Tag: Travel Planner

With tens of thousands of rooms spread across London’s hotels, travelers have no shortage of choices when it comes to booking a place to stay in the Big Smoke. There are iconic London hotels in some of the poshest neighborhoods that have legacy and reputation on their side, and affordable hotels that prioritize communal spaces designed for mingling with others. The best hotels in London, ranked by TPG’s expert frequent travelers, include:

• The Peninsula London
• Raffles London at The OWO
• Rosewood London
• The Londoner
• The Hoxton, Shoreditch
• Kimpton Fitzroy London
• JW Marriott Grosvenor House London
• Andaz London Liverpool Street
• The Savoy
• The Langham, London
• Claridge’s
• Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
• Ham Yard Hotel
• The Ritz London
• Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch
• Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
• The Connaught
• InterContinental London – The O2
• Brown’s Hotel
• The London Edition
• The Dorchester
• Dukes London
• Chiltern Firehouse
• NoMad London
• Shangri-La The Shard, London

Methodology

Hotel roundups on The Points Guy are curated by travel experts from our editorial staff and our global network of writers. Our team has an extensive background with the destination and detailed knowledge of the hotels mentioned in this article. Factors we consider when choosing hotels include price point, quality of service, location, amenities, accessibility and sustainability practices. Only hotels that we deem the best across those categories are included on this list.

What is the best area to stay in London?

Some of the most convenient areas to stay in London for first-time travelers include West London neighborhoods such as Covent Garden, Mayfair, Holborn, Soho and Leicester Square, which are within walking distance of the city’s great theaters, royal parks and palaces, and many bustling restaurants. If you are flying in or out of Heathrow Airport (LHR), West London also puts you slightly closer to the airport, especially if you are near Paddington, the terminus of the Heathrow Express.

For travelers eager to explore new neighborhoods, there are the grittier, more creative neighborhoods of East London, including the popular enclave of Shoreditch with its world-famous Indian eateries. Alternatively, the bohemian neighborhood of Brixton, the unofficial capital of the British African-Caribbean community in London, buzzes with art, music and delicious food.

Travelers seeking a quieter and more residential stay may prefer Kensington, while areas along the south bank of the River Thames, such as Southwark, put visitors close to attractions like Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, colorful Borough Market and the Tate Modern museum.

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An easy walk from the picturesque Kensington Gardens alongside Hyde Park Corner and Wellington Arch, The Peninsula’s debut in London offers proximity to iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and Harrods.

The building features a central, off-street courtyard designed in the style of a classic English garden, complete with 120-year-old Japanese maple trees, providing a peaceful arrival.

Peter Marino designed many of the 190 light and bright guest rooms and suites, which boast breathtaking views of the London skyline or the peaceful greenery of nearby parks. Each room includes mahogany-paneled dressing rooms and honey-onyx bathrooms.

Guests can enjoy world-class restaurants and bars, including Brooklands, the rooftop restaurant overseen by chef Claude Bosi. The restaurant pays tribute to the classic eras of British aviation and motorsport. A scale model of the famous Concorde aircraft is suspended from the main dining room’s ceiling. Don’t miss the cigar lounge managed by Manu Harit, a certified “Master of Havana Cigars.”

The classic British tradition of afternoon tea can be enjoyed in The Peninsula’s lobby. A high ceiling and elaborate chandeliers create a grand atmosphere, often enhanced by live music.

Rates at The Peninsula London start at 773 British pounds ($984) per night.

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London’s “most anticipated destination” is now open.

Located in Whitehall, the historical center of Westminster, Raffles London is a short stroll from monuments and famous sites such as the London Eye and Big Ben, and about a mile away from Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park.

Originally built in 1906, this Edwardian baroque building has undergone a meticulous six-year restoration project as Raffles’ first London property. Eighty-one rooms and 29 suites designed by Thierry Despont overlook famous London landmarks, with window treatments inspired by the iconic uniforms of the Horse Guard. The 1,948-square-foot Haldane Suite, once used by War Secretary Lord Haldane and Prime Minister Winston Churchill, features views over Whitehall and Horse Guards Parade, oak paneling, antique fireplaces and 24-hour butler service.

Fans of Ian Fleming’s “James Bond” series should head to the Spy Bar for a secret yet sophisticated tasting experience. The bar has two rooms numbered 006 and 007. These rooms functioned as high-security storage vaults for the identity papers and mission reports of MI5 and MI6 agents. Sip on a curated list of three cocktails in tribute to the spies who worked there.

Rates at Raffles London at The OWO start at 665 British pounds ($846) per night.

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Since making its London debut in 2013, the Rosewood has transformed an Edwardian belle epoque mansion on High Holborn into one of the most in-demand luxury hotels in the city. Senior Hotels Reporter Tanner Saunders explains: “Though I don’t have the accolades or star power of many of the hotel’s A-list guests, I did feel like I had been treated like royalty in a space for a king or a queen — at least a really modern one who appreciates modern art, sleek design and bit of cheeky luxury.”

Italian marble is abundant here, from the grand seven-story staircase coiling around the interior of the hotel to the bathrooms in the guest rooms and suites. Other elegant touches throughout the rooms and suites include decorative wainscoting and rich textiles befitting a London hotel, like tweed chairs with pintuck details.

Grab a cocktail at the gentlemen’s club-inspired Scarfes Bar, a cozy spot with more than 1,000 antique books and live jazz anchored by a roaring fireplace, or any of the Rosewood’s multiple drinking and dining venues.

Rates at the Rosewood London start at 497 British pounds ($636) per night.

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It’s no surprise that this self-described “super boutique hotel” punches above its weight with pops of color, staff uniforms worthy of a stage production, theatrical busts and bathroom vanities reminiscent of backstage dressing rooms. After all, The Londoner, which debuted in 2021, is in the center of London’s bustling entertainment district, just steps from Piccadilly Circus and the city’s famous West End theaters.

Behind colorful doors with crystal knobs are unusually spacious rooms in a city known for economizing square footage. Of note are the oversize bathrooms with separate water closets for Toto bidets and rainfall showers clad in colorful, gleaming tiles.

But it’s the hotel’s clublike venues that really stand out. Guests have access to an exclusive lounge — no outsiders allowed — that serves complimentary light bites and beverages throughout the day. Or, mingle with the locals at 8, the rooftop bar serving Japanese-inspired cocktails. You might even catch live music at the lobby-level Champagne bar, The Stage.

Rates at The Londoner start at 357 British pounds ($457) per night. 

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In a city known for astronomically expensive hotel rates, The Hoxton provides a more affordable stay without sacrificing style.

The Hoxton, Shoreditch was the brand’s first property, which reclaimed a parking lot in the bustling East London neighborhood. It paved the way for a series of innovative hotels that focus on large, communal public spaces and compact rooms that offer everything travelers need but few of the extra services that many can live without.

For travelers who don’t mind squeezing in to save money, the Hoxton’s “Shoebox” rooms offer tight quarters (at the Shoreditch property, from 130 square feet) with a double bed and a small, monochrome tiled bathroom.

It’s a leap up from a hostel stay, but guests will certainly be inspired to join the locals in the cozy sitting areas in the lobby or its two restaurants: the Hoxton Grill and Llama Inn.

What you won’t find is a gym or a spa, but the lobby staff will provide you with a discounted pass to a nearby fitness center.

Rates at The Hoxton, Shoreditch start at 134 British pounds ($171) per night. 

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Multicolored marbles, dignified terra cotta tiles, stained-glass windows and ornate balustrades are a few of the elegant details that make the Kimpton Fitzroy London feel more like a regal estate than a chain hotel.

Revered architect Charles Fitzroy Doll, who worked on the dining room of the RMS Titanic (yes, that Titanic), designed this architectural masterpiece.

Even in the rooms, thoughtful touches like upholstered canopy beds, rotary-style phones the color of the city’s iconic double-decker buses, picture-frame wainscoting and marble bathrooms make guests at the Kimpton Fitzroy feel like dignitaries visiting London for royal affairs.

Breakfast here is casual, with simple breakfast sandwiches, eggs Benedict and pancakes at Galvin Bar & Grill. Later, you can order a cocktail at Fitz’s and sip it on a scalloped velour sofa beneath a twinkling disco ball or grab a seat in a leather armchair by the mantle.

In addition to the bold design, which doesn’t shy away from its grandeur, the Kimpton Fitzroy stands out as one of the best hotels in London because it offers Kimpton loyalists all the perks travelers have come to love about the brand: complimentary social hours, pet-friendly policies and Raleigh bikes you can use for free during your stay to explore the city.

Rates at the Kimpton Fitzroy London start at 210 British pounds ($268) or 47,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

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From its enviable address on Park Lane, the JW Marriott Grosvenor House puts guests within walking distance of London’s most iconic sites and attractions, including Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace.

Inside, the JW Marriott — the former home of the dukes of Westminster and Gloucester — delivers a classic hotel aesthetic consistent with the JW brand, with plenty of dark wood accents contrasted with neutral hues, light marbles and floral prints evocative of Hyde Park at the cusp of spring or autumn.

Distinctly British dining experiences (such as afternoon tea and evening canapes) are available to guests who have executive lounge access, and the nod to traditional hotel experiences continues at the JW Steakhouse, which sets the tone with dark wood paneling, cast-iron crockery and black-and-white photographs.

Or, enjoy live piano music while tucking into afternoon tea (open-face sandwiches with smoked Scottish salmon, buttermilk scones, treacles, tarts and lemon possets) at The Park Room, which has an English home aesthetic elevated by white tablecloths and jewel-tone velvet booths.

Rates at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House start at 281 British pounds ($359) or 59,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. 

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Playing on the area’s affinity for street art, the Andaz London Liverpool Street, which has undergone a series of renovations and refreshes, brings splashes of color and saturated velvet furnishings to this Liverpool Street mainstay (it’s been a hotel since the Great Eastern Hotel opened in this red-brick landmark in 1884).

Director of Content Summer Hull says “It feels vibrant and alive without being forced. The small touches, such as the included minibar drinks and snacks and evening happy hours, are value-add touches that make you feel welcome and at home as a guest.”

The lobby has a distinct sense of movement, home to a funky bar with steamer trunks, exposed brick and gleaming gold accents.

The artistic flourishes continue in the guest rooms, where you might find the modern furniture accented by pops of fuchsia. Whether you book an entry-level room or one of the designer suites, expect amenities such as Nespresso machines, yukata robes and the brand’s signature complimentary minibars.

When it’s time to eat, head to Lady Abercorn’s for a whimsical British pub experience, including dishes like Punjabi mutton curry, bangers and mash with sage-and-onion gravy and — what else —  fish and chips with tartar sauce and minted peas.

Rates at the Andaz London Liverpool Street start at 212 British pounds ($217) or 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night. 

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Nothing short of a London legend, this renowned art deco hotel is often hailed as the first luxury hotel in England. Even its bars and restaurants are attractions in their own right, such as the Thames Foyer, with its gazebo at the center where pianists might play tunes while guests sip tea beneath the atrium’s glass dome.

Or perhaps you’ve seen images of the black-and-gold Beaufort Bar, which serves vintage Champagnes to well-heeled guests, or the glitzy American Bar, where travelers tipple vintage cocktails while listening to live jazz.

When it’s time to bed down, choose from Edwardian or art deco-inspired rooms, most of which offer views of the River Thames or the city. Best of all, you can now use Accor points to offset the cost of a stay at this Fairmont-managed hotel — and don’t forget that Capital One miles transfer to ALL — Accor Live Limitless.

Rates at The Savoy start at 633 British pounds ($809) per night.  

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Having served such esteemed guests as Napoleon III and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle since opening its doors in the 19th century, it’s no surprise this luxury hotel has such an impressive reputation.

Today, The Langham continues to exude British elegance, with upholstered headboards, elegant wood furnishings and wainscoting in the accommodations.

Splurge on an executive room or suite for access to the hotel’s club, where you can sip glasses of Taittinger Champagne while nibbling on canapes designed by chef Michel Roux Jr., of London’s two-Michelin-starred Le Gavroche.

Of course, you can always visit the Langham’s other celebrated dining and drinking venues, including Artesian, with Japanese influences in the pagoda-inspired bar and on the menu. Afternoon tea in the spectacular Palm Court is a particularly decadent and quintessentially British delight.

Check out the Langham’s fitness and wellness offerings, including the 16-meter swimming pool in a former bank vault.

Rates at The Langham, London start at 467 British pounds ($597) per night. 

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Another art deco landmark with a litany of celebrities and heads of state in its guest book (among them Audrey Hepburn, Queen Victoria and Kate Moss), Claridge’s doesn’t refresh its interiors with every passing design trend.

Instead, one of London’s most iconic hotels stays true to its roots with decor such as lacquered wood headboards, shagreen lamps, a cozy neutral palette and thoughtfully appointed marble bathrooms you won’t want to leave, thanks to Toto water closets, the brand’s namesake products and heated mirrors (so you’ll never lose your reflection in the steam).

Beneath a 1930s Rene Lalique glass panel, you can elbow up to the black-marble horseshoe bar at The Fumoir, which specializes in vintage spirits served from Lalique decanters. Or, retreat to The Painter’s Room, a study in Provencal style marked by a stained-glass mirror and a striking blush-colored marble bar that opened to much-deserved fanfare in 2021.

Rates at Claridge’s start at 774 British pounds ($990) per night. 

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The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park straddles London’s Knightsbridge and Hyde Park neighborhoods, placing travelers at the nexus of London’s poshest addresses.

While here, take advantage of the hotel’s celebrated culinary program, including Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, which has two Michelin stars. Here, Blumenthal plays with historic British dishes, such as scallop frumenty (circa 1390) and powdered duck breast (circa 1670), with blackberry tarts (circa 1800) and brown bread ice cream (circa 1808) leading the dessert menu.

There’s also The Aubrey, an outpost of Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong’s Japanese izakaya experience that’s sure to delight frequent jet-setters, the jewel box-like Rosebery (for afternoon tea and Champagne cocktails) and the namesake Mandarin Bar, anchored by a catwalk-style bar and filled with eye-catching design elements by Adam D. Tihany.

Designer Joyce Wang led the guest room refresh, incorporating Hyde Park-inspired natural elements and art deco flourishes such as custom onyx chandeliers, leather-topped desks and Volakas marble bathrooms stocked with Diptyque products.

Rates at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park start at 782 British pounds ($1,000) per night. 

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For travelers who crave color, texture and individuality, few hotels compete with Ham Yard Hotel, a Soho property from Firmdale Hotels that turns a hand-crafted aesthetic into unquestionable luxury.

The 91 rooms and suites were individually designed by Kit Kemp and channel an “urban village” vibe through an array of patterns and prints — expect a riot of seersucker or chevron, ikats or florals, jacquard or stripes. All rooms, though, have expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and granite bathrooms with oak accents.

The carefully orchestrated cacophony of color and texture continues in the public spaces and restaurant, Ham Yard Bar & Restaurant, where travelers might sample a smoked haddock Scotch egg with butter crab curry or share a juicy chateaubriand with friends. If you’re treated to a sunny London day, dine in the heated courtyard.

Or, head to the fourth-floor roof garden, where you might spot the herbs and vegetables that will season your dinner. Other unusual amenities and facilities include the Croc bowling alley, which dates to the 1950s and will make you forget every preconceived notion you have about bowling with its Howard Hodgkin artworks and silver baby grand piano.

Rates at the Ham Yard Hotel start at 473 British pounds ($605) per night.

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If you remember seeing The Ritz in “Notting Hill” starring Julia Roberts, you’ll recall the hotel has main character energy.

With its Michelin stars, majestic marble columns, gilded chandeliers and museumworthy frescoes, the eponymous restaurant is one of the many alluring amenities at The Ritz London. Here, you reserve dinner dances led by full bands that hark back to a simpler era.

Lean into the over-the-top luxury by reserving a spot for afternoon tea in the hotel’s former ballroom to sample teas curated by tea master Giandomenico Scanu and nibble on tiered towers of pastries and cakes.

The rooms are designed with the sort of romantic aesthetic you’d expect to find in the manor of a duchess — marble bathrooms, monogrammed linens and gold-and-marble mantles. You might find a television tucked in the corner, but guest rooms and suites at the Ritz are meant to evoke far less modern moments in London.

Rates at The Ritz London start at 743 British pounds ($950) per night. 

Related: London hotels used by actual royalty

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The former Curtain boutique hotel had a brief stint under Accor’s Mondrian brand, and in August 2024 rebranded again as the first Virgin Hotels property in London. The 120-room hotel is an unfussy retreat with small rooms, reasonable rates and smart design touches, such as retro Marshall radios and cozy leather sofas.

Guests love the marble showers, which double as steam rooms, and the design details that nod to the neighborhood (exposed brick, Studio Graphite artworks).

Senior writer Ben Smithson describes the refurbishment as having been “completed meticulously and balances the classic luxury and amenities you would expect from a five-star hotel with a vibe unstuffy enough to draw in the young creatives who frequent the area, as well as visitors looking for a London experience beyond the normal tourist spots.”

When it’s time to eat and drink, head to Marlin’s for Mediterranean-influenced cuisine like grilled artichokes or wagyu risotto anytime of year, thanks to the retractable glass roof, or dip down to Bibo for tapas created by chef Dani Garcia of Michelin acclaim. Save room for sweets: a chocolate mousse for two and a glass of Pedro Ximenez dessert wine.

One of the most-loved amenities is the beautiful (albeit tiny) mosaic-bottomed heated swimming pool on the roof, which guests can access until midday. There’s also an elegant fitness center reminiscent of old-school athletic clubs with Technogym equipment and Peloton bikes.

Rates at the Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch start at 271 British pounds ($317) per night. 

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Warm, welcoming and modern accommodations capture both the spirit of 21st-century London and the Four Seasons brand — particularly if you book a room with a terrace or a suite with a fireplace.

It’s all about the amenities at the 196-key Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, including the private chauffeured ride in a Bentley anywhere within 2 miles of the hotel, plus twice-daily housekeeping when many hotels are doing away with the service altogether.

You can even sightsee while squeezing in your workout on the 10th-floor gym, which offers views of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye observation wheel in the distance, or while waiting for your massage at the rooftop spa.

Rates at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane start at 608 British pounds ($780) per night. 

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With an exterior harking back to the hotel’s origin as a duo of houses belonging to the Duke of Westminster, you might not expect the organic blend of classic design with contemporary lines.

Even the most basic rooms have curvaceous dark-wood writing desks and soothing color schemes, as well as marble bathrooms with bathtub televisions for late-night soaks with your favorite show. The modern amenities continue with Dyson hair dryers and Bang & Olufsen speakers.

But it’s the food and beverage program that lands The Connaught on best-of lists time and time again. The Connaught Grill is now helmed by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and the only thing more impressive than the exquisite woodwork is the parade of dishes coming from the wood-burning grill.

There’s also the colorful, light-filled Jean-Georges at The Connaught (perfect for people watching) and gauzy Red Room, which appears like a reverie behind a velvet curtain separating it from the Champagne Room.

Of course, guests can also book a table at Helene Darroze at The Connaught, the hotel’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant with sumptuous leathers, velvets, hand-crafted wood furnishings and seasonal tasting menus.

Rates at The Connaught start at 700 British pounds ($897) per night. 

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While West London is a solid destination choice for first-time visitors, there are many attractions in the east of London, too.

InterContinental London — The O2 enjoys stunning views of the River Thames and overlooks the 20,000-seat O2 arena, one of the United Kingdom’s largest indoor spaces with past performances from the likes of Adele, The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Beyonce and Bon Jovi. Nearby, you’ll find the IFS Cloud Cable Car, the ExCeL London convention and exhibition space, and London City Airport (LCY), which is much closer to Central London than Heathrow Airport (LHR). Many major financial institutions are also headquartered at Canary Wharf, a stone’s throw from this hotel.

Rooms feature plenty of natural light thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, and the granite bathrooms have a separate bathtub and walk-in shower, and signature Agraria toiletries.

Dining options include Kinaara, the hotel’s award-winning Indian fine-dining restaurant, with options like Keralan crispy duck with tamarind, Indian Ocean king prawns with black garlic chutney and fiery lamb curry simmered in cipollini onions, perfect for an early dinner before a show at the O2. The hotel’s Meridian Lounge serves quintessentially British afternoon tea and hand-crafted cocktails.

Rates at InterContinental London — The O2 start at 155 British pounds ($198) or 48,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

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Rooms at this Rocco Forte hotel are whimsical and eclectic; no two are exactly the same, though they all mix subtle patterns and textures to great effect.

Like the rooms, the restaurants at Brown’s effortlessly blend classic ingredients and style with contemporary, eccentric flourishes.

Charlie’s, helmed by executive chef Adam Byatt, serves British dishes from silver trolleys beneath coffered ceilings while gleaming wood walls and illustrative wallpaper with botanicals and birds give the space personality and warmth. At The Drawing Room, which employs similar design duologies, guests can enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea.

Brown’s Hotel is also a popular pick for families with young children who don’t want to sacrifice an iota of luxury: Easy-to-book interconnecting rooms and family suites afford families generous floor plans and amenities that will keep the little ones entertained.

With the Rocco Forte Kids program, you might find a stylish play tent set up in your room or suite upon arrival, plus a host of treats and extras specifically for the youngest members of your family (including Albemarle, an oak-wood monkey toy to play with for the duration of the stay).

Rates at Brown’s Hotel start at 633 British pounds (about $811) per night. 

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Unmistakable vestiges of designer Ian Schrager are all over The London Edition, from the walnut wood-paneled walls and faux fur throws in the rooms to the members club-inspired Punch Room with a wide-ranging sonic landscape that, occasionally, includes live music.

“If you are looking for a central London hotel with a low-key but fabulous vibe and an over-the-top lobby, The London Edition is the property for you” says Managing Editor Clint Henderson.

But you won’t mistake The London Edition for a night at New York’s bygone Studio 54. This hotel is decidedly British — particularly Berners Tavern, the moody restaurant with hundreds of framed photographs and paintings on the walls and an ornately carved plaster ceiling. Grab a seat at the pewter-topped bar for cocktails worth crossing the Atlantic for.

Rates at The London Edition start at 322 British pounds ($413) or 77,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. 

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Presiding over Hyde Park is The Dorchester, a hotel dating back to 1931 that is preparing to emerge from a significant renovation.

Light, airy design elements are emphasized throughout the rooms, suites and public areas, nodding to the city’s lush parks (think: dusty rose, pale sage and heather blue), bringing brightness and femininity into the historic property.

Guests will discover entirely new spaces, too, including a flower and pastry shop showcasing the talents of in-house florist Philip Hammond and pastry chef Michael Kwan. There’s also a new contemporary art collection to explore and Vesper Bar, a glowing, glamorous space that replaces the former watering hole known as The Bar.

Not all of The Dorchester’s well-loved institutions are being overhauled or replaced, however. Travelers can still book a table at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, which maintains three Michelin stars.

China Tang continues to serve traditional dim sum in a dazzling art deco space with Eastern influences. Chef Tom Booton, known for kick-starting his culinary career at 15, is the youngest-ever chef of the revamped The Grill.

Rates at The Dorchester start at 604 British pounds ($774) per night. 

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If you’re familiar with Dukes, you might be an Ian Fleming fan — or a diehard anglophile. Either way, this elegant property in quiet St. James’s is all about the details. Marble bathrooms are stocked with fragrant Penhaligon’s toiletries; most have deep soaking tubs.

At the historic Dukes Bar, you can sip world-famous martinis poured tableside while waiting for a Bond villain to amble over to one of the deep-blue velvet club chairs. All-day dining is served at GBR — Great British Restaurant — a beautifully mirrored space serving a variety of steaks, Yorkshire chicken, Cumbrian lamb neck and more.

But for many travelers, the hotel’s quiet address in Mayfair truly sets it apart — a timeless retreat you can adjourn to beneath a Union Jack flag for a final martini before drifting back to your guest room or suite.

Rates at Dukes London start at 245 British pounds ($314) per night. 

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Housed in a former — you guessed it — fire station, this hotel is the brainchild of celebrated hotelier Andre Balazs. Even though it opened in 2014, the hard-to-book tables at its eponymous restaurant and limited room count ensure the hotel is still one of the hottest spots in London.

Also keeping the heat level high are its en suite gas fireplaces (most rooms have them) and heated bathroom floors. Cozy corner banquettes and armchairs in the room are upstaged only by the gleaming mahogany-paneled headboards.

But since the hotel holds tables specifically for its guests, you won’t want to waste too much time sitting around your room. Despite the price tag and the acclaim, trust us and order the black truffle wood-fired pizza with blue cheese, taleggio, Parmesan and pecorino, plus the rib-eye steak.

Rates at Chiltern Firehouse start at 651 British pounds ($833) per night.

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Since its debut in 2021, the NoMad London has caught the attention of hotel industry insiders and travelers with its striking public spaces — particularly the eponymous restaurant housed in a multistory glass atrium.

The answer to the chartreuse-hued banquettes and cascading foliage in the conservatory-style restaurant is the deep red velvet-and-leather boudoir-inspired library replete with highbrow texts that nod to the transatlantic love affair between New York City and London.

The frenzy of opulent design decisions continues in the guest rooms, where glittering mosaic-tiled bathrooms with gold fixtures complement the embossed leather headboards and damask-print textiles.

For drinks, head to Side Hustle, where Mexican-influenced cocktails and plates take center stage. Don’t miss the tequila mai tais served in skulls and topped with crowns of pineapple leaves and citrus slices.

Rates at the NoMad London start at 320 British pounds ($410) per night. 

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Occupying 18 floors of the Shard, the tallest building in Western Europe, is Shangri-La The Shard — an ultramodern hotel infused with the brand’s distinctly Asian heritage.

Expect Shangri-La’s renowned hospitality and flourishes, such as walls embossed with patterns of cherry blossom branches, in-room tea sets and a food and beverage program specializing in cuisines and flavors found across Asia.

With one of the highest swimming pools in Europe (the infinity-edge Sky Pool on the 52nd floor), the restaurant Aqua Shard on the 31st floor and Gong, also on the 52nd floor, views are everything at this Shangri-La hotel.

After taking in endless vistas of Tower Bridge and other attractions along the southern bank of the River Thames, consider a stroll around the neighborhood or retreat to the spa for a treatment from Neal’s Yard Remedies.

Rates at Shangri-La The Shard start at 531 British pounds ($680) per night. 

Related reading:

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• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• A comparison of luxury hotel programs from credit card issuers
• The best hotel rewards programs in the world

You may associate the word “cruising” with short jaunts to the Bahamas or Mexico. On those cruises, a lot of the experience is about the onboard fun, and some passengers never even leave the boat.

But if those typical short cruises out of Florida aren’t necessarily your kind of thing and you are planning a trip with kids, there’s a very different type of experience available in Europe that is worth considering.

I’ve been traveling to Europe with kids from when they were crawling to now, with one on the cusp of high school. On those trips, we’ve stayed in traditional hotels, apartments and even in a dome above the Arctic Circle. While all of the trips were magical in their own ways, our most recent almost-two-week European trip included five nights on a cruise, and this may now be my favorite way to experience Europe with kids.

Here’s why cruising to Europe with kids during your European vacation might be an even better trip than staying in hotels on dry land.

Related: Best European cruises: Ships that stand out across the pond

Occupancy limits

First and perhaps most importantly, booking traditional hotels might frustrate you quite quickly when you’re in Europe with a family.

Most of the time, you’ll find that standard hotel rooms have an occupancy limit of two people per room — three if you’re really lucky. Outside of some airport hotels and pricier family-specific rooms, you’ll almost never be able to sleep four to a room in Europe due to occupancy limits.

So, for example, if you have a family of four, you’ll often have to book two rooms — and whether you’re paying with cash or points, that adds up quickly. (You can inquire about family plan rooms where the second room is at a discount, but even that can be hit and miss.)

If you choose the apartment or home rental route, there are other issues to consider, such as evolving laws and sentiments related to using vacation rental companies such as Airbnb, which residents often feel contribute to local housing crises.

However, if you opt instead to sleep aboard a cruise ship in Europe, you can easily find rooms built for four or even five. For example, we recently sailed in Europe on Disney Dream and it has standard cabins bookable for up to five people.

Related: Beware occupancy limits: How to save money when booking hotels for a family trip to Europe and beyond

Familiar foods when you want them

While eating and experiencing different kinds of cuisine is a big, fun part of exploring Europe for adults, that may not be the case for children. Not every kid is ready to scour a new menu, in potentially another language, for each and every meal.

When we travel, it can be tough to keep one of my kids fed since she struggles with eating unfamiliar food (though not for lack of trying). So, a cruise is a great option for our family. We can go ashore for a local lunch and then return to the ship at night for some easy comfort food.

For example, a few culinary highlights (for me) on our trip included lunch on a Tuscan farm featuring cheese, truffle honey and oil-dipped bread, and a paella in Barcelona.

As excited as I was about those dishes, my 8-year-old was equally thrilled to see some familiar favorites back on board. In other words, it was a win for all involved.

Related: The best European destinations for families

See a lot without working hard for it

Traveling through Europe with kids is amazing, but it’s also work. There’s packing up, dealing with checking in and out, making sure you didn’t forget that charger or stuffed animal, hauling everyone’s bags to the train station or airport, unpacking, restocking the fridge, and on and on — all of that can get old quickly.

Conversely, if you are cruising Europe with kids (at least for a portion of your trip), there will be no packing or unpacking to deal with during that part of your journey. Simply drift away to sleep at night after sailing out of, say, Barcelona and wake up in Livorno, Italy, just a short drive from Pisa, while leaving the “work” of getting there to the ship. You get somewhere new to explore virtually every day without worrying about the logistics of getting there.

Not only do you have the option of some of the larger ships on lines such as Royal Caribbean and Disney available in Europe, but there are even some river cruises that are family-friendly, such as the Adventures by Disney river cruises, which opens up all kinds of additional ports and destinations.

By sailing from port to port, you can get a taste of an area without committing to multiple days there. The worst-case scenario with less time in each destination means that you may fall in love with a place and want more time. But then, you can always plan another trip there in the future.

All that said, it is worth noting that when you cruise in the Mediterranean, some of the frequently used ports are quite a distance from the major cities you’ll likely want to experience. For example, the port used to visit Rome, Civitavecchia, is about an 80-minute bus ride from the Eternal City itself. The considerable distance between the port and Rome can lead to early mornings, long days and tired kids. In our case, we used our time on the bus to take some power naps and keep everyone happy.

Something for everyone

In my opinion, if you’re going to Europe, you should do things that you can only do in Europe. That might mean walking through the Roman Forum, seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa or dancing under the Eiffel Tower in Paris. And often, if you are traveling as a family, you will be doing those things as a family.

However, there may be times when some family members don’t want to do things at the same time as everyone else for days on end.

Maybe you want to enjoy some jazzy piano tunes and a quiet drink at a bar while your tween wants to play basketball with their friends and your partner wants to go for a swim. After returning from a day out and about onshore, everyone can return to the ship in the evening to do exactly what they want to do when they want to.

A little time (slightly) apart can be a fantastic way to reset so you’re ready to enjoy more experiences together the next day.

Related: How Disney makes cruising Europe easy for families

Cool off easily

A lot of Europe is quite warm in the summer — hot, actually. When we visited Rome in mid-July, temperatures clocked in at 100 degrees, and it felt even hotter than that.

In much of Europe, widespread air conditioning and swimming pools are few and far between, so it can be tough to cool off between adventures. However, if you stay on a large cruise ship, you will have access to not only some pretty great air conditioning (which means a whole lot, especially in southern Europe) but also pools, waterslides and plenty of ways to cool off.

Readily available ‘easy button’

Just before boarding our most recent cruise, the kids needed something familiar for dinner on our fourth night in Barcelona. So, since I had spotted a global pizza chain across the road from our hotel that night, I fired up Google Translate, went online and ordered some pizza. It wasn’t fancy, but I hoped it would be easy and affordable.

When I walked across the street to pick the order up, there was no pizza. There was no record of the order despite my email confirmation number. My Spanish and their English weren’t meeting in the middle enough for anyone to understand the problem — or solve it. Magically, after an hour or so of confusion and two trips into the store, my order eventually appeared, but it’s a good example of how sometimes the “easy button” can be hard to find abroad when you’re doing it yourself.

On the ship, when we wanted a pizza after a long day exploring Rome, we simply walked up to the top deck and got it.

While each ship is different, some other amenities of a large ship that may make your life easier include a way to do laundry, really good air conditioning waiting for you, onboard medical assistance if someone in the group is unwell, and easily accessible staff members that speak your language in case you have questions or are in need of recommendations.

You may not need those conveniences, but knowing they are there can take away some of those stresses you may have in the back of your mind.

Related: I just flew these 2 kid-friendly international airlines — here’s what US airlines could learn from them

Combine time at sea with time on land

Of course, if you do head to Europe for a family cruise, then you might as well go a little deeper and at least explore the city you’re departing from. If you have time, you can even tack on more time in the city that your cruise will end in, too. That means you can get the best of all worlds: You can enjoy all the conveniences and made-for-kids entertainment available on the ship and have time to really explore Europe on your own, too.

For us, that meant spending more time in Barcelona at the beginning of our cruise. We had plenty of time to walk the Gothic streets; shop; feast on Iberian ham, paella and gelato; enjoy an evening stroll in Park Guell; and, of course, visit the Sagrada Familia, among other things.

After the cruise disembarked in Barcelona, we took a train to Paris and spent several nights exploring there, too.

In both of those locations, we were often shelling out for multiple rooms each night, grateful for the easy days in the middle of the trip that we’d spent on the ship and — every now and then — really missing the familiar food waiting on the ship and the fun (and friends) readily available in the kids and teens clubs.

Pro tip: Some European cruises start in one port and end in another, which is an even easier way to make the most of your time in two different cities.

Bottom line

If you’re nervous about navigating Europe with kids, first know that it is absolutely doable. But having tried multiple methods, I would highly recommend considering a cruise as an easy introduction to Europe.

You can visit various cities, see impressive sights and do it all with the familiar home base of your cruise ship waiting for you each night. Or, do what we did and combine some days on your own, exploring by land, and some days aboard a cruise with a captain at the wheel. That way, you can see more places than you otherwise would, and everyone can take a bit of a break and wake up in a new port to have as busy or lazy of a day as their heart desires.

As for my family, I now have my eye on a Northern Europe cruise, where we could perhaps experience places like Ireland, Norway, Iceland or even Greenland — it’s an experience that would be tough to replicate solely traveling by land and air.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• 8 cabin locations on cruise ships you should definitely avoid
  
• Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• Which cruise brand is best for you? A guide to the most popular lines
  
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise
  
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin
  

Monos is the number one suitcase brand we recommend, but Samsonite is the most popular luggage manufacturer in the world. Ultimately, which brand to choose depends on how you travel and what you prioritize.

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

Great news for Hilton loyalists: Hilton Honors has extended its 100% bonus when you buy points. From now until Sept. 24, you can get double the points for the same price.

Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable stay at one of the best Hilton hotels in the world or one of the best Hilton hotels on the beach, this promotion could help you reach your dream redemption faster.

Related: Ways to redeem Hilton Honors points

Current Hilton promotion for buying points

You can receive a 100% bonus during this promotion when you purchase at least 5,000 points. (Note that this promotion may be targeted, and your point threshold may be lower or higher.) You can buy a maximum of 235,000 points during this promotion; with the bonus, this would give you a total of 470,000 points. You must buy points in increments of 1,000.

No matter how many points you buy, they’ll cost a flat rate of 0.5 cents each during this promotion.

Head to Hilton’s website to buy Honors points during this promotion. If you are not a Hilton member, you can sign up, but you must wait between 30 and 90 days before you can purchase points.

Hilton’s terms and conditions state:

“A new Hilton Honors Member may purchase Points 30 days after enrollment if the account reflects activity including a stay (as defined herein) or earning Hilton Honors Points through a Hilton Honors Marketing Partner. After 90 days of enrollment, a new Member is eligible to purchase Points regardless of their account activity.”

Related: The best Hilton hotels in the U.S., from luxury to budget stays

Should you buy Hilton points during this promotion?

Typically, Hilton sells points for 1 cent each. However, this bonus allows you to snag them for just 0.5 cents apiece — below TPG’s August 2024 valuation of Hilton points at 0.6 cents each. Half a cent per point is usually the lowest rate at which Hilton will sell its points.

We often advise buying points only when you have a specific redemption in mind. For example, if you already have 100,000 Hilton Honors points but need 250,000 for a specific award stay, utilizing this promotion to buy 150,000 points would let you book your vacation now.

Even if you don’t already have a redemption in mind, buying points during promotions like these can be a great way to save money at high-cost Hilton hotels like the Conrad Bora Bora Nui and the Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa. For example, cash rates at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui can easily range from $1,000 to $2,000 (or more) per night. However, if you can find rooms available for 120,000 Hilton Honors points per night, you’ll effectively pay $600 per night if you buy the points at half a cent each.

If you fancy something more unusual, remember that Small Luxury Hotels of the World recently joined the Hilton Honors program, offering hundreds of boutique properties worldwide.

For example, you could book SLH’s The Stavrand Russian River Valley in Guerneville, California, for $685 per night as a Hilton Honors member. Alternatively, you could purchase 90,000 points for $450 with this promotion and book a standard room reward night, saving $235 per night in the process.

Promotions for buying points can also be helpful at less expensive Hilton hotels. Sometimes, hotels will have inflated cash prices, but they can be affordable when redeeming points.

Best of all, Hilton elite members can get a fifth night free on award stays. If you stay for at least five nights, this can help you stretch the value of your points.

Related: A glamping getaway you can book with Hilton Honors points

Other ways to earn Hilton points

If you need to earn more Hilton points for an upcoming redemption, you might want to start spending more on your Hilton Honors card or add a new Hilton card to your wallet. Current Hilton Honors American Express offers include:

• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
• Hilton Honors American Express Card: Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
• The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Earn 130,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the card within your first six months of card membership.

The information for the Hilton Amex Aspire has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

You can also transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to Hilton Honors at a 1:2 ratio. We recommend doing this only to top off your account since there are usually higher-value uses for your Amex Membership Rewards points.

Related: Which credit card should you use for Hilton stays?

Bottom line

When buying Hilton points, Points.com processes the transaction, so a travel rewards card won’t earn bonus points on the purchase. You’ll want to use an everyday spending card like the Chase Freedom Unlimited® or the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card to maximize your earnings on your points purchase.

Remember, this is a limited-time promotion that ends Sept. 24. So, if you’d like to buy Hilton points with a 100% bonus, now’s the time to start planning those redemptions.

From assigned seats to red-eye flights, it’s a time of big changes at Southwest Airlines — and this week has brought another.

Travel search site Kayak now displays Southwest fares, the company announced Monday. This allows users to compare prices and itinerary options directly with those of other airlines.

It’s a major shift. Historically, Southwest has not allowed third-party companies to display its schedule and fare data.

Want more airline-specific news? Sign up for TPG’s free biweekly Aviation newsletter.

That has started to change in recent months, though.

In May, TPG reported Southwest fares began displaying on Google Flights, boosting flight comparison options for users.

And on Monday, Kayak joined the short list of companies that can display Southwest’s data.

A quick flight search confirms the change: You can see Southwest options pop up in search results for an October flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Southwest hub Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). It includes both the carrier’s Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares.

You can’t book directly on Kayak’s website. Once you find the Southwest itinerary you want, you can click and be transferred to the carrier’s website for a direct booking. This is part of what Southwest is calling a pilot partnership.

“This is a great development for travelers,” Kayak CEO Steve Hafner said in a statement Monday. “We first started showing Southwest in 2022 to Kayak for Business customers. We’re thrilled to expand that relationship to the millions of leisure travelers who use Kayak.”

Value check: Are airline credit cards worth it anymore?

Major changes at Southwest

Allowing Kayak to display its fare data is the latest in a series of recent moves that amount to something of a transformation at Southwest, amid lagging financial performance in recent quarters.

On the company’s July 25 earnings call, chief commercial officer Andrew Watterson cited its recent entry onto Google Flights, among “some of our other customer acquisition activities,” as key in trying to fill more of its aircraft with passengers.

That same day, Southwest announced additional efforts to boost revenue, including ditching its longtime open-seating setup and adding extra-legroom options. It also revealed it would boost utilization of its jets through red-eye flights.

Of the expansion to Kayak, the airline said that it’s hoping to offer customers “enhanced visibility” into its available fares and flight options.

“We’re excited to continue finding ways to expose more consumers to the appeal of our unique combination of value, friendly and flexible policies, and breadth of flight service,” Southwest said in a statement to TPG Monday.

The airline did not give any indication as to whether it plans to let additional third-party sites display its flight information in the near future.

Read more: The best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare in 2024

Easier ways to search for flights

Southwest joining Google Flights and Kayak is among the handful of recent changes in the U.S. airline industry that are making it simpler for customers to compare flight prices across a wide range of airlines.

In recent months, budget airlines Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines have both announced shifts in how they display fares and add-on charges. Each now plans to offer four distinct ticket types, or bundles, upfront — with product offerings ranging from basic and unbundled to premium.

It’s a four-tiered setup that’s ostensibly far more similar to the pricing buckets offered by the larger network airlines.

That, plus Southwest’s fares showing up in more places, should give travelers a better apples-to-apples glimpse at their flight options when deciding on the best airline and itinerary.

Related reading:

• Your complete guide to maximizing Southwest Rapid Rewards
• The best Southwest Airlines credit cards
• How to quickly earn the Southwest Companion Pass
• What is Southwest Airlines elite status worth?
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• How to change or cancel a Southwest Airlines flight

Lane Bryant Credit Card overview

The Lane Bryant Credit Card is yet another store-issued credit card that offers a modicum of value for brand loyalists and not much else. It features some decent rewards for those who spend a lot at Lane Bryant but extremely limited value for everyone else. Card rating*: ⭐⭐

*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

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The Lane Bryant card has no annual fee, and TPG recommends a credit score of 670 or higher for the best chance of approval.

You’ll also want to remember that this card can only be used at Lane Bryant-branded locations — meaning Lane Bryant stores, lanebryant.com and Cacique.

Let’s break down this card’s perks and benefits to help you decide if it’s a good fit for you.

The information for the Lane Bryant Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Lane Bryant Credit Card pros and cons

Pros	Cons
No annual fee Earn points on all purchases Birthday offer and expanded return window	Most perks also require a Lane Rewards membership Very limited earning and redemption options Rewards aren’t worth much when compared to major issuers’ points and miles

Related: How to choose a cash-back credit card

Lane Bryant Credit Card welcome offer

The welcome offer on the Lane Bryant card is rather uninspiring: You’ll get $20 off your first purchase when you open and use your Lane Bryant card on the same day.

Even aside from its paltry value, this offer is restrictive. You’ll have to use your new card on the same day to qualify for your $20 reward.

Still, many store cards don’t offer a welcome bonus, so the Lane Bryant card is a little ahead here in comparison.

Related: This month’s best welcome offers

Lane Bryant Credit Card benefits

If you have this card alongside a Lane Rewards membership, you can earn a few perks that offer some value for Lane Bryant loyalists.

You’ll get a $10 reward for every 3,000 points you accumulate (more on earning points later). You’ll also enjoy an extended window for returns, a special birthday reward offer and free standard shipping on qualifying online purchases of $75 or more.

That’s not a long list of perks, but since this card has no annual fee, it can add a bit of value to your next Lane Bryant trip. It’s worth noting, however, that you can get most of these perks through a Lane Rewards membership on its own, so the Lane Bryant card isn’t making a compelling case for itself here.

Related: Credit card perks and benefits you should be using

Earning points on the Lane Bryant Credit Card

As mentioned, this card is tied to your Lane Rewards membership, meaning you’ll have to have one to earn and redeem rewards. All Lane Bryant cardholders earn an extra 5 points per dollar spent on top of their tiered rewards. Here’s how the rewards system breaks down:

Lane Rewards status	Annual spending requirement	Rewards earned
Silver	$0	15 points per dollar
Gold	$350	20 points per dollar
Platinum	$800	25 points per dollar

You must use your Lane Bryant card to make all of your purchases to earn maximum points per dollar spent.

A baseline of 15 points per dollar on your purchases might sound lucrative, but as you’ll see, it’s more difficult than you might want it to be to squeeze value out of those rewards.

Related: Maximize your earnings this year

Redeeming points on the Lane Bryant Credit Card

For every 3,000 points earned on the Lane Bryant card, you’ll get $10 back in rewards. Therefore, points earned on this card are worth a paltry 0.3 cents apiece. Of course, cardholders can only redeem their rewards at Lane Bryant locations.

That means Lane Rewards Silver members will essentially earn around 4.5% back on their purchases, Lane Rewards Gold members 6% back and Lane Rewards Platinum members 7.5% back.

Those rewards rates look nice on paper, but unless you spend a lot with Lane Bryant every year, you’re better off with a general cash-back or travel rewards card.

Related: What is a rewards credit card, and how does it work?

Which cards compete with the Lane Bryant Credit Card?

You should consider a different card if you don’t spend frequently and exorbitantly at Lane Bryant. Here are three options to consider:

• If you want solid earnings on all your purchases: The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) earns 2% back on all purchases (1% when you make a purchase and 1% when you pay it off). With it, you won’t have to worry about whether you’re shopping at the right place to get your best earnings. To learn more, check out our full review of the Citi Double Cash.
• If you spend lots at Amazon: The Prime Visa earns 5% back on Amazon, Whole Foods Market and Chase Travel℠ purchases; 2% back at restaurants, at gas stations, and on local transit and commuting (including ride-hailing); and 1% back on all other purchases. Prime Visa cardholders can also earn 10% or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on amazon.com. To learn more, check out our full review of the Prime Visa.
• If you want to earn 5% at multiple merchants: The Chase Freedom Flex® earns 5% back on quarterly rotating categories, such as grocery stores, gyms and even Target, giving you a wider range of opportunities to maximize your cash back (on up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter you activate). It also earns 5% back on Chase Travel, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% on all other purchases. To learn more, check out our full review of the Chase Freedom Flex.

For additional options, check out our full list of the best store credit cards and best cash-back cards.

Related: Store vs. cash-back cards: Which one should I get? 

Is the Lane Bryant Credit Card worth it?

The Lane Bryant Credit Card offers some decent earning rates for Lane Bryant loyalists, but if that isn’t you, you’re better off with a general cash-back or travel rewards card. On the other hand, if you’re planning a Lane Bryant shopping spree or two and want to earn some brand-specific rewards for no annual fee, it might be worth checking out.

Related: How to choose the best credit card for you

Bottom line

The Lane Bryant card is a strong option for regular Lane Bryant shoppers who want a simple escalating rewards structure. But given its limited earning and redemption potential, you’re almost always better off opening a general no-annual-fee cash-back or travel card instead.

Related: Why store credit cards are (almost) always a bad idea

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

I stayed at the Hyatt House Johannesburg Sandton in South Africa shortly after it opened in 2021. When I checked my account activity after my stay, I noticed an “opening bonus” of 2,000 points. Then, I remembered that Hyatt offers 500 bonus points per night on qualifying stays at new hotels.

I unknowingly received the benefit since Hyatt doesn’t require members to register for this promotion. Perhaps you, too, have forgotten this promotion or never knew about it. In either case, here’s what you should know about World of Hyatt‘s new hotel promotion, which allows you to earn 500 bonus points per night.

How to earn 500 bonus Hyatt points per night

This promotion is simple: World of Hyatt members receive 500 bonus points per night for qualifying stays at select new-to-the-Hyatt-portfolio hotels. You must stay within a set time frame to earn the bonus points, typically in the first few months after the property opens. Specifically, you’ll only earn bonus points if your checkout date takes place within the offer period for your hotel.

To get the bonus points, you must provide your World of Hyatt number when you check in. You must also pay an eligible rate or redeem a Hyatt free night award (including redeeming Hyatt points). You’ll only earn bonus points for one room per night.

The terms of this promotion note that it may take three to four weeks for the bonus points to appear in your account. In practice, though, Hyatt typically posts the new hotel bonus with the other points you earned during your stay.

Related: The 23 best Hyatt hotels in the world

Eligible new Hyatt hotels

Hyatt’s website displays an updated list of participating properties. Here’s a quick overview of where you can currently earn 500 extra points per night.

4 hotels in North America

• Mazatlan, Mexico: Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlan Golf & Spa Resort from June 16 to Sept. 30
• Linthicum Heights, Maryland: Hyatt House BWI Airport / Baltimore from Aug. 6 to Nov. 30
• Reno, Nevada: Hyatt Place South Reno from Aug. 15 to Nov. 30
• Arden, North Carolina: Hyatt Place Asheville Airport from Aug. 29 to Nov. 30

6 hotels in China

• Nantong: Hyatt Place Nantong, Xinghu City Plaza from May 20 to Aug. 31
• Changsha: Park Hyatt Changsha from June 1 to Aug. 31
• Fuzhou: UrCove Pingtan Tannan Bay from July 1 to Sept. 30
• Weifang: UrCove Weifang City Center from July 12 to Oct. 31
• Kunming: Grand Hyatt Kunming from Aug. 6 to Nov. 30
• Lanzhou: UrCove Lanzhou Xiguan Cross Zhongshan Bridge from Aug. 7 to Nov. 30

6 hotels in other regions

• Taipei, Taiwan: Episode Daan Taipei from June 1 to Aug. 31
• Paracas, Peru: The Legend Paracas Resort from June 11 to Sept. 30
• Osaka, Japan: Caption by Hyatt Namba Osaka from June 12 to Sept. 30
• Marrakech, Morocco: Park Hyatt Marrakech from July 1 to Sept. 30
• Mainz, Germany: Brunfels Hotel from Aug. 19 to Nov. 30
• Rouen, France: Hyatt Place Rouen from Aug. 27 to Nov. 30

The 500 Hyatt points you’ll get per night when booking an eligible rate or free night are worth about $8.50, based on TPG’s August 2024 valuations. So, this promotion may be the tiebreaker when considering where to stay the next time you travel to a destination with a new Hyatt hotel.

Related: Here’s how to quickly stock up on Hyatt points for your next vacation

Bottom line

On top of earning 500 extra points per night, staying at a new Hyatt hotel can also be fun since you’ll likely get to stay in a room with new furnishings. However, new hotels may still be working through some issues, and not everything on-site may be completely functional.

The current list includes six Hyatt Category 1 hotels, four Category 2 hotels and one Category B all-inclusive resort. So, if you want to redeem World of Hyatt points for your stay, you can find many low-category options on the current list of new hotels.

Editor’s note: Singapore Airlines provided TPG with a complimentary round-trip flight to Singapore so that we could get an inside look at both the airline’s refreshed premium economy product and the new route. The opinions expressed below are entirely those of the author and weren’t subject to review by the airline or any external entity.

Quick take: One of the world’s leading airlines delivers an impressive step up from economy, but there is still some minor room for improvement.

Pros

• Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) remains a fantastic ground experience for passengers.
• The small and intimate cabin contains just 24 seats with wide seats and generous legroom.
• Champagne is available, and hearty meals are served on beautiful ceramic plates.

Cons

• Passengers don’t get predeparture drinks, and during the flight, drinks are offered in plastic and paper cups.
• There are no dedicated crew or bathrooms for premium economy.
• Cash prices are at least twice the price of economy.

Can one of the world’s best airlines deliver a premium economy that’s up to snuff?

Singapore Airlines is renowned around the globe for its passenger experience, from its award-winning hub at SIN to its talented cabin crew in their iconic sarong kebaya uniforms (introduced some 50 years ago). The airline has a widespread route network, including the world’s longest flight from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to SIN, as well as various fifth-freedom routes across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Growing up in Adelaide, South Australia, Singapore Airlines was one of the only international airlines flying to my hometown of around 1 million people.

I’ve flown Singapore Airlines more times than I can count since I was a kid, and so far, I’ve never had a bad flight with the storied carrier.

The airline recently upgraded its premium economy product to include enhanced dining and new amenity kits, investing in what has become an increasingly popular class of service. So, I decided to try the product on its new route from SIN to London Gatwick Airport (LGW) on its Airbus A350.

Here’s what the experience was like.

How to book premium economy on Singapore Airlines

Round-trip cash fares in Singapore Airlines’ premium economy product are usually at least twice — and sometimes as high as three times — the cost of regular economy. Business class is usually around twice the cost of premium economy.

Singapore Airlines’ new SQ312 service to LGW operates four days per week. Flights depart SIN Friday to Monday at 11:55 p.m. and arrive at LGW about 13 hours later at approximately 6:25 a.m. Flights going the other way depart LGW Saturday to Tuesday at 10:15 a.m., landing at SIN at around 6:20 a.m. the following day. (All times are local.)

The new LGW service complements the carrier’s existing four daily flights to London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR).

Here are the ranges of airfare and award redemptions I could find in all three cabins on this route over the next year.

Round-trip prices	Economy	Premium economy	Business class
Cash	$1,070 to $2,580	$2,860 to $4,140	$5,450 to $8,170
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles	84,000 miles plus $183	142,000 miles plus $338	207,000 miles plus $338
Air Canada Aeroplan points	100,000 miles plus $250	Unavailable	Unavailable

Luckily, KrisFlyer miles are easy to earn and redeem. Singapore Airlines doesn’t offer a cobranded credit card in the U.S. However, the airline partners with several major transferable rewards programs, including American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One, Citi ThankYou Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards, all at a 1:1 transfer ratio.

The following cards all currently offer strong welcome bonuses that you could easily convert to KrisFlyer miles:

• American Express® Gold Card
• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Checking into premium economy on Singapore Airlines

If you’re departing from SIN, don’t miss The Jewel waterfall outside of security in Terminal 3. It’s a spectacular, free-to-visit indoor rainforest so popular that other airports seem to have taken inspiration.

A premium economy ticket on Singapore Airlines (whether booked with cash or KrisFlyer miles) includes free seat selection and — for flights to and from North America — two checked bags weighing up to 50 pounds each. For flights to other destinations, premium economy fares include one checked bag that can weigh up to 77 pounds.

As you might expect, the airline has a huge check-in area at its home hub in Terminal 3. There are plenty of self-service kiosks and manned counters; premium economy passengers have dedicated check-in areas.

I expected the priority check-in area to be easy to find and grand like the one Emirates offers at Dubai International Airport (DXB). However, all premium economy passengers were relegated to just two check-in counters in row 9 — the same number given to cabin crew checking baggage before signing on. While there was no line to check in, I was surprised at how low-key this priority check-in area was given that the airline operates premium economy on most long-haul routes and pitches it as an elevated experience.

It’s easy to see why SIN is consistently awarded as the world’s best airport. It feels more like a luxury shopping mall than an airport terminal thanks to its noise-reducing carpeting, numerous shiny boutiques and plentiful activities to entertain children and adults. It even includes a butterfly garden and a free 24-hour movie theater.

Despite being busy with a bank of European flights all leaving around midnight, the terminal felt spacious and peaceful — not words I would usually use to describe an airport.

SIN’s Terminal 3 is unique because passengers clear security at the gate rather than just after check-in. In my case, gates A1 through A8 shared a single, large security checkpoint.

While premium economy passengers were not offered a priority security queue, the process was smooth, calm and efficient.

Only a few flights were departing from the large eight-gate space at this late hour, so hundreds of seats (complete with charging points) were available for passengers waiting to board.

Staff called boarding by group numbers and instructed passengers to remain seated until their group was called.

Premium economy passengers boarded through the same lane as economy but were called to board with Group 3 (along with KrisFlyer Gold and Star Alliance Gold members). Regular economy passengers boarded afterward in Group 4.

With a 13-hour overnight flight ahead of us, nobody seemed in a huge rush to board and start sitting, which made for an orderly process.

How comfortable was premium economy on Singapore Airlines?

	Economy	Premium economy	Business class
Layout	3-3-3	2-4-2	1-2-1
Seat pitch	32 inches	38 inches	60 inches (78 inches in bed mode)
Seat recline	6 inches	8 inches	Fully flat
Seat width	17.3 inches	19 inches	28 inches
Screen size	11.1 inches	13.3 inches	18 inches

The premium economy cabin was surprisingly small, with just 24 seats spread across three rows directly behind the second luxurious business-class cabin.

The front row seats in row 31 have a little extra legroom due to the bulkhead in front; they are an especially good choice if traveling as a couple — although you won’t be able to stow a personal item in front of you.

At 6 feet tall, I found the legroom in row 32 generous, and I had a bit more personal space than in economy.

The small size of the cabin had both positives and negatives.

While intimate and exclusive, it also felt a little cramped, with walls at the front and back. For example, there was no way to move across from one aisle to the other without going halfway back through the economy cabin behind.

The right side armrest had buttons to manually recline the seatback and pop out the legrest.

Rather than a footrest folding out from the bottom of the legrest, the footrest came down from the seat in the front. The seatback in front was also outfitted with a large and sturdy literature pocket along with a water bottle holder; this was already stocked with a bottle of water for each premium economy passenger.

There was a universal power outlet for each seat in the center armrest, a USB-A port next to the inflight entertainment screen and another next to the headphone jack between the seats.

Unfortunately, this modern A350 aircraft did not have USB-C ports, wireless charging or Bluetooth connectivity.

A tray table that popped out of the armrest was large and sturdy enough for a full-size MacBook.

I also liked the adjustable reading light next to the headrest; it was handy for reading the menu without disturbing passengers trying to rest on this overnight flight.

Amenities in Singapore Airlines premium economy

A pillow and a blanket wrapped in plastic were waiting on each seat when passengers boarded.

Both items were plush and larger than you would expect to receive in economy.

The carrier also provided decent over-ear noise-canceling headphones — another luxury perk that made this long-haul flight more comfortable.

One of the enhancements the airline has promoted in premium economy this year is a new amenity kit by the brand Out of the Woods. I didn’t care for the crumpled bag it came in (similar to Virgin Atlantic’s premium economy amenity kit), and the contents — slippers, an eye mask and an airline-branded lip balm — were fairly basic. It was better than nothing, though.

More impressive was the large, crisp seatback touchscreen.

It was filled with 43 new releases, including “Kung Fu Panda 4”, “Arthur the King” and “Dune: Part Two.” I enjoyed watching “Ricky Stanicky” — a silly but funny way to pass the time to London.

If I hadn’t wanted to lean forward to tap the screen, I could use the hand-held remote that popped out of the center armrest console to control the screen.

There was unlimited Wi-Fi at no charge for KrisFlyer members in all cabins. While this initially seemed like a luxurious perk, my various tests of the speeds throughout the flight never registered more than a poor 2 Mbps download or 1 Mbps upload. I quickly gave up on using it.

Given the small cabin — just three rows — it wasn’t surprising that there were no dedicated bathrooms for premium economy passengers. Still, it was a little disappointing. Instead, five bathrooms were shared with the economy cabin behind, and there were regular lines to use them.

They were kept clean but were tight to move around in.

How was the food in Singapore Airlines premium economy?

I was surprised that I did not receive a welcome drink during the boarding process, as this is common in premium economy on other carriers — especially ones as well regarded as Singapore Airlines.

I was offered a hot towel that I gladly accepted after the sticky tropical heat of Singapore.

Shortly after takeoff, the crew distributed printed menus and began serving dinner.

Since I was flying in premium economy, I could have used the airline’s Book The Cook service. This would have allowed me to choose from a much larger selection of entree dishes, provided I had selected it online more than 24 hours in advance.

While Book the Cook is an awesome perk available to passengers in premium economy and above, I decided to stick with the regular menu to try what most other passengers would be eating.

Given how long the flight was, I had expected the first service to be prolonged a bit; I imagined I would receive a round of drinks or perhaps a drink with some mixed nuts before dinner. However, the staff served the main meal quickly after takeoff. I guess because of the late departure hour, this method allowed guests to eat quickly and then get some rest.

I was excited to try the recently enhanced dining options, and there were some hits and misses. I was pleasantly surprised to see Charles de Cazanove Brunt NV Champagne, which retails for around $38 per bottle on the ground. Proper Champagne in premium economy, as opposed to sparkling wine, was a real treat; however, I wish they had served it in glassware rather than a plastic tumbler.

For dinner, there was a smoked salmon salad appetizer along with just two entree course options:

• Pork fricassee with lentils, lyonnaise potatoes, blanched broccolini and roast carrots
• Kuay teow neua (Thai braised beef noodles with beef meatballs and braised beef)

Dinner came with cheese, crackers and garlic bread on the side, and dessert was a chocolate orange cake with raspberry compote.

The meal was served on a single tray, and everything looked reasonably well presented. However, I wish they removed the plastic and foil covers before handing the trays to the passengers.

I was expecting a third main entree option — perhaps vegetarian or something without pork or red meat (which some customers avoid).

I chose the beef noodles, and they were excellent. The beef was juicy, and the noodles were properly cooked without sticking together.

The beautiful ceramic crockery was a real step above economy class, and metal cutlery is always welcome.

The entire dinner service was fast: It was fully cleared within 90 minutes of departure. This gave passengers plenty of time to rest on the way to London.

Snacks — including sandwiches, fresh fruit, muffins, nuts and chips — were available from the rear galley between meal services. I slept for most of the flight, so I didn’t try this out.

Due to a recent turbulence incident, Singapore Airlines is taking an extra cautious approach to meal service. Meals are not served anywhere along the flight path where pilots see a potential for turbulence, so breakfast happened a lot sooner than normal. It was served three hours before arriving in London, with some bumpier weather expected a bit closer to landing.

Breakfast included strawberry yogurt with fresh fruit, a croissant and a choice of tea, coffee or juice with two entree options:

• Vegetarian omelet with grilled mushroom, baked tomato, garlic and wilted greens
• Chai tow kueh (a savory fried carrot cake with prawns and preserved turnips)

Again, I was surprised not to see a third option on the menu. The meal was all served on one tray.

Based on the flight attendant’s recommendation, I chose the Singaporean carrot cake entree. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but it was delicious. It was a hearty seafood-forward dish with a delicious spicy sauce that filled me up for the remaining three hours of the flight.

I do wish the juice and hot drink had been served in proper glassware or ceramic mugs rather than plastic and paper cups. This is an easy way to make a premium economy experience feel more elegant.

Just like on every other Singapore Airlines flight I’ve taken, the crew on my premium economy flight to London was polished, professional and welcoming. Their rigorous training was evident. No request was too much trouble, and everything was delivered graciously with a warm smile.

The hospitality is more formal; the crew members probably won’t crack many jokes or engage in much frivolous small talk. But that said, it’s unlikely you’ll find a bad crew member on your next Singapore Airlines flight.

Was Singapore Airlines premium economy worth it?

This class of service is a noticeable step up from Singapore Airlines economy class, which is already a world-class coach product.

The seats are wider, and there’s more legroom. Seats recline more than in economy, and the legrest makes the flight more comfortable. Plus, receiving Champagne in premium economy was a real treat, as was the metal cutlery.

Still, Singapore’s premium economy has some room for improvement. The lack of dedicated crew and lavatories makes this more of an “economy plus” experience rather than “business lite.” The lack of proper glassware and predeparture beverages was disappointing. The airline could add a third option to the entrees for dinner and breakfast, though next time, I would use the fantastic Book The Cook service.

Emirates and KLM remain the most impressive premium economy products I’ve flown, but Singapore Airlines would probably just scrape its way into the top five.

Since it tends to be at least twice the price of an already excellent economy product, I would probably be happy to stick with economy class on my next flight to Singapore. However, if you can find a slightly less expensive upcharge over economy — either with cash or miles — then you can be assured it’s a comfortable way to travel on one of the world’s best airlines.

The summer of 2024 is in full swing and visitors are flocking to Europe from around the globe. 

In terms of events, it’s been kind of a big year for Europe. This year, the continent has hosted several world events, including the UEFA European Football Championship, the Paris Olympics, the Tour de France and a huge music tour by Taylor Swift. We’ve also seen an upswing in travelers to various destinations, from classic popular spots such as Portugal and Italy to less-known destinations like Albania.

Factor in all of this with the frenzy of large crowds, high temperatures, increased inflation and recent reports of backlash to tourism, and there are more than a few things you should be aware of if you’re planning a European vacation.

If you’re heading to Europe this summer, here are some tips on what you can do to prepare.

Southern Europe is scorching

While we’ve seen plenty of hot weather across Europe, the mercury is peaking in Southern Europe.

While the height of Europe’s summer heat wave has passed, plenty of destinations, including the United Kingdom, Italy and France, are still seeing temperatures of 86 degrees Fahrenheit and above. 

In mid-July, temperatures in Spain rose to 111 degrees. Italy put more than 15 cities under high-heat warnings. And in Greece and Croatia, extreme heat has also caused forest fires. 

The extreme temperatures seem to have mostly spared Northern Europe, but this year, the region experienced more erratic weather and rain patterns, according to the U.K.’s Meteorological Office. In fact, a huge storm caused the washed-out weather that dampened the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. That said, weather can change quickly, and there are signs that the rainfall may soon give way to a heat wave.

If you’re planning a trip, do your research ahead of time. Have a trip planned to the Mediterranean? Have plenty of sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, a portable fan and loose, breathable clothing on hand. Additionally, plan to do outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day. If you’re headed to Northern Europe, invest in a nice umbrella. 

No matter where you go, it’s a good idea to check to see if your accommodations have air conditioning — not every place in Europe has it.

COVID-19 is still here, but don’t expect too many masks

While COVID-19 has not disappeared, most people in Europe no longer wear masks. However, the virus still circulates and has surged at some destinations this summer.

According to data collected by the World Health Organization, several regions have seen noticeable increases in COVID-19 cases since May.

Compared to 2023 data, COVID-19 cases in Europe have decreased. As of July 24, the U.K. had 17,500 reported cases, almost double the figure recorded in May. Incidents in Greece, meanwhile, more than quadrupled from May (3,200 reported cases), with around 15,100 cases reported in July. Portugal reported 10,100 cases, a huge increase from 472 cases in mid-May.

The rise in COVID-19 has most likely been spurred by a number of factors, including increased summer tourism and several large global events such as the UEFA European Football Championships, the Tour de France and the ongoing Paris Olympics.

Despite the increase in COVID-19 cases, most people don’t wear masks — but that doesn’t mean you need to follow the crowd if you’re uncomfortable doing so. Travelers should ensure they’re vaccinated and take any precautions they see fit, especially in crowded or enclosed spaces. 

It’s much busier

Travel to Europe is booming this summer. According to the European Travel Commission, foreign arrivals and overnight stays for the first half of 2024 are above 2019 levels.

The surge in tourism to Europe is primarily driven by increased travel to Southern Europe and Mediterranean destinations. The second quarter of the year has seen noticeable tourism increases in Serbia (up 40%), Malta (up 37%), Portugal (up 26%), and previously lesser-known destinations such as Albania (up 86%) and Montenegro (up 31%). 

Despite the increase in overall tourism, the number of flights operating to Europe is still slightly below that seen in 2019. This meansit’s good to be organized and book European flights as far in advance as possible,

Related: Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel

Both airports and tourist spots are bustling, and travelers should be prepared for longer lines and increased wait times at security checkpoints and other travel-related services. Arrive early at airports and allow extra time for navigating crowded areas if you can.

Your dollar won’t stretch as far as it did a few years ago

During the height of the pandemic, the euro fell below parity with the dollar, causing economic panic. However, because the euro was at a historic low, it was not a bad time to travel to Europe if you wanted to get the most bang for your buck. 

Currently, the euro is on the road to recovery and its value is fluctuating — you won’t get the same deals that you could have a few years ago. At the time of writing, $1 is worth around 92 euro cents. For perspective, last September showed a five-year high, with $1 peaking at 1.04 euros. 

In the U.K., you’ll find a similar conversion rate, with $1 worth around 78 pence, down from 83 pence last September. 

There are still European destinations you can visit and get great prices. For example, in the Czech Republic, $1 will net you 23.48 korunas; in Turkey, $1 is worth 33.15 liras. 

Related: Places where your dollars will go further right now

However, if you’re heading to a destination where euros are the currency, expect to shell out more. Couple this with high interest rates across the continent, and you’ll also find entry fees to attractions and food prices have also increased. 

Due to increased tourism, occupation rates in European hotels are also much higher, particularly at luxury properties. 

Ensure you’ve budgeted accordingly if you’re traveling to Europe soon, and expect to pay a little more than you did a few years ago.

Some destinations are protesting overtourism

With its historical sites and beautiful landscapes, Europe has always been a bucket list destination. However, in recent years, overtourism has been an issue in certain areas. 

It’s not unusual to be charged a tourism tax when visiting many of Europe’s iconic cities. For example, this April, Venice, Italy, began charging visitors who entered the city at certain times of day to help combat crowds and fund the maintenance of canals.

Related: Which major destinations charge a tourist tax (or are planning to soon)?

Other destinations, such as Amsterdam, have funded ad campaigns to discourage the “wrong” type of visitors from coming to the city. Elsewhere, there have been increased crackdowns on vacation rental property licences as Airbnb usage soars at popular destinations, affecting local hotel revenue and affordable housing availability, 

Antitourism protests have cropped up across Europe in locations including the Netherlands, Greece and perhaps most notably Spain — where protestors were seen spraying tourists with water pistols in Barcelona in July.

While we’ve not personally witnessed a backlash during our travels, it’s worth noting that tensions do exist, especially in heavily visited areas. It’s important to be conscious and aware while traveling. Be respectful, considerate and engage with local culture positively. Remember that while you may be on vacation, local people are not. As always, the best rule of thumb is to be nice, polite and respectful, no matter where you are.

Bottom line

This summer has been a vibrant and bustling season for travel to and within Europe. While travel is much easier than we’ve seen in recent years, travelers should be prepared for higher prices, larger crowds and high temperatures.

Patience and planning are essential to navigating your European trip smoothly. By staying informed and prepared, you can enjoy a memorable and hassle-free summer vacation in Europe. 

As of Aug. 1, the annual price of Clear is up $10 and will now cost $199, per a company spokesperson.

The expedited airport security program is currently available at 58 U.S. airports and can also be used at stadiums and other large venues — the service has more than 22 million members nationwide.

The secure identity platform uses members’ biometric data, including fingerprint and iris scans, to automate the identity verification step in the U.S. Transportation Security Administration screening process. Instead of waiting in line for a TSA agent to review their license or passport, Clear members can go through a separate, dedicated security lane with separate check-in kiosks.

With Thursday’s price increase, Clear now costs $199 annually, but some cards can cover the cost entirely or at a discounted rate.

American Express confirmed an increased Clear Plus statement of $199 also effective Thursday, specifically The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, the American Express® Green Card, the American Express Corporate Platinum Card® and the Centurion Card from American Express. (Enrollment is required; subject to auto renewal)

The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, American Express Green Card, American Express Corporate Platinum Card and the Centurion Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

As of April, Clear users can enroll in TSA PreCheck for a bundled rate of $199. To get that price, travelers must apply for both TSA PreCheck and a Clear Plus Membership on the Clear website. After they complete the process and are approved, Clear will issue a rebate of $77.95.

A variety of airlines offer their frequent flyer members discounted Clear rates.

In addition to the price increase, Clear launched Clear Perks. “[It’s] an array of new benefits aimed at enhancing the travel experience,” said a Clear spokesperson. “Benefits include services like luggage delivery to home or hotel and recovery of lost items at the airport through Clear Scout, assisted by our ambassadors.”

Clear did not respond to a request for more information on the Clear Perks at the time of publication.

Related reading:

• Travelers can now enroll in TSA PreCheck via Clear at 13 US airports
  
• Amex increases Clear Plus credit to $199 on 6 cards: Good for saving money on TSA PreCheck
• 7 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear
• Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear — and how you can save on both
• What is Clear airport security — and is it worth it?