If you’d rather get all the comforts of a full-service airline, you can spice up your ticket with extras, like a carry-on or checked bag, seat selection and maybe even a meal. Let’s take a look at how these options would affect your final ticket price.
🤓Nerdy Tip
If you want to bring a small carry-on suitcase or check a larger bag, you don’t necessarily have to purchase a higher fare class. You can select an Economy Light fare and add a bag during the booking process.
For example, on the Miami-Oslo route, additional baggage exceeding a personal item will cost the following:
$45 for a small carry-on bag (22 pounds or less).
$60 for a light checked bag (33 pounds or less).
$75 for a standard checked bag (34 to 49 pounds).
$170 for a heavy checked bag (50 to 70 pounds).
The listed price is per direction, meaning you’d have to pay double for a round-trip journey.
Let’s be reasonable here and say you want to add a carry-on suitcase or backpack weighing no more than 22 pounds (10 kilograms) to your trip. This increases your total airfare cost by $90.
Picking a seat is going to cost you another $25 to $120, depending on where in the plane you pick. You also can skip seat selection if it’s not important and you can live with a random seat assigned to you.
Meals cost extra as well if you select an Economy Light fare — prepare to pay $20 to $30 for each one.
You’re then asked whether you want to pay $20 for a priority airport check-in and another $15 for priority boarding. Then you’re offered a fast-track option to get through security for $12 and access to an airport lounge in Oslo, Norway, for $38.
Let’s say you’ve chosen an Economy Light fare and added the following to it:
$90 for a carry-on bag on both the departure and return flights.
$70 for an aisle seat in both directions.
$100 for two vegetarian meals in each direction (four meals total).
Your custom airfare between Miami, Florida, and Oslo, Norway, is now $735.
How its cost compares to a full-service airline
Now, let’s compare it to a similar itinerary on a full-service airline.
At the time of writing, we’ve found a trip operated by a mix of Oneworld alliance partners for about $1,100 — but it has lengthy layovers in both directions.
Given that Norse Atlantic is the only carrier that provides nonstop service on this particular route, and it is less expensive — even with all the add-ons — it ends up being the best option for saving both time and money.
Cost of a custom ticket vs. a bundle
Is a fare bundle more economical than a ticket with a la carte add ons?
For example, let’s say you’re considering the Economy Classic bundle instead of the no-frills Economy Light experience. This bundle includes a personal item, a carry-on bag, a checked bag and one meal service. Norse is selling this bundle for $655 on the aforementioned Miami-Oslo route.
In this case, the same perks would cost the following when added a la carte to an Economy Light fare:
$90 for a carry-on bag on both the departure and return flights.
$150 for a standard checked bag in both directions.
$60 for two meals (one in each direction).
If you were to book an Economy Light fare for $475 and add on the items above, the round-trip ticket would cost $775. So in this case, purchasing a bundled fare saves you $120.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Crunch the numbers before booking your airfare, especially when you’re dealing with low-cost airlines that charge a la carte for services.
Is Norse Atlantic a good airline?
Generally speaking, yes. Norse Atlantic Airways reviews are mostly good, praising the carrier’s use of Boeing 787 planes, its cabin crew and seat comfort. However, it’s important to manage expectations properly and be mindful of luggage restrictions and ancillary fees.
Make sure to compare bundle prices with a la carte add-ons before purchasing, and compare costs with full-service carriers to ensure you get the best possible price for what you receive.
The San José Mineta International Airport is located in San Jose, California, in the middle of Silicon Valley. If you find yourself traveling into or out of this airport, you may be wondering if there are any lounges in which to relax and avoid the crowds.
There are currently three lounges from which to choose. Below, we’ll dive into all you need to know about the lounges at the San Jose airport.
About San Jose airport lounges
The San Jose airport doesn’t have any airline-affiliated lounges. There are two lounges open to travelers regardless of which airline they’re flying, while the other is accessible only by active U.S. military members.
🤓Nerdy Tip
The San Jose airport has two terminals (A and B), and while there are currently no lounges in Terminal B, you can easily walk between the two.
The Clubs at SJC (Gate A8 and A15)
The San Jose airport offers two lounges, both dubbed The Club SJC: one near Gate A8 and one at Gate A15.
Both offer free snacks and beverages (including soft drinks, beer, wine and liquor), showers, flat-screen televisions with Direct TV and complimentary Wi-Fi.
The Club lounges are open to Priority Pass members and travelers who purchase a day pass at least six hours before their scheduled flight.
While the exact food and drink options can change seasonally, below is an example of what’s currently available:
Breakfast (served until 11 a.m.). Cheesy scrambled eggs with mascarpone, orange ricotta toast, yogurt parfaits, fruit and cereal.
All Day Dining (served after 11 a.m.). Sweet and sour meatballs with rice, smoked turkey, avocado and cheddar slider, masala chickpea rice bowl, trail mix, and chocolate brownies.
Drinks. Specialty cocktails, vodka, whiskey and other hard liquors, red and white wines, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages.
USO Lounge (Between Terminals A and B) – Military only
Located curbside between Terminal A and Terminal B (access from the street-level sidewalk behind the U.S. and California flags).
Offers free snacks and beverages, complimentary Wi-Fi, charging stations, books and a large-screen television.
Access to the lounge is only available to active U.S. military on a pre-arranged basis.
Credit cards with Priority Pass
If you have the right card in your wallet, you will get access to Priority Pass lounges without having to pay out-of-pocket for a membership or a day pass.
Best Priority Pass cards
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
on Chase’s website
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Annual fee
Priority Pass benefits
• Full Priority Pass Select membership.
• Includes two guests per visit.
• Full Priority Pass Select membership.
• No limit on the number of guests allowed.
• No restaurants.
• Full Priority Pass Select membership.
• Includes two guests per visit.
• No restaurants.
Enrollment required. Terms apply.
Learn more
Lounges at the San Jose airport recapped
While the San Jose airport lacks an airline-affiliated lounge, it offers three lounges to travelers — two of which are accessible to Priority Pass members.
If you aren’t a Priority Pass member, you can pay $50 per person for access to either The Club SJC (Gate 8) or The Club SJC (Gate 15), though AAA members will receive a discount.
Active U.S. military members may also access the San Jose airport’s Military Lounge, provided they email the airport in advance to arrange their visit.
To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.
Maui is a popular Hawaiian vacation destination for a reason. The island boasts beautiful beaches, year-round warm weather, welcoming locals and a rich culture to learn about and experience during your trip. But it’s also a very expensive island to visit, with hotel rooms averaging more than $550 per night before taxes and fees in the first quarter of 2024, according to data from Hawaii Tourism Authority.
If you’re looking to book a Maui vacation without breaking your budget, below we dive into the best hotel on Maui to book with points, including the best hotels on Maui for families and for guests looking for a luxury stay.
Hyatt’s best hotels in Maui
Hyatt has a relatively small footprint on Maui, with only four hotels on the island: the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, Hana-Maui Resort, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, and the Hyatt Vacation Club at Ka’anapali Beach. Still, these are great options to use Hyatt points.
Best overall Hyatt hotel on Maui: Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
View from the balcony of an ocean view room at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort. (Photo courtesy of Josh Garber)
On 15 acres of beachfront in Wailea, the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort is a beautifully designed luxury property.
The hotel features five pools (including an adult tranquility pool for guests 18 and older), a spa and four on-site restaurants. Be sure to check out the Feast at Mōkapu Lu’au, an oceanfront luau that takes place at the hotel on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday nights.
Rooms at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort start at 35,000 Hyatt points per night.
Best Hyatt hotel for families: Hyatt Vacation Club at Ka’anapali Beach
For families visiting Maui and looking to use Hyatt points, the Hyatt Vacation Club at Ka’anapali Beach is your best bet. The Hyatt Vacation Club at Ka’anapali Beach has a number of family-friendly options, including a children’s area of the pool, a small in-hotel market where you can shop for snacks and sandwiches, and rooms with full kitchens.
Rooms at the Hyatt Vacation Club at Ka’anapali Beach start at 25,000 Hyatt points per night.
Cards for Hyatt points and perks
World of Hyatt Credit Card
on Chase’s website
World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
on Chase’s website
Annual fee
Welcome offer
Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
60,000 Bonus Points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Earn rates
• 4 points per $1 at Hyatt hotels and resorts.
• 2 points per $1 on dining, airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, gym memberships, and local transit and commuting.
• 1 point per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• 4 points per $1 at Hyatt hotels and resorts.
• 2 points per $1 in your top three spend categories each quarter through Dec. 31, 2024, then your top two categories each quarter.
• 2 points per $1 on fitness club and gym memberships.
• 1 point per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Benefits
• Earn one free night on each cardmember anniversary to redeem at any Category 1-4 World of Hyatt property.
• Earn five elite night credits when you get the card, and two additional elite night credits for every $5,000 spent.
• Earn one free night on each cardmember anniversary to redeem at any Category 1-4 World of Hyatt property.
• Earn up to a $100 Hyatt statement credit on your cardmember anniversary.
• World of Hyatt Discoverist status.
• Earn a rebate of 10% of points (up to 200,000 points) redeemed after reaching $50,000 in annual spend.
• Earn five elite night credits for every $10,000 spent.
Learn more
Marriott’s best hotels in Maui
Marriott has the largest hotel footprint on Maui, with 10 hotels throughout the island. Given all the options, here’s which Marriott Maui property to stay at if you’re booking with points.
Best Marriott hotel in Maui: The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali
Ka’anapali Beach on Maui. (Photo courtesy of Josh Garber)
Located beachfront on Ka’anapali Beach on Maui, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali is a great hotel for couples, families and even solo travelers.
While you could easily spend your entire stay on the property (taking advantage of the pool, spa, restaurants and beach right in front of the hotel), the hotel is right next to Whalers Village, an outdoor shopping mall that includes local shops and restaurants, including Monkeypod, Hula Grill and Leilani’s on the Beach.
Rooms at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali start at 64,000 points per night.
Best Marriott hotel for a luxury experience: The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is a 54-acre resort overlooking the Pacific Ocean with amenities that include two 18-hole championship golf courses, six distinctive restaurants and a spa with treatments inspired by ancient Hawaiian traditions.
Rooms at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua start at 84,000 points per night.
Best Marriott hotel for families: The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas North
For family trips on Marriott points, check out The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas North.
All rooms at this hotel feature either a full kitchen or kitchenette, which can come in handy if you have hungry kids who just need a quick snack (or if you’d like to save money from dining out). The hotel also offers one- and two-bedroom villas, which can be a great option for families that would like a bit more space and privacy.
The hotel has a separate children’s pool and a cultural center for families wanting to learn more about local traditions and history.
Rooms at The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas North start at 70,000 points per night.
Cards for Marriott points and perks
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
on Chase’s website
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
on Chase’s website
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Annual fee
Welcome offer
Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after spending $1,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card.
Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card!
Earn 85,000 Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.
Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Earn rates
• 3 points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
• 2 points per $1 on other travel purchases (such as airfare, taxis and trains).
• 1 point per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• 6 points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
• 3 points per $1 on up to $6,000 a year in combined purchases on grocery stores, gas stations and dining.
• 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• 6 points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
• 4 points per $1 on up to $15,000 a year in combined purchases at grocery stores and on dining.
• 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• 6 points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
• 3 points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines.
• 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
Benefits
• 15 Elite Night Credits annually, qualifying you for Silver Elite Status
• Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
• 15 Elite Night Credits annually, qualifying you for Silver Elite status, plus path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
• 1 Elite Night Credit toward Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
• Free Night Award (valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $15,000 in a calendar year.
• Gold Elite status, plus 15 Elite Night credits each year toward Platinum Elite status.
• 1,000 points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott Bonvoy at participating properties. Terms apply.
• Free Night Award (valued up to 85,000 points) every year after your account renewal month.
• Platinum Elite Status and 25 Elite Night credits per year.
• Fee credit for either Global Entry or TSA Precheck.
• Up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide.
• Terms apply.
Learn more
Hilton’s best hotels in Maui
Similar to Hyatt, Hilton also has a small footprint on Maui with only four hotels (although Hilton is opening a fifth hotel in June 2025).
If you’re looking to book a Hilton hotel with points on Maui, the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort has the honor of not only being the best overall hotel to book on Maui with points, but also being the best luxury hotel and family hotel.
Best overall Hilton points on Maui: Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort
Palm trees and green grass at the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. (Photo courtesy of Josh Garber)
The Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort is a massive property, sitting on 40 acres with 844 rooms (of which 57 are suites and 50 are villas) that range in size from 640 square feet to 1,300 square feet. The hotel is perhaps best known for its Wailea Canyon Activity Pool, which is actually a collection of nine pools spanning 25,700 square feet that are connected by waterslides and a lazy river.
The Wailea Canyon Activity Pool is enough to make the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort the best resort for families (and arguably the best hotel for families on the entire island of Maui).
Not only does the pool feature a lazy river and waterslides connecting the nine pools mentioned earlier, but it also features a Tarzan pool with rope swing, six waterfalls, caves, a sand “baby” beach and a swim-up bar for parents who need some time away from the kids. If you or your kids are more adventurous, you can enjoy the Lava Tube Slide, a three-story waterslide with 360-degree turns where you can reach speeds as fast as 22 miles per hour.
The hotel also offers a Grand Passport for kids. During check-in, children are given a passport that maps and lists all educational and cultural activities on the island to keep them engaged during their stay.
After a day at the pool, be sure to make reservations for dinner at Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, the hotel’s signature beachfront restaurant that specializes in seafood.
Rooms at the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort start at 110,000 Hilton points per night.
While Hilton does have another luxury option on Maui, Ho’olei Villas at Grand Wailea, rooms at that hotel will set you back around 574,000 points per night. Given that you can stay at the Grand Wailea for 110,000 points per night, the Grand Wailea wins as the best Hilton points hotel on Maui for a luxury experience.
Cards for Hilton points and perks
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Annual fee
Welcome offer
Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 7/31/2024. Terms apply.
Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $8,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first six months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 6/5. Terms Apply.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Earn rates
• 12 points per $1 on eligible purchases with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
• 6 points per $1 at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations.
• 4 points per $1 on U.S. online retail purchases.
• 3 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
• 12 points per $1 on eligible purchases with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
• 5 points per $1 on other purchases made using the Hilton Honors Business Card on the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year, 3 points per $1 thereafter.
Terms apply.
• 5 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 spent per year.
• 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
• 5 points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels booked American Express Travel.
• 1.5 points per $1 in key business categories and eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2,000,000 in purchases per year).
• 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
Benefits
• Hilton Honors™ Gold Status, which gives you an 80% points bonus, as well as complimentary breakfasts at select hotels and room upgrades at select properties where available.
• Path to Diamond status. Get an upgrade to Diamond if you spend $40,000 or more on the card in a calendar year.
• $200 annual statement credit for eligible Hilton purchases on your card (doled out in $50 statement credits per quarter).
• Potential free night. Earn a weekend night reward after you spend $15,000 on purchases on your card in a calendar year.
Terms apply.
• Hilton Honors™ Gold Status, which gives you an 80% points bonus, as well as complimentary breakfasts at select hotels and room upgrades at select properties where available.
• Path to Diamond status. Get an upgrade to Diamond if you spend $40,000 or more on the card in a calendar year.
• Potential free nights. Earn a free night reward after you spend $15,000 on purchases on your card in a calendar year and a second when you spend an additional $45,000 in the same calendar year ($60,000 total).
• Airport lounge access. Ten complimentary Priority Pass visits each year. Enrollment is required.
Terms apply.
• Access to more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including AmEx’s own Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta).
• Credit for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
• Hundreds of dollars a year in credits for travel, shopping and entertainment. These include up to $200 a year for incidental fees on an airline you choose, up to $240 for digital entertainment from select providers, and up to $200 a year for Uber. Enrollment required. See terms for details.
Terms apply.
• Get 35% of your Membership Rewards points back when you redeem points for an eligible first or business class flight on any airline, or a flight in any cabin of travel on an airline you choose (up to 500,000 points per year).
• Access to more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including AmEx’s own Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta).
• Credit for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
• Up to $1,000 a year in credits for various business expenses and travel. These include $400 a year for U.S. Dell purchases, $200 a year for incidental fees on an airline you choose, $120 for a U.S. wireless credit, and more. See terms for details.
Terms apply.
Learn more
Final thoughts on the best hotels on Maui to book with points
Hyatt, Marriott and Hilton all have great options for guests looking to stay at a hotel on Maui using points. Some of our favorite points properties on Maui include the Hyatt’s Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, Marriott’s The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali and Hilton’s Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort.
To view rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.
To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, see this page.
In 2007, IHG decided to give the Holiday Inn brand a makeover, elevating its standards to a level that the customer of today wants. It is spending more than $1 billion to invest in the product, which includes overhauling every single Holiday Inn around the world — a process that is still ongoing.
The result aims to make the Holiday Inn brand appeal to a new generation of travelers, with special attention given to creating a more uniform experience across both new and existing properties.
The Holiday Inn dates back to 1952 and started as a pioneer in hotel services, offering new conveniences like free parking, free stays for children, swimming pools, and extra amenities like cribs and telephones. Today, these are all expected perks, so how can the new Holiday Inn stand out from the pack?
How to know if a Holiday Inn is renovated to new standards
If you’re staying in a renovated hotel with the new Holiday Inn experience, you can expect more open spaces, new open restaurant and bar concepts, adaptable meeting space and more modern accommodations.
The new open lobby combines the restaurant, bar and hotel concierge with more coworking space to create a lounge environment where people can gather outside of their room.
These updates are in line with what other hotels in the midscale/mid-tier, full-service category are doing.
Features in the new-concept guest rooms include:
A welcome nook with space for keys, a hook for coats and a charging port. The brand describes this as what many people may have in their own home’s entryway.
Moveable desks and the ability to work with a laptop or other device in many areas of the room rather than just at a single desk.
Upgraded bedding.
Blackout shades.
Upgraded shower facilities.
True to its origins, kids 11 and under still eat free in Holiday Inn restaurants, assuming an accompanying adult pays for a meal.
According to IHG, 50% of its hotels in the U.S. will be renovated by 2025 — with its first new-build prototype opening early next year as well.
In Europe, the majority of Holiday Inn hotels have completed the new open-lobby renovations. Another new amenity for European Holiday Inn hotels is a to-go coffee station, featuring Starbucks.
Push aside any previous thoughts you had about the brand. IHG’s efforts are meant to upgrade the brand to be full-service offerings that cater to a variety of travelers, not just families, roadside overnights or business travelers. While Holiday Inns may not be the most expensive in each destination, they are not meant to be a budget offering.
5 redesigned Holiday Inns worth a visit
1. Holiday Inn Resort Aruba-Beach Resort & Casino
(Photo courtesy of IHG)
The Holiday Inn Resort Aruba-Beach Resort & Casino now offers guests three pools, whirlpools, a spa, five restaurants and bars (including one on the beach), and a casino.
With nearly 600 rooms directly on Palm Beach, this property has been welcoming guests. It is one of 45 open Holiday Inn Resorts and nearly three dozen Holiday Inn Vacation Club properties around the world.
2. Holiday Inn Singapore Little India
(Photo courtesy of IHG)
In one of the city’s heritage districts, this 20-story hotel benefits from recent renovations and showcases the new open-plan lobby lounge design.
Business travelers appreciate its convenience to the Central Business District while leisure travelers will enjoy the pool and easy walking distance to dining and shops, many with Indian heritage.
3. Holiday Inn Paris – Gare de Lyon Bastille
(Photo courtesy of IHG)
This Holiday Inn could not be more Parisian with its belle époque facade (“beautiful age”), fitting right into the neighborhood.
It showcases the latest brand design with renovated guest rooms and an open-plan lobby. Want to get around the city by metro?
As its name suggests, the Gare de Lyon train station, a major hub for metro and express trains (RER), is just a short walk from the front door.
4. Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre
(Photo courtesy of IHG)
The Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre is well-positioned for touristic pursuits around Northern Ireland’s capital city. The property is close to public transportation options as well as the city’s entertainment and shopping districts.
Fans of “Game of Thrones” and Titanic history can earn IHG One Rewards points while visiting top attractions.
5. Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Lake Buena Vista
(Photo courtesy of IHG)
Just one mile from Walt Disney World Resort, this renovated resort has pools, whirlpools, an arcade, a splash pad and poolside activities like dive-in movies and ping pong.
Like other Holiday Inns around the world, kids eat free when their parents order a meal, which can be a budget-friendly move when paying for expensive theme park tickets.
How to earn elite status with IHG One Rewards
Cards with IHG elite status perks
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
on Chase’s website
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
on Chase’s website
IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
on Chase’s website
Annual fee
Elite status perks
Includes automatic Silver Elite status.
Includes automatic Platinum Elite status.
Includes automatic Platinum Elite status.
Welcome offer
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Learn more
With elite status, you can earn bonus points during your stay (the number increases as your status moves up the chain) as well as other perks like room upgrades and late checkout.
Holiday Inn is not the same brand you may remember
With a $1 billion brand refresh that is making its way to Holiday Inns around the world, guests will find new lobby and guest room concepts, plus more food and beverage options than before.
As IHG repositions the brand to focus on full-service at a mid-tier price point, guests stand to benefit from the changes.