Travel Insights
Blog
Hotel reviews, travel guides, and tips on getting the most from luxury hotel programs.Tips & Guides
Does Rosewood Have a Loyalty Program? No, Here's How to Get Free Breakfast
Rosewood has no points or status program. Here's what Rosewood Elite gives you instead, how it compares with Amex and Virtuoso, and how to get it at no extra cost.
Read More ->Rosewood Black Friday Sale 2026: 30% Off, Book by November 10
Rosewood's 2026 sale runs November 3 to 10, weeks before Black Friday, and is only bookable through a Rosewood Elite advisor. Here's what's included and how to use it.
Read More ->
How to Get Free Breakfast at Ritz-Carlton Hotels
Marriott Bonvoy status gets you free breakfast at a St. Regis or a JW Marriott, but not at a Ritz-Carlton. Here are five ways to get it included, starting with the one that costs the same as booking direct.
Read More ->
Where To Stay In Bali - Luxury Hotels Edition
Where To Stay In Bali - Luxury Edition
Read More ->
How to Get Four Seasons Preferred Partner (FSPP) Benefits Booking Directly with Four Seasons
Book directly on fourseasons.com and still receive complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, and hotel credits. Forward your confirmation and we'll attach Preferred Partner benefits to your reservation - same rate, same room, no changes.
Read More ->
How to Book Luxury Hotels the Smart Way
Learn the smartest ways to book a 5-star hotel, from travel advisors to credit card programs, and why booking direct beats OTAs for perks and upgrades.
Read More ->
Best Nusa Dua Hotels With Pools For Kids
These are my go-to recommendations whenever clients ask which Nusa Dua resorts has the best pools for kids.
Read More ->
Best Marriott Hotels in Shanghai
Nine Marriott luxury hotels in Shanghai. Only three are worth your money. And no - not the Ritz-Carltons. Here's what is.
Read More ->Marriott vs Hilton vs Hyatt: Which one is right for you?
Marriott wins on footprint, Hyatt on elite recognition, Hilton wins on earning points. A breakdown of hotel loyalty programs to help you pick the right one.
Read More ->
The Perfect 14-Day Luxury Bali Itinerary (2026)
A curated 2-week luxury Bali itinerary, ideal for honeymoons, anniversaries, and romantic getaways, spanning Ubud's sacred river valleys to Jimbaran's golden beaches and Uluwatu's dramatic clifftops. Featuring Bali's best hotels and resorts: Mandapa Ritz Reserve, Four Seasons Sayan & Jimbaran, and Bvlgari Resort.
Read More ->Hotel Reviews
Our Honest Review of Bangkok's Best Five-Star Luxury Hotels
Best luxury hotels in Bangkok, compared honestly: Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Aman, Ritz-Carlton, Fairmont, Peninsula, Capella and Rosewood.
Read More ->
Park Hyatt Tokyo vs Grand Hyatt Tokyo: Which Hyatt is Worth Your Money?
Two famous Tokyo Hyatts, and honestly, neither is great for the money. The restored Park Hyatt is beige and boring at a very high cash rate; the Grand Hyatt has the location but dark, depressing rooms and a crowded hotel. Here's when each still makes sense, and what I'd book instead.
Read More ->
The Best Four Seasons in Asia: My 10 Favourites
Four Seasons has more than 30 hotels in Asia and they're not all worth the flight. These are the ten I'd actually send you to, what I love most about each one, and the drawbacks nobody puts in the brochure.
Read More ->
Ritz-Carlton Kyoto vs Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto: Which Marriott Hotel Is Better?
Two Marriott luxury hotels in central Kyoto, and they don't feel like the same city. The Mitsui is the one that actually feels like Kyoto; the Ritz-Carlton is a polished but ageing hotel with a better location and better food. Here's who should book which.
Read More ->
Four Seasons Tokyo Otemachi vs. Marunouchi: Which Property Is Better?
Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi is the better choice for most first-time visitors to Tokyo. Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi is the better choice for repeat visitors and couples who value privacy.
Read More ->
Grand Wailea vs Four Seasons Maui: Which Property Wins? (2026)
I'll preface this by saying that I find the Four Seasons Maui versus Grand Wailea question slightly odd, because these two aren't really competing for the same guest. They share a beach and a footpath, and you can walk from one lobby to the other in a couple of minutes.
Read More ->
The Best Luxury Hotels in Ubud Bali (Where I'd Actually Stay)
Best luxury hotels in Ubud, Bali, compared honestly: Mandapa, Buahan, Four Seasons Sayan, Amandari and COMO Shambhala, plus the two I'd skip, the Viceroy and Capella.
Read More ->
The Best Luxury Hotels in Seminyak Bali (I've Visited Them All!)
Best luxury hotels in Seminyak, Bali: I've visited all five and compare them honestly. Alila Seminyak, The Legian, Potato Head, The Oberoi and W Bali reviewed.
Read More ->Four Seasons Lanai vs Four Seasons Maui: My Take After Staying at Both
Same brand, two islands nine miles apart, and two very different trips. Lanai is the better hotel, and for two adults it's the one I'd book. Maui wins with young kids, on a first trip to Hawaii, and for a week. Here's what tips it.
Read More ->
Four Seasons Cabo del Sol vs Costa Palmas: Which Los Cabos Four Seasons to Book
Los Cabos has two Four Seasons resorts, and they could hardly feel more different. Costa Palmas on the remote East Cape has a calm, swimmable beach and is the pick for families. Cabo del Sol on the Tourist Corridor is smaller, closer to town and has the better rooms, if you book a casita.
Read More ->
Conrad Osaka vs Waldorf Astoria Osaka: My Take After Staying At Both
Both are Hilton luxury hotels in the north of Osaka, but I don't think they're in the same league. The Waldorf Astoria is next level and full of Japanese design. The Conrad is more of a very good business hotel, though it does have the better breakfast.
Read More ->
Fairmont Kea Lani Maui vs Four Seasons Maui: Which one is better?
Next-door neighbours on the Wailea coast. The Four Seasons is the better hotel; the Fairmont gives you nearly half as much space again for less money. The Fairmont is the pick for families and villa stays.
Read More ->
St. Regis Singapore vs. The Singapore EDITION: Which Marriott is Better?
Two Marriott luxury hotels a short walk apart at the top of Orchard Road. The St. Regis has the better rooms and the better dinner; the EDITION has the better pool and the better breakfast.
Read More ->
REVIEW: Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape Hotel
Buahan review: open-air bales with no walls above the rice terraces north of Ubud, superb service and the most memorable stay in Bali, if you can sleep through a forest.
Read More ->
Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts Review: Extraordinary Villa
Umana Bali review: vast 400-square-metre pool villas, one of Asia's best hotel breakfasts and a superb spa, but the villas are not equal, so choose yours carefully.
Read More ->
Four Seasons Bali at Sayan Hotel Review: Is It Still Worth It?
Four Seasons Sayan review: a spectacular arrival over the Ayung valley and a suite-then-villa stay, but dated rooms, merely good dining, and competing with a much better Mandapa just up the river.
Read More ->
The St. Regis Bali Resort Review: Balinese Maximalism
St. Regis Bali review: a saltwater lagoon you can swim to the beach, a superb Boneka breakfast and immaculate Gardenia Villas, but suites that are showing their age.
Read More ->
Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Review: Best Resort in Bali?
Mandapa review: 400sqm pool villas, complete nature immersion, a three-hour dinner at Kubu and rafters waving from the river. The best resort I've stayed at in Bali.
Read More ->
Hyatt Regency Bali Club Lounge Review: Happy Hour, Breakfast and Is It Worth It?
Hyatt Regency Bali Regency Club review: made-to-order cocktails, a live grill at happy hour and pondside breakfasts in one of Bali's best-looking club lounges.
Read More ->
Conrad Bali Review: Pools, Kids Club and Everything Else You Need to Know
Conrad Bali review: the cheapest Conrad I've seen holds up, with fresh rooms, grounds that don't look 2004 and a superb breakfast. The beach and dinners let it down.
Read More ->
Grand Hyatt Bali vs Conrad Bali: Which Nusa Dua Resort Wins?
Grand Hyatt Bali or Conrad Bali? Conrad is the more luxurious stay with fresher rooms and better-value suites. Grand Hyatt wins for families, pools and the beach.
Read More ->Mandarin Oriental vs Four Seasons Bangkok: Which One Should You Pick?
Mandarin Oriental vs Four Seasons Bangkok: a detailed comparison of rooms, design, dining, pools and service on the Chao Phraya, with a clear recommendation on which to book.
Read More ->
Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit Review, Club Room (Opening Stay)
Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit Review: Incredible New Opening
Read More ->
Hyatt Regency vs Andaz Bali: My Take After Staying At Both
Hyatt Regency or Andaz Bali is a question I get so frequently. Here's my take: Andaz is the better hotel. The Hyatt Regency is the better deal.
Read More ->
Alila Seminyak vs W Seminyak: Which One Should You Book?
Alila Seminyak vs W Seminyak: a detailed comparison of rooms, pools, dining and service, with a clear recommendation on which to book.
Read More ->
Fairmont Singapore vs Swissotel The Stamford: Which One Should You Book?
Fairmont Singapore vs Swissotel The Stamford: a detailed comparison of rooms, service and dining, with a clear recommendation on which to book.
Read More ->![Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort Review: A Bali Oasis [8/10]](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fz7849683355406_736f5932fe57a78973a9af9cba4ab10b.jpg%3Fprefix%3Dmedia&w=3840&q=75)
Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort Review: A Bali Oasis [8/10]
Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua is one of top luxury resorts after their refresh in 2022 - new restaurants, redesigned rooms, a reimagined spa, and a renewed commitment to its signature French-Balinese fusion.
Read More ->
Grand Hyatt Bali Photos: 28 Real Photos From My Recent Stay
Grand Hyatt Bali real photos taken from my recent stay: the rooms, the pools, the restaurants and the resort grounds, with my full review linked alongside.
Read More ->![3 Beachfront Family Resorts in Nusa Dua Your Kids Will Love [2026 Guide]](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fgrand-hyatt-bali-beach-aerial-view.webp%3Fprefix%3Dmedia&w=3840&q=75)
3 Beachfront Family Resorts in Nusa Dua Your Kids Will Love [2026 Guide]
The best family resorts and family hotels in Nusa Dua, Bali - compared for beachfront access, pools for kids, kids clubs, rooms, and honest pros/cons to help you choose.
Read More ->
Grand Hyatt vs Hyatt Regency Bali: Which is Better?
Grand Hyatt Bali vs Hyatt Regency Bali: Nusa Dua's family giant against Sanur's garden resort, compared on beach, rooms, dining and kids. 7/10 vs 8/10
Read More ->
The Best Luxury Hotels in Sanur Bali (I've Visited Them All!)
Best luxury hotels in Sanur, Bali: I stayed at all five and compare them honestly. Andaz, Hyatt Regency, Maya, InterContinental and Prama reviewed.
Read More ->
Grand Hyatt Bali Review: Pools, Kids Clubs and Everything You Need to Know
Despite its older age, the Grand Hyatt Bali is one of the best value luxury resorts in Nusa Dua, especially if you're traveling with kids under 12. It sits on 41 acres of beachfront with five pools (two have waterslides), a really solid kids club, and one of the longest private beach stretches in Nusa Dua. It's also...
Read More ->Hyatt Regency Bali Review [8/10]: Photos, Rooms & Kids Club
Hyatt Regency Bali: a lush beachfront resort in Sanur, all Made Wijaya gardens, open-air lobby, quiet pools and service above its price. Full 8/10 review
Read More ->![Andaz Sanur Bali Hotel Review: A Beautiful Village [9/10]](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2FAndaz%2520Bali%2520-%2520Pool%25202.jpg%3Fprefix%3Dmedia&w=3840&q=75)
Andaz Sanur Bali Hotel Review: A Beautiful Village [9/10]
Bali resorts tend to come in two sizes: the mega-resort you navigate by golf buggy, and the twelve-villa boutique where the manager knows your blood type by day two. The Andaz Bali is the rare...
Read More ->![Alila Seminyak Hotel Review: Seminyak for Grown-Ups [9/10]](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2FAlila%2520Seminyak%2520-%2520Hero%25201.jpg%3Fprefix%3Dmedia&w=3840&q=75)
Alila Seminyak Hotel Review: Seminyak for Grown-Ups [9/10]
Alila Seminyak describes itself as "sophistication, vibrancy and vivacity, offering an indulgence of luxurious lifestyle facilities and refined spaces for relaxing and rejuvenating in impeccable...
Read More ->![W Bali Seminyak Hotel Review: Chic Vibe, Bad Sleep [7/10]](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2FW%2520Bali%2520Seminyak%2520-%2520Hero%25201.webp%3Fprefix%3Dmedia&w=3840&q=75)
W Bali Seminyak Hotel Review: Chic Vibe, Bad Sleep [7/10]
W Bali opened in 2011 as the island's original lifestyle five-star, and for a while it was the only hotel in Seminyak where checking in involved a DJ. Fifteen years on it still works better than it...
Read More ->![Marina Bay Sands Hotel Review 2026: Worth the Price? [6.5/10]](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2FMarina_Bay_Sands.jpg%3Fprefix%3Dmedia&w=3840&q=75)
Marina Bay Sands Hotel Review 2026: Worth the Price? [6.5/10]
I have a hard time understanding how anyone considers this a luxury experience. Luxury is supposed to feel personal. Here you feel like a number among roughly 3,000 guests a day, all spending thousands of dollars to take two pictures at the pool.
Read More ->
St. Regis Singapore Review: A Beautiful Hotel After Renovation
St Regis Singapore's renovated rooms are among the city's best - but the lobby, pool, breakfast and service still lag. A first-hand review before you book.
Read More ->Fairmont Singapore Review - Marina Bay View Room
Fairmont Singapore is not a super luxurious hotel by any stretch, but it's a solid choice for first-time visitors who wants a no-frills base in the middle of the city.
Read More ->
Conrad vs Hilton Bali Resort: Which Property Wins? (2026)
Conrad is the more polished resort, with better grounds and a stronger all-round stay. The Hilton only wins on a tight budget, or if you want that guaranteed Cliff Tower ocean view.
Read More ->
Frasers House Singapore Review: An Unexpected Gem
Frasers House Singapore Review: See Rooms, Club Lounge, and how it performs after the rebrand from Intercontinental.
Read More ->
Portman Ritz-Carlton Shanghai Review: A Disappointing Stay
I left the Portman Ritz-Carlton feeling like I'd stayed at a 4-star hotel with a Ritz-Carlton sign on it. The location is genuinely good and the pricing is affordable. Everything else - the room, the breakfast, the one restaurant - is a long way behind what the rest of Shanghai is offering.
Read More ->
Four Seasons Bangkok Vs Capella Bangkok: Which One Should You Actually Book?
Four Seasons Bangkok is the better hotel for most travellers. Bigger rooms, better pool, stronger dining programme, and service that never drops. Capella Bangkok wins if you're booking a riverfront villa or you care about afternoon tea more than anything else.
Read More ->
Four Seasons Sayan vs Mandapa Ubud: Which should you book?
We've stayed at both properties multiple times and sent clients to each extensively. Here's an honest, detailed comparison of Ubud's two best luxury resorts on the Ayung River - covering rooms, dining, wellness, service, and which one is right for your trip.
Read More ->
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea Review
A comprehensive review of the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, covering its world-class pools, pristine Wailea Beach, standout outrigger canoe experience, and whether Hawaii's most iconic luxury resort lives up to over three decades of reputation.
Read More ->
Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi Review
A comprehensive review of the Four Seasons Tokyo at Otemachi, covering its stunning views of Mount Fuji and the Imperial Palace, world-class dining at Est and Bar Virtù, and whether it lives up to its reputation as Tokyo's finest luxury hotel.
Read More ->
The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto Review: Is It Worth the Hype?
A comprehensive review of the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, covering location, rooms, dining, service, and whether it lives up to its reputation as one of Kyoto's top luxury hotels.
Read More ->