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Real stays, real numbers, and real tradeoffs across hotels, points bookings, upgrades, and paid rates.
MGM
+3

Jul 11, 2026
•
6 min read
A Four-Night MGM Rewards Comp Stay
IHG
+6

Jun 19, 2026
•
5 min read
A former InterContinental overlooking Lake Managua, and our base for exploring Managua after Calala Island.
Hilton
+6

Jun 11, 2026
•
4 min read
A convenient city-centre base with better redemption value than expected
IHG
+4

May 24, 2026
•
2 min read
An expiring certificate, an oversized room, and the obvious choice between wine and 500 IHG points.
IHG
+4

May 14, 2026
•
3 min read
A short-notice IHG redemption that turned out better than expected
MGM
+4

Apr 20, 2026
•
4 min read
How MGM prices and captures behavior in practice
IHG
+4

Apr 4, 2026
•
3 min read
A one-night stay around a hockey schedule, and what this hotel delivers
Hyatt
+3

Mar 6, 2026
•
3 min read
How the FHR booking plan played out
Hyatt
+2

Mar 5, 2026
•
3 min read
Near the East Side Gallery in Friedrichshain
Hyatt
+2

Mar 4, 2026
•
2 min read
A functional West Berlin base near Kurfürstendamm
IHG
+4

Jan 31, 2026
•
3 min read
A field report on pricing quirks, restraint, and why some hotels feel different
Real-world travel, loyalty, and decision-making.