This is a re upload of a video I published earlier today. The previous version updated with some sound quality issues that occurred during the upload. I have corrected those issues to make sure the proper audio is on file for those of you that choose to watch this now or in the future. Enjoy!!!
I do Vegas twice a year, last year I stayed at the Palazzo for the first time and it really opened my eyes to the difference of Vegas properties for not a significant cost increase. Also helped I booked it as the Venetian with my free IHG night plus additional nights free with points. Status with IHG likely got me moved from Venetian tower to Palazzo as well. All around was a great hotel for me.
I couldn’t agree more. I was pleasantly surprised by the property. You are 100% correct. There is a difference in Vegas properties and it’s actually pretty striking once you experience it. Such big differences for properties on the same street.
We booked Alina Ventana Big Sur last year on points for one of their best rooms. The experience was the best. I booked when it was Category 7. The Barbecue restaurant was my favorite place to fill up. I enjoyed the service at Big Sur and the overall surroundings. I didn't spend any of my money except a tip for valet parking. This place made me a better person. Thanks for posting a review on this property last year.
It is really unique and actually provides a true escape. All of that can be achieved without even leaving the country. I felt great during the entire stay.
I just had to fix the audio. It was bothering me. Didn’t want that to be online forever if people search for it. It is a double upload if you watch it again!
I could have left it up, but I’m picky. I’d hate for that to be what people find in their search for me. Wanted it to be better. Thanks for watching again!!
It has since been freed from the fence. It was during the lockdown the first time. They didn’t want people to congregate so they just forced us all to congregate on the other side of the fence. Made no sense.
Great question. It’s very old school. You actually have to print out a form and fill it out. Basically detail which account and how many points you are transferring. Then send it back in. Here’s a link to the form: world.hyatt.com/content/dam/HGP/HyattFinalImages/world-of-hyatt/Point_Combining_RequestForm_En.pdf
Great question! Free night certificates are literally certificates awarded to you that you can use to redeem free nights at a property. Kind of like getting a coupon for a free gallon of milk. You get the coupon/certificate and then redeem it. There are many different ways to earn them depending on which hotel chain/brand you prefer.
I think one thing you fail to capture with using free cert/ points/ miles is the fact that each trip is not free. You spend extensively on all of the amenities that make the trip a better experience: food, drinks, spa, parking, lounge access, upgrades, etc. therefore you are not actually saving money. When I stay at home and go to and from work makes me actual money rather than splurging on a trip I wouldn't normally take because I have fooled my mind into thinking the trip is free. If only your P2 had some sense to realize this.
Thanks for sharing this perspective. There is no doubt that money is spent when traveling. No doubt. However, when compared to what we used to spend, it’s pennies on the dollar. Example, typically we would spend around $5-$10k per year taking 2-3 trips per year just using cash. Now, I can spend that same amount of money for 10-15 trips per year. Our breakfast and parking are typically covered with our elite status benefits. Then we are only out any special tickets for events (which we look for deals on) and one other meal as we only eat two bigger meals daily. If we were at home we would probably eat out 1-2 per week anyway. In the grand scheme of things the additional spend may be marginal at best. The trade off of seeing the world, exploring our country, and making memories with friends and family makes up for any small amount above and beyond what we would have spent otherwise at home. Thanks for sharing this perspective and supporting the channel!
Another thing: status costs actual money in most cases. Especially for the glorified Hyatt status it would end up costing you for 20 nights last year which inorganically you could have completed for $500 in spend ($25/night at mgm), but that is still money going out. Normally you’d be looking at $1500/year for 60 nights. Although you may believe it is worth that price tag. I have a hard time believing travel plans blossomed from 2-3 trips per year to 10+ especially with kids for most people to the point you would enjoy being away. We are a DINK couple and we hardly travel simply because we value investing in property in the present moment to allow us the flexibility that it afford in the future. We would have a hard time doing it all even on a $300k/year combined salary.
The beauty of flexible jobs, self employment, and owning an online business give us the opportunity to travel to my heart’s content. I love seeing the US and now get to see the world because of points and miles. Sure… there’s still money involved because I like to eat at nice restaurants and shop A LOT. The perks I get from the credit cards allow me to do more of all of the fun stuff I love. All of the trips we take are to places I want to visit anyway. Having nice salaries for both, being a realtor for Brandon, and owning a business does mean we make more than most, and I choose to fully take advantage of that. 😅
Why you watching these videos if you didn’t want to hear about using points on trips? You just want to tell people how to live their lives? Whoever dies w/ the most toys wins??
