Travel Bros Pod

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.

Travel Bros Pod is a society podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 87 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Unknown Host hosts Travel Bros Pod, a society show with 87 episodes published.

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  Episode #87

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

  Sep 22, 202632 minS1

  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

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  Episode #86

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

  Sep 11, 202641 minS1

  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.

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  Episode #85

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

  Sep 1, 202631 minS1

  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.

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  Episode #84

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

  Aug 25, 202648 minS1

  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.

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  Episode #83

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

  Aug 17, 202658 minS1

  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.

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