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aghotel · 1 year

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All-Inclusive Offer: Sea, Sand, and Savings

Are you in search of the finest hotel deal for your vacation in Blackpool? Look no further, as we have the perfect solution for you. Reserve your upcoming stay with our ‘All-Inclusive Offer’ and indulge in a complimentary full-English breakfast, a delightful 3-course dinner, beverages, free parking, complimentary access to the swimming pool, and a host of additional perks. Blackpool, renowned for its captivating seaside attractions and vibrant nightlife, is your gateway to unforgettable moments in the Northwest. Count on Bluewaters Hotel to ensure that your travel plans are nothing short of extraordinary. Book Now: www.bluewatersblackpool.com

ALL-INCLUSIVE OFFER: From £75 Per Person/Night Sun – Thu

From £85 Per Person/Night Fri – Sat

The offer includes:

Fabulous room

3-course dinner

Full-English breakfast

Lunch

Unlimited soft drinks, 1 bottle of house wine or 2 alcoholic drinks*

Entertainment (on selected days)

Pool and park free with us

* LIST OF DRINKS INCLUDES:

House Spirits (25ml) + Draught Mixer and/or Cordial Vodka, Gin, Whisky, White Rum, Dark Rum, Brandy, Martini Extra Dry, Martini Bianco, Martini Rosso, Sherry

House Draught Bud Light, Boddingtons

House Wines (125ml) or a Bottle of House Red, White, Rose

Soft Drinks Draught Cola, Diet Cola, Lemonade, Orange, Soda – All by Half Pint. Dash of Cordial – 25ml

Hot Drinks Tea, Coffee, Latte, Cappuccino, Espresso

TIMING:

Buffet Breakfast: Mon – Fri 08.00 – 09.30am | Sat & Sun 08:30 – 10.00am Lunch: Served between 13:00 – 13:30 only (Order for lunch must be placed by 11am on that same day) Dinner: Served between 17:30 – 19:00 daily (Order for dinner must be placed by 11am on that same day)

BOOK DIRECT ON WEBSITE: www.bluewatersblackpool.com Or call our team on 01253 272486 or email us at [email protected] to book today!

Terms & Conditions:

The offer is subject to availability.

The offer starts at 15:00 on the day of Arrival (not included earlier if checked in prior to 15:00).

The offer is not available on the day of departure.

All guests must always wear their wristbands to qualify for the all-inclusive.

It is mandatory to show the wristband to staff members before placing any food or drink order.

If the order is made without showing your wristband, the full amount will be chargeable. If this happens this cannot be altered.

Only 1 drink per person may be ordered at a time. Drink upgrades to brands are charged at £1.50.

Any disputes will only be dealt with by the Manager during the hours of 09:00 – 17:00.

The all-inclusive package Is not to be misused, anyone caught misusing this scheme, could have their facility revoked. This includes purchasing drinks using your all-inclusive rights to non-inclusive guests.

Lost wristbands will be charged at £10pp.

Wristbands are only valid on the date shown on the band.

The hotel reserves the right to curtail, alter, amend, or remove the facility without prior notice subject to all relevant guidelines.

Bluewaters Hotel, Blackpool

Situated on Blackpool’s North Promenade, Bluewaters Hotel is the ideal base for your holiday, just a short walk away from the Town Centre, North Pier, Blackpool Tower and within easy reach of Blackpool Pleasure Beach. The hotel has sea-view rooms, a luxury sea-view lounge and a well-stocked bar that plays live entertainment throughout the main season. Enjoy the delicious breakfast and dinner at the in-house restaurant or play games in the games room. Whether you are in Blackpool for leisure or business, book our indoor swimming pool, sauna and spa to top off your stay. Parking is free if you book directly with us. We have limited parking spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn More: www.aghotels.co.uk/bluewaters-hotel

📍 14-minute walk to Blackpool Tower 📍 6-minute drive to Blackpool Pleasure Beach 📍 10-minute drive to Blackpool Zoo

GET IN TOUCH

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varmallaofficial · 5 years

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Radisson Blu Kaushambi - Indulge in a Luxurious Wedding Experience

This 5-star hotel Radisson Blu possesses the first-class facilities in terms of luxury, comfort, and hospitality. This property is located on the east side of Delhi. The connectivity of the metro also makes it possible to reach the property to cut down the traffic time.

One can also use the New Delhi Railway Station to reach the property. This is a perfect place to host wedding ceremonies, pre and post cocktail parties to add on the spice. The impressive interiors of the rooms and well-designed bar for a treat is a win-win thing for the dream wedding and luxury stay.

Radisson Blu Kaushambi provides the top-notch facilities on your special day, you can use the services of wedding specialist Varmalla.com for the same. The two beautiful party spots Amber and Lavanya which can be fully lush decor for your big day to make it more memorable. You can find an exciting menu of each restaurant available at the property. After a short meal delight, your guests with the finest blend of cocktails and mocktails at the Lust bar

ACCOMODATION

Luxury Stay Experiences: Escape the ordinary interior and enjoy the decked rooms of Radisson Blu Kaushambi and upgrade it as per your need. The total no. of rooms in this hotel is 147 inclusive suites.

Superior Room — Superior Rooms come with full-fledged amenities to make your stay more comfortable. The count of this room type is 97 and spread is approx 334 Sq. ft.

Deluxe Room — This includes all the facilities of a superior room and equipped with a king bed. The count of this room type is 12 and spread is approx 355 Sq. ft.

Business-Class Room- This is best suited to experience luxury space with a touch of business class. Guests appreciate its interior and boast about a Herman Miller ergonomic chair. The count of this room type is 28 and spread is approx 419 Sq. ft.

Executive Suite — One can also upgrade the business-class room to executive suites. This is a suite with a plush king bed. The count of this room type is 6 and spread is approx 559 Sq. ft.

Deluxe Suite — With exquisite features of this room and ambience make Deluxe Suites as a prime stay of yours at Delhi. The count of this room type is 6 and the spread of the room is approx 1011 Sq. ft.

DINE-IN

Dining Experiences: Good food equals good mood. Get delighted with the perfect blend of flavors and spices. They are unique in themselves, be it Indian cuisine or continental meals you will get the favorite.

Lust By The Pool — Asian Cuisine, Lust by the Pool is a must visit and hotel’s specialty restaurant, this is an ideal place to sit by the pool and to enjoy exotic drinks and dinner. You can even set up a romantic date around poolside to surprise your to-be-partner.

KAMA — North Indian delight, it provides excellent cuisine and specializes in delicious traditional Indian recipes. Enjoy these mouthwatering dishes and chit chat on the table by taking some time out of the wedding rituals happening during the stay.

AVATAR — All day dining, you can enjoy varieties of mocktails and cocktails. This restaurant features a diverse selection of the finest dishes. You can feast on anytime and also get the cocktail party organized to relish the wedding time. This restaurant opens 24hrs.

SULTAN — A vegetarian affair, this majestic lounge gives you the best seating space which is arranged perfectly. The authenticity of the dishes gives you a unique taste and can get your tongue bewitched.

ALL ABOUT WEDDING AFFAIRS

Plan your dream wedding in fully spacious banquets embellished flawlessly with the posh interior. Radisson Blu has two big ballrooms that are designed uniquely and well equipped as per the modern amenities. Radisson Blu Kaushambi vaunts about its spacious categories of banquet Amber and Lavanya to perform wedding rituals on a grand scale.

They have got different styles for the sitting type like theatre, half-moon, round table, U shape, classroom, and hollow block.

The hall’s floating capacity is 1000 PAX wherein the seating capacity is 800 PAX.

Indoor Ceremony Spots

Amber

This is the best-suited banquet for hosting a luxurious wedding in Radisson Blu Kaushambi. Adequate space for up to 800 Pax in the theatre seating style. This hall is studded with state of the art audio-visual equipment which will make it out-loud for your special day. They have designed the ballroom in a unique way which can get customized accordingly.

This is best known for pre-wedding functions like Engagement, Haldi, Sangeet, Mehndi and post-wedding functions like Reception, grand family dinner.

This banquet can be segregated into three sections-

Amber 1 Floating -1000 | Seating — 800

Amber 2 Floating — 500 | Seating — 300

Amber 3 Floating — 500 | Seating — 300

Lavanya

Lavanya got the refreshing concept of designs and interiors where you can plan your wedding day. Radisson Blu Kaushambi maintains the fabulous lush environment which pleases guests at best. If you are looking to host your wedding ceremonies here then you have got the right place. The customization of the banquet is feasible as per the size of the gathering, they segregate the hall in equal areas for comfortable sitting.

This is also an adorable place for post-wedding dinners with your closed ones, where you can get time to share memories and experiences with each other family. The stunning celebratory setting for the guests to make the magic memories to cherish for a lifetime.

This banquet can be segregated into three sections-

Lavanya 1 Floating- 300 | Seating- 180

Lavanya 2 Floating- 500 | Seating- 300

Lavanya 3 Floating- 500 | Seating- 300

TEMPLES NEARBY

Varmalla.com spotted a temple near Radisson Blu Kaushambi, one can visit after or during marriage rituals.

Old Sai Mandir: This is built around 20 years ago. Temple’s structure is unique and well maintained with black stone idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga have been established. This is believed in an Indian culture that blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga are virtuous for new beginnings. The distance of this temple from Radisson Blu is 400 meters that’s 5 minutes walking approximately.

CONNECTIVITY GUIDE

Worried about how to get there?

Radisson Blu Kaushambi got well-connected roads & connectivity from all means by car, bus, train, or flights. There is an option to book cab services from the venue for your commute.

Drive-through information:

From Kaushambi metro station — approx. 2 Kms.

From Delhi Airport — approx. 27 Kms.

From New Delhi Railway Station — approx 15 Kms.

FACILITIES

Radisson Blu Kaushambi flaunts the plush abode with unique and modern facilities that are rare to get organized by the hotel for guests. From personal fitness trainers to motivate you during your workout. The availability of 24-hour room service, the design of the facilities listed to make the stay more smooth and comfortable. The unique list is:

Grab A Bite: This is an extra mile job done by the staff of Radisson Blu. Curating the menu for on the go breakfast. If you are staying there during wedding ceremonies and someone needs to leave early for shopping or work, one can definitely go for the takeaway breakfast facility.

Famed Breakfast: The Radisson Blu provides the selected yet famous different cuisines. The exclusive buffet for the guests with a wide range of food items opted out from the best of Continental, North European, and American menu. Late Checkout: There is the facility of complimentary late Check-out from Radisson Blu hotels as late as 6 p.m. (subject to availability) that too without any single penny. Radisson Blu is known for its flexible facilities provided to the guests with warm hospitality.

Turbo Laundry: The stay for a night or two during wedding ceremonies it’s difficult to get the laundry done on time. Radisson Blu provides this unique facility to get this complication dispensed with 3-Hour Express Laundry. All shirts, blouses, socks, underwear, pants and other pieces of clothing will return fresh and clean.

One Button Away: To make the stay extra comfortable for you there is an availability of a touch service. You just need to touch that button and you will hear a knock at your door for service.

Nilaya Spa: Pamper yourself after the tiresome pre-wedding party with an appointment at Nilaya Spa before hopping to another ritual, one needs to look fresh and revitalized right? They got well-trained massage specialists skilled with special techniques like reflexology and detoxification. You can choose single or couple’s room to get a relaxing spa done. Although, to escape exhaustion enter the steam room to imbibe the energy while feeling relaxed. Dip yourself into Jacuzzi hot tub to balance the body and soul and feel free from the hustle.

Swimming Pool: Swim in the pool and grab your drink from the Lust bar to beat the heat. You can enjoy the plunge with your friends and family while ordering finger licking bites from the restaurant at the poolside.

What will it cost you?

The package we provide can be customized as per the taste and requirements. The vast categories can be deduced for better understanding, to save you from the depletion of time.

OUR THOUGHTS

Radisson Blu Kaushambi carries the legacy of modern amenities and international trends to give the right blend of lavishness. This is an impeccable place to set up for the special occasion surrounded and boasted about the mouthwatering culinary delights in the restaurant. You can try these restaurants for the short meetups with your to-be-partner in between the tight schedule of wedding ceremonies.

Varmalla.com can make your unique day in a unique way with beautiful decorations, romantic set up and irresistible aura. While your dream wedding can get planned and executed iconically, where you don’t have to feel hysteria at all. Count us as your savior.

Enquire Now for your Wedding. | Follow us on Instagram & Facebook.

Reach us at [email protected]/+91–9319191565

#radissonblu luxuryhotel weddingplace weddingvenue

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trekadvisers · 5 years

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A Vinicultural Retreat: Reviewing Las Alcobas in Napa Valley, California

Courtesy of The Points Guy by Zach Griff

On the heels of Marriott’s introduction of (the dreaded) Category 8 award tier, TPG wanted to review some of the most aspirational properties in the Marriott Bonvoy program. Having recently reviewed the Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park and the Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina, next up was Las Alcobas — a Luxury Collection Hotel that has been on our radar for a while.

Would the hotel’s rooms, facilities, and service make the property worth 85,000 points or $800+ per night? Well, as I found out, there wasn’t a simple answer to that question.

In This Post

Booking

Because I was traveling on a quiet weekend, room rates at Las Alcobas were a bit lower than normal, hovering around $725 per night. We booked right before the introduction of Category 8, so we only paid 60,000 points per night — worth roughly $480 according to TPG‘s April valuations. To sweeten the already fantastic deal, as a Marriott Ambassador Elite member, I was eligible for a space-available upgrade (up to a suite), free breakfast, and guaranteed 4pm late checkout.

With Las Alcobas having moved into Category 8, it now requires 85,000 points per night for a free night. When Marriott launches peak and off-peak pricing later in 2019, the nightly points rate will jump to 100,000 points in peak season and drop to 70,000 points during off-peak times.

We still don’t know which dates will qualify for peak and off-peak rates, but I’d venture to guess that there will be lots of peak dates, particularly over busy weekends. So if you’re thinking of booking a trip to Napa during a busy time period (holiday season, spring break, summer long weekends), it would be best to book now before rates jump by 15,000 points per night.

If you were considering paying cash for a stay at this property, you could replicate the same perks as top-tier Marriott status by booking through the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts program, which you can access through The Platinum Card® from American Express. Plus, you’d also receive a $100 spa credit to be used during the stay.

Location

Las Alcobas is located in St. Helena in California’s Napa Valley. The resort is about a 40-minute drive from Sonoma County Airport (STS) and an hour and a half from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) without traffic. Since traffic across the Bay Bridge is an almost 24/7 reality, I’d recommend budgeting closer to 2-2.5 hours for the drive from SFO. Sonoma County has daily commercial flights on Alaska, American, Allegiant, and United from various cities on the West Coast, but SFO is the arrival airport of choice from points outside the West Coast.

There isn’t much public transportation in the area, so taking a ride share or renting a car are the only viable options for getting to the resort. Just make sure to leave the keys to the rental at the hotel while you’re out enjoying a wine tasting.

I arrived into STS airport from LAX and ordered a Lyft for the 40-minute drive to Las Alcobas. I chose Lyft because Uber only offers its pricey Black cars in Sonoma County, which meant that by using Lyft I saved $80 ($45 for Lyft vs. $125 for Uber).

The hotel is located on Main Street in St. Helena, a 15-minute walk from the center of town. You don’t have to go far for the wine, however, as the hotel neighbors the Beringer Winery and actually overlooks a portion of the Beringer vineyards.

Check-in

Upon arriving at the hotel, I was greeted by a friendly bellman who introduced me to a front-desk associate, who was already standing outside waiting to welcome me to the property. The associate asked for my credit card, confirmed my stay details, and escorted me to the room for an in-room check-in. He welcomed me to my upgraded top floor room overlooking the Beringer vineyards and explained many of the room’s features.

After the brief orientation, he opened the mini bar and offered me a half bottle of sparkling wine as the welcome amenity. While I certainly could’ve used some cheese and crackers with the champagne (confession: I’m a lightweight …), overall, my check-in experience started to convince me that this property does deserve its place in Category 8.

Room

The room, and especially the incredible balcony and view, further validated Las Alcobas’ premier Category 8 rating.

The hotel has 68 guest rooms, and about 10 of those are junior and one-bedroom suites. The hotel’s rooms are located in four buildings; two buildings overlooking the vineyards separated by the hotel pool, one building overlooking the Beringer estate.

The fourth building, called the Acacia House, located by the entrance of the hotel, is a renovated rustic barn that houses the hotel’s restaurant and tiny reception area.

I was given a Vineyard View 2 queen guest room in one of the hotel’s two main buildings. For a hotel with 68 rooms, there are lots of rooms categories — 12 total!

The hotel assigns room categories based on which building you are in, as well as what level your room is on. Technically, I received a three-category upgrade from a Superior Guest Room, but the only real difference was that I had a better view on a higher floor.

The room was stunning, and the minimalist decor blended naturally with the outdoorsy feel of the hotel.

The beds were super comfortable and the linens were crisp and fresh.

There were two outlets and USB ports located behind the nightstand for easy charging of all of my devices.

The minibar was located in the corner of the room and featured a complimentary French press, along with bottled water that was restocked daily.

Near the entrance hallway was the closet and bathroom. The closet was large enough to fit all my hanging clothes, plus the two oversize plush bathrobes that were already hanging there.

The bathroom was split into two separate rooms, one with a toilet and sink and the other with a shower/tub combo and sink.

Since I was traveling with a friend, this set up proved to be ideal. He could shower, while I used the sink.

The toilet was a Japanese Toto electronic toilet that welcomed me to the bathroom by automatically opening the toilet seat — and then it automatically closed when I left.

The highlight of the room was the outdoor deck with fire pit overlooking the incredible view of the vineyards. The balcony proved to be the best place to relax and enjoy some wine.

The sofa and chairs were extremely inviting and comfortable, and the fire pit was heavenly on cool evenings. Fortunately, almost 95% of the rooms feature a fire pit, so you don’t need to rely on an upgrade to get one of them.

Food and Beverage

The hotel has one on-site restaurant called the Acacia House. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. On weekdays, breakfast is served from 7-10:30am; on the weekend, breakfast hours are extended to 2pm to accommodate late risers (read: hungover lightweights).

The restaurant decor matched that of the hotel and was quite fitting for a California farm-to-table restaurant.

Breakfast is served a la carte, and my Marriott Ambassador Elite membership granted my friend and me two continental breakfasts listed at $39 per person. In practice, we were able to apply the credit to any dish we ordered.

On the first morning, I ordered the omelette ($19), which was quite tasty. I then decided to order toast ($5) and breakfast potatoes ($9).

The following morning, I ordered the cured smoked salmon ($18), followed, once again, by the toast and potatoes … my favorite hangover remedy. I also ate dinner one evening at the Acacia House. The restaurant was crowded with non-hotel guests, but I didn’t have to wait too long for a table.

To start, I ordered an endive and apples salad ($15) and finished with the whole roasted acorn squash ($24). While the salad tasted fresh and light, the squash was completely overcooked and under seasoned.

My friend enjoyed his hamachi crudo ($21) and English pea soup ($13).

Outside the restaurant is a bar area with indoor and outdoor seating. While I didn’t spend time at the bar during my stay, I observed that many guests enjoyed a drink or two (or three) in the afternoons.

Overall, the food was above average, but it didn’t feel up to the promises of a Category 8 property. My recommendation is to use your breakfast credit at the hotel restaurant and go elsewhere for your other meals. After all, this is Napa and The French Laundry is only a 15-minute drive away.

Amenities

Las Alcobas definitely has enough five-star amenities to warrant its Category 8 rating. Even though the hotel was almost completely full during our stay (I overheard someone say that it was running at 95% occupancy), I never felt that it was too crowded.

While the grounds aren’t all that expansive, the hotel does have a few different areas for activities that helped spread out the crowds.

The main sitting/relaxing area was the hotel’s long rectangular pool located between two of the main buildings.

There were many yellow lounge chairs set up by the pool, which was heated to 84 degrees, but I forgot my bathing suit, so I stuck to relaxing beside the pool.

Next to the pool were a few outdoor couches and chairs set up around a large fire pit overlooking the vineyards.

Sitting out here was very relaxing, and my dermatologist father would definitely appreciate that the hotel offers free sunscreen at the pool. Surprisingly, there wasn’t any water available near the pool or outdoor couches, so come hydrated.

Back near the center of the resort was the hotel’s spa called Atrio. With 60-minute massages starting at $180 before tax and tip, I passed on a spa treatment.

I did check out the other spa facilities, which include a locker room, steam room, and relaxation area. It definitely would have been nice if the hotel also added a sauna or jacuzzi to the spa area (especially considering the low nighttime temperatures).

The relaxation room was nice, though the highlight was definitely the complimentary mixed nuts and dried fruits, hot beverages, and flavored waters.

The gym was located on the ground floor of one of the guest room buildings. It overlooks the Beringer estate and featured plenty of modern equipment that further helped me sweat out both my hangover and those potatoes I ate to combat that hangover.

In addition to the cardio and weight area, there was a yoga studio where the hotel offers complimentary yoga and TRX classes every morning.

The hotel set up some mountain bikes for rental outside of the gym, but I wasn’t sure where exactly they expected guests to ride, since the main road near the hotel was a two-lane highway.

Wi-Fi across the property was fast, free, and much needed. Cell phone reception (on Verizon and T-Mobile) was quite spotty across the property and the surrounding area, so my girlfriend back home appreciated my Wi-Fi connection almost as much as I did. Download speeds were around 50 mbps and upload speeds at 10 mbps.

Service

Although the service was promising when I checked in, it actually proved to be the most disappointing aspect of this stay.

We asked the hotel about local transportation options other than Uber/Lyft and were excited to hear that a house car was available to hotel guests. They informed us that we’d just need to call down a few minutes before to request the car. When we called to request the car, we were told that it had been pre-booked for the entire evening. Why advertise a service that isn’t actually available for use? And, if we needed to make reservations for the car, why not tell us?

Furthermore, I needed to wash clothes that I had used earlier in my trip. I brought my laundry bag to the reception area on Saturday morning and was told that the hotel outsources their laundry service and it had been already been picked up for the day. What five-star hotel doesn’t offer expedited and readily available laundry service?

Finally, the most egregious service failure occurred the morning we checked out. I called down to the front desk and asked to reconfirm our 4pm guaranteed late checkout thanks to my Ambassador Elite membership. The front-desk manager profusely apologized, but told me that Las Alcobas is considered a resort and therefore does not guarantee 4pm late checkout to elite members. I took out my phone, browsed Marriott’s resort listings, and noticed that Las Alcobas was not listed as a resort, and I’d therefore be guaranteed a 4pm late checkout. Armed with the new information, I called back down to the front desk manager, who told me that Marriott’s website was wrong, but he offered a 4pm checkout as a one-time courtesy. Then, at 3pm, a full hour before our checkout, housekeeping knocked and opened our door(!) asking us why we haven’t yet checked out. #Bonvoyed

Overall Impression

Does this property deserve its Category 8 placement? It’s not an easy answer.

Las Alcobas is certainly a gorgeous property in California’s Napa Valley. The hotel features a stunning design and blends perfectly into the nearby vineyards. The rooms, especially the balcony and firepits, could be featured on the cover of luxe travel magazines. However, what lay hidden beneath the glamorous façade were some serious service failures and miscommunications. If some of the service elements could be improved, then I’d definitely consider Las Alcobas worthy of inclusion among the 62 Category 8 hotels in Marriott’s Bonvoy program.

Original Article: https://thepointsguy.com/reviews/las-alcobas-napa-valley-ca/

Check out the original post here: http://www.jamcosolutionsllc.com/a-vinicultural-retreat-reviewing-las-alcobas-in-napa-valley-california/

#travel #traveler #traveladdict #travelblog #travellife

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mrjohnhthompson · 5 years

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Awesome Deals You Can Get With Your Credit Card

While many consider their credit card(s) as a contingency plan when running low on funds, these little plastic friends are loaded with awesome deals that could help you save on the little things in life (such as yummy dinners or retail therapy). If you’re afraid of the surcharges when making the swipe, fret not, just take note that Bank Negara Malaysia has clarified that retailers are not allowed to impose such fees. So, without further ado, here are the current deals that’ll allow you to spend and save.

Overview of the top three cards

Before we dive into the details, let’s check out which credit cards you should stash in your wallet. We’ve narrowed down the top three cards with benefits handy for the avid driver to the enthusiastic shopper. [table id=984 /] Now, once you’ve decided which one you’d like to sign up for, it’s time to swipe it wisely with these deals that we’ve lined up for you.

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Offer II is not valid with any other on-going promotions/discount Solvil et Titus watches 20% OFF and above, loyalty programs and/or vouchers except for simultaneous use with offers I.

Payment must be made with HSBC/HSBC Amanah debit/credit card/-i.

Offer I is only applicable for the purchase of The OBAKU watch model V216LXVIMV-R and is subject to availability on a first come first served basis.

City Chain reserves the right to replace the OBAKU model V216LXVIMV-R with any item of equivalent value at anytime and without any prior notice.

Offers are applicable at all City Chain outlets in Malaysia.

City Chain Terms & Conditions apply.

[/block]

5. Visit the good ol’ zoo with the family

Take your family out for a fun weekend at Malaysia’s famous Zoo Negara! You’ll be able to see and learn about more than 5,000 specimen of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and also, check out the adorable pandas!

Maybank cardholders can enjoy 10% off admission tickets from now until April 30, 2019! There is also a family package for 2 adults and 2 children for RM100 (normally priced at RM120!) [block] Terms and conditions

Purchase of tickets must be made at Counter 6.

Payment must be made with a Maybank/ Maybank Islamic MasterCard, Visa, Debit or Prepaid Card.

Offers cannot be exchanged for cash or used in conjunction with other promotions/offers, coupons/vouchers and loyalty/ privilege cards.

Address: Zoo Negara, Hulu Kelang, 68000 Ampang, Selangor [/block]

6. Stay at the Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside

Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside is the epitome of class and heaven of sensory delights. This elegant hotel also has one of the largest signature spa facilities in Malaysia. Get 20% off best unrestricted online rate when you pay with your Citi Clear credit card. This offer is also applicable in the following countries; Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. [block] Terms and conditions

The offer is valid till 28 June 2019.

All room bookings are subject to room availability and payment must be made using the Citibank card.

All reservations must be guaranteed with a Citibank card valid at the date of the start of your stay unless otherwise specified.

Prices quoted are subject to prevailing GST and not valid for groups with more than 20 persons.

No cancellation is allowed 3 days or less prior to arrival date. Beyond that time, the first night will be charged.

All rates are subject to heritage tax, tourism tax and other taxes where applicable.

This offer is not valid with other promotional programs, offers, discounts, vouchers or privilege cards.

[/block] [product promo="promo" name="Citi Clear Credit Card" image="https://www.imoney.my/articles/wp-content/uploads/citibank-clear-credit-card_1.png" feature="50% Cashback on the first three retail purchases up to RM300" link="https://www.imoney.my/credit-card/citibank/clear-credit-card" position="card page box" cta="https://www.imoney.my/credit-card/citibank/clear-credit-card"]Enjoy Friday 1-for-1 FREE TGV and GSC movie tickets![/product]

7. Get RM500 Lazada vouchers with HSBC

You're going to be shopping online anyway, so why not get a discount? Lazada is offering RM500 e-vouchers when you apply and spend with a HSBC credit card. All you have to do is apply for HSBC credit card. When you receive it, activate your card to claim your RM500 Lazada e-Voucher when you spend RM2,000 and above within 60 days from the date of your welcome letter. [block] Terms and conditions

Each Eligible Cardholder is entitled to receive a maximum of one (1) unit of RM500 Lazada e-Voucher for each approved participating HSBC Bank Credit Card / HSBC Amanah Credit Card-i.

The term “HSBC Credit Card” when used herein refers to HSBC Bank Credit Cards and HSBC Amanah Credit Card-i (as applicable).

RM25 Cash Back Acquisition Promotion terms & conditions apply.

Valid from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019.

[/block]

But remember: try not to overspend!

While owning a credit card allows you to make purchases when you don’t have enough funds for the month, it can pose a serious threat to your earnings if you don’t watch your limit. Avoid increasing your spending limit as you could end up overspending. Impulse purchases are your fiend, not your friend because it may seem ideal for now, but you could end up deep in debt long-term. You can read further about the dangers of an increased limit here. Former Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Lee Chee Leong revealed that Malaysians had an outstanding balance of RM36.8 billion on their credit cards. He stated a total of 845 people were declared bankrupt due to unpaid card debt in the first half of 2017! Fret not, with the right ground rules, you can still retain your financial health. Here are a few tips you can practice: [block]

Spend what you can pay

Avoid using your card for items you cannot afford to pay back within the next month. Limit yourself to only the necessities such as groceries and fuel to avoid heavy interest rates.

Pay on time

Always pay your credit card on time because credit card interest is in the range of 15% to 17%, and it is revolving debt. This could also reflect on your credit score, which could affect any bank applications in the future.

Pick a card with rewards

If we haven’t stressed it already, cards with rebates are your best pick. You can get cashbacks on necessities you utilise monthly, as listed in the top three cards above. [/block] Remember, the tip is to spend wisely. If you keep within your budget and take advantage of the credit card benefits, you can spend and save easily.

The post Awesome Deals You Can Get With Your Credit Card appeared first on iMoney Malaysia.

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newsfundastuff · 5 years

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BGR has partnered with The Points Guy for our coverage of credit card products. BGR and The Points Guy may receive a commission from card issuers. With large banks like JP Morgan and American Express poised to start significantly changing up how they structure rewards associated with premium credit cards, consumers may find it trickier than ever these days to figure out how to wade through the choices of plastic available to them and come to a decision. These kinds of cards, in particular, come with generally high fees to go along with the abundance of perks. Large financial institutions have historically enticed borrowers to spring for their most luxe credit options by offering incentives like free air travel and tons of points, though as The Wall Street Journal reported in recent days some banks are now looking to tweak that model -- changing up the rewards so that you get less on the front end and you're induced to actually use the cards more to get the benefits over the long term. All of which is to say, when you consider all of the above and the various options on the market available to you, there are several reasons why the Platinum Card® from American Express is a smart choice for consumers who want the best mix of price and rewards. Here's some of what it offers. An impressive domestic lounge network One of the easiest reasons to cite for why it's worth it to spring for the Amex Platinum Card is the lounge access you're afforded. This card gets you into any of the more than 30 Delta Sky Clubs around the globe plus American Express' own luxurious Centurion Lounges -- which also happen to be multiplying. Examples include the new 12,500-square-foot Centurion Lounge at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport's Terminal D that opened in the fall and which offers a full bar menu that features local wines and beer as well as a menu with Texas-themed dishes. In all, this card unlocks access to more than 1,200 airport lounges across 130 countries. The Platinum Card's Priority Pass membership also makes free food and drinks available at a growing number of airport restaurants and bars, so this benefit definitely helps take the sting out of getting hit with a long layover between flights. Tons of points, baby! The Platinum card is also offering a whopping 60,000-point bonus that kicks in once you make $5,000 in purchases within the first three months of your card membership. By one estimate, those points are worth up to $1,200 according to The Points Guy's recent valuation, and come on top of the card's other benefits like lounge access. When you book through an airline or via American Express Travel, you can earn 5 points for every dollar you spend on flights and hotels. This particular benefit has also been singled out for praise as being the best offering in its category among all cards, given that the 5x multiple on points for airfare can be earned even when you book through any airline - whereas you need to book through Amex Travel to get the 5 points for every dollar benefit. A combined up to $400 in airline fee and Uber credits Among the other ways this card's benefits more than offset that $550 fee each year, you also get up to $200 airline fee credit that can pay for everything from checked bag fees to in-flight food and drink purchases. The only caveat is you have to choose one airline each year that you'll direct your fee credit to, but it's a small price to pay. And as if that wasn't enough, Amex is also throwing in up to $200 in Uber savings each year. It's structured as a $15 Uber credit each month, with up to an additional $20 extra in December - which, while frequent travelers will have no problem using that up quickly, is still one more welcome perk to have. You've got to connect the card to your Uber app, and the monthly benefit is of the use-it-or-lose-it variety, but don't worry. If you don't have need of an Uber ride during a particular month, you can always use that month's credit on an UberEats delivery, instead. Complimentary premium status and memberships galore, from hotels to car rentals The Amex Platinum also has a ton of hotel-related perks alone that will quickly offset the costs that rack up from frequent travel, including complimentary gold status at Hilton and Starwood Hotels, which lets you enjoy benefits at hotels and resorts within the Hilton chain and which can also be matched with Marriott Gold status. Likewise, Platinum card members can also upgrade to Starwood Preferred Guest Gold Elite Status without having to meet any minimum stay requirements. And as if that wasn't enough, other elite member benefits include being given an enhanced room at check-in, when available. For car rentals, it's the same story. You get complimentary elite status with brands like Avis and Hertz, giving you the ability to take advantage of free membership in premium car rental programs that include special upgrades and discounts. The verdict: As the industry-leading charge card, the Platinum Card from American Express is the quintessential credit card. It's not even hard to not only over the card's annual fee, but actually come out ahead. If you travel a lot during the course of a year, or even if you're only on the road and hopping flights sporadically here and there, the Amex Platinum Card definitely is worthy of serious consideration. Benefits span beyond travel, like the card's stellar purchase protection, which reimburses you if you use it to buy an item that's later lost, stolen or damaged accidentally. Amex will cover you for the amount you paid, up to $10,000 per item with a $50,000 yearly maximum, for starters. You'll get plenty of use out of this card, in other words, and then some.

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marilynjackmm · 6 years

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TIP! To get the very best prices for the hotels that you’d like to visit, use travel sites online like Orbitz and Expedia. Always remember to give your loyalty program information to the clerk when you book your room or search for prices.

There are lots of things to think about when planning a vacation. You must pick a destination and arrange for transportation. You also have to find a place to stay, but choosing a hotel can be tricky. This article will provide assistance.

TIP! Consider taking advantage of room service when the urge strikes for a late-night snack with your special someone. Room service generally costs more than ordering out; however, it is nice to be able to order a meal in the middle of the night if you so choose.

If you have a safe in your closet, then you should use it to keep your valuables safe while you are outside of the room. You can use it to store your tablet and other expensive items to keep them secure.

TIP! Use the closet safe to protect your electronics. Your iPad, watch, and other smaller, expensive items can be placed into the safe, then you can rest assured at their safety as you head out for a fun-filled day.

Find out if any organization to which you belong offers good discounts. Some groups provide members with discounts on certain hotels. People often forget that they are eligible for these discounts, which may be for 10 percent or more off of your stay. If your stay will be for multiple nights, these discounts can save you lots of money. It can add up to almost a free hotel night!

TIP! Check with any membership programs for deals. Many of these places will give you cheaper hotel prices.

The Internet is a great place to research hotels. These websites will help you find good deals quickly. They can tell you what the average rate at a hotel is, ensuring you know the general pricing. You can also use them to explore the area around the hotel for recreation.

TIP! When thinking about selecting a hotel, there are quite a few salient points to consider. Price is always important, of course, but you might also want to find a hotel near a certain attraction or business.

Prior to emptying out your suitcase, carefully look over your room. Is it clean? Do the sink, shower, and toilet all work properly? Have the staff provided all the necessary soap, shampoo, towels, etc. that you will be needing? If there are any obvious problems, report them to the front desk immediately so that they can be taken care of or you can be moved to a different room.

TIP! The Internet is a great place to research hotels. These websites can help you quickly find the best value.

Be aware of when you can check into your room. Some people neglect asking what the check-in time is and get to the hotel when their room is still not ready. If you anticipate arriving before check-in time, make a call to the hotel and inquire if you can arrive early.

TIP! Checking online is the best way to find a good price and get the information that you need about hotels. Hotels don’t usually advertise their lowest rates, so you may have to ask.

Never make the assumption that all hotels allows pets in your room. Call and ask before you reserve. Find out what their rules on pets are also, as they may not let large pets or certain breeds stay with them.

TIP! If you are traveling with a pet, it is best to find a pet friendly hotel ahead of time. Put a call into the front desk just to be sure, no matter what it says on their website.

If you’d like to bring Fido on your next trip, you must make some advance plans. Find out if the hotel allows pets. Also, take a good supply of plastic bags, such as grocery bags, to clean up after your pet. Ask for a corner room since this can reduce the number of guests disturbed by a noisy pet.

If you want a couples massage, book early. The best professionals are often in high demand, so get in while you can.

TIP! Pack your GPS and running clothes while on vacation. Try enjoying an early jog at your new destination.

Bring your running clothes with you on your trip. Try enjoying an early jog at your new destination. This can be a great way to stay in shape while seeing some of the local scenery. Even jogging on pavement and alongside city avenues can provide you new perspective of any city that you visit.

TIP! If you book accommodations often, hotel loyalty programs are good to participate in. A loyalty program offers many benefits.

If you travel frequently, it is wise to enroll in hotel loyalty programs. There are many benefits you may be able to get. You can earn things like free upgrades, complimentary late check-out times and free stays if you accrue enough loyalty points.

TIP! Environmentalists can now enjoy a green vacation. Luckily, there are a lot of green hotels out there in this day and age.

If you are worried about the environment, consider taking a “green” vacation. Fortunately, there are many green hotels available nowadays. Some newer hotels have been built green and are certified green. Older hotels can’t always do this, but instead choose to adhere to certain green practices. Ask around for hotels that are friendly to the environment.

TIP! Get an AAA membership for hotel perks when you travel. Members of AAA receive many travel benefits including reduced hotel rates and lower car rental rates.

Discuss what a hotel transfer will cost you prior to actually booking anything. Hidden transfer costs can really make a room not worth it. If you know this upfront, you can save more money.

TIP! Steer clear of long distance calls while in a hotel. Try using the Internet instead to stay in touch.

You now see that you can find a nice hotel easily. Now all you have to do is figure out what needs to be watched out for and you can succeed. Simply make some calls and get ready for a great room. You are bound to have wonderful stories to tell when you get back!

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touristguidebuzz · 7 years

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How to Judge the 3 Best Credit Cards for Travelers

The Sapphire Reserve credit card from Chase is a top choice for business travelers. Chase Bank

Skift Take: All the smart gaming of the system is happening with cards now, not loyalty programs. But cards are making changes, too, to avoid the churners.

— Jason Clampet

If you’re not obsessed with your credit card’s travel perks, chances are you’re not carrying the right plastic.

Last August, Chase raised eyebrows (and sent travelers scrambling for applications) by launching what many have called the best travel reward credit card ever. The Sapphire Reserve has a hefty $450 annual fee but offers such top-shelf benefits as an annual $300 travel statement credit, access to more than 600 airport lounges through Priority Pass Select, and a Global Entry application-fee reimbursement worth $100.

The move quickly cemented Chase as the top player in the world of travel reward cards—so of course, its competitors reacted.

Come March 30, American Express will begin offering $200 worth of Uber credits to its top-shelf Platinum cardholders, better access to airport lounges, and the opportunity to earn up to five points per dollar on certain travel purchases. Downside: the annual fee is going up from $450 to $550. (You can still get a first-year fee of $450 if you apply before March 30, and existing cardholders with fees due before September 1 won’t see their rates jump until 2018.)

Meanwhile, the standout benefits of Citibank’s Citi Prestige have largely stayed the same, like a fourth-night-free offer at nearly any hotel, and access to American Airlines Admirals Clubs (valid through July 23, 2017).

So, the question remains, which to carry?

For all that these cards have in common—all three carry annual fees of $450 or above, and none has specific airline or hotel partnerships—there are still significant variations among them. So as long as you can decide which amenities you’d like to prioritize, we can help you find the right choice for you.

Free Money

Travel spending credits are like free money: They help offset an annual fee but come with specific usage rules. For all three cards, the credits must be used within the calendar year and can’t be rolled over.

The Platinum Card from American Express: Each year, Platinum cardholders get $200 to spend with the single airline of their choice. The credit can’t be applied to airfare, but it covers incidentals such as baggage fees, in-flight food, or lounge access. The $200 in annual Uber credits are doled out in monthly increments of $15 per month (plus an extra $20 in December). The only catch? You can’t roll them over from month to month.

Citi Prestige: The Citi Prestige’s $250 credit is automatically applied to the purchases made directly with any airline, including both airfare and incidental fees.

Chase Sapphire Reserve: With $300 of credits per calendar year, this card was the most generous until Amex added its Uber perks. But flexibility makes Chase’s credits especially valuable: they can be applied to any purchase Chase deems relevant to travel, retroactively refunding purchases made with airlines, hotels, rental car agencies, or even taxis, among other points of sale.

Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Sign-Up Bonuses

For many, the original Chase Sapphire Reserve sign-up offer—which amounted to 100,000 points or $1,500 towards travel expenses—was the reason to fill out an application. Here’s the latest on that front.

The Platinum Card from American Express: Spend $3,000 in your first three months, and you’ll get a 40,000-point sign-up bonus.

Citi Prestige: It’ll take $4,000 in purchases within three months to get a 40,000 point sign-up bonus.

Chase Sapphire Reserve: Starting on March 12, the sign-up benefits get slashed in half—spend $4,000 in the first three months and 50,000 points or $750 towards travel expenses.

Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve, still.

Airline and Hotel Transfer Partners

If you’re as strategic about using miles as you are about your investment portfolio, you know you can get more bang for your buck via currency exchange. The ability to exchange points for airline miles is among the most important to travel insiders—so don’t overlook this benefit.

The Platinum Card from American Express: Amex Membership Rewards points can be transferred to 21 airline and hotel partners, including Air Canada, Air France/KLM, British Airways, Delta, Singapore, Virgin Atlantic, Hilton, and Starwood.

Citi Prestige: Prestige cardholders can transfer their ThankYou points to 13 airline and hotel partners, including Air France/KLM, Etihad, JetBlue, Qantas, and Hilton.

Chase Sapphire Reserve: This card may have only 11 partners, but it has the largest global footprint—especially with its hotel affiliates. The card’s Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to British Airways, Southwest, United, Hyatt, Intercontinental, and Marriot, among others.

Winner: We’ll call this a two-way tie between the Platinum Card and Sapphire Reserve.

Value of the Points Themselves

If you’d rather not worry about exchanging points for miles on partner airlines, prioritize this metric.

The Platinum Card from American Express: Amex Platinum cardholders typically get 1¢ per point on airline bookings and slightly less on hotel bookings.

Citi Prestige: For now, Citi Prestige cardholders can redeem their ThankYou points for 1.33¢ apiece on airline tickets, or 1.6¢ apiece on American Airlines tickets specifically, though both rates will be decreased to 1.25¢ apiece on July 23, 2017. Some cardholders find Citi’s travel portal difficult to use with unreliable flight availability, so this redemption method might not be for everyone.

Chase Sapphire Reserve: Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can redeem their points at a rate of 1.5¢ on all travel purchases made through the Ultimate Rewards portal, which includes most major airlines, hotel companies, car rental companies, and even local tours.

Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve, no question.

Point Multipliers

Each of these cards offers bonus points on certain travel purchases.

The Platinum Card from American Express: Cardholders now earn five points per dollar on airfare purchased through Amex Travel, and starting March 30, they’ll earn the same bonus on hotel purchases made through the same agency. However, the hotel bonus is only eligible on prepaid rates and not on bookings made through American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts (more on that below). Book anywhere else? It’s still one point per dollar.

Citi Prestige: Earns three points per dollar on purchases from airlines, hotels, and travel agencies and two points per dollar on dining and entertainment (think concerts, sports events, movie theaters, amusement parks, and museums).

Chase Sapphire Reserve: For all travel and dining expenses, you’ll get three points per dollar spent. Chase is generous with its assessment of “travel expenses,” too: It includes buses, trains, taxis, tolls, parking garages, and even Uber rides.

Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Lounge Access

If you don’t fly business class regularly, lounge access can be an important consideration.

The Platinum Card from American Express: Cardholders get complimentary access to Delta SkyClubs (when flying Delta). They can also bring two guests to Priority Pass and Airspace lounges and their entire families to Amex’s excellent Centurion Lounges .

Citi Prestige: If you already have this card, you (along with immediate family or two guests) are eligible for American Airlines Admirals Club lounge access until July 23, 2017—a perk worth enjoying while it lasts. New and old cardholders also have a longer-lasting benefit: Priority Pass Select membership that includes access for two guests.

Chase Sapphire Reserve: Primary cardholders and authorized users get Priority Pass Select membership, along with access for their travel companions.

Winner: American Express

Free Hotel Upgrades

If you’re swimming in airline miles, you might care more about on-property perks.

The Platinum Card from American Express: Cardholders who book stays with partner hotels through Amex’s Fine Hotels & Resorts program get such perks as room upgrades, late check-out, spa or restaurant credits, and even free nights on multiple-night stays. (Those perks may be subject to availability.) Primary and additional cardholders are also grandfathered in to Starwood Preferred Guest Gold status and Hilton HHonors Gold status, which add additional perks such as complimentary breakfast or Wi-Fi.

Citi Prestige: Citi Prestige’s cardholders get the fourth night free on any paid hotel stay if they book through Citi’s concierge service. This can equate to thousands of dollars per year in savings, as the perk can be employed on an unlimited basis.

Chase Sapphire Reserve: These benefits are subtler. You’ll get Relais & Châteaux elite status after just two nights (within a 12-month period), earning such benefits as room upgrades and complimentary breakfast. You’ll also get other potential perks, such as meal vouchers or third- and fourth-night-free offers if you book through Visa’s Luxury Hotel & Resort portal.

Winner: If you want bonus perks, go with American Express. To decrease your bottom line, go with Citi.

Insurance Protection—for Rental Cars and Beyond

For road warriors, trip delay or cancellation coverage can be invaluable benefits that save time and worry. Rental-car elite status and insurance are icing on the cake.

The Platinum Card from American Express: The Platinum Card comes with trip cancellation and interruption insurance of up to $10,000 and trip-delay reimbursement of up to $250. Lost or stolen luggage coverage ranges up to $3,500. Cardholders are also eligible for Emerald Club Executive status with National Car Rental and get free secondary rental car insurance. Primary coverage covers up to $100,000 and costs up to $25 per rental.

Citi Prestige: This card offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance of up to $5,000 and trip-delay protection up to $500. Lost luggage is insured up to $3,000. Primary car insurance is included outside the U.S., and cardholders get elite status with Avis, National, and Sixt.

Chase Sapphire Reserve: The new card offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance of up to $10,000 and trip-delay protection up to $500. Lost luggage insurance is up to $3,000. But the fine print associated with these protections offers the highest potential for reimbursement if anything should go wrong.

Primary rental car insurance is also an automatic perk no matter where you are and covers up to $75,000.

Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve

So which card is the overall winner?

Chase’s Sapphire Reserve sweeps the most categories. But the answer is highly personal and depends on your individual travel goals. Analyze your travel habits, focus on the two or three benefits you value the most, and pick the card whose benefits best address your specific needs.

This article was written by Eric Rosen from Bloomberg and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected].

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