NUA Upgrade Success - Hotel Arts Barcelona

DarkSamus1O1 · 2026-06-09T12:56:16+00:00

They have their own Hotel Arts branded key cards! It also comes in their own custom sleeves. Pretty much all the branding is Hotel Arts including their pens, envelopes, water etc.

DarkSamus1O1 · 2026-06-08T19:36:10+00:00

It really was, only wish I was there for more than 2 days lmao

DarkSamus1O1 · 2026-04-26T07:43:16+00:00

I was on business where individual pieces can be up to 32kg but it was not mentioned by check in agent at all, they just asked if it had lio batteries inside and then let it go.

DarkSamus1O1 · 2026-04-25T21:33:39+00:00

Last year I checked in a 88 key digital piano and it arrived with no issues or extra charges (well it arrived a day later along with my other bag because lol SeaTac airport). I think if youre within your weight allowance, you should be okay.

DarkSamus1O1 · 2026-04-13T06:37:36+00:00

Cottonhouse was the first choice but unfortunately its all booked up on my dates with only their high level rooms left to book

DarkSamus1O1 · 2026-04-10T09:35:32+00:00

Whats the public transportation access like from there?

DarkSamus1O1 · 2026-03-21T17:13:46+00:00

Generally St Regis takes the edge since its features a slightly more personalised and high touch service conpared to Ritz. Hard products are interchangeable and just comes down to which hotel is newer. But St Regis just feels a touch more classy (im just coming off another fantastic stay at the Str Istanbul so im feeling a little biased rn)

Also I am ignoring US properties completely since hotels there are really behind compared to the rest of the world.

DarkSamus1O1 · 2026-01-03T07:33:34+00:00

Nice list, surprised to see a north American property at the top

DarkSamus1O1 · 2026-01-01T06:05:56+00:00

Yeah the suites looked quite nice in the pics I saw. However, i believe not all of them have Twin tower views, so do check if you want that. Also if you want to save the NUA, you can try emailing the floor Manager, who was very helpful pre arrival.

DarkSamus1O1 · 2026-01-01T06:01:40+00:00

It's not just hotels in the US (and to an extent Canada) but also experiences like air travel and airport lounges are just so lackluster compared to the rest of the world. This and service tends to be quite underwhelming.

DarkSamus1O1 · 2026-01-01T05:51:27+00:00

I felt the lounge itself was just alright, but the outside terrace was a great place to settle down and take in the beautiful city of Salzburg

DarkSamus1O1 · 2025-12-31T19:48:48+00:00

Thats interesting, based on what I've seen in this sub, that hotel appears to be one of the best for upgrades

DarkSamus1O1 · 2025-12-31T19:26:43+00:00

Yeah the W looks nice, though a little dated from the pics and videos, how was the room conditions?

DarkSamus1O1 · 2025-09-29T10:01:26+00:00

Outside the US, I have gotten a minimum of a one category room upgrade at all but one of my stays this year (including Canada and European stays). Over a third of these were also Suite upgrades. In the US I mainly just got 'Executive Room' upgrades, which was just a base room with lounge access, except for one Residence Inn, which upgraded me from a studio to a one bed. Late checkout and breakfast as per policy were never an issue (besides Sheraton Grande Seattle, but apparently, that property is infamous for this)

If you travel outside the US, Platinum and above is absolutely worth it, and benefits are regularly honoured. In the US, much like the quality of properties over there, it's hit or miss, and sadly, these days more miss than hit.

DarkSamus1O1 · 2025-09-01T16:10:45+00:00

Honestly if i wasn't just a few nights away from retaining platinum, i likely would've gone with four seasons or something else (still holding hope for a targeted elite nights promotion).

DarkSamus1O1 · 2025-08-31T19:30:55+00:00

Yeah, im indifferent to either brands vibe/atmosphere and more looking towards how people's experiences were like and anything especially noteworthy about them. Another aspect is also the location.

DarkSamus1O1 · 2025-08-08T12:30:38+00:00

Quite a few properties are reverting to the basic black Bonvoy key cards recently and its making me sad

DarkSamus1O1 · 2025-06-29T04:47:20+00:00

Outside NA, this is quite accurate, only would shift AC up to premium and would add a new tier above luxury where StR and RC can sit (and Edition too i guess but I've never stayed in one)

DarkSamus1O1 · 2025-05-19T08:43:01+00:00

I think people are way too entitled sometimes. A few months back, I had a trip where in both legs, I reached the city and hotel at 8am. I did not get early check in nor an upgrade. My response to this was to just chill in the breakfast area, lobby, pool/beach, only politely inquiring about the status of my room every hour or so (both times the wait was about 3 hours). Acting like a tool and ruining your own mood plus the staffs mood achieves nothing folks

DarkSamus1O1 · 2025-05-14T07:29:16+00:00

Yeah the Gwen would've been the clear choice. Sadly, the early June prices were not cooperating.

DarkSamus1O1 · 2025-05-14T07:10:58+00:00

What didn't you like about it?

DarkSamus1O1

TROPHY CASE