Rosewood Amsterdam is taking reservations for Holiday Inn Grand Canyon and other hotel news

The month of January was difficult for many Americans. They experienced extreme weather, a devastating firestorm and the largest aviation tragedy in U.S. history. The country experienced extreme weather, a devastating bout of fires and, most recently, the largest tragedy in U.S. aviation since 2001.

While I think we are all thankful to turn the page on a painful month, there were some interesting developments in the hotel space throughout January worth looking back on, including a serious Marriott Bonvy devaluation, an Andaz in Mexico reflagging as an Alila and the opening of a Ritz-Carlton in Thailand’s bustling capital of Bangkok.

Here are a few other lighthearted pieces of news to check out this weekend:

A chic new hotel opens in Houston under Hyatt’s lifestyle umbrella

HOTEL SAINT AUGUSTINE

When Hyatt acquired the lifestyle hotel brand Standard International, it added a small but beloved group of properties called Bunkhouse Hotels to the mix. In January, Bunkhouse’s latest boutique hotel, Hotel Saint Augustine, opened in Houston’s Montrose Museum District, adding 71 bold rooms and suites to the city’s hotel inventory, plus a Gulf Coast-style bistro from chef Aaron Bludorn, a stunning lobby bar, a listening room and an overarching sense of cool that few brands can deliver as effortlessly as Bunkhouse does.

For now, Bunkhouse properties have yet to be added to the World of Hyatt ecosystem, but that should change soon so you’ll be able to earn and burn Hyatt points here.

Staying near Universal Studios Hollywood is going to be better than ever

HILTON

There are only a handful of hotels within walking distance of Universal Studios Hollywood, and the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City is TPG’s favorite. This full-service hotel has a walking path to Universal Studios, and select rooms have views of the movie-themed park.

Recently, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a proposal by Sun Hill Properties to expand the hotel. Plans call for an 18-story hotel tower that will have 395 rooms. This would bring the total number of rooms at this property to 890. Concept art for the diamond-shaped structure shows a design inspired by midcentury modernism and a rooftop swimming pool. The expansion, when completed, will offer a new theme park option and a boost in the number of guest rooms for the upcoming L.A. Olympic Games 2028. — Tarah Chieffi

The Rosewood Amsterdam is finally taking reservations

ROSEWOOD

To say we’re excited about the Rosewood Amsterdam is an understatement. The TPG team wants to be the first to experience it when it opens in summer. If you feel the same about the hotel, which is set in a historic building built in 1665 and once the Palace of Justice, the hotel is now taking reservations for stays starting June 1.

When it opens, this Rosewood property will feature 134 rooms and suites overlooking a UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal, three undisclosed restaurants and bars, and the opportunity to take advantage of exclusive activities like cruising the canals on a private boat decorated by Studio Piet Boon, the design team behind the hotel.

Daily Newsletter

Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter

Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

Golf, food and music combine at a lifestyle festival near Dallas

The Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa in Texas is cooking up something fun: Savor, the golf resort’s first festival celebrating the best in food, music and golf. Taking place May 1 through 4, the immersive festival will include more than a dozen celebrity chefs you might recognize from the Food Network, a celebrity golf invitational where you could play next to stars like Michael Strahan and Anthony Anderson, live music from acts like Midland, and events like the Margaritas & Mariachis Celebrity Brunch and other dining experiences.

Tickets can be purchased online and vary in price depending on the event.

IHG loyalists have a new reason to go to the Grand Canyon

DELAWARE NORTH

Hospitality company Delaware North recently announced that it has reflagged the Squire Resort at the Grand Canyon (near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, in Grand Canyon Village, Arizona) as a Holiday Inn Resort.

It’s now called the Holiday Inn Resort The Squire at Grand Canyon, and IHG One Rewards members will be able to earn and burn points while on vacation at one of the country’s most incredible natural wonders.

In other news

Reviews you need to read

Story Originally Seen Here