Travel Bros Pod

Travel Bros Pod
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Places & Travel
  • Weekly

All things luxury hotels where we spend an hour+ breaking down everything you need to know about specific luxury hotel properties. A weekly podcast about luxury travel and how to make it better for your vacations. We cover a new luxury hotel each week from areas such as Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, California, Florida, Europe, the rest of the USA, and Asia.  

  1. 23h ago

    Montage Big Sky: Luxury Ski Chalet or Overpriced Lodge? (Honest Review)

    http://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus Is Montage Big Sky worth its $3,000-a-night peak ski season price tag, or is it an overpriced mountain lodge? In Episode 90, Joey Redmond and Jamie review Montana’s most ambitious luxury ski resort. Built in December 2021 as the single largest hospitality investment in Montana, this 139-room alpine retreat sits at 7,700 feet elevation with private chairlift access, an underground 4-lane bowling alley, world-class dining, and ski-in/ski-out privileges on Lone Mountain. Joey spent several nights on property during the shoulder season (experiencing an unexpected October blizzard) and breaks down everything you need to know before booking: room layouts, dining quality at Cortina, the "Montage privacy issue," kid-friendly perks like the Montage Merit Program, and a secret loyalty status match hack to stack on top of your booking. Plan & Book Your Next Luxury Getaway Looking to stay at Montage Big Sky or another luxury property worldwide? Book through us to receive exclusive VIP perks at no extra cost: Complimentary daily breakfast for two $100 hotel/resort credit per stay Room category upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability) Early check-in & late checkout priority Personilized VIP management note & in-room welcome amenity 👉 Book with us here: https://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus 00:00 - Montana’s Most Ambitious Ski Resort: Montage Big Sky 01:40 - Room Categories & Why You Must Avoid the "Resort View" 04:15 - Spanish Peaks Base: Ski-in/Ski-out & Elevation 06:05 - Pricing Breakdown: $600 Shoulder Season vs. $3,000 Peak Ski Season 08:25 - The Shock 30-Inch Blizzard & Bozeman Fall Travel 10:15 - How to Get There: Direct Flights into Bozeman (BZN) 12:55 - Dining at Montage: Cortina Northern Italian & Wildflower Market 16:15 - Beartooth Pub: Free 4-Lane Bowling Alley & Arcade Games 19:35 - The "Montage Privacy Issue" & Early Morning Crowds 23:35 - Architecture & Room Tour: Fireplaces & Soaking Tubs 25:50 - Isolation vs. Convenience: Big Sky Town Center & Ousel Falls Hike 28:45 - Valet Service, Bear Season & Free Bear Spray from Compass Sports 31:00 - The Montage Merit Program: Gamifying the Stay for Kids 33:45 - Montage Big Sky vs. One&Only Moonlight Basin 35:50 - Spa Montage, Gym & Steaming Outdoor Pools 37:10 - Virtuoso Perks: Breakfast, $100 Credit & Upgrades 38:35 - Skiing Big Sky: Snow Quality, Acreage & Ikon Pass Access 39:55 - The Secret Loyalty Hack: iPrefer Titanium Status Match 44:15 - Episode 90 Wrap-Up & What’s Coming Next Key Questions Answered in This Video  How much does Montage Big Sky cost? Shoulder season rates (May and November) start around $600–$950/night, while peak ski season (Christmas through March) frequently exceeds $2,000–$3,000+/night. Is Montage Big Sky true ski-in/ski-out? Yes. It occupies its own distinct southern base in the Spanish Peaks area, with dedicated chairlifts uploading skiers into Big Sky’s 5,800+ skiable acres (covered by 7 days on the Ikon Pass). Which room should you avoid? Avoid the "Resort View" category, which overlooks the valet parking driveway. Instead, book the Deluxe Peak View or Deluxe Peak Studio for unobstructed Spanish Peaks vistas. Is it family-friendly? Extremely. Highlights include the Beartooth Pub & Rec (free 4-lane bowling alley and retro arcade), heated outdoor pools, the Paintbox kids club, and the Montage Merit Program badge-earning system. Montage Big Sky vs. One&Only Moonlight Basin: Montage is superior for families, heated pool facilities, and consistent fine dining; One&Only leans modern, romantic, and adult-oriented with its secluded forest speakeasy. TLD Avoid the Standard "Resort View" Room: The base category looks out directly over the valet roundabout and driveway. Spend the extra money to book a Deluxe Peak View or Deluxe Peak Studio for true, unobstructed sight-lines down the Spanish Peaks and ski runs. Shoulder Season Yields 70%+ Savings: Peak ski season runs $2,000–$3,000+ per night. If you want luxury on a budget, target late November (post-Thanksgiving) or May, where nightly room rates drop to $600–$950 Cortina Outshines the Local Competition: Cortina delivers reliable Northern Italian fine dining with an open-hearth wood-fired oven. Even guests staying at the rival One&Only Moonlight Basin reported it was their best meal in Big Sky. Hit the Beartooth Pub Early for Free Bowling: The subterranean pub features a four-lane bowling alley, retro arcade machines, pool, darts, and shuffleboard—all 100% complimentary. However, lanes are first-come, first-served; arrive early before long waitlists build up after the ski lifts close Gamify the Stay with the Montage Merit Program: Families with children should ask for the Montage Merit lanyard at check-in. Kids earn physical badges and pins for activities like roasting s'mores, bowling strikes, or identifying wildlife, culminating in the "Moose Badge" and official Ranger status.

  2. Oct 17

    How We Save Clients $1,000s at Marriott Hotels

    http://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus Even if you have Marriott Platinum or Titanium Elite status, your perks still fall short at brands like The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and EDITION—where complimentary breakfast is not an included elite benefit. In this episode, Joey Redmond and Jamie pull back the curtain on Marriott STARS and Marriott Luminous, two advisor-exclusive preferred partner programs that unlock VIP benefits, daily breakfast for two, $100 property credits, room upgrades, and promotional rates at top Marriott luxury and premium properties worldwide.    From scoring a private charter yacht excursion in Halifax to Acropolis-view rooftop breakfasts in Athens and hidden boutique suites in Scottsdale, we break down how the programs work and reveal our favorite luxury Marriott properties worth booking right now.    Book Your Next Marriott Stay With VIP Perks from STARS or Luminous: Plan your next getaway with complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, and at least a $100 credit at no extra cost to you:    👉  http://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus Chapters 00:00 - The Blind Spots of Marriott Elite Status    01:12 - What Are Marriott STARS & Luminous?    01:51 - How STARS Bookings Beat Standard Elite Status for Upgrades   03:41 - Hidden Perks: Waived Resort Fees & Extra Property Credits   04:57 - St. Regis & EDITION Kanai Promotions    06:16 - STARS vs. Luminous: Participating Brands & Rules    09:02 - The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee    10:20 - Muir, Autograph/Luxury Collection (Halifax) & The $500 Private Yacht    14:26 - The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island    17:19 - W Taipei & The High Standard of Asian Luxury  19:52 - Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens    21:55 - Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Puerto Rico)    24:54 - W Algarve & Conrad Algarve (Portugal)    26:42 - The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician (Scottsdale)    29:23 - The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain (Tucson)    31:20 - How to Book With Us & Episode Wrap-up TLDR:  Top 10 Interesting Points of the EpisodeElite Status Has Huge Blind Spots: Marriott Platinum and Titanium statuses do not grant free breakfast at ultra-luxury brands such as The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, or EDITION.    STARS Bookings Win the Upgrade Tie-Breaker: When a hotel prioritizes room upgrades among guests with equal status (e.g., Titanium vs. Titanium), reservations booked through Marriott STARS and Luminous are prioritized near the top of the GM's list.   Full Bonvoy Credit Remains Intact: Unlike third-party online travel agencies (OTAs), STARS and Luminous reservations are direct bookings that earn elite qualifying nights and points, and sync right into your Marriott app.    Guaranteed vs. Optional Credits: Marriott STARS properties (Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, EDITION, Bulgari, and Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection) guarantee a minimum $100 property credit. Luminous properties (JW Marriott, W Hotels, Autograph, etc.) have optional credits ($0, $50, or $100).   Hidden Value in Destination Fees: Many Marriott properties in Hawaii waive mandatory $50–$80/night resort fees when booked through STARS/Luminous, or offer elevated property credits (up to $200–$400 for suites).    Massive Off-Season Credits at Kanai: The St. Regis and EDITION at Kanai, Riviera Maya, regularly offer cumulative promotions such as $100/night property credits and rates under $400/night during September and October.    The $500 Private Yacht in Halifax: At Muir, a Luxury Collection hotel in Halifax, Canada, guests can charter the hotel's custom ocean sailing yacht for around $500 for a two-hour private sail (or $250 for shared excursions).

  3. Oct 9

    The Ultimate Guide to Gaylord Resorts: ICE! Themes, Water Parks & Insider Booking Perks

    http://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus Step inside the world of Gaylord Hotels, America’s largest mega-resort chain that feels less like a traditional hotel and more like its own self-sufficient city under a 72-degree glass dome. In this episode, Joey and Jamie break down all six legendary Gaylord resort properties across the United States.  This is a podcast channel exclusive episode and not found on our YouTube or with video. Thanks for subscribing!  This episode covers:  The Annual Holiday ICE! Events: A breakdown of dates, ticket bundling strategies, local discount tricks, and the official event themes at every property (including Home Alone, Harry Potter, The Polar Express, and The Nightmare Before Christmas). Property Deep-Dives: Detailed reviews of Gaylord Opryland (Nashville), Gaylord Palms (Orlando), Gaylord Texan (DFW), Gaylord National (DC area), Gaylord Rockies (Denver area), and the brand-new Gaylord Pacific (San Diego). Room & View Strategies: When to splurge on an indoor Atrium View balcony vs. when to opt for a West-facing Rocky Mountain view or San Diego Bay sunset balcony. Water Parks & Amenities: Details on SoundWaves vertical water resort, indoor jungle river boats, flow riders, and local day-pass hacks. Marriott Luminous Perks: How to unlock complimentary daily breakfast for two, potential room upgrades, $100 resort credits, and welcome amenities on your stay. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Gaylord Hotels & Mega Resorts 01:06 – Overview of All 6 Gaylord Resort Locations 02:20 – Holiday ICE! Events & Theme Announcements 03:53 – ICE! Ticket Pricing, Local Discounts & Package Bundles 05:24 – Marriott Luminous Perks & VIP Booking Benefits 06:06 – Deep Dive: Gaylord Opryland (Nashville) 08:30 – SoundWaves Water Park & Opryland Suite Layouts 13:38 – Deep Dive: Gaylord Palms (Orlando) 18:26 – Deep Dive: Gaylord Texan (Grapevine/DFW) 23:39 – Deep Dive: Gaylord National (National Harbor/DC) 26:51 – Deep Dive: Gaylord Rockies (Aurora/Denver) 30:27 – Deep Dive: Gaylord Pacific (San Diego/Chula Vista) 38:25 – Gaylord Pacific Day Passes & San Diego Dining Strategy 40:00 – Top Property Recommendations & Wrap-UpTLDR Self-Contained Cities: Gaylord Resorts are massive, non-gaming mega-resorts built around multi-acre indoor glass-domed atriums maintained at 72 degrees year-round. 6 US Locations: The chain features six flagship properties: Opryland (Nashville), Palms (Orlando), Texan (Grapevine/DFW), National (National Harbor/DC), Rockies (Aurora/Denver), and Pacific (Chula Vista/San Diego). Annual Holiday ICE! Events: Every property hosts an immersive ICE! exhibit carved from ice from mid-November through early January, each featuring a unique theme (Home Alone, Polar Express, Harry Potter, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and A Charlie Brown Christmas). Gaylord Opryland Highlights: America’s largest non-casino hotel with nearly 3,000 rooms, 15 restaurants, an indoor river with boat rides, and the $90M SoundWaves vertical water resort (exclusive to overnight guests). Gaylord Palms Highlights: Features a 4.5-acre Florida-themed atrium (Everglades, St. Augustine, Key West), live alligators, a 161,000-gallon saltwater fish lagoon, and a 3-acre water park. Gaylord Texan Renovations: Recently completed a $54M guest room renovation featuring modern Texas decor, plus a 10-acre seasonal outdoor water park with a zip line and lazy river. Gaylord National Setup: Located on the Potomac near DC with a 19-story glass atrium; it offers fewer waterpark-style amenities than other locations, making river-view or atrium balcony rooms the primary highlight. Gaylord Rockies Strategy: A grand mountain lodge near Denver Airport; skip the interior atrium view here and request a high-floor (6th+) west-facing room for views of the Rocky Mountain range. Gaylord Pacific Strategy: The newest property (opened May 2025) in Chula Vista; opt for a Bay View room with a balcony for west-facing sunsets over San Diego Bay. Marriott Luminous Booking Benefits: Booking through a Marriott Luminous advisor yields perks like daily breakfast for two, room upgrades, early check-in/late check-out, and often a $100 resort credit on stays of 2+ nights.

  4. Sep 22

    The Secret Luxury Hotel Chain You’ve Never Heard Of: 21c Museum Hotels [REVIEW]

    https://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus Most people think the best boutique hotels in the US are confined to New York City or Los Angeles. In this episode, Joey and Jamie dive into one of America’s best-kept luxury travel secrets: 21c Museum Hotels.   Part 24/7 accredited contemporary art museum and part high-end boutique hotel, 21c revitalizes historic downtown buildings in vibrant, mid-sized cities like Louisville, Cincinnati, Durham, Lexington, and St. Louis.  Joey shares his recent stay at the Bentonville property, from giant 4-foot roaming penguins and Malin+Goetz amenities to a gym featuring a hanging "Fat Bat" art exhibit. We also break down how you can get VIP perks (free breakfast, $100 property credit, upgrades) on your next stay via the Accor HERA program! Accor HERA Promotion SectionUnlock VIP Perks on Your Next Stay with Accor HERA Planning a trip to a 21c Museum Hotel or another luxury property in the Accor portfolio? Don't book standard rates online when you can unlock exclusive VIP benefits by booking directly through us!Your Accor HERA VIP Perks Include: 🍳 Daily Complimentary Breakfast for two   💵 $100 Hotel Credit toward food, beverage, or spa services   ⬆️ Room Upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability)    ⏰ Early Check-In & Late Check-Out (subject to availability)    🎁 Custom Welcome Amenity    🗓️ No Minimum Stay Requirement (valid even on single-night stays!)   🆓 Stackable Promotions: Access to exclusive 3rd-night and 4th-night free seasonal offers    📩 Ready to elevate your stay?  https://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus 00:00 - Introduction: America's Hidden Gem Boutique Hotel Chain   01:38 - What is a 21c Museum Hotel?    02:23 - 24/7 Free Art Museums & Living 21st-Century Artists    03:45 - The Story Behind the Signature Roaming Penguins    05:09 - Room Review, OTA Pitfalls, & Malin+Goetz Amenities    08:05 - Suites & Immersive Art Hotel Rooms    09:24 - How 21c Compares to Hyatt Unbound & Tapestry Collection   11:18 - Weirdest Hotel Gym Art: The "Fat Bat"    13:17 - Bentonville, AR: Mountain Biking & World's Best Coffee    16:47 - XNA Airport’s Unique AvGeek Playground    18:09 - Historic Architecture: Restored Banks & Art Deco Skyscrapers   20:46 - The Ultimate 21c: St. Louis’ Restored 1920s YMCA & Basketball Court    25:05 - Accor HERA Program: VIP Perks & How to Book    31:10 - 21c Property Locations & Founder Steve Wilson  37:03 - Final Thoughts & Wrap Up TLDR: 10 Highlights & Interesting Facts24/7 Free Public Art Museum: Every 21c property features an accredited contemporary art museum open to the public free of charge 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.    Strict Living Artist Mandate: The "21c" name stands for the 21st century, strictly requiring all exhibited and collected art to be created by living 21st-century artists.    Giant Roaming Penguins: Each property has giant 4-foot plastic penguins in a designated color (Louisville = Red, Bentonville = Green, Cincinnati = Yellow, Durham = Fuchsia, Lexington = Blue, St. Louis = Teal) that staff randomly relocate around guest areas, elevators, and breakfast tables.    "Fat Bat" Gym Art: The gym at the Bentonville location features a humorous, life-sized "Fat Bat" sculpture by artist Virginia Barratt hanging over the treadmills.    Private Vault Dining: The Lexington, KY property is housed in a 1914 bank building where guests can reserve a private 12-to-16-person dining room inside the original steel bank vault surrounded by lockboxes.    Full Basketball Court & Jogging Track: The St. Louis 21c converted a 1926 YMCA building, preserving the full two-story basketball court (wrapped in art gallery glass), an elevated indoor jogging track, and a 1920s indoor lap pool.    Malin+Goetz Amenities: Rooms feature high-end Malin+Goetz bath products, including peppermint shampoo, cilantro conditioner, and rum body wash.    World’s Best Coffee On-Site: Bentonville is home to Onyx Coffee Lab (awarded top coffee shop/barista championships globally), which serves as the house coffee for the local 21c property.    AvGeek Airport Playground: Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) features a flight playground equipped with a replica ATC tower playing live airport air traffic control radio and interactive flight tracking screens.    Founded by Steve Wilson: The chain was launched in 2006 in Louisville by contemporary art collector Steve Wilson, who documents the stories behind the artwork on Instagram (@steveredglasses

  5. Sep 11

    St. Regis Longboat Key Review: Is This Florida's Best Luxury Hotel?

    In this episode, Jamie and Joey break down everything you need to know about Florida’s newest $375 million luxury resort, the St. Regis Longboat Key. From snorkeling in a 500,000-gallon saltwater lagoon with stingrays to relaxing in a spa snow room, we cover room sizes, dining options, resort fees, and how it compares to the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota. Plus, learn how to maximize your stay with VIP Marriott STARS perks! Chapters 00:00 - Overview of Florida's Newest $375M Luxury Resort   00:59 - Location, Airports (SRQ vs TPA) & Bentley House Car   03:09 - Room Tour, Suites & Sea Turtle Shade Rules   06:59 - St. Regis Longboat Key vs. Ritz-Carlton Sarasota   08:35 - Marriott STARS Benefits & Free Breakfast Perks  11:33 - Main Pool, Lazy River & Saltwater Lagoon Snorkeling   16:37 - Butler Service & Complimentary Swimsuit Refresh   18:09 - Is St. Regis Longboat Key Family-Friendly?   21:09 - Ringling Circus History & Ringmaster Design Details   22:58 - The Spa Tour: Snow Room & Oceanfront Suites   24:23 - Valet Parking, Resort Fees & Local Dining Options   27:15 - Dining Breakdown & The Dom Pérignon Grotto Button   31:33 - Service Quality & The "Ice Index"   32:41 - Wild History: Tennis Courts, Condo-Hotels & 9/11 History   36:38 - Nightly Rates, Best Times to Visit & Final Verdict Book Marriott STARS With Us  Want VIP treatment at St. Regis Longboat Key? Book your stay with us through the Marriott STARS program to unlock exclusive complimentary perks:   Daily breakfast for two at Riva ($100 daily value)   $100 USD property credit for spa or dining   Room category upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability)   Priority early check-in and late check-out   Custom welcome amenity   👉 Click the link below /  https://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus TLDR Summary $375M Luxury Development: Spans 18 beachfront acres with 168 guest rooms, 26 oceanfront suites, and 69 private residences.   500,000-Gallon Saltwater Lagoon: Features 3,000+ tropical fish, 50 stingrays, friendly puffer fish, and interactive hands-on snorkeling experiences.   Water Amenities Galore: Features a winding lazy river with a grotto hot tub, zero-entry main pool, and an adults-only pool with a cascading waterfall.   Spacious Accommodations: Deluxe standard rooms start around 575 sq ft, offering significantly more space than the nearby Ritz-Carlton Sarasota.  St. Regis Butler Service: Included for all room categories, featuring a complimentary swimsuit refresh service that washes and returns wet swimwear.   Marriott STARS Perks: Booking through STARS unlocks daily breakfast for two ($100 credit), a $100 property credit, room upgrades upon availability, and flexible check-in/out.   World-Class Spa: Equipped with a room where snow falls from the ceiling, cold plunge pools, and private oceanfront spa suites.   On-Site Dining Highlights: Includes CW Prime steakhouse, Riva Italian, Ocean sushi, and a hidden grotto button in the lazy river to order $99 Dom Pérignon.   Convenient Location: Located 15–20 minutes from Sarasota Airport (SRQ) with complimentary Bentley house car transport to St. Armand’s Circle.   Fascinating Site History: Built on the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort—the birthplace of condo-hotels and where George W. Bush stayed on September 10, 2001.

  6. Sep 1

    Is Park Hyatt London the Best Modern Luxury Hotel in London?

    https://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus In this episode, Jamie and Joey review the Park Hyatt London River Thames, breaking down its modern hard product, room size advantages, wellness facilities, dining, and location value for events like Wimbledon. 00:00 Introduction to the Park Hyatt London River Thames 00:45 Location, Transit, and Uber Boat Tips 04:01 Room Tour: Hard Product, Size, and Layout 07:18 Wimbledon Theme, High Tea, and Welcome Amenities 10:41 Fitness Center, Pool, and Spa Facilities 13:50 Breakfast Experience & Asian Dim Sum Restaurant 15:16 Service Review & The Late-Night Ice Incident 19:09 Exploring Battersea Park & Battersea Power Station 24:00 Connecting Rooms and Family Accessibility 25:30 Hyatt Privé Perks, Pricing, and Final Verdict Book Hyatt Privé with TravelBros Book your stay at the Park Hyatt London River Thames through TravelBros to access exclusive Hyatt Privé benefits.  Guests receive complimentary daily breakfast for two  $100 USD property credit A welcome amenity Early check-in and late checkout priority based on availability Upgrade within 24 hours Based on Forecasted Occupancy Click the link 👇 https://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus  TLDR  • Unusually Large Rooms: Standard rooms measure 376 sq ft (35 sq meters), providing about 50% more space than the average London luxury hotel room (235 sq ft). • Riverview Suite Features: The suite includes glass on two walls with river views, a walk-in closet with an exterior window, Toto toilets, and cold air conditioning, though the modern sofa was less comfortable for prolonged sitting. • Strategic Location for Wimbledon: While off the beaten path for typical first-time tourists, the hotel is situated on the south side of the river, avoiding central city traffic when commuting to Wimbledon. • Seamless Boat Transit: Located a block from the Uber Boat/Clipper pier, allowing guests to tap in and out with a credit card rather than pre-buying tickets. • Event Festivities: During Wimbledon, the hotel featured tennis decor, special themed drinks, a tennis high tea, live match broadcasts in the lobby bar, and tennis-themed welcome treats. • Wellness & Pool: The property features a ground-level indoor pool with natural light on two sides, a spa, and a gym with exterior views. • Dim Sum at Breakfast: In addition to a traditional buffet, guests can order items from the hotel’s Asian dumpling restaurant directly off the breakfast menu. • Late-Night Service Bottleneck: Around midnight, calls for ice went unanswered, leading to a front desk line of ten guests being managed by a single staff member. • Proximity to Battersea Power Station: Situated one mile away, offering five floors of shops, an interactive food hall, a Lego store, an Adidas store, and a smokestack elevator lookout. • Competitive Pricing: The property frequently prices lower than central Hyatt properties like the Hyatt Regency Churchill, offering strong luxury value.

  7. Aug 25

    Inside the $50M Renovation: Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort (Texas)

    http://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus In this episode, Joey and Jamie review the newly renovated Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Villas in San Antonio, Texas. After a massive $50M injection into the property, this historic 300-acre resort features a brand-new 2.2-acre lagoon pool, a 950-foot heavily shaded lazy river, and standalone luxury villas.   Joey shares his firsthand experience navigating the resort at 100% capacity, breaking down everything from room upgrades and dining options to water activities, kid-friendly perks, and extra fees to watch out for. Plus, learn why booking through Hyatt Privé gives you free breakfast, property credits, and room upgrades to maximize your stay!  Want to unlock VIP status and free hotel perks on your next Texas getaway without paying extra for your room? 🤠 When you book with our exclusive Hyatt Privé connection, you automatically get:   Free Daily Breakfast: Complimentary hot breakfast every day for two adults—or up to 8 guests if you book one of the new luxury multi-bedroom villas!  $100 Resort Credit: Free money to spend on poolside frozen cocktails, FlowRider sessions, or wild game dining at Antlers Lodge.   Priority Room Upgrade: Bumped up to a better room category or view (based on availability).   Flexible Check-In/Out: Early check-in and priority late check-out so you can squeeze in every extra hour of lazy river floating.   VIP Welcome Amenity: A special local welcome gift waiting in your room when you arrive. 👇🏼Click the link in our description to lock in your Hyatt Privé VIP rates before dates fill up! 🏊‍♂️🍹 http://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus Like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your favorite Texas resort spot! Chapters 00:00 - Introduction & $50M Renovation Overview   01:22 - History of Wiseman Ranch & Resort Location   03:57 - VIP Perks: Booking Hyatt Privé   04:28 - Suites Breakdown & New Standalone Villas   09:30 - Villa Pricing vs. Presidential Suites   12:06 - Resort Layout, Elevators & Service Experience   17:33 - Dining Options & Breakfast Value Breakdown   22:46 - Must-Try Local Dining: Two Steppi’s Osteria   23:10 - The 950-Foot Shaded Lazy River & Water Slide   27:42 - FlowRider, Cabana Rentals & Splash Areas   29:40 - The 2.2-Acre Lagoon Pool & Insider Tips   33:20 - Water Sports, Topgolf Suites & Resort Activities   37:00 - Kids Club, Gym & Spa Features   39:11 - Golf, Parking, Uber & Nearby Attractions   43:20 - Hyatt Regency Hill Country vs. Lost Pines   46:10 - Future Pricing Predictions & Final Thoughts   (TLDR) $50 Million Renovation: The property underwent a massive $50M upgrade to common areas, meeting rooms, guest rooms, and added a brand-new 2.2-acre lagoon pool.   Brand-New Standalone Villas: They added luxury 1 to 4-bedroom villas (~2,300 sq ft) with fire pits, screened balconies, grills, full kitchens, and private setups—ideal for large families or group travel.   Historic 300-Acre Ranch: Originally the working Roger Wiseman cattle ranch (1887–1990), the resort retains a historic Texas ranch feel surrounded by massive native oak trees.   Shaded 950-Foot Lazy River: The river provides exceptional shade coverage from mature oak trees, stays lit at night, includes a zero-entry beach area, and stays open late.   Lagoon Pro-Tip: Walk to the far end of the lagoon to find a secondary beach area that is much quieter, less crowded, and equipped with dedicated restrooms and outdoor showers.   Solid Food & Pricing Value: Dining pricing is reasonable compared to standard luxury resorts; top spots include Aunt D's Comfort Station, Antlers Lodge (exotic regional meats), and Springhouse Cafe.   Beware of Extra Fees: Expect add-on charges for the FlowRider ($30/person), kayak/paddle board rentals ($35/35 mins), and daily parking fees.   Hyatt Privé Perks: Booking via Hyatt Privé includes daily breakfast for two (or up to 8 guests in a villa), a $100 property credit, room upgrade potential, and priority late checkout.

  8. Aug 17

    Don't Stay in Paris for Disneyland Paris! (Do This Instead)

    https://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus Are you planning a trip to Disneyland Paris and trying to decide whether to stay in central Paris or on-property? In this episode, Jamie and Joey break down everything you need to know about Disneyland Paris resorts! From room renovations at the flagship Disneyland Hotel to the secret value of partner properties like Les Villages Nature Paris, we cover the best options for every budget and traveler. Plus, we share insider tips on Premier Access passes, character meet-and-greets, and how to get free park tickets with hotel packages. ✨ Want VIP Treatment at Disneyland Paris? ✨Skip the stress and let Travel Bros handle the planning! 🏰 Real experts who’ve stayed on-property will customize your trip for maximum magic.  🎟️ FREE Park Tickets: Book an official hotel package with us and your theme park tickets are essentially FREE for every day of your stay—including check-in and check-out days!  🏨 VIP Perks: We’ll secure the best room placement, unlock Early Magic Time, and build custom ride strategies to skip the lines.  👉 Head to travelbrospod.com/bookwithus to get started! 🚀 Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: Why Staying in Central Paris Might Be a Mistake 02:28 - Disneyland Paris Overview: Two Parks, New Expansions & Rides 07:04 - Premier Access Hack: Individual Passes vs. Ultimate Express Pass 10:18 - Character Meets & The Authentic French Experience 13:16 - Disneyland Hotel: VIP Location, Renovated Rooms & Magic Mirror TVs 20:04 - Booking Packages & Getting Free Park Tickets with TravelBros 25:22 - Newport Bay Club: Nautical Themes, Huge Pools & Summer AC Warnings 37:37 - Les Villages Nature Paris: Massive Waterparks & Eco-Cottages 53:20 - Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel: Modern Vibe & Superhero Art 01:00:34 - What’s New: Disney Adventure World Expansions & Nightly Shows 01:04:08 - Unique Experiences: Champagne on Main Street & Crush's Coaster 01:06:23 - Wrap-Up: Is Disneyland Paris Worth a Dedicated Trip? TLDR:  Skip Staying in Paris City Center: Commuting on the RER A train each day eats up valuable time; staying on-property or at partner resorts saves time and grants early park entrance.   Skip the Ultimate Express Pass: Instead of spending ~$300 per person on the Ultimate pass, buying individual Premier Access passes for top-tier rides costs about $150 and saves the same amount of time.   Free Park Tickets with Hotel Packages: Booking official hotel packages gives you theme park tickets for every single day of your stay, including check-in and check-out days, essentially making the tickets free.   Disneyland Hotel Offers Unmatched Proximity: Positioned literally above the park entrance, you can roll out of bed and walk through the turnstiles in under a minute.   Magic Mirror TVs and Complimentary Minibars: Premium rooms at the flagship Disneyland Hotel feature hidden mirror TVs with customized Disney welcomes and free daily minibar snacks/drinks.   Beware Summer AC at Newport Bay Club: While Newport Bay Club offers great nautical theming and massive indoor/outdoor connected pools, European AC standards mean rooms can remain warm during summer heatwaves.   Les Villages Nature Paris Offers Unbeatable Value: This joint venture features self-catered cottages, a 12-acre active farm, ropes courses, and one of Europe’s largest indoor/outdoor geothermal water parks.   Eco-Cottages Lack Air Conditioning: Les Villages Nature cottages rely on eco-insulation rather than AC, making them best suited for visits between October and May.   World’s Largest Marvel Art Collection: Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel houses over 350 original Marvel artworks, life-sized Iron Man suits, and a dedicated Marvel Design Studio that teaches guests how to draw superheroes.   Champagne on Main Street: Unlike many other parks, you can buy real champagne in custom glass flutes along Main Street USA while watching the evening fireworks.

See All (90)

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

All things luxury hotels where we spend an hour+ breaking down everything you need to know about specific luxury hotel properties. A weekly podcast about luxury travel and how to make it better for your vacations. We cover a new luxury hotel each week from areas such as Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, California, Florida, Europe, the rest of the USA, and Asia.  

Information

  • Creator
    Travel Bros Pod
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    90
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Travel Bros Pod
  • Show Website
    Travel Bros Pod

You Might Also Like