Ventana Main Pool

Review: Ventana Big Sur

I tried to make this another MilesTalk Lightning Review (TM), where I aim to give you all the info you need about a hotel or flight in around 1,000 words or less, but this hotel...
Manatuska Glacier

3 Days in Alaska for Under $750 With Miles and Points (Including First Class...

Overview: 3 Days in Alaska for Under $750 With Miles and Points I know, I know - it was a BIT crazy. I flew to from New York to Anchorage, Alaska this past Tuesday for...
oceana santa monica view

LXR Oceana Santa Monica Hotel: Lightning Review

Welcome back to my series of "Lightning Reviews" - where I let you know what you need to know about a flight or hotel experience without getting so deep in the weeds that you...
Grand Hyatt Kauai - Lobby

Review: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort, Hawaii

After over a year under lock-down and a very stressful few months personally, all my wife and I wanted on our long delayed and re-planned mini-honeymoon (because we are still planning the Maldives and...
waldorf astoria grand wailea maui review

Waldorf Astoria Grand Wailea, Maui, Hawaii: A Hilton in Waldorf Clothing

Welcome to another of my hotel "Lightning Reviews." With a goal of staying under 1,000 words, these reviews are designed to give you all of my thoughts on a hotel or resort following a...
laylow pool

The Laylow, Autograph Collection (Waikiki Beach, Hawaii): Lightning Review

I'm trying to find a term for giving you the quick scoop on a hotel, when a full review is not warranted (or if I just don't feel the experience warranted). For now, I'll call...
chengdu china

Would You Take a Virtual Trip? You Should!

A few weeks ago, I discovered a site called Virtual Trips. I've enjoyed it so much that I'd like to share a review as I think many of my readers feel equally starved for...
hawaii big island during covid

Visiting Hawaii’s Big Island During COVID-19

(Post by Sarah Johnson; MilesTalk Facebook Group Moderator) Given the changing landscape of COVID-19 spread, testing, vaccination, and travel restrictions, it's hard to know what to expect if you do decide to go anywhere. My...
Hyatt Regency Greenwich: Presidential Suite - Living Area

The Suite Life at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich

I've gotten much more interested in the World of Hyatt program recently due to the Hyatt Globalist in 15 nights deal I spent most of the 4th quarter of 2020 talking about. Looking for somewhere...
madison beach hotel

Review: Madison Beach Hotel, Connecticut Shore

The Madison Beach Hotel, Curio Collection - Overview The Madison Beach Hotel is a Curio Collection property located on the southern shore of Connecticut in the town of Madison. It's about a half hour east...