The Alila Ventana Big Sur is one of the best point redemption options in the United States. It's an adults-only all-inclusive property, which means all meals, resort fees, parking, select activities, taxes, and tips are included in the room rate. The only extra costs would be alcohol, paid activities, and doggie dining meals.
Alila is part of the Hyatt brand under the Boundless Collection. It's a Category 8 hotel, ranging from 35,000 to 45,000 Hyatt points, depending on the season.
Summer is considered peak season, so our stay was 45,000 points per night. There were some same-week bookings for 40,000 points if you have a flexible schedule.
The standard base room is a 1 King Bed; however, if you want a guaranteed suite, you can book it directly for the higher points price. If you have status at Hyatt, there is a high likelihood depending on availability.
We have Hyatt Globalist status and were automatically upgraded to the Big Sur Spa Suite before our stay. We initially wanted to use a Suite Upgrade Certificate, but all standard suites were sold out. No complaints here! The Big Sur Spa Suite is a step up from a base suite.
The retail rate for the Big Sur Spa Suite during our stay was $3,154/night, which came out to a ~$0.07 cents per point rate!
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World of Hyatt is a Chase Travel Partner. If you have one of the following cards, you can transfer Chase UR points to Hyatt at a 1:1 rate:
Need to top up on Hyatt points? There's always the option to buy points. I don't really recommend buying points unless you really need to or if there's a promotion.
Over half of the stays at Alila Ventana Big Sur are booked on points. Availability is hard to find since the property is in high demand.
When you go to the World Of Hyatt site, be sure to check the "Use Points" box as part of the search.
The cancellation policy for bookings is "11:59pm Hotel Time 14 Days Before Arrival Or Forfeit Deposit/1 Night Deposit Required."
The best bet is to check the website periodically to see if anyone cancels their reservation 2-3 weeks before the target date.
You can also browse the points calendar to see which dates are off-peak and see if there's availability.
Watch the video below for our review of Alila Ventana Big Sur!
The American Express Centurion Lounge at SFO features a wine tasting bar, an award-winning chef, craft cocktails, and much more. Here’s everything you need to know about the Centurion Lounge.
The lounge is located in Terminal 3 past security in the United Airlines area, right across from Gate 74. If you are flying out of another terminal, you may be able to use your boarding pass to enter through Terminal 3 security, subject to TSA approval.
Complimentary lounge access is available to the following cardholders:
You must have a same-day boarding pass to access the lounge. Delta Reserve cardmembers must have a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.
What is the guest policy?
U.S. Platinum Card® and U.S. Business Platinum Card® Members can pay a $50 USD fee for each guest (or $30 for children aged 2 through 17). To qualify for complimentary guest access for up to two guests per visit, you must spend $75,000 in eligible purchases on the Card each calendar year.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card Members can bring up to two guests per visit for $50/per person who is also traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.
Centurion Members may bring up to two complimentary guests at no additional charge.
One of the featured amenities at the SFO Centurion Lounge is the vast wine selection. Each wine is handpicked by renowned wine authority Anthony Giglio.
From the moment you walk in, you’ll see the large wine collection. Guests can request a wine voucher good for five ounces of wine tastings.
The wine tastings are self-serve and dispensed in one-ounce servings. There are 15 different varieties Napa Valley of wine to choose from.
The Centurion Lounge boasts a complimentary premium bar. The experienced bartenders are ready to make any craft cocktails you desire.
San Francisco-inspired cocktails and wines were developed by one of the nation’s top mixologists, Jim Meehan.
Our favorite amenity is the food. The Executive Chef at the SFO Centurion Lounge is Daniel Patterson, founder of Alta CA.
Daniel is best known for his innovative approach to fine dining at 2-Michelin star Coi.
Each Centurion Lounge is staffed with award-winning chefs to ensure the food is the highest possible quality.
Looking to refresh after a long flight? Request access to the shower suite at the member services desk. Access to the shower suite is issued in 15-minute slots. There’s usually a line, so be sure to put your name on the waitlist when you check-in.
Each guest also receives complimentary toiletries like a toothbrush and shave kit.
Tired? Feel free to take a nap on one of the couches.
The Centurion Lounge features a beautiful workspace and a computer bar, so you can get work done while waiting for your flight.
Complimentary high-speed wi-fi is also available to all guests. Be sure to ask for the wi-fi code at check-in.
Other amenities like lockers are available for your convenience.
The lounge also features a family room and a computer bar.
Large flat-screen TV’s and reading periodicals can be found throughout the lounge.
The award-winning Delta Sky Club at SFO offers expansive views of the runways and great amenities like snacks, select complimentary drinks, and showers.
After our visit at the SFO Centurion Lounge in Terminal 3, we took the skytrain to Terminal 1 to visit the Delta Sky Club Lounge. If you want to visit both lounges, you’ll have to go through TSA security check at each terminal.
The Delta Sky Club Lounge is located in Terminal 1, right next to Gate 41.
Delta Diamond, Platinum, or Gold Medallion members traveling in any cabin with a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight may access the lounge when they hold one of the following credit cards:
Delta Sky Club Membership
Delta Sky Club Memberships are available for purchase only by Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members. Club Members must have a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight may access the lounge.
Delta One or SkyTeam Premium Cabin Passenger
Lounge access is available to passengers traveling on a same-day Delta One flight.
When traveling on a SkyTeam flight (excluding Delta), passengers must be on a same-day international First or Business class ticket on a SkyTeam-operated flight. You must be confirmed in the First or Business class cabin for all segments of your journey.
See the Delta website for guest policies: https://www.delta.com/us/en/delta-sky-club/access
The Delta Sky Club is sleek and modern in design; its hands down one of the most gorgeous airport lounges in the U.S.
When you walk up the stairs or take the elevator to the second level, you’re greeted by friendly Delta staff. The front of the lounge has “walls” along the bar to create sections of seating.
The lounge has high ceilings and windows with a spectacular view of the runway.
Plenty of seats and high top seating near the bar.
More bar seating and a picture of the bar. Select complimentary drinks are available.
Even the restrooms are sleek and modern in design.
There’s a wide range of salad and snacks available in the lounge, including a DIY chicken pho bar. The pho was okay.
Hummus, cheese, toppings, and bread.
DIY salad bar, pasta, rice, and stew.
Complimentary wine with mini cheesecake. Starbucks coffee with a self-serve espresso machine.
The Escape Lounge at Oakland International Airport was recently removed from the Priority Pass list and added to The Platinum Card from American Express benefits. Without Amex membership, the entry fee is $40 + tax. Is the Escape Lounge worth visiting?
Walk-up entry is available to all Oakland passengers for a $45+tax entry fee. American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders can enjoy complimentary access and bring up two guests.
Complimentary food and drinks are available.
The Escape Lounge is located in Terminal 1 and past the TSA security checkpoint, right next to Gate 8.
The Escape Lounge boasts a wide range of complimentary food and drinks, but unfortunately, your experience may vary based on the time of day you visit. We stopped by the lounge around 3 pm, and they ran out of food. The hot food was not refilled and what you see was what you got.
Below is a picture of where the hot food should be. As you can see, it's completely empty.
The majority of the lunch/dinner buffet items were nowhere to be found. There should be an asterisk to let people know that food is on a first come, first serve basis. I'm glad we didn't spend $40+ tax to access the lounge.
If your goal at the lounge is to get a decent drink, you're in luck. The lounge has a well-stocked bar with complimentary drinks.
Complimentary coffee and tea.
The lounge itself is relatively small. There are plenty of tables and chairs to sit and relax. Service was lackluster. It seemed like only two employees were managing the lounge — one at the bar and one at the front desk. The front desk employee was also responsible for cleaning tables.
Restrooms are separate from the lounge and located right outside the front doors.
If you have an American Express Platinum or Centurion card, I would recommend visiting the lounge to get a drink and relax. Without the card, I would not pay $40+tax to visit the lounge. The Escape Lounge is supposed to be comparable to the Centurion Lounge, but it misses the mark by a long shot. The only redeeming factors are the interior design and drinks.
Since the food is not continuously refilled throughout the day, you can easily spend less than $40 to grab a decent bite in the airport.
Overall, there's plenty of room for improvement.
The American Express Centurion Lounge at LAS features fresh seasonal fare, a premium bar, a conference space, and much more. Here's everything you need to know about the LAS Centurion Lounge.
The lounge is located in Concourse D, accessible via the transit system from Terminal 1 or Terminal 3. Once you pass security, follow signs to D gates.
Complimentary lounge access is available to the following cardholders:
You must have a same-day boarding pass to access the lounge. Delta Reserve cardmembers must have a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.
What is the guest policy?
U.S. Platinum Card® and U.S. Business Platinum Card® Members can pay a $50 USD fee for each guest (or $30 for children aged 2 through 17). To qualify for complimentary guest access for up to two guests per visit, you must spend $75,000 in eligible purchases on the Card each calendar year.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card Members can bring up to two guests per visit for $50/per person who is also traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.
Centurion Members may bring up to two complimentary guests at no additional charge.
The LAS Centurion Lounge has an interesting variety of food during lunch including salad, bruschetta, udon, and fried chicken. See more of the food in the video at the end of the post.
Like all Centurion Lounges, there's a fully stocked premium bar that serves complimentary drinks.
The lounge was packed in the afternoon, so the conference space was occupied. Conference rooms are available on a first come, first serve basis. Semi-private workspaces are scattered throughout the lounge.
Surprisingly, the shower suite didn't have a waitlist. Watch the video below for a full tour of the LAS Centurion Lounge!
The PHL Amex Centurion Lounge opened it’s doors in late 2017 and features a sophisticated menu by Michael Solomonov, a four-time James Beard Award Winning Israeli Cuisine Pioneer..
The PHL Amex Centurion Lounge is located in Terminal A West, near Gate A14.
Complimentary lounge access is available to the following cardholders:
You must have a same-day boarding pass to access the lounge. Delta Reserve cardmembers must have a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.
What is the guest policy?
U.S. Platinum Card® and U.S. Business Platinum Card® Members can pay a $50 USD fee for each guest (or $30 for children aged 2 through 17). To qualify for complimentary guest access for up to two guests per visit, you must spend $75,000 in eligible purchases on the Card each calendar year.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card Members can bring up to two guests per visit for $50/per person who is also traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.
Centurion Members may bring up to two complimentary guests at no additional charge.
The lounge covers 6,300 square feet with a dining area, bar, and a second room with individual workstations.
A phone room to take calls is available on a first come, first serve basis.
Secondary room with work stations, a conference table, and sofa.
Food and beverages are complimentary in the lounge. I’m a fan of Israeli fusion cuisine, and the food was the highlight of the lounge visit.
The lunch/dinner menu featured a soup, baked chicken, and roasted vegetables.
One of the featured desserts was passionfruit malabi.
An assortment of snacks and cookies is also available.
Each Centurion Lounge features a unique cocktail menu inspired by the respective city. Drinks are complimentary.
The shower in the lounge is available on a first come, first serve basis. Signup for your spot in line at the front desk to receive a pager.
You’re limited to up to 15 minutes in the shower room.
The shower amenities feature products from L’Occitane En Provence.
Seattle- Tacoma International Airport (SEA) has two Delta Sky Clubs where you can enjoy local cuisine, select complimentary drinks, a spa, and shower. The Delta Sky Club in Concourse A is larger and has longer hours than the one near Gates S.
The larger Delta Sky Club in Concourse A is located near Gate 1.
The smaller Delta Sky Club in the Gate S area is located on the second floor near Gates S-9 and S-10.
Delta Diamond, Platinum, or Gold Medallion members traveling in any cabin with a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight may access the lounge when they hold one of the following credit cards:
Delta Sky Club Membership
Delta Sky Club Memberships are available for purchase only by Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members. Club Members must have a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight may access the lounge.
Delta One or SkyTeam Premium Cabin Passenger
Lounge access is available to passengers traveling on a same-day Delta One flight.
When traveling on a SkyTeam flight (excluding Delta), passengers must be on a same-day international First or Business class ticket on a SkyTeam-operated flight. You must be confirmed in the First or Business class cabin for all segments of your journey.
See the Delta website for guest policies: https://www.delta.com/us/en/delta-sky-club/access
The Delta Sky Club in Concourse A has two stories and an amazing view.
The lounge area is thoughtfully designed with power outlets available near almost every seat.
Complimentary food and drinks are available in the self-serve buffet area. Food features local fare like clam chowder, pasta bolognese, and coconut curry lentil soup.
Cold food selection includes salad creations and crudites.
Coffee, tea, soda, and select alcoholic drinks are complimentary.
Overall, the Delta Sky Club in Concourse A is spacious and a great place to grab a bite and relax before your flight.
The American Express Centurion Lounge at LGA features a view of the runway, fresh seasonal fare, and a premium bar.
The lounge is located pre-security, on the 3rd floor between Terminal B and C. The elevator to the lounge is located directly across from the escalators to the basement food court.
Take a left when you exit the elevator on the 3rd floor and follow the signs to the lounge.
Complimentary lounge access is available to the following cardholders:
You must have a same-day boarding pass to access the lounge. Delta Reserve cardmembers must have a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.
What is the guest policy?
U.S. Platinum Card® and U.S. Business Platinum Card® Members can pay a $50 USD fee for each guest (or $30 for children aged 2 through 17).
To qualify for complimentary guest access for up to two guests per visit, you must spend $75,000 in eligible purchases on the Card each calendar year.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card Members can bring up to two guests per visit for $50/per person who is also traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.
Centurion Members may bring up to two complimentary guests at no additional charge.
The food at LGA was the best compared to the SFO and LAS Centurion Lounges. The menu is designed by one of Zagat's top 30 under 30 chefs, Cedric Vogericheten.
The staff was attentive and refilled the food often. Below are the seasonal strawberry and watermelon smoothie, and brownies.
We visited the lounge in the afternoon. The hot food consisted of tomato bisque, fried chicken, green pea puree, carrots, and ginger rice. Fried chicken was boneless and topped off with a lemon zest — easily one of the best fried chicken entrees I've ever tasted.
Enjoy a cocktail at the premium bar. The cocktail menu was designed by one of the nation's top mixologists, Jim Meehan. Wines were handpicked by renowned wine authority Anthony Giglio.
The member services desk is located right when you walk into the lounge. The staff is super friendly and is ready to assist with anything. Be aware that this lounge does not have showers.
Complimentary high-speed wifi is available to all guests. Be sure to ask for the wi-fi code at check-in.
Semi-private workspaces can be found throughout the lounge. There's a corridor with nooks and large flat-screen TVs.
A computer bar is available to surf the web or print documents.
Communal workspaces are available throughout the lounge.
The Centurion Lounge at LGA is a great experience for anyone looking to enjoy a meal with a view before/after a flight. Although it is smaller than some of the other Centurion Lounges, the food and service makes up for it.
Chased on our other lounge experiences at SFO and LAS, the LGA lounge has the best variety and quality of food.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has a few Delta Sky Clubs where you can find snacks, select complimentary drinks, and showers. The largest Delta Sky Club in LAX is located in Terminal 2. There are additional (smaller) Delta Sky Clubs in Terminal 3 located above the food court.
The Delta Sky Club in Terminal 2 is located on the Mezzanine Level past TSA security. Once you’re in the terminal, you’ll see a large flight of stairs that lead to the lounges. The Delta Sky Club is opposite of the Virgin Atlantic Lounge.
Delta Diamond, Platinum, or Gold Medallion members traveling in any cabin with a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight may access the lounge when they hold one of the following credit cards:
Delta Sky Club Membership
Delta Sky Club Memberships are available for purchase only by Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members. Club Members must have a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight may access the lounge.
Delta One or SkyTeam Premium Cabin Passenger
Lounge access is available to passengers traveling on a same-day Delta One flight.
When traveling on a SkyTeam flight (excluding Delta), passengers must be on a same-day international First or Business class ticket on a SkyTeam-operated flight. You must be confirmed in the First or Business class cabin for all segments of your journey.
See the Delta website for guest policies: https://www.delta.com/us/en/delta-sky-club/access
The Delta Sky Club in T2 has plenty of space to lounge around or get work done.
If you need to freshen up before or after a flight, shower rooms are available on a first come, first serve basis.
The food and drink are typically the same throughout all the Delta Sky Clubs, but the one in T2 has slightly more options.
Food consists of a hot dish, salad bar, cheese board, and dessert.
For non-alcoholic drinks, there is detox water, coffee, and a soda dispenser. Self-serve alcoholic drinks are also complimentary.
Las Vegas is known for its decadent over-the-top ethos with world-class entertainment and exceptional food offerings, and the luxury hotels certainly don’t disappoint.
Surprisingly, it's one of the few cities in the US where a luxury hotel regularly starts at $250 a night, sometimes as low as $100, depending on when and how you book the hotel.
On our recent trip to Vegas, we had the opportunity to experience the luxurious five-star Aria Sky Suites. Is the splurge on a one-bedroom suite worth it at an average rate of $X per night? Read on to find out.
With American Express’ Fine Hotels and Resorts program (FHR) through the Platinum card, we were able to enjoy some added benefits, including:
We paid the $700 cash rate via FHR to book the Aria Sky Suite. If you were to book a normal hotel room at the Aria Resort & Casino, a "complimentary" upgrade could potentially be a room with a better view or a regular suite, but doubt it would be a Sky Suite.
Since we were coming from another hotel, we couldn’t take advantage of one of the perks that come with being a Sky Suite guest - the complimentary, round-trip luxury airport transfers. Nothing says VIP treatment like a private gated driveway exclusively for Sky Suite guests.
Even though the drive from the airport to the Strip is short, it sure beats waiting for a taxi or ride-share with everyone else. Note that you will need to arrange for the transfers before arriving in Vegas.
Sky Suite guests have a separate entrance and separate elevators, and there is also a lobby lounge with an assortment of bite-sized hors d’oeuvres that changes three times a day. You’ll find pastries throughout the day, cookies at teatime, and light snacks at dinnertime. The beverage offering includes bottled soft drinks, flat and carbonated water, coffee, and tea. The butler will also bring you wine or beer upon request.
The lobby restrooms had complimentary body lotion and mouthwash.
Go big or go home, right? In this case, if the home is the Sky Suite, I’ll gladly stay in the hotel room for the whole time I’m in Vegas.
There are three rooms in the Suite:
The rooms are modern and elegant, with panoramic views of the Strip.
There was a powder room near the entrance, which was very convenient, especially if hosting guests. The couches in the living room were comfortable enough to sleep on.
I had to do a bit of work and had a few virtual meetings during our stay, so the desk came in very handy.
The bathroom was surprisingly my favorite room in the Suite. There was more than enough space for getting ready in the morning with two sinks, a vanity, a large Jacuzzi bathtub, a steam shower, and a walk-in closet.
The door to the toilet is see-through, so be careful to close the double restroom doors if guests are over!
The walk-in closet was very spacious and came with more than enough hangers.
With the two tablets in the room, I appreciated the in-room technology as it made it easier to order food, make reservations, or even open/close the blinds.
The exclusive Sky pool, for Sky Suite guests only, was closed for the season, but there was a separate sectioned-off area for Sky Suite guests at the main pool.
There was much more cushioning on the Sky Suite chaise loungers. The Sky Pool advertises personalized service, including complimentary refreshments and upgraded robes; however, I was not offered either.
It was quite cold since it was off-season, and the pool was relatively empty, with most people just relaxing on the loungers.
I went to the gym around noon, and it was pretty busy. There were cardio machines, weight machines, weights, and a Smith machine. One unique feature that stood out was the rotating climbing wall! We took a few turns climbing the wall; pretty cool!
This Suite was unsurprisingly the highlight of our trip. With a price range of X, it might be hard to justify. However, the Suite was worth the hype, and I would recommend it if anyone is looking for an elevated Vegas experience.
Ventana Big Sur is one of those destinations that is on everyone’s list. It is talked about all the time, especially about how difficult it is to book with points and how great of a value it is given that cash rates can go over $3,000 per night. I visited this much hyped property at the end of February 2022 for 3 nights and here’s my thoughts.
The drive can last between 2 to 3 hours
If you are traveling from outside California, Ventana is located in the Big Sur area which is a stretch of land famous for the junction of mountains and coastline and is about a 2.5 hour drive from San Francisco. It is a beautiful drive during the day when you get to the Big Sur coastline but there is practically no cellular reception.
Once you arrive, self or valet parking is available at Ventana. There are two main areas for guests: the Big Sur House is for dining and is separate from the rest of the resort. To get to Big Sur House from your room, you can request a golf cart or walk the 0.3mile trail on foot. At anywhere on the resort, you can ask for a golf cart to come and transport you around.
There are 2 pool areas (meadow and mountain) and a Japanese bath house (separate men/women/mixed). The meadow pool has an infinity hot tub and you can also have lunch served to you here.
Check in is at the Social House. There is a pool table and this is where smores are located every night from 8-10PM.
It is a steal on points.
I booked at the 30,000 points/night rate for 3 nights a few months ago. Availability is very scarce at this rate especially with the property moving up from a Category 7 to a Category 8 on March 22, 2022. This is significant for two reasons. The first is that base rates increase from 30,000 Hyatt points to 40,000 points and the second is that if you have a World of Hyatt Category 1-7 free night certificate, you no longer can use it at this resort.
My recommendation is that if you find a few nights at the base rate, don’t wait! It will soon be gone and your alternatives are to look for other dates or pay more points for a standard or even premium suite rate (if even they are available at all).
I booked a base room but was upgraded to the Pacific Suite as a World of Hyatt Globalist. This room retailed for $3,500/night so I was essentially receiving a $10,000 trip for free!
The rooms at Ventana are divided into “houses” (kind of like an apartment complex with a few rooms in each house). The pros about my suite were that it faced the ocean with complete visual privacy, it had a 102°F jacuzzi always on in the back patio and there was another hot tub in the room.
The cons were that it was not a traditional “suite” with a living room (it was simply a standard sized room with a soaking tub), you could not see the ocean very clearly because of the slope and vegetation outside your back door, and with rooms right next to each other, if your neighbor was using their back patio, you could hear everything.
There were some other cool features within the room. An old-school phone was present that could be used to call reception for anything from in-room dining to asking for transportation. All the snacks and items in the fridge were included without extra charge. There was a welcome assortment of tasty snacks upon arrival and two water bottles that you could bring home. The door key was a circular Ventana pattern with built in RF to unlock your room. There was a pair of binoculars. And every night after the staff turned the room over, they left a gift (feather, jade stone, sweet smelling incense sage).
Dining is all-inclusive and some of the best I ever had.
The food at Ventana could by itself be a big reason to book a visit. Some previous experiences at all-inclusive for me have resulted in mediocre to outright terrible food quality but the meals here have been carefully and thoughtfully prepared and do not disappoint. The entire menu is available online to view if you are interested if you search “Ventana Big Sur dining menu”.
n room dining was available for all 3 meals plus there is a late night menu. Breakfast and dinner were at the Sur House while lunch could also be ordered poolside or at a BBQ shop right at the entrance to Ventana.
Breakfast and lunch were unlimited while dinner was limited to one app, one entree, and one dessert during my stay. As mentioned earlier, in the room, there was a welcome platter when you checked in and every item in the mini fridge was included. The only item not included was alcohol.
One of my biggest recommendations was the French toast. It was the best I ever had and my only regret was ordering it for the first time during the final breakfast.
There are a variety of unique and interesting activities that take advantage of the local environment and ecosystem.
The great part of this all-inclusive resort were that a lot of activities were included with a few others for an additional cost. It was also a short drive from scenic Big Sur locations such as Pfeiffer Beach and some state parks.
The only paid activity I did was whale watching. I really enjoyed it because the guide was passionate and extremely knowledgeable. I learned a lot of the history of Big Sur and its wildlife while we drove down the coast and we stopped by some great spots to look at some properties, beaches and even some seals. The only downside was we did not spot any whales.
The Redwood Hike was probably my favorite hike and my most recommended to start since you get a feel of the location. My guide showed us around the resort including the organic garden where they grew veggies and plants and even kept a chicken coup. We explored the breathtaking redwood trees, observed different plants and saw a bit of the coastline.
Beekeeping was a very new activity introduced to Ventana and it was not as terrifying as I originally imagined. The same guide who led me on the Redwood Hike was present and after a brief intro on bees, our group suited up in beekeeping attire and we proceeded to venture to the three beehive boxes. She attempted to open one hive but the bees were not docile and started to swarm her so she closed it quickly. Thankfully the 2nd hive was more peaceful and we were able to see the honeycombs that the bees were building up. After that exhilarating experience, we finished up by tasting 5 different types of honey (I won’t spoil what the flavors were).
Falconry was another unique activity as we got to learn about and engage with different birds of prey. The experience was made all the better by the instructor who was extremely passionate about these birds and captively educated us. I gained a huge appreciation and awareness by the end of the session. He then brought out 5 different birds of prey and we were allowed to pet one of them. The last bird was trained to land on our gloved hand and we took turns practicing this drill and even got to experience the bird flying right past our heads.
The coastal hike was a scenic walk along the coast up the mountain but the guide was energetic and made it a terrific experience.
I missed the astronomy session at night but the guide (who was the same one as the coastal hike) summed up the different star patterns for me afterwards and there was even a telescope to look at the moon and stars up close.
All the staff members took pride in their jobs.
You can expect great service at Ventana Big Sur. All the guides during the activities were engaging, knowledgeable and passionate about what they did. Waiters took great care of me during meals and I even found out that one of the golf cart drivers grew up on the resort while his parents worked here and now is continuing their legacy.
I have been hearing so much about what an aspirational resort that Ventana Big Sur was and I am glad to have visited before it moved up to a Category 8. My favorite parts were my outdoor jacuzzi (which I soaked in every time I returned to my room) and the activities. I love learning about the culture and environment in places I travel to and all the guides were exceptional. Even just being in Big Sur with its unique location by the mountain and ocean made you feel like you’re part of a different world.
Hyatt properties continue to be the best value on points and even with the introduction of peak pricing on points and category changes, it is easy to find great value across their portfolio.
Note: Some of the offers/products mentioned below are no longer available.
The Residence Inn and the Courtyard by Marriott at L.A. Live are a great free night redemption if you’re planning on staying in Downtown L.A.
We booked a stay at the Residence Inn at L.A. Live using the free anniversary certificate from the Amex SPG card.
A few reasons why we chose the Residence Inn:
The following cards give you a ”Free night certificate” for properties up to 35,000 points:
For example, if you signed up for one of the cards in Oct 2018, then you’ll receive a free certificate in Oct 2019, Oct 2020, etc.
The free night certificate is valid for 12 months from issuance (i.e., Oct 2019 to Sep 2020).
Redeeming the free night certificate provides a ton of value because the rack rate can range from $206-636 + taxes/fees.
The Residence Inn and Courtyard Marriott at L.A. Live are located in the same building. The two properties share the same lobby, check-in desk, and elevators.
The properties are split down the middle of the building, and the only way to tell them apart is by color. Residence Inn rooms and amenities are purple, and the Courtyard is red/orange themed.
I’m a fan of the location since it’s less than a 4-minute walk to the Staples Center (right across the street), and 15 minutes walk to Downtown L.A.
Since we have Platinum Elite status at Marriott, we booked the lowest tier room. We were given a complimentary upgrade to the 1 bedroom larger suite.
The 1 bedroom larger suite comes with a kitchen area and a spacious living room.
Sliding doors separate the bedroom and the living room area.
The bathroom toiletries are from Paul Mitchell. Another sliding door also separates the bathroom from the living room.
The Residence Inn has an outdoor pool with a few cabanas which are available on a first come, first serve basis.
If you’re staying at the Courtyard Marriott, you don’t have pool access. There’s literally a courtyard area to enjoy instead.
Laundry machines are available to use. Each machine costs $2.50.
The fitness center is also on the same level as the pool and laundry.
The United Polaris Lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) opens on April 30, 2018. We were lucky enough to snag a few United MileagePlus Exclusive tickets to experience the lounge before it officially opens.
The United Polaris Lounge is located in the SFO International Terminal, right past security near Gate G92.
Access to the United Polaris lounge is restricted to passengers traveling in the following cabins:
You must have a same-day boarding pass to access the lounge.
The first level of the lounge includes an impressive library area with (real!) books, seating, and a hydration station.
There are plenty of seats, and the chairs are comfortable. Each seat is accompanied by charging outlets. I'm impressed by the overall design aesthetic of the lounge.
If you walk to the back, you'll find quiet rooms for napping, shower suites, and restrooms.
There are five quiet rooms available on a first come, first serve basis. Each quiet room includes a Saks Fifth Avenue pillow, a speaker for tranquil noise, water, slippers, chocolate, ear plugs, eye mask, and essential oil. If the room is too bright, you can adjust the curtains and lighting.
There are eight shower suites available on a first come, first serve basis. Each suite comes with amenities like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and towels.
The towels are from Saks Fifth Avenue.
Take the escalators up to level 2 to experience the bar, dining area, the buffet spread, customer service, phone booths, and the studio.
The customer service area is available to assist with your flight.
There are 3 quiet work rooms available.
Various types of lounge seating is available.
The area leading up to The Studio is one of my favorite places in the lounge for the views of the runway.
The Studio can be transformed into an event space and host an additional buffet spread.
Check out the view behind me. If you like watching planes, this is the perfect spot.
The bar features cocktails inspired by the Bay Area, including the Mai Tai and Pisco Punch. All drinks are complimentary.
There's a diverse list of spirit and wine offerings.
Below is the Mai Tai (L) and the Paper Plane (R).
The bistro-like buffet features a DIY ramen bar, hot food, salads, and desserts.
The Dining Room is a full service restaurant with complimentary food. If you plan on enjoying a full 3-course menu, be sure to reserve at least one hour to eat.
For starters, we had the crab bisque and the shrimp cakes. Both were delicious, highly recommend! The crab bisque had real crab lumps, and the shrimp cakes were nice and crispy.
For the entree, get the hand-cut pappardelle pasta with mushroom ragout. The quality of the pasta was superb, and you could taste the freshness of the noodles. It's something you would expect if you dined at a high-end Italian restaurant. Serioulsy, you won't regret it.
The cioppino is San Francisco-style with fish, mussels, and shrimp.
The United Polaris burger comes with an egg, bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and a side of chips.
The katsu bento box comes with rice, egg rolls, and a salad.
For dessert, we had the tiramisu and profiterole.
The United Club at LAX is the airline's largest lounge that features a light buffet spread, bar, outdoor patio, conference rooms, and phone booths.
The lounge is located in after TSA security in Terminal 7, adjacent to gate 71A.
Passengers with premium cabin tickets traveling on an international flight or United Business on a premium transcontinental flight can access the lounge when they present a same-day United boarding pass.
United MileagePlus Club credit card cardholders may also access the lounge with their membership.
If you have a one-time use United Club coupon, you can access the lounge (no guests).
The guest policy varies based on how you access the lounge (via airline status, partnership program, or credit card). Click here for a detailed guest policy list on United's website.
After you check-in to the lounge, take the escalators up to find reading periodicals, plenty of tables and seating areas, and the buffet spread.
Rows of work benches are available power outlets galore.
The bar features complimentary and premium menus.
Multiple phone rooms are available in case you need to have a meeting or take a phone call.
The food features light seasonal fare that ranges from bread, fruits, trail mix, soup, and salads.
The dessert station features cookies and brownies.
Illy coffee and espresso are available for self-serve.
If you want to get some fresh air, the patio is worth visiting. You can enjoy a drink and watch planes take off and land.
Overall, the United Club is worth visiting if you're looking a place to unwind or get work done. There are plenty of nooks and quiet corners to relax.
The food isn't the highlight if you're looking for a meal. For more substantial food, visit the Star Alliance lounge if you're a Star Alliance Gold member.
The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is located in the heart of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel is known as Canada's "Castle in the Rockies."
The resort comes with a handful of complimentary experiences. A concierge will reach out after you reserve your room to see if you would like to book any activities.
We used the free night and upgrade certificates from the Fairmont credit card to reserve the Junior Suite (Turret).
The turret suite has a winding staircase and breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies.
The staircase leads up to the bedroom.
The bathroom has a beautiful view and toiletries from Le Labo.
The hotel includes access to a bowling alley, ping pong table, and billiards room.
The outdoors pool was closed for renovations, but the indoor pools were impressive.
If you want to play with a furry friend while on vacation, you can reserve time with the Fairmont Concierge to walk the hotel dog, Bear.
Bow Falls is located in the hotel's backyard. Enjoy a short hike and take in the views.
The Plaza Premium Lounge in the Transborder Terminal is available to passengers who have a flight to the United States. Vancouver International Airport has five Plaza Premium Lounges, one in each terminal. The USA Departures is by far the worst one.
The Plaza Premium Lounge (USA Departures) is located after the security checkpoint for US Transborder Departures (Gates E), across from Gate E87.
The Plaza Premium Lounges are in the Priority Pass network. Anyone with a Priority Pass may enter the lounge.
If you don't have a Priority Pass, below are the rates (subject to change, check their website for most up to date info):
Complimentary food and drinks are available. The buffet setup usually consists of one hot entree and a side. When we visited, the complimentary hot food bar consisted of minestrone soup, sweet and sour pork, and white rice. The trays are almost empty because we visited 30 minutes before closing.
The lounge also features a small complimentary cold food bar which consists of sandwiches, salads, and cheese.
A limited selection of complimentary soda.
A self-serve alcohol bar is available after 11 AM. Beer is available upon request.
The lounge itself is relatively small compared to it's counter parts in the Vancouver International Airport. There are a few nooks for privacy, and the lounge can seat up to 60 people.
The seats near the window have a view of the arrivals hall.
Timberline Steaks & Grille at the Denver International Airport was recently added to the Priority Pass restaurant network, so we had to visit on our recent trip.
Timberline Steaks & Grille is located after security in Concourse C near the center core on the left. Seating is limited, and you may be turned away at certain times if the restaurant is busy.
The restaurant offers a wide range of soups, salads, burgers, and steaks. Check out their full menu here.
Hours of operation:
06:00 - 22:00 Sunday - Friday
06:00 – 21:00 Saturday
Bonus: Check-in with Yelp and get a free beer.
Be sure to let your server know when you sit down that you're using a Priority Pass card. A manager will come to your table with the Priority Pass card reader and swipe your card. You'll receive $28 off the bill per person. For example, if you visit with one guest, you'll receive a total of $56 off the bill.
$28 will cover a decent meal, plus drinks. Steaks are a few more dollars, but I'm fine with paying a few bucks for a good quality steak! The $28 cannot be used for gratuities.
Pro-tip: You can use your Priority Pass at the restaurant once every two hours.
The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Below are images of the breakfast menu:
We visited during the afternoon and enjoyed a nice 12 oz ribeye steak. View the full lunch and dinner menu here.
The steak was well marbled, full of flavor, and came with two sides. Retail price: $30.
The steaks exceeded our expectations for airport food. It was cooked perfectly with a crust and topped with garlic butter.
Our final total, not including gratuity, was $8.16 for two ribeye steaks! The Priority Pass discount was done in an odd way (-$4 + -$24), but the discount tallied up to $56 off the total bill.
As luck would have it, our flight was delayed by 25 minutes so we headed back to Timberline Steaks & Grille to enjoy a drink. Below are images of their dessert and bar menu.
We didn't use the whole $56 credit, so the bill came out as an overpayment of $18.84. Again, gratuity is NOT included, so be sure to leave a tip!
I rarely fly first class on domestic flights because most airlines only offer larger seats. JetBlue Mint is different because it's the only international first-class experience you can get on a domestic flight. I was in New York for work and my client graciously booked a return flight on JetBlue Mint back to San Francisco. This is not a sponsored post.
The JetBlue terminal is at John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) in Terminal 5. Arrive early and enjoy the fresh air in JetBlue's rooftop garden.
JetBlue's Mint cabin consists of 16 seats, spread across five rows. Four Mint suites are available on a first come, first serve basis at no additional cost. The rest of the cabin is in a 2-2 configuration. Each seat comes with an amenities kit and blanket.
You can book in advance and score a JetBlue Mint suite for a lower cost. The Mint suites have closing doors for privacy.
The Mint suite offers the most living space of any other domestic carrier in the U.S. There's plenty of legroom. The flat-bed seats are the longest in the domestic market and recline up to 6' 8" long.
The seats below are the 2-2 configuration.
Each seat has a control panel to recline the seat, plus a built-in back massager!
The one thing I love about JetBlue Mint's food is they support local businesses. Menu items consist of artisan selections from New York. The coffee is from Brooklyn Roasting Company, cookies are from Milk Bar Bakery, and ice cream is from Blue Marble.
Presentation could be improved, but the food was great for a domestic first-class flight. From left to right: pork tenderloin porchetta, lobster risotto, and vegetable pot pie.
The ice cream from Blue Marble was some of the best I've ever had.
The customer service on JetBlue Mint is incredible. From the moment you arrive at the gate, you are greeted by name and invited to board first. Once you step on the plane, the cabin crew welcomes you and offers a complimentary drink and snack.
Bill and Jeff were genuine and enthusiastic during the flight. Upon getting settled into the Mint suite, they gave me an in-depth overview of the suite features.
When we were in the air, they made sure I was well fed and hydrated throughout the flight. Bill and Jeff made me feel right at home and provided a great experience. U.S. airlines should take notes from JetBlue on how to provide an incredible customer experience.
JetBlue's Mint business class experience is hands-down the best value and best domestic flight you'll ever take. Prices range from $400-$1,200+ depending on where you're flying and how far in advance you reserve tickets.
JetBlue, I'm a fan. Thanks for setting the new standard for domestic premium cabin experiences.
If you're looking to redeem Chase Ritz-Carlton signup bonus certificates, the Los Angeles property is a good option. Since it's a Tier 4 property, you'll need 60,000 Ritz-Carlton Reward points to redeem a free one-night stay.
The Ritz-Carlton LA is located in the heart of Downtown LA, right next to the Staples center. The Ritz-Carlton is unique because it has 3 private floors within the Marriott Grand Marquis. Although they're in the same building as Marriott, they have completely separate entrances and amenities.
The lobby is small, and you need an active key card to use the Ritz-Carlton elevators. The front desk staff was generous enough to give us a free upgrade to a junior suite.
The junior suite was a nice surprise. There was a corridor for the closet, and the bathroom was huge.
The bathroom had a double vanity with TV, shower, bathtub, and a good view.
Artwork was on one side of the corridor, and a closet was on the opposite side.
The room had a king-sized bed, desk, TV, couch, and a coffee maker.
Wolfgang Puck has a Asian fusion restaurant, WP24, located on the 24th floor. There's also a lounge called Nest.
The rooftop pool features plenty of seating, cabanas, a full-sized pool, and a hot tub. A 24-hour workout room is also available for use.
Certain rooms on the suite level have access to the Club Lounge. Enjoy complimentary light snacks and drinks while taking in the view of Downtown LA.
Overall, it was a pleasant stay and we'll be back again! The staff was friendly and even though the Ritz-Carlton is only 3 floors, we enjoyed the location and everything the hotel had to offer.
Have a flight or a layover at JFK Airport? Check out the Wingtips Lounge.
The Wingtips Lounge is located post-TSA security checkpoint in Terminal 4. Once you past security, make a right and the lounge is located approximately 100 yards down the hall and on the left.
Priority Pass cardmembers can access the lounge for free. Be aware that Priority Pass entry is at the lounge's discretion. They have the right to turn guests away if the lounge is at capacity.
Premium credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card from American Express offer Priority Pass for free. Remember to activate Priority Pass to receive the card. Each credit card also has a different additional guest policy — check with your benefits administrator for details.
Important: Due to capacity concerns, the Wingtips Lounge at JFK may have a blackout period from 5:00 PM-1:00 AM daily.
Other network members who can access the lounge:
• Lounge Club
• Diner’s Club
• DragonPass
• LoungeKey
• LoungeBuddy
If you're not a Priority Pass member or part of the above networks, day passes are available for purchase for $50. Day passes are valid for up to 4 hours from time of entry.
Wingtips offers a limited selection of food and beverage items.
The fruit rack needed to be refilled. There was also a self-serve snack bar.
A limited selection of wine and liquor are available, along with soda and juice for mixers.
We visited around 4 pm in the afternoon and a limited breakfast spread was still available.
Three different varieties of food were available.
The salad bar needed to be refilled.
The lounge was packed and seating was limited. There's an area with a view of the runway that was occupied (only 5 chairs available).
The Wingtips Lounge is good if you want a comfortable seat and free alcohol. I personally wouldn't pay $50 to access the lounge because the food seemed unappetizing. If you're paying out of pocket for the day pass, save your money and buy food at the food court.
A few weeks ago, we took a private jet to Los Angeles and decided to spend a few nights at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Nigel. The luxurious resort overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is a 90-minute drive south of L.A. in Dana Point.
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is a Tier 4 property. The resort embraces Southern California roots, from locally sourced restaurant menus to ocean-view accommodations and excursions.
We redeemed our certificate nights from the Ritz-Carlton Rewards credit card signup bonus. Since it's a Tier 4 property, you'll need 60,000 Ritz-Carlton Reward points for a free stay. The retail price for rooms starts at $749/night, before taxes and fees.
We spent the whole day in L.A. before driving down to Dana Point, so we checked-in around 10 pm. When you drive up to the Ritz-Carlton, valets will quickly approach your car to greet you. Parking is valet only, which costs $40/night; you do have in/out privileges.
The front desk staff was friendly, and as luck would have it, we were offered a free upgrade to an Ocean View room! I think timing played a huge factor because free upgrades for Gold status members are often unheard of. We checked-in late (10 pm) and it was a weekday. The upgrade alone was worth $500!
The lobby is well decorated and leads to a long hallway filled with dining options.
The room was on the main floor and 400 square feet in size, equipped with 2 queen beds and an amazing view.
The view from the balcony. Again, it was 10 pm and foggy when we checked-in, so you can't really see the ocean in this picture. The night time view doesn't do the room any justice.
The room has a television, desk, safe, mini-refrigerator, and coffee maker.
Each room has a spacious and luxurious marble bathroom with double vanities, robes, shower/tub combination, and bathroom amenities.
The safe, coffee maker, and mini fridge are tucked away behind a cabinet door.
The resort offers snack and drink packages for purchase.
We walked around the hotel to explore some more. Overall, the resort is peaceful at night and has a completely different vibe during the day. We'll post a full review soon.
When you enter the driveway of the resort, you'll be greeted by friendly valet service ready to help. Leave your car with them -- there's no other option for parking.
The lobby has beautiful flower arrangements that are refreshed daily.
The resort has 2 swimming pools, one in each courtyard. There's also a hot tub and dining service.
View of the exterior guest rooms that face the coastline and/or ocean. The lower-level rooms are equipped with fireplaces.
Fireplace in the balcony.
There's plenty of free water around the resort so you don't have to worry about getting dehydrated.
The resort has a private entrance to the beach. You can request a beach butler and amenities to be brought to you. Paddle boards, umbrellas, and chairs are available upon request.
Don't want to walk to the beach? No problem. Catch a ride on the complimentary trolley.
There are a few paths that lead to/from the beach. You can take the stairs (left) or walk uphill (right).
If you're hungry, splurge on the burger with truffle fries. It's one of the best burger's we've had, plus it comes with an ocean view.
