New Beds, Cocktails, Stargazing And Kids Soccer At Hotels This Summer

With the summer travel boom in full swing, hotels are sprucing up with new amenities, menus, travel deals and even loyalty programs. It helps to know what is out there to maximize your next vacation. From credit card perks to free travel contests, here’s what you need to know about the hospitality scene this summer.

Westin unveils next-generation Heavenly Bed

After launching the first major hotel bed package 25 years ago, Westin Hotels & Resorts is at it again. Following intensive research and development, the next iteration of its famous bed will start rolling out at all of its hotels this year. It includes a unique silver fiber weave for the mattress as well as layers of temperature-regulating, gel-infused foam beneath its signature all-white duvet. The brand spent more than $18 million to conduct focus groups and test thousands of products as part of its research to mix sleep comfort and technology for a hotel room’s most important feature.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott adds soccer fan experiences

SpringHill Suites by Marriott is the official hotel partner of the U.S. Soccer Federation, and it is launching a series of experiences that soccer families will love. These special fan events at both the June 12 ‘Allstate Continental Clásico’ U.S. Men’s National Team vs. Brazil and the July 13 U.S. Women’s National Team vs. Mexico ‘Impact 99 presented by New York Life’ matches include things like soccer-themed photos, airbrush team tattoos, customized tote bags and grab-and-go snacks.

The all-suite brand is ideal for families since accommodations can sleep as many as six people, providing “space for the whole team.” As a Marriott Bonvoy brand, guests at SpringHill Suites by Marriott can also bid on special ticket experiences using Marriott points for both of these games. The hotel brand is also partnering with US Youth Soccer and soccer star (and now soccer mom) Sydney Leroux to launch special experiences at many of its tournaments later this fall.

Summer soiree series with IHG

These summer pop-up events at various hotels like InterContinental The Willard Washington DC, InterContinental Presidente Mexico City, Kimpton EPIC Hotel in Miami, Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel, Hotel Indigo Atlanta Downtown and Yours Truly DC, Vignette Collection will feature multi-sensory backdrops with paper floral installations and a garden setup. These pop-ups will feature bars serving botanical cocktails and zero-proof elixirs. Many Kimpton properties will also launch a Kimpton Off the Record concert series while InterContinental properties will offer vinyl listening stations in the lobby and in-room summer camp packages for families.

Hard Rock launches loyalty program

To celebrate its new Unity by Hard Rock loyalty program, Hard Rock International tapped talented performers like Noah Kahan, John Legend, Shakira and Lionel Messi to launch the campaign, all to the tune of The Beatles’ classic song, “Come Together.” Members of the free program will be able to earn and redeem points for free nights, merchandise and dining experiences. Tier credits allow members to earn elite status with a growing number of perks to enjoy when they visit Hard Rock locations.

Hilton Garden Inn adds seasonal summer cocktail

At your next visit to Hilton Garden Inn, order its new summer cocktail from Garden Grille, the Rossa Garden Spritz made using Aperol Spritz. The popular spritz craze is part of the brand’s cocktail program and comes infused with blood orange flavor (and the added bonus of earning Hilton Honors points for the tipple). Last year, the brand celebrated its 1,000^th hotel opening and held a contest for its hotel bartenders to submit their best libation recipes to appear on the global menu.

Hilton pays homage to its Piña Colada heritage

Not to be outdone by its younger sibling, Hilton is celebrating summer in its own way. A new Hilton Hotels & Resorts survey recently found that 96% of those asked would feel comfortable with a Piña Colada in hand. That’s quite fitting for the brand considering that legend has it the frozen concoction was invented at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico by bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero. Today, the resort serves more than 53,000 glasses of the popular drink each year. The brand’s playful survey also uncovered that 65% of people would drink the cocktail at any time of day, 36% say they count it as their daily fruit intake and that 82% say it reminds them of a favorite vacation they have taken. Many Hilton properties around the world add their own local twist to the recipe, including a series of zero-waste and alcohol-free versions.

Anantara Layan Phuket Resort adds country’s 1^st dining and stargazing feature

A new dining and sky observatory is now available at the Anantara Layan Phuket Resort in Thailand. It is the first of its kind in the country with a custom-built dome on the rooftop terrace. “Sky storytellers” will guide guests while viewing the stars and planets through the island’s most powerful telescope as they sip constellation-themed cocktails each evening. During daylight, the space will be used as a show kitchen for Thai-themed cooking classes.

Four Seasons Bangkok intros new dining and drinking options

In time for summer, Four Seasons Bangkok will open Palmier by Guillaume Galliot, an elevated French brasserie featuring menu items from the famous chef’s childhood, including bouillabaisse and roasted chicken with yellow wine sauce. There’s also a new Mexico City-inspired cocktail menu at BKK Social Club, which is regularly voted as the top cocktail bar in the city. Its libation recipes highlight Mexico City’s iconic snacks, places, people and parties.

Grand Hyatt at SFO grows sustainability and meetings focus

This luxury hotel, the only one physically connected to the SFO airport terminals and offering apron views is growing its eco-conscious efforts. It partners with Swedish bike brand Vélosophy and Nespresso to take used aluminum coffee capsules and recycle them into aluminum bikes. For every bike sold from the bicycle brand, the company donates one to a school girl in Ghana.

Also, as part of the Together by Hyatt program to help support the meetings industry, the hotel is hosting a think tank event for buyers in the meetings and events space to discuss more sustainable and purposeful meetings among other issues that have affected group functions since the pandemic.

Renovations at The Inn at Stonecliffe

This Mackinac Island favorite has undergone a major renovation that delivered impressive results just in time for its 120^th anniversary. Three new cottages with kitchens and a 3,000-square-foot event venue were added to The Inn at Stonecliffe. The property’s apple orchard has been restored, and a new garden, beehives and chicken coops were added in the latest update.

Nobu Ibiza Bay Collaboration with Actor Luke Evans

In a new collaboration with actor Luke Evans, Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay is launching a new clothing and accessories line inspired by Evans, who is an Ibiza resident. With travel and fashion often coming together, especially at island destination resorts, this BDXY Pop-Up Shop will give guests and locals a little extra sartorial excitement. This is one of many clothing and fashion partnerships between designers, stars and hotel locations.