Weekly Review: October 10, 2015

Hello from 30,000 feet!

I am on my way back to the US after an incredible week in the Middle East. I had the chance to visit a couple of amazing properties, and can’t wait to share the full reviews with you guys.

Featured Stories

Review: SPG Suite At The O2 Arena For A One Direction Concert

As many of you may know, I’m basically a tween/teen girl at heart. And it seems the folks at SPG know that, because earlier in the year they reached out to ask if I wanted to see One Direction at the O2 Arena in London (SPG has a suite at the O2 arena).

This was a really, really cool experience, and I’m grateful to SPG for inviting us to take over their suite. I’m also incredibly grateful for the awesome readers who flew in from far away to join us for the evening.

Free Hilton Gold Status From American Express Platinum

Activating this benefit can be incredibly valuable, as Gold status provides breakfast and internet, which I find to be the most useful benefits of hotel elite status.

My Favorite Starpoints Redemption Ever

This is my new favorite SPG property anywhere in the world.

I’ve had some amazing SPG redemptions over the years (like taking my parents to the St. Regis Bal Harbour over Christmas), but this hands down ranks as my favorite ever. By a long shot.

TIPS: Earning Miles & Promos

Free 150 Starpoints For Updating Security Questions
Most Rewarding Business Credit Cards
Changing My Credit Card Strategy For Hilton Gold Status?
Up To 10,000 Bonus Starpoints For Tribute Portfolio Stays
LifeMiles 150% Mileage Bonus Extended Until October 8
Free Hilton Gold Status From American Express Platinum
Using Alaska’s Self-Tag Baggage System
Great Deal: Buy LifeMiles With A 150% Bonus
Last Chance: Buy Alaska Miles With A 40% Bonus
20% Bonus When You Transfer Marriott Points To American
Amex OPEN Savings Discontinuing 5% Hyatt Discount

TRICKS: Redeeming Miles

Which SPG Hotels Are Most Popular With Members?
Redeeming Miles To Hawaii Can Be Tough

TRAVEL With Ben (Lucky)

My Favorite Starpoints Redemption Ever
What Are Inaugural Flights Like?
Incredible Hospitality At The Sheraton Dubrovnik!
Awkward Travel Moments: Asking Friends Their Weight

REVIEWS & Trip Reports

Review: The Concourse Hotel LAX (Hyatt Affiliated Hotel)
An MQM Run To Tokyo: Introduction
Review: Delta SkyClub San Francisco Airport
Review: Amex Centurion Lounge San Francisco Airport
Review: Virgin Atlantic Upper Class 747 London To San Francisco
Review: Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse London Heathrow
Review: SPG Suite At The O2 Arena For A One Direction Concert

NEWS & Updates

A Humorous Definition Of Year-Round Flights
United Adds Flights To Auckland And Tel Aviv
SAS Launching 737 Flights Between Boston And Copenhagen
Air Marshal Sues After Being Kicked Off Flight
Etihad To Begin A380 Service To New York Early
A Passenger’s Perspective On The Flight Where The Pilot Died
A Look Inside The Pope’s American 777
4 Marriott Rewards Improvements Coming Next Week
Norwegian Wants To Offer $69 Transatlantic Flights
American’s New Aircraft-Dependent DFW Gate Assignments
Details Matter: How I Nearly Made A 15,000 Mile Mistake
American Launching 777-300ER Flights Between Los Angeles And Miami
Emirates’ Hilarious New Ad Starring Jennifer Aniston
Alcohol-Free Version Of Emirates’ New Jennifer Aniston Ad
Air France Management Meeting Turns Violent

My routing this weekend takes me from Dubai to Austin via Doha, London, Los Angeles, and New York, which means lots of fun products.

What is everyone else up to?