With this summer being the busiest, most expensive travel season to date (for virtually every international market), savvy travelers may be interested in learning about hotel loyalty programs in easily accessible domestic destinations.
Below are boutique properties in Dallas, DC, Lake Placid, Minneapolis, and Nashville that offer value for money when booked through their loyalty networks. What’s noteworthy about each of these properties is that they are inspired by and rooted in their destination’s cultural heritage, culinary traditions, and artistic communities:
- Dallas’ The Joule hotel, steps from the city’s Design District, is a boutique, art-filled hotel with a cantilevered pool that’s part of Leading Hotels of the World (LHW). LHW encompasses over 400 design-centric luxury properties – many of them the world’s best – and The Joule, with its Adam Tihany design and 30-foot Tony Tasset eyeball sculpture – is no exception. The Joule’s location within Dallas’ Design District and museum quality art collection are not to be outdone by its award-winning spa and creative culinary and cocktail concepts (eg. enjoy jello shots resembling deviled eggs). Just like the jello shots, everything is not what it seems at The Joule – by booking through LHW, travelers can book a luxury stay at a savings of up to 50%. Rates through LHW start at $200. Dallas was recently ranked one of the most affordable cities to fly to this summer.
- DC’s Yours Truly hotel in Dupont Circle is the city’s top “hangout hotel” for socializing from morning until night. Solo summer travelers can book a stay at the Simeone Deary-designed property through IHG Rewards Club – a savings of approximately 20% – and make new friends for 12 hours straight (or longer). The beloved deli-style cafe adjacent to the lobby, called Call Your Mother, was inspired by the founders’ Jewish childhood traditions and attracts a line out the door daily. All day long, the Dupont Circle community rotates throughout the space – working remotely or taking part in the property’s many social experiences from painting and sewing classes, SoFar Sounds Summer Concert Series, to Don’t Tell Comedy Shows. Come nightfall, the lobby transforms into one of the city’s most scintillating restaurant scenes when Mercy Me takes over – serving South American-inspired fare. DC also ranks as one of the most affordable cities for flights this summer.
- Lake Placid’s Grand Adirondack Hotel is a Tribute Portfolio Hotel with high-on-the-mountain vibes, literally: the property is home to Lake Placid’s only rooftop bar, Cloudsplitter, which just so happened to have recently opened in May. Use your points savings (approximately 15% off when booking a stay through Tribute Portfolio) for mega-adventure in Adirondack Park: fly fishing on the Ausable River, ziplining, bike trails, hiking, fishing, and golfing. Few travelers realize that the park is larger than Yosemite, Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Canyon and the Great Smokies national parks combined – and 5 hours driving distance from NYC.
- Minneapolis’ Rand Tower Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is a surprising microcosm of Minnesota food culture. This past June, the property launched brunch at its signature indoor/outdoor restaurant Blondette, featuring classic French dishes as concepted by Chef Daniel Del Prado. Because Minneapolis has long been a melting pot of cultures (and farmer’s markets), the city’s food scene is frequently lauded as one of the best in the Midwest. Additionally, the property’s cocktail lounge, Miaou Miaou, launched a series of post-work private parties bookable for 6-12 guests called “Fête de Travail.” Rand doesn’t disappoint and neither do its rates – book through Tribute Portfolio Hotels for a savings of 20%.
- Nashville’s The Joseph is a Luxury Collection hotel designed by renowned interior designer, INC Architecture & Design (TWA Hotel and 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge). The Joseph is home to two distinct culinary concepts helmed by celebrated chefs: Yolan, the property’s fine dining Italian concept is led by Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-winning chef, Tony Mantuano. Pastry Chef Noelle Marchetti leads the restaurant’s bread and pastry programs which recently earned her a nomination for James Beard’s Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker category. Tucked within the hotel is a rooftop bar as well as a forthcoming cocktail lounge called Four Walls, and newly launched for summer as of June 19 is Denim’s Tacos + Tequila. Available nightly beginning at 6:30 pm, guests can enjoy golden rooftop evenings in a private cabana atop The Joseph, paired with ice-cold margaritas, tacos, and unmatched views of Downtown Nashville. Perfect for 2-6 guests, your experience includes a dedicated server and a custom menu. Unlock a 15% discount on room rates when booking through Luxury Collection.
