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Four Seasons vs Hyatt: Points, Rewards, & More

Four Seasons vs Hyatt: Points, Rewards, & More

You’ve heard of Four Seasons and Hyatt, two of the world’s most well-known hotel chains. But do you know the difference between them?

The latter is associated more with luxury stays, while Hyatt tends to offer a broader range of upper-midscale options.

But if you’re thinking about joining a loyalty program or signing up for a credit card with either group, you might want to dig a bit deeper into the details.

Is Four Seasons always the better choice for travelers and professionals who want top-tier service? And what about Hyatt’s various brands, especially upscale collections like Hyatt Centric and Hyatt Unbound?

Let’s explore the rewards programs, credit card points systems, and brands available from Four Seasons and Hyatt.

Four Seasons vs Hyatt: loyalty programs

Let’s start off taking a look at the Four Seasons’ approach to loyalty. Rather than offer an official loyalty or rewards program, the hotel chain finds other ways to prioritize recurring customers.

Loyal Four Seasons members are treated to tailored benefits rather than a bland and across-the-board program. Offers are based on the traveler’s history with the company, allowing them to earn extras.

That could be free breakfast, room upgrades, and late check-out. Four Seasons fans can earn these rewards by booking rooms with preferred partners, too.

This isn’t entirely unique to Four Seasons. Other ultra-lux brands like Aman and Mandarin Oriental have the same approach that’s based on personalized rewards.

That being said, Hyatt’s program isn’t too shabby.

Hyatt’s loyalty program, World of Hyatt, is very direct and easy to digest. It follows a traditional points system that makes it easy for members to figure out how many points they need for certain bookings and how they can earn them.

Four Seasons vs Hyatt: credit cards

This one is easy. Four Seasons doesn’t offer a credit card because it doesn’t have an official loyalty program.

From a brand perspective, Four Seasons locations don’t want to be associated with discounts. Once again, that should signal that this brand is more focused on the finer things in life.

No loyalty programs, no credit cards, no points accrual.

Once again, Hyatt is the more accessible option for travelers and businesspeople. You can easily sign up for the World of Hyatt Credit Card programs, which are divided into business and non-business. Newcomers can earn up to 60,000 bonus points after registering.

Four Seasons vs Hyatt: brands and experiences

Four Seasons doesn’t need to offer a loyalty program because most of its members aren’t on the hunt for constant savings. Hyatt, on the other hand, offers a range of affordable to ultra-lux experiences across its 28 brands.

I’d like to point out that some of these Hyatt projects are swanky as hell—and very much on par with a Four Seasons stay.

The Unbound Collection offers unique boutique stays around the world, while Miraval focuses more squarely on wellness—going as far as to ban devices on many of its spa-centric properties.

Plus, Park Hyatt remains one of the most sought-after luxury hotel names in the world. While the entire Four Seasons brand is more squarely labeled as lavish, you can absolutely find the same in Hyatt—you’ll just have more budget options, too.

LuggageLosers: Inside the New Airline Rankings Platform

It’s everyone’s worst nightmare.

You deboard your flight in a foreign country only to realize your luggage is lost.

Will you get it back? What course of action should you take next? And who is held responsible for the delays, inconvenience, and the potential loss of property?

Unfortunately, there’s no clear answer.

Worst of all, even if you’ve taken the advice of experts and opted for luggage with a geo-locator, you still might not be able to get your suitcase back.

That’s what happened to Pieter Levels’ girlfriend. The tech-forward entrepreneur (who’s behind projects like NomadList and InteriorAI) decided to launch a website to track airlines and lost luggage using live data.

Enter the trending world of LuggageLosers, a new concept in data and accountability that’s already been featured in publications like the NY Post and Business Today.

According to the website, it’s ‘a live ranking of airlines by how much luggage they are losing right now.’

Should be immediately useful, right? Well… it sounds good, that’s for sure.

I’m endlessly intrigued by these types of projects—mostly because I’m very critical of data and how it’s analyzed.

So let’s take a closer look at LuggageLosers to gauge whether or not this new aggregate site is delivering reliable information—and whether you should really avoid the top losers listed in the rankings.

The results: constantly shifting

LuggageLosers is updated around the clock, which means its rankings are constantly shifting for all 97 airlines.

At the time of writing on 25 July, Korean Air is in first place with only 482 lost bags in the last 30 days. By contrast, Iberian Air has lost 86,000 bags in the last 30 days.

From the outside looking in, this seems to track.

Levels, the man who created the website, was inspired to do so when his girlfriend’s bags were lost on a flight to Barcelona… and then again on the way back to Texas.

But these results are constantly shifting, which means that by the time this article is published, there will be a new champion and a new loser in the realm of lost luggage.

And then there’s the question: how reliable are these rankings to begin with?

How is LuggageLosers collecting data?

Levels created the algorithm that ranks airlines that lose luggage according to two metrics: complaints related to lost luggage in the past 30 days and official reports of lost bags in the last 30 days.

Using these two metrics, his algorithm assigns a luggage score and a probability score to each airline. There’s also a column that tracks an airline’s recent rankings.

Based on the total sum of these scores, airlines are ranked—and with new reports and complaints coming in constantly, the algorithm always reflects the latest data.

Which brings me to my point: what’s this data that Levels is using?

Data is notoriously finicky. It can be collected easily—but how is it applied and analyzed?

In this case, Levels collects data based on complaints made on social media. He cross-references these complaints with lost luggage data from airlines and airports.

Between the complaints and lost luggage reports, we should be able to glean a near-perfect vision of an airline’s predilection to losing luggage. ‘Should’ being the key word.

Is LuggageLosers reliable?

Here’s the part where I point out the flaws that I see.

But let me first state that I really like this idea and platform created by Levels. Flyers desperately need access to this type of homegrown data studies, which can help them avoid some seriously negligent airlines.

Now onto the flaws…

First and foremost, there’s a blatant issue related to luggage handling. In many places around the world, including the US, airport ground crews handle your luggage—not the airline. (Should I repeat that in all caps?)

So, it might make more sense to grade and rank airport ground crews when it comes to misplaced suitcases.

Second, it automatically places the blame on an airline. In reality, your luggage might have been stolen at luggage claim or mistakenly picked up by the wrong passenger.

In other words, your luggage might have been treated carefully throughout its time with an airline—and then thrown the wolves when it was time to change hands, so to speak.

Third, Levels’ algorithm claims to cross-reference missing luggage reports with social media complaints. But I have no idea how the algorithm does that… and how it manages not to double-count the same complaints across different social media platforms.

And how many people are complaining about the same lost bag?

This brings me to my last critique: complaining tends to be cultural. That means you might see more reports counted against airlines in places where people tend to noisily air out their complaints. My point is this: complaints need to be processed before they’re turned into data points.

Do US airlines really sell your luggage?

Part of the reason Levels was concerned about his girlfriend’s luggage being lost (for a second time) at the Austin airport is that airlines are allowed to sell unclaimed luggage.

Even if you do try to reclaim your lost suitcase, and they can’t find it, and it remains unclaimed… it’ll still be sold.

I’m not joking: you can shop through lost suitcases right now on Unclaimed Baggage, a business that makes its money from shilling off the innards of long-lost luggage.

That’s another reason I like LuggageLosers. It’s looking to challenge these little-known factors that impact travelers who fly every year. It’s looking to uncover all the factors that go into creating a messy and anger-inducing airport experience.

So, while Levels’ algorithm is flawed and needs work, I think you should absolutely dig a little deeper if you see your airline listed in its top rankings.

Classic Showdown: America’s Coolest Car Shows & Swaps

Once upon a time, the horse was America’s ride of choice.

Even during the frontier days, we liked going fast. From delivering mail across the country via the Pony Express to midnight runs from minutemen like Paul Revere, we owe a lot to our horses.

But since the cowboys of the Wild West hung up their reigns, Americans have focused on a new type of war horse—one made of steel.

Throughout the early 1900s, the automotive industry helped support and growt the US economy… and our love of cars.

States like Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and Tennessee put new automotive companies like Ford, GM, and Chrysler on the map. Strange periods like Prohibition led to new automotive series like NASCAR, differentiating the US’s racing tastes from global favorites like Formula One.

Even the US workday has the automotive industry to thank. Henry Ford is famously remembered as one of the first American employers to adopt a five-day, 40-hour work week.

But if there’s one decidedly homegrown legacy from the auto boom of the 20th century, it’s car shows.

Across the US, millions of automotive fans line up to admire (and show off) some of the country’s coolest and most decked-out rides. Most take place in summer, bringing together car lovers who want to mingle, swap gear, and trade.

But can you name some of the US’s best car shows and swaps.

The Woodward Dream Cruise, Detroit

250,000 attendees

On the third Saturday in August, some of the Midwest’s greatest hot rods line up along Detroit’s Woodward Avenue. And it’s been that way for a while.

As far back as the late 1800s, this stretch was a thoroughfare for carriage drivers—who, over the court of the next century, traded their horses for horsepower.

Today, the Woodward Dream Cruise takes the cake as the world’s largest single-day automotive event. There’s just about every type of car imaginable, from hot rods to muscle cars to Motor City classics to collector items.

Iola Classic Car Show, Wisconsin

135,000 attendees

Each July, over 100,000 car fans pack into the tiny town of Iola, Wisconsin.

This car show sees over 2,500 car shows over the course of three days, along with over 4,000 car swaps. If you’re unfamiliar with swaps, this is the domain of auto diehards who buy, sell, and trade classic gear, cars, and memorabilia.

Another interesting part of the Iola Classic Car Show is its camping section.

From what I can tell, there’s a really casual and passionate atmosphere here—one that puts a huge emphasis on the swap meet. Unlike most other car shows on this list, the Iola Classic is a relatively new event that started in the late 1980s.

Triple Crown of Rodding, Tennessee

25,000

The Triple Crown of Rodding is the premier car show in Appalachia.

For almost two decades, it set up shop in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. There, it was known as Shades of the Past. Now that it’s moved headquarters to the Nashville Superspeedway, it’s known as the Triple Crown.

But it still includes all the same beloved events from the original event. That includes three main rod competitions: Hot Rods, Street Rods, and Custom Rods.

The cars on display at the Triple Crown are all passion projects from highly skilled mechanics. Visitors get to see insane modifications and hear the tales of what inspired the supped-up rides.

Cruisin’ the Coast, Mississippi

100,000 – 150,000 attendees

Billed as ‘America’s Largest Block Party’, this car show has all the pomp and flair of Detroit’s Woodward Dream Cruise—without all the history, that is. But in the place of history, you’ll find passion and good vibes.

Auto enthusiasts drive from across the US to attend the car show and show off their rides. There’s also a large swap meet that takes place.

Cruisin’ the Coasts puts a big emphasis on classic cars. These tend to fill up most of the places in Gulfport when the car show rolls around. the event takes place in early October, there’s also a summer vacation vibe thanks to its proximity to the beach.

Hot August Nights, Nevada

50,000 attendees

Hot August Nights is all about insane rides… and rock’n roll.

Every August, thousands of drivers and mechanics gather together in Reno, Nevada to show off their rides. But attendees are also there to enjoy the atmosphere—which includes rock and electronic shows, youth auto challenges, and competitions judged by local celebrities.

There’s also a significant auction that takes place during the Hot August Nights event. That sees collectors and buyers gather with legions of car-lovers, creating a unique atmosphere.

Best Carbon-Neutral Resorts: 5 to Keep on Your Radar

The number of green travel initiatives grows every year.

As a hardcore environmentalist and travel writer, I’m often conflicted. Travel introduces us to new cultures and lifestyles, bridging the human experience and bringing humanity closer. It’s very obviously a good thing.

But travel is a relatively new hobby—one that’s increasingly reliant on planes.

Unfortunately, flights produce a lot of CO2 emissions. A flight from San Francisco to London, for example, produces more emissions than driving a family car for a whole year.

And that’s only talking about transportation—nonetheless other environmental dangers, from constructing rainforest hotels to dumping semi-treated water from cruise liners straight into the ocean. (Yeah, that’s where it goes… sometimes as close as three miles to our US shores.)

So it’s a pretty pressing matter… one that doesn’t really have a straightforward solution in sight.

That being said, I’m an environmental optimist. Around the world, more funds and manpower are being invested into environmentally sustainable research and development.

In other words, don’t let dystopic media get you down.

Let’s focus on beautiful resorts that are carbon-neutral instead. After all, a stay at one of these locations can literally save the world.

A new era in luxury resorts

Let’s cover the basics before we explore the world’s finest carbon-neutral hotels.

First up—what is carbon neutrality? This fancy term simply refers to balancing the emission of CO2 (bad) with the absorption of CO2 (good).

Plants, soil, and seawater are natural CO2 absorbers—it’s really that easy.

To achieve carbon neutrality, most companies rely on minimizing emissions while also supporting CO2 absorption. They do that by investing directly in projects that support CO2 absorbers, whether planting trees or restoring lost coral reefs.

Sounds simple, right? In reality, achieving carbon neutrality usually takes years of concentrated effort and trial-and-error.

If you’re seeing any claims of carbon neutrality, be suspicious—at least, until you know which group is verifying a company’s carbon neutrality. The hotels and resorts listed below have been verified by third-party groups or will be in the coming years.

These include the ISO 14064-1 Guide, DEKRA, PAS 2060 from BSI Group, and CarbonNeutral. These companies specialize in sustainability, offering resources, consultations, and verifications for a range of companies.

In other words, they’re the fact-checkers when it comes to sustainability claims.

Here are the hotels and resorts that they’ve verified, along with a few up-and-coming resorts that are working hard to earn their certification.

Fully carbon-neutral resorts

TripAdvisor

Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort, Aruba

Certified by CarbonNeutral

Enter the world’s only bona fide carbon neutral hotel-resort.

Bucuti has been around for almost forty years and, during that time, has expanded its eco-friendly reach. Since 2018, it has offered a fully carbon-neutral stay—one that is entirely offset by hotel practices and carbon absorption projects.

In fact, Bucuti’s owner, Ewald Biemans, has done such a standup job for eco-friendly tourism initiatives that he was invited to sign a landmark declaration at an event for the United Nations World Tourism Organization, which is looking to increase pledges from hotels to go carbon-neutral.

Biohotel Sturm (website)

Biohotel Sturm, Austria

Runs according to the Kyoto Protocol

Austria’s Biohotel Sturm wellness retreat isn’t quite on par with the Bucuti Hotel because it hasn’t been certified by CarbonNeutral.

Still, this hotel follows the UN’s Kyoto Protocol, which was replaced with the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015. (You can call the program by either name.)

This agreement involves carbon credit trading, allowing Biohotel Sturm to offset its emissions. However, the hotel also focuses on hyper-local solutions, from its organic menus to its hygiene products. This local approach is increasingly popular for eco-hotels around the world.

Hopeful carbon-neutral resorts

Alohilani Resort (website)

Alohilani Resort, Waikiki Beach

*Seeking certification by PAS 2060 and DEKRA

Since 2022, Alohilani has been looking to nab its carbon-neutral certifications—which it hasn’t quite done yet.

Still, there are quite a few sustainability measures in place. These revolve around energy efficiency and sustainability, water conservation and reduction, and participation in a variety of environmental initiatives.

If you’re happy with their long list of projects, then feel free to enjoy Alohilani. However, if you want proof that they’re fully carbon-neutral, you’ll need to wait a few more years.

Kasbah du Toubkal (website)

Kasbah du Toubkal, Morocco

*Partners with the High Atlas Foundation

This high-mountain retreat puts a strong focus on simplicity and the natural world. You’ll be able to feel that in the textiles and design throughout the grounds.

Uniquely, to offset its environmental impact, the Kasbah hasn’t sought to go carbon neutral.

According to the website, that might not be possible given most guests fly to reach Morocco. And as we’ve pointed out above, flights are the most impactful part of traveling from an environmental perspective. (I respect the honesty here.)

The Kasbah du Toubkal has taken another approach to sustainability by working closely with the High Atlas Foundation to preserve forests in Morocco and plant more native species.

From what I can tell, the Kasbah du Toubkal has directly funded and supported this initiative with great results for many years now.

Sani Resort, Greece

*Seeking certification from ISO 14064-1

Last year, Sani Resort took home the award for the World’s Leading Luxury Green Resort and for the World’s Leading Sustainable Resort.

That being said, Sani isn’t carbon neutral—like Alohilani, it’s awaiting official certification.

So if you see claims that this resort has been carbon neutral since 2020, know that this is based on Sani Resort having contributed enough to CO2 absorption projects to offset its emissions that year.

But as we’ve seen throughout this article, that isn’t quite the same as landing an official certification from a third-party group. It’s a lot more rigorous and involved than many think. Still, I think Sani Resort deserves major kudos (and your hard-earned money) for its dedication to our planet.

Roll Call: Samsonite vs Away Luggage

Finding a solid piece of luggage requires keen attention to detail.

It also requires travelers to know themselves. As in, are they capable of packing lightly enough or do they need a heavy-duty suitcase with powerful zippers? Or are they more focused on techy features like charging bags and geolocator tags?

The hunt for a functional carry-on is even more important when you consider shrinking cabin sizes across various airlines. You need bang for your buck in every square inch of that suitcase.

I’m taking a closer look today at two of the most trusted brands in luggage: the legacy brand Samsonite and one of its latest competitors, Away.

The former was founded back in 1910, meaning it’s got the experience most travelers want. But Away has been innovating in a major way since it entered the market in 2015.

Both offer a high-quality carry-on suitcase with advanced features, ergonomic design, and unexpected perks. But with hefty price tags from Away, it’s worth it to do a bit of research before opting for either brand.

Looking into buying a Samsonite vs Away carry-on? Here’s what you need to know in terms of differentiating factors.

Samsonite is more accessible & affordable

If you’re comparing these two carry-ons, you might have noticed a serious price gap.

Samsonite is a legacy brand in the luggage world—but its prices don’t reflect its experience. In other words, you’ll get a solid product with this brand without forking over hundreds.

Saving is a huge factor for travelers, which is why I’m pointing this out first.

Samsonite’s carry-on will set you back less than $150, while Away’s carry-on costs closer to $250. The average traveler probably won’t notice a big difference. On top of that, you can order Samsonite from Amazon—but Away products must be purchased on the website.

Samsonite is lighter-weight

Samsonite is focused on light-weight products.

Its carry-on is a whole pound lighter than Away’s, which should be a clear sign that Samsonite has zeroed in on comfort and ease of travel. Away, by contrast, is weighed down (literally) by its added tech features.

But I’d like to point out that both carry-ons come with the same series of basic features: TSA-approved locks, a general size of around 22’ x 15’, and spinner wheels.

One will just be lighter-weight from the start, which might make it easier to handle in the airport and load into the overhead cabin.

Away is more advanced

Here’s the thing. Away has caught some flak for its higher prices—which makes sense for travelers who don’t need things like charging banks and advanced wheels that are designed to be quiet.

But that doesn’t mean Away’s features are needless.

Especially when it comes to Away’s polycarbonate shell.

One of my suggestions on picking out luggage is finding a piece that has a hard shell that’s actually durable—without being really heavy. Away, despite being slightly heavier than its Samsonite counterpart, truly delivers on this demand.

Samsonite, by contrast, uses a polypropylene shell. It’s just as lightweight but not nearly as durable. To be fair, I don’t think any wayward crashes will damage whatever you packed inside—but Samsonite’s suitcase might not last as long as you’d like.

They have similar warranties

This brings me to my last point.

I’ve seen multiple luggage reviewers point out that Away offers a 100-day return policy and a limited lifetime warranty. Samsonite, by contrast, offers a limited 10-year warranty.

While there’s a huge difference between a 10-year versus lifetime warranty, I think both are geared toward the quality of the luggage.

In other words, Away’s polycarbonate shell should last more or less a lifetime. By contrast, it makes more sense for Samsonite to offer a 10-year warranty because its product isn’t quite as durable. (Though it is great for over-packers, as its expandable panel is one of the largest in the industry.) 

Whimsical Wonders: The Best Airbnbs For Your Alter Ego

Once I toured an apartment that was so disgustingly awful that it inspired me to write an article about super-villain-calibre rentals. (The walls were made of corkboard. I won’t go into any more detail.)

When I started my research, I realized that I wasn’t the only one interesting in odd rentals.

To my great surprise, there’s a growing movement that celebrates truly strange lodgings—at least when it comes to short-term rentals.

In fact, Airbnb has an entire ‘OMG!’ section that’s designed to showcase the world’s zaniest rentals. While they’re not specifically designed for villains, some of them are giving off absolute lair vibes.

From cabooses to stone towers to yellow submarines, I’ve rounded up some of the world’s funkiest rentals. Maybe not for your inner villain—but definitely for your alter ego.

Aura House, Indonesia

Is it alive? Could be.

This bamboo house looks like a living extension of the Indonesian jungle.

Aural House is highly unique three-story project comes from Ibuku Bamboo Architecture and Design. Their work showcases eco-friendly materials, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the emerald jungle.

It’s designed for ‘adventurous couples’ on their honeymoon—which is a great idea. This place oozes romance and fantasy, giving it a dream-like quality.

Book here

Trasita Tower, Italy

Positano is one of the most iconic towns on the Amalfi Coast.

This region is known for its cliffside medieval villages—which Trasita Tower takes to the extreme.

This 16th-century stone tower cranes over the Mediterranean. Like, close enough that you might get a little sea foam on your calves. Though the rental is small, it’s got everything you need for a great trip—all while putting you in downtown Positano.

You’re like a princess trapped in a tower… except you want to be there.

Book here

Tiny Home, Norway

This tiny home overlooks a beautiful lake in Norway… which you’ll be able to enjoy through a massive and circular window.

That window is giving pure Cyclops vibes, while the dark-color design throughout is cool and minimal. I’m not saying there’s a supervillain plotting inside this tiny home. I’m just saying it wouldn’t be a bad fit.

Book here

Casa Igarapé, Brazil

Part jungle gym, part open-floor-plan tiny home, Casa Igarapé has been built with its environment in mind.

The home is integrated into the land, giving a sort of inside-outside feel. Given its setting on a hillside, you’ll feel like you’re soaring over the green hills in this region.

According to the hosts, you’ll probably also see some animals while you’re here. If you want a wacky and zany take on tiny home living, start here.

Book here

Yellow Submarine, New Zealand

I promised a yellow submarine up top—and here it is.

The description of this place is a little hectic. I’m not quite sure whether this was a functional submarine at some point or how it made its way to the forests of New Zealand.

Regardless, it’s highly rated by guests. It’s larger than it looks on the outside with a suitably quirky design inside. There’s even a large porch that lets you soak up the scenery.

The cherry on top? No cleaning fee.

Book here

17th-Century House, France

I don’t know how else to describe this rental other than ‘fever dream’.

This rental has captured my mind, heart, and soul thanks to its eclectic range of rooms. Every single surface is covered in ornamentation, crawling plant life, or sculptures.

There’s a claw-foot tub on the stone patio and a narrow pool that bisects the property… crossable by a wooden plank. As far as I can tell, most of the rental has no walls, either.

Want to delve even deeper into this blessed mystery of an Airbnb? Check out my in-depth review.

Book here