At the start, February didn’t seem like it would be the wildest month for hotel news — until Hyatt announced it was dramatically altering its award chart to expand to five pricing tiers (from “Lowest” to “Top”) instead of the previous “Peak,” “Standard” and “Off-Peak” system. The change could lead to significantly higher redemptions at top-tier properties during busy periods. The good news: these changes don’t roll out until May, so there’s still time to lock in stays at properties you’ve been eyeing.
February also brought the opening of Alila Mayakoba in Mexico, the launch of a new IHG brand (its 21st), and Chase adding Wyndham Rewards as a transfer partner.
Here are a few other hotel news nuggets from the month.
A spa in a cave and a spa near a lake
There are few things better than a spa. This year two notable hotel spas are on my radar.
In Italy, the Lake Como Edition opens its Longevity Spa in March. The space features seven treatment rooms and focuses on longevity, biohacking and antiaging therapies, including an “Ultimate Biohacking” experience that mixes dry float therapy, infrared technology and hydrogen-oxygen therapy aimed at sleep, immunity, inflammation, collagen and elasticity.
In Utah, Hyatt’s Ulum Moab (by Under Canvas) is introducing a massage cave — a rock sanctuary with a naturally balanced ambient temperature offering Swedish, deep tissue and hot stone massages. After exploring Moab’s vistas, the massage cave is a peaceful place to unwind.
This Southern hotel is offering on-demand biscuits
The Alida Hotel, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio property in Savannah, Georgia, has launched a “Biscuit Button” — actually a QR code — that guests can scan between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. to order a tray of biscuits with butter and jam delivered to their room for $10.
Andaz is heading to the mountains
Hyatt’s Andaz brand plans an 85-room resort in Utah’s Heber Valley, set to open in 2029. The Andaz Heber Valley will be the brand’s first alpine property and should appeal to World of Hyatt members seeking easy access to Utah ski areas.
A Conrad will open in Portugal’s Algarve
Hilton will debut Conrad Meia Praia Algarve in 2027 at Meia Praia Beach near Lagos. The resort will feature 116 ocean-facing rooms and suites, two restaurants, a beach club, outdoor and indoor pools (the outdoor pool includes a bar), a spa and a gym — a tempting new Hilton Honors option for Portugal visitors.
Hilton’s new onsen resort in Vietnam
Hilton Quang Hanh Onsen Resort, in northern Vietnam roughly 30 minutes from Ha Long Bay, offers 178 villas and 38 rooms plus access to Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh’s baths, a spa and indoor pool. Dining includes a modern Japanese restaurant and an all-day dining venue with Western and Asian options. Guests can earn or redeem Hilton Honors points.
Mandarin Oriental bets big on Egypt
Mandarin Oriental is expanding in Egypt: reopening the Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, Cairo in 2027; taking over and renovating properties in Aswan and Luxor; and launching a branded Nile river cruise. The Sofitel Legend Old Cataract in Aswan will be transformed into a Mandarin Oriental — an exciting prospect for fans of the iconic riverside property.
In other news
– How I doubled the value of my Hilton points for a college basketball weekend
– The 10 best places to travel in April 2026
– Kids eat free at these 10 luxury hotels bookable with points
– Points hotels to book for a spring vacation, from Costa Rica to Paris
– How (and why) to plan a ski trip to Niseko, Japan, with points and miles
Reviews you need to read
– Park Hyatt Beaver Creek renovation: inside the refreshed ski-in, ski-out property in Colorado
– Grand Hyatt Scottsdale: Arizona’s first Grand Hyatt resort reimagined
– St. Regis Singapore remodel: what’s changed (and what hasn’t)
