While legacy SPG brands are generally known for the exceptional way they take care of elite members, Design Hotels are an important exception. 4'), or the stilted Ion Adventure Hotel, located about 45 minutes outside of Reykjavík, Iceland. The brand ranges from big city hotels with some incredible flair, like the Mira Moon Hong Kong (one of my all-time favorite properties), to historic buildings and exotic locales like the eight-room Macalister Mansion in Penang, Malaysia (the only hotel I've ever seen where you have to specifically book 'room No. Ermin's Hotel London and Hotel Banke Paris Le Méridienĭesign Hotels is a relatively small brand, with fewer than 100 properties globally, most of which are in Europe. Because there's less in the way of overarching brand standards here, I've heard some people complain about their Autograph Collection stays (at least relative to the price they paid), but this brand has always delivered for me on four continents now. You'll find a large percentage of these relatively affordable luxury properties in Europe, with historic building features often incorporated into the design. I often think of Autograph Collection as a slightly more affordable version of the Luxury Collection: distinct properties with a heavy emphasis on local design elements and quirky touches (like the automated robot butlers at the Hotel EMC2 Chicago that delivered my room service). Reviews: Sheraton Tribeca, Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa and Sheraton Grand Tokyo Bay Autograph Collection Hotels

With nearly 500 properties around the world, you'll find a huge variation in the quality of Sheraton hotels, which is why Marriott announced a much-needed brand refresh to keep Sheraton competitive in the next decade and beyond. It also has a more premium subdivision, Sheraton Grand, to parallel the Marriott Marquis brand. Sheraton became a significant part of the SPG portfolio after it was acquired in 1997. Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa Keauhou Bay (Photo by Summer Hull / The Points Guy) Reviews: New York Marriott Marquis and Marriott Resort and Spa Phuket Westin On the flip side, there are plenty of Marriott locations, especially airport hotels, that have seen better days. Plenty of locations, including the Marriott Marquis Chicago, are recently renovated and updated for the 21st-century traveler. With over 600 hotels in the namesake Marriott brand, you'll find a wide range of properties and not much in the way of a unifying brand identity. Marriott's 11 premium brands are the bread and butter of its portfolio, with household names like Marriott and Sheraton and a perfect mix of affordably priced luxury. Reviews: JW Marriott Singapore and JW Marriott Washington, D.C. In addition to several beachfront resort locations, most JW Marriott properties in a city feel like they're geared towards high-end business travelers, offering upscale accommodations and great lounges at a relatively affordable cost. JW Marriott has the largest footprint of Marriott's luxury brands, with plenty of properties in (relatively) smaller markets such as Hanoi and Tampa Bay. (Photo by Ethan Steinberg/The Points Guy) Regis New York The Ritz-Carlton and Ritz-Carlton Reserve

The properties also have a family traditions program, so little ones often receive toys and many properties have kid clubs - sometimes ones that are complimentary for guests.

Regis New York, where the Bloody Mary was first invented. Regis brand is known for a few quirky traditions, including the daily Champagne sabering ceremony (where guests are invited to enjoy a glass on the house) and the signature Bloody Mary each property offers, in honor of the King Cole Bar at the St. These are going to be pricier than other hotels, both with points and cash, but if you're able to afford it, they offer an incredible experience and some of the best treatment Marriott elites are going to find. Regis is the pinnacle of old school luxury and one of the top brands in Marriott's portfolio.

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