Stop Buying Cheap Luggage! (The Collapse of Thompson Hotels?)

Stop Buying Cheap Luggage! (The Collapse of Thompson Hotels?)

https://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus Welcome back to another packed episode of the Travel Bros Podcast! This week, the bros are down one member but up a couple of extra frequent flyers. Joey is joined by Thomas Kim (TK) and Trevor Mountcastle from the Travel Stories podcast to break down everything from the chaos of modern airline updates to the ultimate luggage showdown. Listen to Travel Stories:  https://milenomics.com/2025/01/travelstories-episode-51-everyday-carry/ ✈️ Let the Travel Bros VIP Your Next Luxury Getaway! Planning an upcoming luxury vacation or a high-end staycation? Don't leave your experience up to chance or automated booking algorithms. Click the link in our bio to book your next trip through the Travel Bros Booking Service! We work directly with elite properties worldwide to score you exclusive perks, complimentary breakfasts, room upgrades, and true VIP treatment—all at no extra cost to you.  https://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus YouTube Chapters 00:00 - Intro & Catching Up with the Travel Stories Crew 01:47 - Southwest 2.0: Elite Seats, Pistachios, and Crew Realities 12:15 - The Hotel Brand Explosion: Why Are There So Many Sub-Brands? 20:31 - Thompson Hotels: Real Modern Luxury or Branding Crisis? 24:08 - Hotel Consistency Kings: Four Seasons vs. St. Regis 32:00 - List of the Best & Worst Thompson Hotels  41:50 - Luggage Deep Dive: Choosing a Lifelong Travel Companion 1:13:40 - The Quick-Fire Luggage Tier List Game 1:24:21 - European Travel Tangents: Hidden Gems in Seville & Valencia 1:31:09 - Other Must-Have Travel Gear & Plane Cabin Survival Hacks 1:38:50 - Outro & How to VIP Your Next Hotel Stay Is "Southwest 2.0" actually an upgrade, or are we just paying more to get less? ✈️ In this massive, long-form episode of the Travel Bros Podcast, Joey, TK, and Trevor tackle the volatile world of modern travel. We kick things off with a candid review of Southwest’s new assigned seating format—complete with premium seat pricing, snack gatekeeping, and some legendary passive-aggressive flight crews. From there, we dive into the relentless explosion of confusing hotel sub-brands. Why does Marriott need 39 different chains? Is the Thompson Hotel brand in a luxury identity crisis? We compare hotel giants like Four Seasons and St. Regis to figure out who actually holds the crown for elite global consistency. Finally, we unpack the main event: The Ultimate Luggage Showdown. Stop buying cheap suitcases that break every single year! The bros debate soft ballistic nylon versus hard-sided aluminum, share crucial everyday carry (EDC) gear hacks, and put 15 of the biggest luggage brands through a brutal S-Tier to F-Tier ranking game. 🔔 Subscribe for more unfiltered luxury travel insights, hacks, and industry breakdowns!

Why This 30-Suite Antigua Resort Changes Everything About All-Inclusive Luxury

http://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus Is this the ultimate luxury escape in the Caribbean? In this episode, we are diving deep into Hermitage Bay, a secluded 30-suite paradise tucked away in Antigua. Having recently undergone a massive $30 million transformation, this adult-oriented property is rewriting the rules of what an "all-inclusive" resort can be.  Jamie just got back from a 4-night stay and is breaking down everything you need to know: from the steep climbs to the highest villa views, the incredible daily-changing menus (hello, included caviar and $180 steaks!), to the pristine, uncrowded beachfront.  Plus, we talk flight connectivity, island-hopping secrets, and a wild story about a 6.5 magnitude earthquake that hit right in the middle of a spa massage!  Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or just want to see how the top 1% travel in the Caribbean, you won't want to miss this review. ✈️ READY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT LUXURY GETAWAY? Don't book alone! Let us VIP your next stay. Click the link in our bio or below to access our exclusive hotel contacts, unlock special perks, and receive expert guidance for your next trip:  http://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus 👉 Don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more luxury hotel tours and travel insights!   ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Hermitage Bay Antigua    01:00 - Property Layout & First Impressions    03:37 - Flight Logistics & Caribbean Island Hopping    06:42 - Arriving in Antigua: Airport & Transfers    11:11 - Hotel Property Ownership & SLH Connections    12:47 - What Does "All-Inclusive" Actually Mean Here?    16:16 - No Kids Allowed: The Adult-Oriented Vibe    18:56 - Room Tour: Hillside Pool Villas vs. Beachfront    24:12 - Pristine Beaches & Included Water Sports    27:45 - The Bug Situation & Open-Air Dining    30:50 - Beachfront Spa Review    33:36 - On-Property Fitness & Daily Live Music    34:26 - Exploring Antigua: 365 Beaches & Sunset Parties    39:03 - How to VIP Your Hotel Stays & Final Thoughts 📌 TLDR:  Hermitage Bay features only 30 suites but operates with a massive staff of 160, often resulting in an incredible one-to-one guest-to-staff ratio during your stay.   Award-Winning Transformation: The property just wrapped up a stunning $30 million transformation and is the only Antigua resort on the Conde Nast Traveler Gold List.   Seamless Transfers: If you book a stay of at least three or four nights, private round-trip airport transportation is fully included for the 35 to 40-minute drive.   No Buffets Allowed: Unlike mass-market resorts, all dining is a la carte with daily changing menus. High-end options like caviar and a $180 steak are entirely covered in the all-inclusive package.  Guests can even book a premium helicopter lunch over to Nobu Barbuda.  Adults-Oriented Privacy: The property caters strictly to adults and older teens; no guests under the age of 13 are permitted, and teenagers aged 14–16 incur a $400 nightly surcharge and must room with an adult.   The Hillside Hike: The Hillside Pool Villas offer spectacular infinity views and unmatched privacy, but the hill is incredibly steep. Golf cart service is available, but it is a serious hike for anyone with mobility challenges.   Indoor-Outdoor Design: Rooms feature a rustic luxury aesthetic with massive indoor bathtubs, though it is worth noting that the only shower in the suite is located outdoors.   Secluded Beach Paradise: The beach is highly uncrowded, beautifully spaced out, and includes all non-motorized water sports like kayaking and floating mats. However, the water drops off to chest-deep quite close to the shore.

World Cup Travel Just Got WAY Cheaper (But Mexico is WILD)

http://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus In this jam-packed "quick hits" episode, we are breaking down the absolute best luxury travel updates, value hacks, and exclusive promos you need to know for the summer season.  First up, we tackle the upcoming World Cup. If you thought tickets were completely unattainable, think again—prices have plummeted 22% over the last month, and we reveal the exact cities where you can secure a seat for under $200.   We also dive deep into the luxury hotel market, reviewing the highly anticipated opening of Amanvari in Cabo and debating if a standard room is truly worth $7,200 a night.  Plus, we share insane insider deals at Baha Mar, Park Hyatt Cabo, and Evermore Orlando, followed by a massive global roundup of upcoming hotel openings from London and Venice to... rural Pennsylvania? Stick around until the end as we officially debunk the childhood mystery of the Bermuda Triangle!  👇 Want us to VIP your next hotel stay for free? Check out the link below to get started! http://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus 00:00 - Welcome to Episode 74 & Summer Travel Vibes    00:46 - World Cup Ticket Price Drops & Hotel Strategies    05:19 - Baha Mar Bahamas: "More Indulgence" Promo Details    12:28 - Amanvari Cabo Opens Reservations (And It's Pricey!)    17:51 - Cabo & Mexico Deal Drop: Four Seasons Tamarindo & Park Hyatt   20:20 - Westin Shifting to All-Inclusive?    22:20 - Orlando & Florida Staycations: Evermore Resort & St. Regis Longboat Key    25:21 - Future Hotel Watch 2027: New Waldorf Astoria Properties   28:01 - Four Seasons Europe Expansions & Global Luxury Additions    29:03 - Six Senses Opening to Rural Pennsylvania  34:04 - The Lake Como EDITION Has Opened! 37:35 - Fact-Checking the Bermuda Triangle TLDR  Amanvari Cabo Booking Open: The ultra-exclusive 18-room property officially opens August 1st with standard room rates starting at a staggering $4,500 to $7,200 per night depending on the season.   Park Hyatt Cabo Suite Promotion: Through the fall (approximately October 15th), booking a base room at Park Hyatt Cabo unlocks a confirmed upgrade into a massive suite!  Evermore Orlando Resident Deal: A lucrative Florida and Georgia resident promo offers 25–30% off multi-room flats, and the resort has officially lifted holiday blackouts to include Memorial Day weekend.   St. Regis Longboat Key Credit: Stays of three nights or more at this brand-new Florida resort earn an extra $250 property credit ($350 total when combined with standard agent benefits) this summer.   Waldorf Astoria Global Expansion: Brand-new Waldorf properties are slated for 2026–2028 openings in Texas Hill Country (Fredericksburg), Lake Tahoe, and London's historic Admiralty Arch.   Four Seasons European Takeovers: Four Seasons is heavily expanding across Europe by taking over and renovating historic architectural gems in Venice, Italy and Gstaad, Switzerland.   Six Senses Hits Pennsylvania: In a fascinating geographical move, Six Senses is building its largest US footprint on a 1,200-acre estate centered around restored 1820s mansions.   St. Regis Turks & Caicos Update: Slated for a 2027 opening on Grace Bay, this fully constructed beachfront resort and casino is expected to introduce major luxury pricing competition to the island.   EDITION Lake Como Now Open: Featuring a striking pool extending out over the water, this brand-new hotel adds a fresh luxury alternative to the iconic Italian lake destination.

Family Friendly Ski Trip with a Remodel - Is Montage Deer Valley Worth It?

http://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus We’re heading up to 9,100 feet to the top of Empire Pass to tour the newly remodeled Montage Deer Valley! In this episode, Jamie shares his experience staying at what might be the most family-friendly luxury hotel in Deer Valley or even the entire Park City, Utah area.    From the complete 2023 renovation to the famous Bernese Mountain Dog ambassadors, we dive deep into why this property stands out. We also  explore the 35,000-square-foot spa, show off some rooms tours and residence options. We also talk about lots of alternative activities to ski that can be done at and around the property.  Let Us Help You Book and Get Extra VIP Benefits at Montage Including: Extra $ Property Credit for Rooms  Breakfast for Two  Upgrade of one category based on availability Early check-in/ lake check-out based on availability Book Now: http://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus  00:00 – Welcome to Montage Deer Valley    01:00 – Meet the Canine Ambassadors: Bernese Mountain Dogs    01:21 – Snowboarders Beware: Staying at a Ski-Only Resort    02:45 – The 2023 Remodel    03:34 – Room Tour: $2,000/Night King Mountain View     06:33 – Lobby Bar & The Exclusive Sushi Bar    07:10 – Inside the Multi-Million Dollar Residences    08:15 – Peak View vs. Pool View: Which is Better?    09:24 – Why It’s the Ultimate Family Hotel (Queen Pull-outs!)    10:28 – The Massive Fitness Center & 35,000 Sq Ft Spa    13:34 – Silver Mine History, Igloos, & The Airstream    17:10 – Stress-Free Ski Valet (They Boot Your Kids!)    19:56 – Summer at Montage: 400 Miles of Trails    23:16 – Private Snow Tubing & The Magic Carpet    24:41 – Bowling, Arcades, & Valet Parking Costs   25:55 – Do You Need a Rental Car? (The Cadillac Program)   30:05 – Why SLC is the World's Best Airport for Skiers    33:34 – Dining Review: $10 Orange Juice & S'mores French Toast  35:36 – Paintbox Kids Club: Worth the Hype?    37:31 – Exclusive Booking Perks for Our Viewers    38:35 – Summer vs. Winter Pricing: The 4X Jump    43:53 – The Future of Deer Valley (New Waldorf & 4 Seasons) TLDR  Canine Ambassadors: The hotel features Bernese Mountain Dogs that act as greeters and ambassadors for guests.    Massive Spa: The spa is roughly 35,000 square feet, which is the largest in Utah.    Ski-Only (Mostly): While Deer Valley is a ski-only resort, the Montage will shuttle snowboarders over to Park City Mountain.    Family-Focused: It is considered one of the most family-friendly options in the area, featuring a bowling alley, arcade, and the "Paintbox" kids club.   Room Occupancy: Uniquely, even standard King rooms can accommodate up to four people thanks to fold-out couches.    House Car Program: Guests can borrow Cadillacs for up to four hours to explore the local area.    Summer Haven: In the summer, the resort offers access to over 400 miles of continuous mountain biking trails and even provides a bike valet.    No Resort Fees: Unlike many high-end resorts, the Montage does not charge a daily resort fee, though valet parking is roughly $45-$65.    Unique Activities: The resort features a private snow tubing hill with a "magic carpet" lift located right in their courtyard.

Is St. Regis The BEST Butler Service In The World? (Watch Before You Book!)

http://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus In this episode of the Travel Bros, Joseph Redmond and Jamie Joseph take a deep dive into the creator of luxury hospitality: The St. Regis. Born from the Gilded Age and the vision of John Jacob Astor IV, this brand didn’t just join the luxury market—it wrote the rules for it.  We explore the hotel's fascinating (and tragic) history, including its connection to the sinking of the Titanic and the "400 Club" of New York high society.  We also break down how you can maximize your stay with "hidden" freebies like signature butler service, daily champagne sabering, and garment pressing. Whether you are eyeing the overwater villas of the Maldives or the art-filled halls of Singapore, this is your ultimate guide to the St. Regis experience. Book with us via Marriott STARS:  Daily Breakfast for Two: Enjoy a full breakfast every morning on the house.   $100 Property Credit: Use this toward world-class dining or a relaxing session at the spa.   Room Upgrades: Get moved to a better room or suite (subject to availability).   Flexible Check-in/out: Early check-in and late check-out to maximize your vacation time. (subject to availability) Better-Than-Public Rates: We often have access to promos—like free nights or extra credits—not available to the general public.   Submit a form here: http://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus YouTube Chapters 00:00 – The Astor Legacy & The Invention of Luxury    01:21 – Gilded Age Traditions: Afternoon Tea    02:43 – History & The Titanic Connection    04:50 – The Marriott Era & Global Expansion    05:19 – Marriott STARS: How to Get Free Upgrades & Credits    06:00 – The St. Regis Butler: Personal Assistant vs. Bellhop    18:23 – St. Regis vs. Ritz-Carlton: What’s the Difference?    20:13 – 6:00 PM Ritual: The Daily Champagne Sabering    22:02 – The Bloody Mary: Born at the King Cole Bar    23:22 – Property Spotlight: St. Regis Kanai, Mexico    26:29 – Property Spotlight: St. Regis Singapore    31:15 – Property Spotlight: St. Regis Florence    33:27 – Looking Ahead: St. Regis Papagayo Costa Rica (2027)    36:19 – The Ultimate Bucket List: St. Regis Maldives Vommuli    TLDR:  Founder Legacy: The brand was founded in 1904 by John Jacob Astor IV, the wealthiest passenger to die on the Titanic.   Signature Butler Service: Unlike many "gimmicky" services, St. Regis butlers act as personal assistants, offering morning coffee, packing/unpacking, and 24/7 WhatsApp communication.   Complimentary Perks: Every stay typically includes free morning coffee/tea service and the pressing of two garments per day.   The Sabering Ritual: Every St. Regis worldwide hosts a daily champagne sabering ceremony around 6 PM, where guests receive a free glass of bubbly.   Bloody Mary Origins: The cocktail was invented at the St. Regis New York’s King Cole Bar in 1934; today, every property has its own local twist.   Afternoon Tea: A tradition started by Caroline Astor for her "400 Club" of elite New York socialites, now carried on at all locations.   St. Regis vs. Ritz-Carlton: St. Regis focuses on "Classic Luxury" and social scenes, while Ritz-Carlton leans toward "Modern Luxury" and residential privacy.   While New York is the flagship, the Florence property is often considered the brand’s greatest masterpiece, featuring 15th-century architecture.   Maldives Luxury: The Vommuli resort features a "Bentley-themed" seaplane, a lobster-shaped spa, and a 2:1 staff-to-guest ratio.   Global Expansion: Since being acquired by Marriott, the brand has grown from 38 to over 64 hotels worldwide.