Podcasts about ihg

In this exciting episode of The Investor Impact: Power Talks, Vinney Chopra reveals how one mid-tier hotel turned into a $6 million success story—and why he's doubling down on hospitality in 2025. From a Wyndham Garden acquisition to an upcoming hotel that could be bought at just 4x revenue, Vinney lays out the exact strategies behind these powerful plays.   Vinney dives deep into the stability, flexibility, and scalability of hotel investments compared to short-term rentals like Airbnb. Backed by global brands like Hilton, Marriott, and IHG, these mid-tier hotels are becoming investor favorites due to their consistent demand, strong RevPAR growth, and post-pandemic recovery.  

In today's episode, we'll talk about why we like the Rakuten shopping portal and also discuss a great new trick Rakuten has up its sleeve...(00:42) - What is a shopping portal?(01:15) - Choose cash back or Amex Membership Rewards points (must link Amex card)(02:55) - Great refer-a-friend promos ($40/4K)(04:08) - Frequent 10x, 15x, 20x promotions(04:43) - Portal includes travel sites like IHG, Marriott, Choice, Hertz, Avis, Expedia, some airlines(05:13) - Double dip with hotel / car rewards / airline miles etc.(06:38) - In-store offers(07:08) - NEW: read about new Rakuten credit card bonuses here.(10:26) - Our Rakuten referral links:Nick's Referral LinkGreg's Referral LinkStephen's Referral LinkTim's Referral Link

There are credit cards that help make your points actually more valuable, just by having the credit card on hand. You can find all of the cards discussed on this show on our Best Offers page.  Coffee Break: Credit Card Power-Ups (00:40) - United: Discounted awards, ability to upgrade (01:38) - Delta: 15% discount (01:54) - JetBlue 10% rebate (02:20) - Aeroplan: 1.25 PYB, better award pricing (02:55) - Avianca Lifemiles Elite: Comes with Lifemiles+ Lite (10% discount on awards) (04:09) - Spirit points pooling (04:58) - IHG: 4th night free (& 10% back old card) (06:00) - Wyndham 10% discount (06:50) - Hilton 5th Night Free (07:33) - Amex Membership Rewards: Business Platinum card 35% rebate (08:49) - Chase: make the points on your cash back card transferrable, 1.25/1.5 (10:32) - Capital One: make cash back points transferrable (11:49) - Citi: make cash back points transferrable, 10% rebate (14:54) - Wells: make cash Transferrable Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media. Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

SummaryIn this episode, Steven Libman and Travis Cotter discuss their journey in real estate investing, focusing on alternative investments, the importance of core values, and the mindset shifts necessary for success. They share lessons learned from their experiences, the balance between profits and principles, and the impact of faith-driven investing. The conversation also touches on current market trends and the significance of creating a legacy through their work.TakeawaysEvery deal is different, and there's no autopilot in investing.Understanding the intricacies of underwriting is crucial for success.Mindset shifts are necessary when moving from residential to commercial investing.It's important to be comfortable with risk and willing to walk away from bad deals.Core values should guide investment decisions and partnerships.Faith-driven investing can lead to both temporal and eternal returns.Creating a positive impact on tenants is a key motivator for investors.The current market presents both challenges and opportunities for investors.Clarity in core values reduces stress and improves decision-making.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Alternative Investing02:17 Travis Cotter's Journey in Real Estate05:48 Lessons Learned in Real Estate Investing09:57 Mindset Shifts for Successful Investing10:42 Balancing Profits and Principles17:38 Navigating Risks in New Ventures24:10 Faith-Driven Investing and Core Values27:28 Investing with Purpose: Temporal and Eternal Returns28:55 Legacy and Community Impact in Real Estate30:53 Rapid Fire Insights: Investing Questions33:30 Market Realities: Navigating Uncertainty39:24 Understanding Deal Metrics and Risk Management43:13 Building Relationships and Finding OpportunitiesAbout Travis CotterTravis Cotter is the Co-Founder of Integrity Holdings Group and a seasoned real estate investor with 15+ years' experience spanning residential, commercial, development, and alternative assets.He began his career in construction and finance before transitioning into leading large-scale real estate projects, from site development to multifamily acquisitions. With his co-founder, he has built a real estate portfolio exceeding $400M in transactions and raised over $100M in private capital.Renowned for his detailed underwriting expertise, Travis uncovers opportunities to optimize income, control expenses, and maximize asset performance — strategies foundational to IHG's success.A faith-driven leader, Travis aligns profits with purpose, building investments that create both temporal and eternal returns. His leadership emphasizes core values, stewardship, community service, and leaving a legacy that impacts generations.When not leading IHG's growth, Travis enjoys life on his family farm with his wife Stacey and their two children — spending time outdoors, caring for animals, and riding their motocross track.Connect with Travis CotterTravis Cotter LinkedInConnect with UsAre you interested in joining a community of like-minded individuals who aspire to build true wealth through real estate passive investing? Go to IHG Investor Club to learn more!

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description This week several new card offers came out along with some that are ending. MGM launched their interesting Iconic card which gives you a path towards spending to higher status in a much better way. Capital One also released a 350K/400K offer that isn't for the faint of heart while IHG's record 200K bonus is ending soon.   In other #news digital arrival cards are spreading across the world and one of the most popular tourist destinations has now implemented one. We also discuss: misleading travel marketing, the death of an Aeroplan loophole and why it shouldn't have existed, a big MTM Travel shock and travel food presentations from the future.   Episode Guide   0:00 The big MTM Travel shock 0:23 Digital arrivals/visas - Thailand's version is here 3:00 IHG Best Ever 200K business card offer ending soon 4:28 Capital One Venture X Business - 350K or 400K bonus?!? 6:46 MGM's new Iconic Card - Spend towards huge perks! 9:00 Why you might want to spend your way to MGM Gold 10:16 Misleading travel marketing offers 12:05 Why reading the terms is one of the biggest secrets of the “game” 13:25 Aeroplan “trick” dies 15:13 The Aeroplan workaround & why they should change their policies 16:45 Cool S - Travel food presentations from the future   Links   Thai arrival - https://tdac.immigration.go.th/ Capital One 400K info - https://dannydealguru.com/400k-bonus-for-capital-one-venture-x-business/ MGM Iconic - https://milestomemories.com/check-out-the-new-mgm-rewards-iconic-mastercard/ Misleading ads - https://travel-on-points.com/hyatt-under-canvas-promotion/ Aeroplan loophole - https://travel-on-points.com/air-canada-flexible-pricing-switch/ Food from the future - https://x.com/kirawontmiss/status/1912621052758282260  https://x.com/TheGlobal_Index/status/1912820960413270307   Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad is heading south! Jess shares her birthday trip to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and Pam and Alex walk us through their tropical getaway to Roatán, Honduras. From charming colonial cities to vibrant beachside resorts, both of these escapes were powered by points and miles—and they're breaking down exactly how you can do it, too. Jess's San Miguel de Allende Birthday Getaway For her birthday, Jess wanted a trip that was cute, walkable, and filled with culture—and San Miguel de Allende checked all the boxes. She used points to book her flights and free nights at a boutique hotel that had cash rates of $800/night—a steal!  Jess shared how San Miguel felt totally different from places like Cancun—more Spanish-speaking, with rooftop restaurants, cobblestone streets, and an artsy vibe. She loved practicing her Spanish and appreciated how kid-friendly the town was (though leave the stroller at home). Highlights included a rooftop pool, the hotel's mascot dog Pancho (who even has his own Instagram), and a standout breakfast. Pro tip: order the San Miguel–style eggs! Roatán with Pam & Alex: Direct Flights & Island Vibes Pam and Alex flew to Roatán using United miles and IHG points. They started their stay in a bungalow—secluded, rustic, and quiet—then upgraded mid-trip to a Premium Ocean View room in the newer building.  Beach Time, Dining, and That Sweet Island Energy Roatán was a totally different vibe—bustling but beautiful. From colorful buildings to locals selling snacks on the beach, Pam and Alex loved the laid-back charm. Highlights included hotel spa visits, hospitality hours, and free snorkel gear and kayaks, plus great dining spots in town. Even when the resort was at maximum capacity, it still felt relaxing and fun. Alex and Pam both liked this resort even better than the Kimpton Grand Cayman, which is high praise! If you're dreaming of warm weather and want a new destination to add to your points wish list, this episode is packed with inspiration, strategy, and a few laughs. Tune in and start planning your own tropical escape! ☀️

Andreas Pfister conducts IHG's massive luxury and lifestyle orchestra for Middle East and North Africa

In this episode, we're diving deep into IHG One Rewards—a hotel program that often flies under the radar but has serious potential. From practical Holiday Inns to luxury Kimptons and InterContinentals, we're sharing our experiences using IHG points and free-night awards, how we earn them, and why buying IHG points (yes, buying!) can actually be a smart move. What Even Is IHG? Before diving into points and miles, most of us didn't even know IHG was the brand behind properties like Holiday Inn, Candlewood Suites, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, and InterContinental. Jess shares how she earned free IHG stays back in the day by mailing in 90 index cards, and Pam tells how she thought Crowne Plazas were the height of luxury before she knew the full IHG lineup. IHG Credit Cards: What to Know Alex breaks down the three different IHG credit card options and how their benefits stack up so you can decide which one might work best for you.  She also outlines two of the unique benefits that make two of these cards a great deal: getting a fourth night free on award stays and earning free-night certificates you can top up. Buying IHG Points Can Actually Make Sense Pam shares why she regularly buys IHG points—especially during 100% bonus sales—for heavily discounted stays at high-end IHG properties. She calls it a “no-brainer,” and Jess agrees—IHG is one of the only programs where buying points often makes sense. Where We've Used IHG Points and Awards From a Kimpton in Barcelona, to airport Holiday Inns, to a Crowne Plaza in Bruges, we share how we've stretched our points and free-night certificates. Jess highlights how easy it is to top off a 40k free-night certificate online, and Alex reminds everyone about the best ways to book longer stays for couples. We also discuss: IHG status levels Using certificates online (a breeze!) The IHG brands we love most Our dream stays: Six Senses, Kimpton in Sydney, and Hotel Indigo Galápagos Links: All About IHG Credit Cards: All About IHG Credit Cards - Travel Mom Squad - https://travelmomsquad.com/ihg-revamps-credit-cards Purchasing IHG Points: Does It Make Sense? Purchasing IHG Points: Does It Make Sense? - Travel Mom Squad - https://travelmomsquad.com/purchasing-ihg-points-does-it-make-sense/ Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Episode Minute By Minute: 00:30 – Our intro to IHG 03:00 – What cards we've had and what we recommend 06:45 – The best perks and status levels with IHG cards 09:30 – Why we buy IHG points (and how it saves $$$) 13:30 – Free-night certificates and how to use them wisely 18:00 – Where we've stayed using IHG points and awards 21:00 – The brands we love: Kimpton, Indigo, InterContinental 26:00 – Favorite past stays + the IHG hotels we want to try next If you've been sleeping on IHG, take another look. Whether you're after practical one-night stays or a luxury resort getaway, there's more value here than you think.

In this episode of the FHS Podcast, Muin Serhan, CEO of Amsa Hospitality, joins Jonathan Worsley to explore how Amsa is reshaping Saudi Arabia's hospitality landscape. Muin outlines the company's bold strategy to tap into underserved secondary markets while also expanding in major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. He explains Amsa's four-pronged development approach—including land acquisition, JV partnerships, and management deals—and how its collaboration with leading hotel brands like Accor, Radisson, and IHG is accelerating growth. Muin also highlights the role of the Amsa Academy in training local talent, the company's push into sustainable and tech-driven innovation, and the importance of aligning with Vision 2030. With a pipeline of over 10,000 keys, Amsa is charting a new path for homegrown hospitality in the Kingdom.

In this episode, we highlight the credit cards that are becoming "collectables", we had a heated debate about "Strawberry season", discuss changes from ANA and Alaska Airlines, and share tips for saving on your domestic flights. (01:29) - Delta Sky Club access with multiple American Express platinum cards in your name... (06:40) - Chase Sapphire Preferred 100K (Read more about this offer here) (07:58) - United Business 125K ... (08:59) - Citi Rewards+ no longer available new OR for product changes (12:05) - US Bank Smartly changes for new cardholders as of 4/14. Read about the US Bank Smartly card changes here. (18:50) - Strawberry Hotels Summer Pass 2025 (Read more about this Strawberry Hotels Summer Pass here) (25:14) - IHG increases top award rates at Intercontinental hotels to 200K+ per night (27:02) - Amex Biz Plat nerfs Dell credits (31:57) - ANA Round the World award tickets are dead as of June 24th (34:46) - More ANA news starting June 24 Read more about these ANA updates here. (38:32) - Updates from Alaska Airlines (40:29) - Tools/services to find cheapest cash rates (e.g. google flights) (42:30) - Tools/services to find cheapest award prices (e.g. points path) Read our "Which Award Search Tool is Best" post here. (44:58) - Saving miles with partner awards (49:21) - Credit card travel discounts/rebates (52:59) - Find our Amex Airline Reimbursement Fees post here. (54:46) - Companion tickets (1:03:26) - Pay w/ points through a bank travel portal (1:05:30) - Cardholder award discounts (Delta, United, JetBlue, etc.) (1:06:32) - Discounted Airline gift cards (1:07:59) - Membership discounts (1:09:36) - Change the way you book it (1:17:46) - Read more about skiplagging here. (1:18:42) - Choosing between the Amex Hilton Aspire card or the Amex Bonvoy Brilliant card: Do you think Bonvoy will listen to the negative feedback and will get better? And will Hilton get worse because they've been too generous? Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media. Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

Special Monday Edition: Global travel stocks suffered steep declines on Monday, with major markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe seeing significant selloffs due to mounting fears over global tariffs and economic instability. The Hang Seng index dropped over 13%, its worst fall since 1997, while travel-linked stocks like Trip.com and Alibaba plunged by double digits. European airlines and hotel giants also took hits, with IAG, Lufthansa, Accor, and IHG all posting substantial losses amid concerns about falling transatlantic travel demand and trade war impacts. In the Middle East, markets continued a downward slide, compounded by plunging oil prices and significant losses in companies like Saudi Aramco, adding to fears about tourism investment in the region. Read the full story on Skift. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.

There are some creative ways to use airline miles to fly further with less miles. In other words, you can see more and spend less. We'll talk about these fun tricks in today's episode. (01:00) - The validity of Etihad Guest Miles will be extended by 18 months based on qualifying member flight activity. We thought this means you have to credit paid flights to Etihad to extend your miles...but is that true? (04:20) - How do you handle domestic positioning flights? See our "Tips for booking positioning flights" episode 253 here. (09:30) - Amex targeted referral +5 points on travel & transit (11:21) - Learn more about Amex multi-referrals here. (11:27) - Amex Membership Rewards: You don't need a credit card to transfer to some partners Read more about this here. (15:10) - Chase: 80% transfer bonus to IHG through 4/30 (18:26) - Transfer bonuses (21:14) - Updates to popular award tools (22:56) - National Car Rental's One Two Free Promo Returns (27:43) - Virgin Atlantic jacks up Delta One surcharges departing Europe to more than $1,000 one-way Read more about dumping fees when booking Delta One here. (31:05) - Cautions about skiplagging / hidden city ticketing, etc... (37:34) - Married Segment Logic (42:23) - Start to End Distance Based/ Zone Based Award Pricing (47:25) - Mixed cabin award pricing (51:53) - Multi-partner awards (52:57) - Read Nick's post about Air Canada's United devaluation relief with multi-partner awards here. (58:59) - Creative routing (1:04:40) - Should people wait to get the other Hawaiian Airlines credit card (if they have one of the personal Hawaaiin credit cards already)? (There are two different consumer Hawaiian Airlines cards - one with Bank of Hawaii and one by Barclays (though confusingly both are issued by Barclays)). 

Send us a textTrump will's wissen: Mit einem Pauschalzoll von 10 % auf alle US-Importe, Strafzöllen von bis zu 34 % für China und 20 % für die EU startet er eine neue Handelsrunde. Ziel? „America First“, doch weltweit hagelt es Kritik.

In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke shares a roundup of the latest and most important updates in the world of travel, points, and miles. From Hyatt's award pricing changes and Chase/Amex transfer bonuses to the IHG One Rewards Business Card's limited-time offer of up to 200,000 points, this episode is packed with timely insights to help travelers make smarter, more strategic decisions. He also covers Delta's removal of fuel surcharges on award flights from Europe and Southwest's new status match opportunity for American Airlines elites—both of which could unlock significant value for savvy flyers. Additionally, DeAndre shares an update on Zil Money, which is once again up and running for all credit cards except AMEX, and unveils the newly rebuilt Best Offers page on the BoldlyGo website, created to prioritize transparency and showcase the most competitive card offers—regardless of affiliate links. Whether you're earning, redeeming, or mapping out your next trip, this episode will help you stay ahead of the game in the world of travel rewards.   Key takeaways:  Hyatt Award Pricing Update: Many hotels are shifting categories, impacting award stays. IHG One Rewards Business Card: Earn up to 200,000 points with a limited-time offer. Valuable Free Night Certificate: Included with the IHG business card and applicable for redemptions. Chase & Amex Transfer Bonuses: Take advantage of them before they expire. Delta Award Tickets: Fuel surcharges removed for one-way flights from Europe. Southwest Status Match: Available with proof of American Airlines elite status. Plan Ahead: Staying informed ensures better travel redemptions and savings. Use Credit Cards Strategically: These updates reinforce the value of timely applications.   Resources: Start here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel Sign up for our newsletter! This month's best current card offers LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:  Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount! BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group Truicity Wealth Management   Connect with DeAndre Coke:  Instagram: BoldlyGo.world Website: BoldlyGo.world YouTube: BoldlyGoWorld      

In this episode of Leadership Talks, we sit down with Jeremy Huvard, a seasoned hospitality sales and marketing leader with over 15 years of experience driving revenue growth and brand success. As the Regional Director of Sales and Marketing at Donohoe Hospitality Services, Jeremy has played a pivotal role in optimizing market strategies for top hotel brands, including IHG, Marriott, and Hyatt.Beyond his professional expertise, Jeremy serves as the President of the HSMAI DC Chapter, where he helps shape the future of hospitality sales and marketing professionals. In this insightful conversation, he shares key leadership lessons, the evolving landscape of hospitality, and strategies for building high-performing teams in a competitive industry.Join us as we explore Jeremy's journey, his passion for mentorship, and the principles that have shaped his leadership style. Whether you're in hospitality or any customer-driven industry, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to elevate your leadership game.

Lan Elliott's career spans the highest levels of hotel real estate, from acquisitions at Starwood to asset management at IHG. Now, as the co-founder of Acacia Holdings, a champion for women in hospitality through Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance, and a podcast host on It's Personal Stories, she's on a mission to create more opportunities in leadership and investment. Susan and Lan talk about career pivots, negotiation power moves, and the myth that there aren't enough women speakers in hospitality. What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Vrbo launched a marketing campaign targeting Airbnb, but Airbnb dismissed it as ineffective, with Skift Research showing Airbnb's dominant market share of 44% compared to Vrbo's 9%. Sonesta remains optimistic about strong bookings despite economic concerns and is shifting towards franchising by selling 114 properties, particularly seeing growth in East Coast markets. Meanwhile, IHG has opened Western Europe's first net-zero hotel in the UK, powered by renewable energy and featuring sustainable practices, while maintaining competitive pricing. Airbnb Calls Vrbo Billboards 'Confused' and 'Desperate' Sonesta CEO: Bookings Are 'Still Strong' as it Aims to Sell 114 Hotels Inside IHG's New 'Net Zero' Hotel Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a secondary city into a hospitality goldmine? I'm diving deep with Neetu Mistry, Chief Commercial Officer at Cycas Hospitality, who's cracked the code on making hotels hum in places others might overlook.Neetu's a powerhouse—think commercial strategies for giants like Marriott, Hilton, and IHG under her belt—and she's steering Cycas' sprawling portfolio across the UK and Europe. In this episode we're unpacking how to spark demand where it's not obvious, like in Slough, where her team turned a pandemic-era launch into a community-driven success story. If you're into flipping the script on where hospitality can thrive, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.Travel Market Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Looking to take advantage of the best travel credit card offers this March? In this Quick Hits episode, host DeAndre Coke breaks down the latest elevated offers from IHG, Capital One, and American Express, explaining how to maximize welcome bonuses and transfer bonuses for the best redemptions. He also highlights why switching browsers when searching … Read More Read More

IHG has acquired the Ruby hotels brand, and with it a growing portfolio of European lifestyle hotels - smart move? Choice and Accor are talking about moving upmarket, but have other structural issues to attend to. And at the OTAs, who will win the battle for the customer's eyeballs, as AI comes into play.

In our latest podcast, David Canty, Pavel Loss, and Iain Pringle dive into the strategies, challenges, and best practices for managing major program transformations. With expertise from JetBlue, IAG Airlines, Shell, IHG, and Starwood Hotels, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating loyalty program evolution this year.

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description This week a lot of credit card news is happening as Chase is currently running increased welcome offers for the United Business and IHG personal cards. We break down the offers including which you should probably avoid. We also discuss the details of JetBlue's new premium credit card which is confusing, not very valuable and probably not for most people.   In other news we go over some of the best practices to avoid credit card application mistakes including why you should avoid using a VPN. We also discuss the tragedy at DCA, a scary hotel food poisoning lawsuit, sidewalks that generate electricity and where you can stay in a 737 hotel room.   Episode Guide 0:00 The disappointing lounge reality for travelers 0:55 Spirit rejects Frontier bid…stays in bankruptcy 2:26 Hyatt buys Playa Resorts - All inclusive heaven with a downside 4:53 New round of Amex authorized user bonus offers 6:33 Bank error not in your favor - Chase messes up 1099s 8:34 British Airways rug pulls their transfer bonus offer 10:22 Cool S - The fun of Whirlyball   Links Spirit merger - https://milestomemories.com/spirit-rejects-new-merger-offer-from-frontier/ Hyatt Playa - https://travel-on-points.com/hyatt-playa-hotels-resorts/ Amex AU bonuses - https://travel-on-points.com/amex-authorized-user-bonus-offers/ Chase bank error - https://travel-on-points.com/chase-is-sending-out-erroneous-1099s/ BA backtracks - https://travel-on-points.com/current-point-transfer-bonuses/ Whirlyball - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNfKDMDVK1M Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Would you pay more for fully refundable rewards? What do you do with pets when you travel? These questions and more came up in our Ask Us Anything, Live Ep72, originally broadcast live on 2-5-25. (04:31) - Who were our most-helpful followers for the Million Mile Madness challenge? These followers will be eligible for prizes for their help! (13:31) - How would you structure your credit card strategy with a P2? See our podcast episode about 2-player strategies here. (17:45) - Frequent Miler is by far my favorite travel blog. What blogs do you follow and why? (19:47) - ​​Any tricks to apply for 2 cards in 1 day? I feel like I read a post on how to do this but I can't find it now. Find our credit card application rules by bank here. (24:02) - are you guys surprised at how many people completed the challenge? (25:00) - I know Greg went big with Alaska transfer, I'm curious how big the rest of the team has gone? And do any of you think the merger and Amex transfer will cause a devaluation soon? (28:32) - Any word yet on Chase's 1 million point giveaway winners (that ended last week)? (29:13) - any thoughts on aeroplan 25 status match from Marriott Titanium? could be interesting for booking economy award tickets for upgrades on long haul flights? (30:47) - Marriott & Hilton appear out of favor with you these days. Hyatt remains your favorite but If you don't or can't stay at Hyatt, what is now your hotel chain of choice between IHG, Choice, Wyndham or? (33:34) - new SW companion pass promo (personal card, 4K spend in 3 months): is this just through end of 2025? Seems like a great opportunity to try.I can make that spend in a week! (34:32) - ​​have any of you ever had to transfer airports in Taipei. i have a 4-hr layover during which i have to travel between airports with a carry-on. is that even possible? (36:24) - What are the best opportunities for long haul business class availability for 4 "when schedule opens?" With 4 travelers and bound by school schedules I want to book ahead but it's getting very hard. (38:37) - ​​Thoughts on the recent update to Citi's T&Cs on welcome bonuses for their strata premier when product changing. Seems like it's a blow against churning  (40:26) - How much more are you willing to pay for award ticket that is fully refundable? I find myself going for AA or United flights even though UA may be cheaper on LifeMiles for example (45:23) - ​​really curious... do any of you have pets? what do you do with them when traveling? (51:48) - How often do you folks buy points? I recently started buying IHG, Hilton, Avianca, and Avios points when they are on sale, and find it a great alternative for folks with low spend. (53:36) - any awesome hotel redemptions coming up for you guys? Subscribe and Follow

This year in luxury travel, customization is king. Afar's resident hotel expert, Jennifer Flowers, and editor in chief, Julia Cosgrove, go behind the scenes of ILTM, the International Luxury Travel Market, in Cannes, France. They sat down with leaders from three of the world's biggest hotel brands—Hilton, IHG, and Hyatt—to hear how trends, technology, and travelers' changing desires will shape luxury hotels in 2025.  Featured Guests: Crystal Vinisse Thomas, (Former) Vice President, Global Brand Leader, Lifestyle and Luxury Brands, Hyatt. (Crystal resigned after we recorded this episode.) Jane Mackie, SVP of Luxury, Lifestyle, and Premium Brands at InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) Dino Michael, SVP and Global Head, Hilton Luxury Brands **New opportunity: Want to be featured in an episode of Unpacked or have an idea you want us to unpack next? Send us a voicemail here. ** What Travelers Want Most in 2025  In this episode, you'll learn:  The path to becoming a luxury travel leader in hospitality.  How hotels are helping travelers customize their experiences, loyalty perks and more.  The trends that will help you plan your perfect year of travel—from AI to authentic experiences.  Plan Better Travel With These Luxury Hotel Brands Don't miss these moments:  [07:28] Sniffing out inauthenticity and how hotels become good neighbors.  [25:26] AI, customization, and getting the most out of loyalty programs.  [36:45] How all-inclusive resorts are gaining a new reputation.  Resources Read the article: 4 Hotel Travel Trends to Watch in 2025. Explore the luxury travel brands at Hilton, Hyatt and InterContinental (IHG). Check out our Hotels We Love series and Stay Here Next reviews. Read the transcript of this episode. Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, Travel Tales, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us.

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description This week a lot of credit card news is happening as Chase is currently running increased welcome offers for the United Business and IHG personal cards. We break down the offers including which you should probably avoid. We also discuss the details of JetBlue's new premium credit card which is confusing, not very valuable and probably not for most people.   In other news we go over some of the best practices to avoid credit card application mistakes including why you should avoid using a VPN. We also discuss the tragedy at DCA, a scary hotel food poisoning lawsuit, sidewalks that generate electricity and where you can stay in a 737 hotel room.   Episode Guide 0:00 A 737 airplane in a hotel room! 1:04 Horrifying Dominican Republic food poisoning story 3:08 Fancy hotels vs. street food when it comes to food poisoning 4:08 DCA airplane tragedy 6:30 United's 100K Business card offer 8:57 IHG credit cards both have increased offers 10:48 Why you should avoid VPNs when applying for credit cards 12:33 Best practices for credit card apps & mistakes to avoid 14:18 Funding a Roth IRA with bank bonuses in 2025 16:19 JetBlue's confusing new Premier credit card 18:20 Why you probably want to pass on JetBlue's new card 19:55 Cool S - Sidewalks that generate electricity in Japan Links 737 Hotel room - https://www.corendonhotels.com/corendon-amsterdam-new-west/nl/room/737-suite/ https://x.com/somakazima/status/1884464176094929220?s=46 Food poisoning DR - https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/article/mans-wife-son-die-by-food-poisoning-during-vacation-abroad/ VPNs and credit apps - https://travel-on-points.com/credit-card-applications-using-a-vpn/ Mark's Bank bonus challenge - https://travel-on-points.com/fund-roth-ira-with-bank-bonuses/ JetBlue premium card launch - https://milestomemories.com/jetblue-and-barclays-launch-new-premier-credit-card/ Japan's cool sidewalks - https://www.facebook.com/reel/3891368217857166 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXvH5-KhbO8   Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

On this episode, we'll talk about a crazy new premium credit card, we'll debate double elite night hotel promotions to see if they're mattress run worthy, talk about a nice new way to use JetBlue points, and discuss how to double your rewards with a partner. (01:15) - One reader writes in about booking their family with roundtrip business class flights to Australia for Christmas and New Years!!! (05:00) - New JetBlue Premier Card... Learn more about the premier card here. (12:13) - IHG Premier offer up to 170K after $4K spend in 3 months Learn more about the IHG Premier card here. (13:33) - IHG overlapping promos Learn more about the targeted double elite nights here. (14:58) - Learn more about Double points here. (19:10) - Marriott's overlapping promos: Learn more about Double elite nights + 1K bonus per night here. (25:58) - Marriott increases top-end point prices Read our Marriott Complete Guide here. (30:30) - CardPointers Learn more about CardPointers here CardPointers here. (32:48) - Book TAP Air with JetBlue points (39:13) - More rewards Check out our How to video for maximizing rewards with Amex referrals here. (43:38) - More spend (44:56) - Companion Flights Find our How your Southwest Companion can fly 4 free | Coffee Break Ep32 here. Find our Complete Guide to the Southwest Companion Pass here. Find our Two for the price of one: How to get a free companion ticket | Ep218 here. (46:10) - Find our How to Use Delta Companion Certificates Video here. (47:33) - Free weekends (50:50) - One reader has One Amex Platinum Card and one Amex Business Platinum Card. If they cancel or downgrade one of the cards, how does that impact their Delta lounge access for the calendar year?

In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre answers listener questions about maximizing points and miles while showcasing new credit card offers from IHG and Marriott. He dives into the 524 rule for Chase credit cards—explaining how business cards are exempt—and highlights an elevated 170,000-point offer on the IHG Premiere One Rewards Card. DeAndre also spotlights the … Read More Read More

IHG is a huge global hospitality brand with over 500,000 employees worldwide. In this episode we learn how they developed a TVP, or Targeted Value Proposition, in order to reach talent with niche skillsets. Eunice Z. Clements-Tweedie is the Vice President of Global Talent Acquisition at IHG. Eunice Z. Clements-Tweedie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/euniceclementstweedie/ IHG Careers: https://careers.ihg.com/en/ Subscribe to this podcast: https://employerbrandingpodcast.com Measure your employer brand: https://employerbrandindex.co Thanks for tuning in!

In this episode, Brian is joined by Will McKnight, the Head of Human Resources and People + Culture for Company Managed Hotels in North America for IHG Hotels and Resorts. IHG is home to 19 brands and over 6,500 global destinations in more than 100 countries. Tune in to hear who Will Thanks for helping him along the way.

Our show is best watched on YouTube here: https://go.www.letsgettothepoints.com/Show-88-Hotel-Status Curious if hotel elite status is worth the hype? We dive into the benefits of elite status with Hilton, Marriott, IHG, and Hyatt to help you decide if it's worth it for your travel plans. We'll also discuss our current statuses and future plans. Credit Card Links: https://www.letsgettothepoints.com/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://go.www.letsgettothepoints.com/JoinOurEmail Join the waitlist for our Elevate community: https://letsgettothepoints.com/elevate/ Website: https://www.letsgettothepoints.com/ Email: letsgettothepoints@gmail.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/letsgettothepoints/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@letsgettothepoints EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL DISCOUNT CODES: https://letsgettothepoints.com/tools/ Seats.aero: Award Flight Search Engine Use Code: LETSGETPRO for $20 off the first year https://seats.aero/ Sign up for Award Email Notifications from Straight To The Points Use Code: LGTTP20 for 20% off the annual plan https://go.www.letsgettothepoints.com/StToThePoints Travel Freely: The FREE site we use to stay organized and track our 5/24 status https://my.travelfreely.com/signup?bref=lgw CardPointers: Save Money and Maximize Your Spend Bonuses https://go.www.letsgettothepoints.com/CardPointers MaxMyPoint: Hotel Rewards Checker Use Code: LGTTP for 20% off the first year of your Platinum Subscription https://maxmypoint.com ON TODAY'S SHOW: 0:00 Opening 2:57 How to Pronounce EVA Air 7:43 Andaz Tokyo, Japan 14:12 Grand Hyatt Melbourne, Australia 16:30 Suite Upgrade Alerts on MaxMyPoint 18:50 World of Hyatt 32:16 IHG One Rewards 42:15 Hilton Honors 47:58 Marriott Bonvoy LISTEN TO US ON THE GO: Apple Podcast: https://go.www.letsgettothepoints.com/ApplePodcast Spotify:https://go.www.letsgettothepoints.com/Spotify Thank you for supporting our Channel! See you every Friday with a new episode! Support this podcast: https://go.www.letsgettothepoints.com/SupportUs Disclaimer: The content is for informational purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Advertiser Disclosure: This video may contain links through which we are compensated when you click on or are approved for offers. The information in this video was not provided by any of the companies mentioned and has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Offers are current only at the time of the video publishing date and may have changed by the time you watch it. Let's Get To The Points is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CardRatings. Let's Get To The Points and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. The content of this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

In this episode, Anthony Torres, one of the hospitality industry's top food and beverage leaders, shares insights on creating standout food and beverage concepts, emphasizing the importance of working with specialists and maintaining concept integrity.More episodes with Anthony: Lessons from Starwood, Kimpton, and IHG in F&B LeadershipWhy Hotel F&B is the Ultimate Creative CanvasHow Personal Development Transformed My Hospitality Leadership This episode is brought to you with support from Shiji Group, the global hospitality technology leader that helps hotels streamline operations and transform guest experiences. Recognized by their clients for their best-in-class solutions and exceptional implementation support, Shiji Group is trusted by leading brands worldwide to activate technology faster and drive better business results.A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

In this episode, Anthony Torres, one of the hospitality industry's top food and beverage leaders, shares essential tactics for keeping your property top of mind, from creating hyper-local strategies to leveraging partnerships with influencers and local businesses.More episodes with Anthony: Lessons from Starwood, Kimpton, and IHG in F&B LeadershipWhy Hotel F&B is the Ultimate Creative CanvasHow Personal Development Transformed My Hospitality Leadership This episode is brought to you with support from Shiji Group, the global hospitality technology leader that helps hotels streamline operations and transform guest experiences. Recognized by their clients for their best-in-class solutions and exceptional implementation support, Shiji Group is trusted by leading brands worldwide to activate technology faster and drive better business results.A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

Episode 50: Show Notes Are loyalty programs becoming less valuable, or are they evolving to meet the demands of modern travelers? In this episode, we delve into the future of airline and hotel loyalty programs and examine potential innovations and strategies to maximize points. To help us unravel this topic is returning guest Joey Redmond, a passionate traveler and co-host of the new Travel Bros Podcast, where he shares insights and reviews on unique hotels and travel experiences. In our conversation, we discuss the future of the Alaskan and American Airlines partnership, gaps in elite loyalty programs, and the broader impact of mileage programs on consumer behavior. Explore strategies for maximizing hotel rewards through points arbitrage and learn the art of leveraging IHG points and ambassador status for substantial savings. Joey also shares his experience of Turks and Caicos, its charming hotels, and its less-than-ideal airport. Discover unique and interesting boutique accommodations and hear Joey's tips and tricks for finding one-of-a-kind hotels. Join us to uncover how you can maximize your rewards and make your loyalty programs work harder for you in 2025 with Joey Redmond. Tune in now! Key Points From This Episode: [0:00:27] Outline of today's episode and a warm welcome to Joey Redmond. [0:01:58] Predictions for loyalty programs, devaluation risks, and features for 2025. [0:03:57] Alaska Airlines' partnership with American Airlines and its potential impact on points. [0:09:22] Upgrade and status challenges elite loyalty programs face and how they will adapt. [0:17:51] Points arbitrage strategies for hotels and how to purchase points at a discount. [0:24:47] Learn about the benefits of purchasing ambassador status for savings on hotels. [0:29:38] Turks and Caicos, its American influences, the state of the airport, and the hotel. [0:36:56] Explore the advantages and limitations of Small Luxury Hotels (SLH). [0:40:01] Details about the hotel in Turks and Caicos and the charm of the South Bank. [0:49:25] Exciting hotel options and unique properties in the SLH collection for points holders. [0:56:15] The Travel Bros Pod and what listeners will gain from its hotel-centric content. [1:02:36] Hear Joey's tips and tricks for finding unique hotels using online platforms. [1:06:56] Joey's invitation for listeners to share their ideas for future travel stories.  [1:11:06] Find out how to contact Joey, a special thank you to listeners, and final takeaways. Quotes: “I think we are going to see some major innovation in airline elite loyalty programs.” — @TktweetsKim [0:09:22] “It is important to look at things outside of the, 'I am only going to pay with points.'” — @tmount [0:22:55] “Turks and Caicos, I will tell you, is probably the worst airport I have ever been to outside of Africa.” — @joeyredmond [0:31:33] “You need to realize a lot of these [boutique] hotels are either family-run or [individually-owed] run. You're almost a step above a bed and breakfast and a huge step below a corporate [hotel].” — @joeyredmond [0:47:57] “What does excite me, generally, is non-traditional hotels or non-traditional new hotels.” — @joeyredmond [1:00:40] “There is so much information out there [that] I think if you just spend a bit of time you can find unique and interesting hotels.” — @joeyredmond [1:04:15] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Joey Redmond Joey Redmond on Instagram Joey Redmond on Twitter Travel Bros Podcast Travel Bros Podcast on Instagram Travel Bros Podcast on Facebook Travel Bros Podcast on X Travel Bros Podcast on YouTube Travel Bros Podcast on TikTok Alaska Airlines Hawaiian Airlines Dots, Lines & Destinations American Airlines Loyalty Status Co Mark Ross-Smith on X View from the Wing IHG® IHG® Ambassador Program One Mile at a Time Small Luxury Hotels of the World Fast Track Service Grace Bay Resorts Leading Hotels of the World Virtuoso Episode 8: Epic Guys Trip Episode 42: The Points Guy is Bilt for Rewards with Richard Kerr Milenomics Thomas Kim on X Trevor Mountcastle on X

In this episode, Anthony Torres, one of the hospitality industry's top food and beverage leaders, shares how he helped drive revenue growth at the Grand Wailea by listening to his team and his guests.More episodes with Anthony: Lessons from Starwood, Kimpton, and IHG in F&B LeadershipWhy Hotel F&B is the Ultimate Creative CanvasHow Personal Development Transformed My Hospitality Leadership This episode is brought to you with support from Shiji Group, the global hospitality technology leader that helps hotels streamline operations and transform guest experiences. Recognized by their clients for their best-in-class solutions and exceptional implementation support, Shiji Group is trusted by leading brands worldwide to activate technology faster and drive better business results.A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

Send us a textRoyal Jordanian bietet bis zum 22. Januar 2025 einen bezahlten Status Match an, der besonders für Vielflieger interessant ist, die noch keinen Status in der Oneworld-Allianz haben. Für $199 können Mitglieder von Accor, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG und Marriott ihren Hotelstatus in den Gold Sparrow (Oneworld Sapphire)-Status umwandeln.Warum lohnt sich das?Wenn du Flüge mit Oneworld-Airlines in der Economy gebucht hast, kannst du mit dem Oneworld Sapphire-Status von vielen Business-Class-Vorteilen profitieren, ohne ein teures Business-Class-Ticket kaufen zu müssen. Besonders praktisch für Vielflieger mit Royal Jordanian oder anderen Oneworld-Airlines wie British Airways, Qatar Airways oder American Airlines.Fazit:Ein Status Match für $199 ist eine lohnenswerte Option, insbesondere für Hotel-Elite-Mitglieder, die auf Oneworld-Strecken unterwegs sind. Der Sapphire-Status bietet nicht nur Lounge-Zugang, sondern auch weitere wertvolle Vorteile. Perfekt für diejenigen, die in der Oneworld-Allianz aktiv sind, ohne dort bereits Statusvorteile zu genießen.#RoyalJordanian #OneworldSapphire #StatusMatch #Vielflieger #LoungeAccess #TravelHacksFrage des Tages: Wie seht ihr das Jahr 2025 für die Fluggesellschaften?  Würdet ihr euch mit Meilen vergleichen und welchen Wert würdet ihr diesen beimessen?00:00 Willkommen zu Frequent Traveller TV02:08 2025 steht unter guten Vorzeichen für Fluggesellschaften04:54 Wie hat Airbus die Auslieferungen 2024 doch noch gepusht?07:00 Lufthansa Cargo: 14.000 Haustiere und andere08:48 Chase Angebote mit Marriott Cashback11:02 United Airlines zahlt Meilen bei Vergleich14:30 Royal Jordanien Statusmatch - auch für Hotelprogramme16:04 Fragen des TagesTake-OFF 08.01.2025 – Folge 008-2025Stammtisch Termine: https://FQTWorld.as.me/meetupKanalmitglied werden und exklusive Vorteile erhalten:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQyWcZxP3MpuQ54foJ_IsgQ/joinHier geht es zu eurem kostenlosen Consulting Link - https://FTCircle.as.me/Damit Du von unserem Wissen profitieren kannst, kannst du ein mindestens 60 minütiges und vor allem auf dich zugeschnittenes Punkte, Meilen, Status Coaching buchen. Nach dem Call bekommst du ein Jahr Zugang zu dieser Gruppe und zahlst so nur 10 Euro pro Monat und kannst sofort profitieren. Hier ist nun der Link zu deinem neuen Punkte, Meilen und Status Deals.MY SOCIALSWhatsApp - https://wa.me/message/54V7X7VO3WOVF1FACEBOOK | Lars F Corsten - https://www.facebook.com/LFCorsten/FACEBOOK | FQT.TV - https://www.facebook.com/FQTTVFACEBOOK | FTCircle - https://www.facebook.com/FTCircleTWITTER | Lars F Corsten - https://twitter.com/LFCorstenINSTAGRAM | Lars F Corsten - https://www.instagram.com/lfcorsten/LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lfcorsten/Clubhouse - @LFCorsten

Mike and Angie recap an exciting year in the world of award travel. This milestone episode kicks off with a look at the lively community debate over a 47-hour Amtrak ride from Chicago to Miami—a no-go for most but sparking dreams of scenic sleeper-car journeys through the mountains. The hosts also dive into current travel deals, including Frontier's GoWild! Pass, IHG's double points promo, and Alaska Airlines' ski getaway perks. Don't forget to check out the latest transfer bonuses from Amex, Chase, and Marriott before the year ends!Mike and Angie reflect on their personal travel wins and challenges this year. Mike shares highlights like earning 1.6 million points through new cards, including the Amex Business Gold, and embarking on trips to Australia, Italy, and Toronto along with meetups in San Antonio, Seattle and Chicago. Angie recounts her creative use of travel funds and miles for family and international adventures, including a business class trip to India. While Angie faced a few travel disappointments with canceled trips, she made the most of domestic travel using companion passes and free night certificates.To wrap up, they reflect on the tools that make award travel possible, from AwardWallet and TripIt to trusty spreadsheets. Whether you're tracking elite statuses, maximizing credit card perks, or planning your next dream getaway, this episode is packed with insights and tips to help you make the most of your points and miles in the coming year. Happy travels, and here's to an exciting 2025!Links to Topics DiscussedFrontier GoWild! Pass IHG PromosAlaska Airlines Alpine GetawaysAmex Business GoldYear End ChecklistWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our next meetup will be May 16-18, 2025 in Chicago! Tickets are SOLD OUT but visit the Chicago 2025 Meetup page to secure a spot on the waitlist. Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!

Rani says the hospitality industry needs disruption. He describes CitizenM's efficient use of space, a community-driven environment, and integration of technology with a human touch.Welcome to Elevating Brick and Mortar. A podcast about how operations and facilities drive brand performance.On today's episode, we talk with Rani Gharbie, Managing Director of Investment & Development at CitizenM Hotels. CitizenM is a fully integrated owner-operator hotel brand, with over 30 hotels in 18 cities.Guest Bio:Rani currently oversees investment and development in the Americas at citizenM, an asset heavy owner-operator hotel group backed by GIC, APG and KRC. Before joining citizenM, he founded New York-based real estate investment firm Cedar Funds and held senior roles with major hotel groups globally such as Virgin Hotels, IHG, Hyatt and BD / Pod Hotels. Rani also teaches “Private Equity Hotel Development” at his Alma Mater, Columbia University's real estate development Master program. He has lived on three continents and speaks three languages. He's an avid traveler, runner, cyclist and swimmer. Guest Quote:We're able to build a really, really efficient product. An efficient product that delivers exceptional return per square foot. And that's why we stand behind the real estate of our brand. Timestamps:00:20 - About CitizenM01:27 - Rani's Role06:39 - Developing a brand promise10:44 - Building the ideal consumer relationship23:01 - Keeping the loop closed27:46 - What did COVID change?37:08 - Future thinking44:28 - Where to find RaniSponsor:ServiceChannel brings you peace of mind through peak facilities performance.Rest easy knowing your locations are:Offering the best possible guest experienceLiving up to brand standardsOperating with minimal downtimeServiceChannel partners with more than 500 leading brands globally to provide visibility across operations, the flexibility to grow and adapt to consumer expectations, and accelerated performance from their asset fleet and service providers.Links:Connect with Rani on LinkedInConnect with Sid Shetty on LinkedinCheck out the ServiceChannel Website

The Concierge is live from the International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes. The Monocle Radio team assembled at the largest of the world's luxury-travel gatherings to paint a picture of where the industry is heading in 2025 and beyond. Our host, Tyler Brûlé, is joined by Monocle's executive editor, Chris Lord, and guests including Accor CEO, Sébastien Bazin, ILTM portfolio director, Alison Gilmore, vice-president of luxury brands at IHG, Tom Rowntree, president of Explora Journeys, Anna Nash, and Belmond CEO, Dan Ruff. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Teague sits down in the brand new Regent Santa Monica Beach during its opening week for a conversation with IHG's Leanne Harwood, SVP, Managing Director, Luxury & Lifestyle Americas. With a luxury and lifestyle portfolio spanning 700 hotels across 70 countries, Leanne highlights IHG's goal to establish themselves as the core player in the space by bringing back the iconic Regent brand to the shores of America. Leanne shares what else IHG is focused on, what each brand brings to the table, and the trends she's seeing amongst travelers.

Angie and moderator Eric Holly dive into the latest updates in points and miles this week as well as the highlight feature of college visits made more affordable with points and miles. Angie kicks off by sharing a heartwarming post from a member, Orane, who was surprised with a free upgrade to United Polaris on his birthday month, showing the unexpected perks of loyalty programs. News, includes Citi's new extended warranty benefit for its no-fee cards, IHG's 100% bonus points promotion, and expanded partnership perks between American Airlines and Aer Lingus. Also highlighted are an array of Black Friday deals, from discounts on travel tools like Thrifty Traveler Premium (use code AT10) and services like Point.me and CardPointers.The hosts discuss their recent points and miles endeavors, with Angie scoring a 200K bonus on the Amex Business Gold card and Eric completing his Amex Business Gold spending requirement. Trip updates include Angie's plans for a March getaway to Atlanta and Eric's upcoming adventures to Chile, Easter Island, and his youngest daughter's graduation trip spanning England, Paris, and Barcelona. They also dive into the topic of college shopping, with Eric reflecting on how travel rewards shape their journeys to visit campuses and the impact on school choices.To close, the "Tip of the Week" offers a valuable nugget: Hertz rentals with an AMEX Platinum card provide a four-hour grace period for returns in the U.S., a handy trick for flexible travel plans.Links to Topics DiscussedCiti Adds 2 Year Extended Warranty to No Fee Double Cash and Custom CashIHG Buy Points Promo (100% bonus)AA and Aer Lingus Growing Partnership with Reciprocal BenefitsBlack Friday, Cyber Monday & Travel Tuesday PromosWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our next meetup will be May 16-18, 2025 in Chicago! Tickets are SOLD OUT but visit the Chicago 2025 Meetup page to secure a spot on the waitlist. Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!

Dailey Blend Show - Sound Off with Sean Wood, Founder of Human Pilots AI Sean Wood, CEO of Human Pilots AI, discusses the challenges and opportunities of implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in businesses Sean Wood is a trusted AI advisor for growth-minded executives and their teams. As the founder of Human Pilots AI, he drives value by increasing performance and innovation while managing risks. His career focuses on the intersection of human-centered technology, business, and the design of new products, services and organizational culture. With a background in user experience design, he understands how to connect human needs to business results. Sean has led advanced experiences for global enterprises, including Coca-Cola, AT&T, Comcast, Cox, IHG, Home Depot, and NCR.  Human Pilots AI is a professional services firm that supports leaders in creating transformative results through innovative and responsible AI. The firm helps organizations navigate and adapt through AI strategy, innovation and change management. Human Pilots AI takes a pragmatic approach by implementing manageable AI pilots, delivering measurable outcomes, and accelerating adoption to drive value. In our discussion, Sean underscored the importance of change management and human oversight in AI adoption, advocating for a pragmatic, balanced approach emphasizing small, iterative steps. He highlighted the substantial investment required for effective change management, often exceeding the allocation for technology itself, and advised businesses to focus on achieving short-term gains while building sustainable, long-term value. Sean also discussed the evolving landscape of consulting in the AI era, predicting a shift toward service-as-a-subscription models and outcome-based billing. He emphasized the critical role of personalized learning and training to ensure successful AI implementation, positioning these elements as essential for smooth and effective adoption. Key Highlights: - High AI project failure rate: Up to 90% of AI initiatives fail to meet their objectives, highlighting the need for experienced guidance and effective change management. - Human-centric approach to AI adoption: Emphasizing the importance of human involvement, training, and oversight for successful AI implementation. - Balancing ambition with pragmatism: Encouraging a “think big, start small” mentality, focusing on pilot projects and iterative learning for realistic AI adoption. - Shifting focus towards change management: Highlighting the need for increased investment in change management, with experts recommending a ratio of $20 spent on change management for every $1 spent on AI technology. - The evolving landscape of AI consulting: Exploring how AI is impacting consulting services, with potential shifts towards subscription-based models and outcome-based pricing. Listen and subscribe to the show on the following platforms: * Apple Podcasts: https://www.apple.co/37LEsiZ * Google Podcasts: https://www.bit.ly/395wUII * Spotify: https://www.spoti.fi/2Bnhz9L * Overcast: https://www.bit.ly/3ejceP5 Dailey Blend on the Web: * Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/DaileyBlend * Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/DaileyBlend * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaileyBlend * Website: https://www.DaileyBlend.com Reed Dailey on the Web: * Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/ReedDailey * Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ReedDailey * Linkedin: https://www.Linkedin.com/in/ReedDailey * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReedDailey * Website: https://www.ReedDailey.com

In this episode, Anthony Torres, one of the hospitality industry's top food and beverage leaders, shares his journey of personal development, revealing the key lessons he learned along the way.Listen now to learn:The power of self-awareness in leadership.The impact of having a good coach.The difference between driving results and truly connecting with your team.The importance of understanding your own "triggers."How developing yourself can transform your leadership.The benefits of doing internal work and how it affects both personal and professional life.The significance of building genuine connections with your team.If you enjoyed this, you may also like our other episodes with Anthony:Lessons from Starwood, Kimpton, and IHG in F&B LeadershipWhy Hotel F&B is the Ultimate Creative CanvasBeyond Rooms: Unlocking F&B's Power in Hotel ProfitabilityKimpton's Formula for Success: Restaurants, Bars, and Neighborhood ConnectionsSend Josiah a text This episode is brought to you with support from Hireology.Check out our free masterclass with Hireology's CEO, Adam Robinson: How To Hire Great People, Faster.A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke explores smart strategies for maximizing travel rewards through purchasing points, leveraging transfer bonuses, and taking advantage of loyalty programs. Reflecting on insights from the recent Travel More Conference, DeAndre shares expert tips, highlighting current promotions like the 100% bonus on Hawaiian miles, 80% on IHG points, and Simply … Read More Read More

In this episode, Anthony Torres, one of the hospitality industry's top food and beverage leaders, shares why food and beverage (F&B) is a crucial component of hotel businesses and how it can significantly impact overall profitability and guest satisfaction.Listen now to learn:The complexities and challenges of managing F&B in a hotel setting.The importance of understanding the economics and financial side of F&B.How to balance costs, labor, and guest expectations in F&B operations.The role of F&B in creating a compelling destination for guests.Key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor for F&B success.The benefits of integrating guest experience scores from various sources.Also, see our other episodes with Anthony:Lessons from Starwood, Kimpton, and IHG in F&B LeadershipWhy Hotel F&B is the Ultimate Creative CanvasSend Josiah a text This episode is brought to you with support from Hireology.Check out our free masterclass with Hireology's CEO, Adam Robinson: How To Hire Great People, Faster.A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

In this episode, Anthony Torres, one of the hospitality industry's top food and beverage leaders, shares his insights on the strategic importance of F&B in hospitality and his experiences at Starwood, W Hotels, Kimpton, and IHG.Listen now to learn about:The role of food and beverage in creating atmosphere and driving business in hospitality.Anthony's career journey and key learnings from his time at Starwood and W Hotels.The importance of company culture and how Starwood fostered a strong, cohesive culture across its properties.The concept of brand innovation and how W Hotels implemented seasonal changes to enhance guest experiences.The impact of brand identity on employee pride and guest perception.The balance between flexibility and maintaining brand standards in hospitality.Also check out: Anthony's episode on Tuesday's Thanks with Brian ProctorSend Josiah a text This episode is brought to you with support from Hireology.Check out our free masterclass with Hireology's CEO, Adam Robinson: How To Hire Great People, Faster.A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

Leanne Harwood, SVP and Managing Director of Luxury and Lifestyle for IHG is here to talk about all things L&L including the current state of the portfolio, future outlook, and how she got in the position she has, leading this amazing collection of hotels. We mostly focus on the new uber luxury Regent Santa Monica.

Episode Description: As a reminder you can watch this show as well at: http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories A lot has been happening in Las Vegas where it relates to hotel partnerships. This week Venetian dropped the news that they will be splitting ways with their long term partner IHG as part of the massive changes at the property. Who will be Venetian's next partner or will they choose to go it alone. In other news F1 is providing fancy maps to ease construction woes. They also announced Boyz II Men as the highlight act of the race. We also discuss the Binion's flea market, the expansion of I-11, casino social media done right, MGM Grand's new high limit room, another closure at Sahara and what you think of Delano switching over to the W. Episode Guide: 0:00 Casino social media done right 0:42 Boyz II Men singing F1 National Anthem 1:42 F1 construction is ramping up - Where to avoid 2:50 I-11 expanding beginning this month 3:53 What happened to Binion's flea market? 5:00 Diving into the comments on W & Delano 7:24 Westgate's Day of the Dead suite 8:22 Sphere of Fear 9:39 Sahara's Poker Room is closing - What will replace it? 12:08 A look at MGM Grand's new High Limit Slots area 13:28 Venetian parts ways with IHG 15:35 Who could be Venetian's next hotel partner? 16:45 Why is so much changing at Venetian all of a sudden   About the Show: Each week tens of thousands of people tune into our MtM Vegas news shows at http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories. We do two news shows weekly on YouTube with this being the audio version. Never miss out on the latest happenings in and around Las Vegas! Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or by searching "MtM Vegas" or "Miles to Memories" in your favorite podcast app. Don't forget to check out our travel/miles/points podcast as well!

We all get especially excited when we use our points for knock-your-socks-off hotel properties. The Travel and Leisure's Top 100 list can be a useful way to get ideas about which properties have this wow-factor. Every year, Greg likes to go through this list and find which hotels can be reasonably booked with points. In this episode, he'll discuss his findings. (00:49) - The Best Points-Bookable Hotels in the World (2024) [based on Travel & Leisure Top 100] See Greg's analysis of points-bookable hotels on the Travel & Leisure's top 100 list here. (03:40) - How to book the Hyatt, Marriott, and IHG hotels (04:43) - How to book Hilton/SLH hotels (06:13) - Leading Hotels of the World / Leaders Club Learn more about booking Leading Hotels of the World properties via Citi ThankYou points here. (08:02) - See our How To video for using Rooms.aero for finding difficult award availability here. (10:09) - Choice Privelages and Preferred Hotels (13:42) - The Citi Rewards+ advantage Read more about the Citi Rewards+ card here. Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media. Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

Alaska has announced that their merger with Hawaiian Airlines is complete! So what are the details, and what does this mean for us? We'll discuss this in today's episode. (01:36) - What's with the stupid virus pop-up on our website? (03:40) - Greg's update on the Pacific Northwest Points Travel Festival and some of the folks he met (09:04) - Read about 10-year old Walker's first place win at the USA Mullet Championship here! (11:57) - Learn more about the next Points Travel Festival here. (12:50) - Big offers from Delta, Amex Marriot, IHG and more... Read more about the Delta card offers (up to 110K miles) here. Read more about the Amex Marriott Bonvoy Business Card offer here. Read more about the new IHG card offers here. Read more about the Ink Business Unlimited 90K offer here. (25:22) - Read "The Points Parade marches on thanks to a new round of targeted 250K offers" here. (30:00) - Read more about Amex Uber credits here. (31:39) - Read "Downgrade paths: How to keep your card but break up with your annual fee or find a better fit" here. (33:14) - Read more about buying groups here. (33:39) - Chase 50% transfer bonus to Marriott through 11/15. Learn more about this transfer bonus here. (37:15) - Rental car deals with Avis and National... (42:42) - Citi Transfer bonuses through Oct 19 Learn more about Citi's 25% transfer bonus to Avianca here. Learn more about Citi's 25% transfer bonus to Leading Hotels of the World here. (44:28) - Hilton adds over 100 additional SLH properties Read more about Hilton's 100 additional SLH properties here. (46:59) - In case you missed it, you can find our "Debate: 30% Amex to Hilton Transfer Bonus. Should we do it?" Coffee Break Ep26 here. (47:26) - Read more about the Alaska / Hawaaiin merger green light here. (47:54) - Quick facts (48:20) - Earn and redeem miles across both airlines (early 2025) (48:31) - Single loyalty program coming (Details mid 2025) (49:09) - Huaka'i by Hawaiian (for Hawaii residents) (50:16) - Seamless miles transfer (52:14) - We still have questions! (57:39) - Listen to Podcast episode 269 about the Alaska / Hawaiian merger here. (1:01:39) - What are the short term opportunities to consider? (1:03:27) - Combine Alaska miles into one account for free! (1:06:10) - Apply now for Hawaiian Airlines cards before its too late...orr wait for better last-gasp offers? Learn more about the Hawaiian Airlines personal card here, and the Hawaiian Airlines business card here. (1:25:43) - A reader used their Amex Platinum to pay for the tax on an award ticket, then got a charge for trip delay. Doesn't this card already have travel delay covered, though?