Category: Lifestyle

The Points Guy 

Luxury hotel lovers who carry select Chase cards, including the Chase Sapphire Reserve, have a new reason to celebrate this season — well, every season — as Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts now has 118 properties available to book through Chase’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection.

The Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection is a way for folks with eligible cards to book over 1,000 luxury hotels around the world while earning elitelike perks without having to hold elite status at those properties. Chase cards that have access to the collection include:

Chase Sapphire Reserve
United Explorer Card
United Gateway Card
United Club Infinite Card
United Quest Card
United Business Card

With the newly integrated Four Seasons properties available to book through the program, guests can expect to receive perks like a $100 property credit (which can be used toward dining, spa purchases or hotel activities), daily breakfast for two, a room upgrade (if available), early check-in and late checkout (if available) and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Though booking through the Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection (as well American Express’ similar Fine Hotels + Resorts program) is typically more expensive than booking directly or through other cost-savings websites, those perks can add up and make it worth your money — especially daily breakfast for two, considering that hotel breakfast at luxury resorts isn’t quite the same as McDonald’s.

And, for folks considering a stay at Four Seasons, it’s one of the best ways to earn a few extra perks since Four Seasons doesn’t have its own loyalty program (even though we’re still dreaming of it).

If you’re curious about which Four Seasons properties we suggest booking, we’ve pulled together a list of our favorites around the world.

FOUR SEASONS

For a luxury vacation in paradise, consider heading to French Polynesia for a getaway at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora for a taste of that overwater bungalow life. Or, if you’re more of the city type, the Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris has Versailles-like marble bathrooms so you can feel like royalty for a few nights.

And if you don’t carry the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you might not know about the other perks that come with the card beyond access to Chase’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection. Some of those perks include a $300 annual travel credit; a free DoorDash DashPass subscription through Dec. 31, 2024; a Priority Pass Select membership, which gets you into more than 1,300 airport lounges around the world; reimbursement of up to $100 for the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck; and more.

Related: Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card review

And, right now, the Chase Sapphire Reserve has a welcome offer of 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. With a value of 2.05 cents apiece for Chase Ultimate Rewards points (according to TPG valuations), the current 60,000-point bonus on the Sapphire Reserve is worth $1,230 — more than two years of its $550 annual fee.

Related reading:

Key travel tips you need to know — whether you’re a beginner or expert traveler
The best travel credit cards
The 18 best places to travel in 2023
6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
13 must-have items the TPG team can’t travel without

Read More 

Well+Good 

If you have fine, thin hair that falls flat in what feels like seconds after styling, you know the struggle that is finding a good shampoo all too well. So when you find one that manages to cleanse and volumize hair without stripping it completely, you don’t let it go—in fact, you invest in a super size (with the conditioner to match) to ensure you never go a wash day without it.

Pro hairstylists say that’s the Super-Size Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner Kit (normally $190, now $119) by Bumble and bumble, the salon haircare brand behind the W+G beloved ‘plumping’ hair mask and cult-classic dry shampoo. But the *really* good news is, you can find the kit on QVC for only $119 (!) right now, a super-sized discount for a liter of salon-quality shampoo and conditioner. Here’s why stylists recommend clicking the kit into your cart, ASAP.

“The Bb.Thickening Volume Shampoo and Conditioner gives your hair the appearance of fullness and volume without weighing down your hair,” says Jamie Lynn DeSimone, a stylist at the brand’s salon in NYC’s Meatpacking district. “It still gives you enough hydration to give your hair softness and movability.”

The secret is panthenol (or vitamin B5) and aloe vera— lightweight hydrators that bring balanced moisture to dry, thin hair without bogging it down or leaving a greasy residue behind. They’re also some of the best conditioning ingredients for fragile, aging hair, according to derms.

To plump strands to their fullest potential, the Thickening Volume Conditioner uses emblica officinalis fruit extract—aka gooseberry extract or amla. “[It’s] a naturally derived ingredient that plumps strands and creates volume,” explains Jamie Lynn. Which explains why the duo leaves hair looking and feeling thicker immediately after washing.

Jamie Lynn says the Bumble & bumble kit is a great precursor to at-home blowouts, too. “Achieving a salon blowout at home can be tricky, but this shampoo and conditioner gives my clients a bouncy blowout that lasts all day,” she says. The Bumble and bumble pairing leaves your hair clean, bouncy and hydrated—and as a fun bonus: you might even be able to go longer between washes if you’re particularly prone to oily roots, like me.

“Anyone with finer hair would benefit from the Bumble & bumble Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner Kit, but it can be used on all hair types which is what makes it so great,” says Jamie Lynn. “For thinner and finer hair that may be dry from coloring or heat styling, this set will give them the hydration and softness that they need without weighing hair down.”

Read More 

Carscoops 

A used car dealer from Spain can now breathe a multi-million dollar sigh of relief, having been absolved of criminal liability in a case involving the violation of Ferrari’s intellectual property rights by driving a Ford Cougar-based replica. The Spanish judge ruled in favor of the A Coruña dealer, sparing them from a €2.1 million (or US$2.2 million at current exchange rates) penalty.

The saga began in October of 2018, when the dealer bought the doppelganger, which had been extensively modified to look like a Ferrari F430 Scuderia, from its previous owner. The dealer obtained the vehicle with the intention of using it as a management car for the sales team, so he added some stickers with the company logo on the sides. However, just a few weeks after taking ownership, the police seized the car and used it as evidence against the businessman.

While that sounds like a strong reaction, it was only the start, as reported by Periodismo Del Motor. Ferrari decided to pursue criminal charges against the dealer, seeking a €2.1 million (US$2.2 million) fine and a one-year prison sentence in the case.

More: Ferrari Hits 812 Superfast Owner With Lawsuit Over His Instagram Posts

A real Ferrari F430

Ferrari’s allegations may have worked against the company in this instance. The judge in the case appeared to recognize that the penalties Ferrari sought were disproportionately punitive for several reasons.

For starters, the dealer didn’t modify the car, but instead bought it already Ferrarized. This means they weren’t involved in producing fraudulent cars. Moreover, they were using it as a car for employees, and the time it was seized, showed no signs of even planning to sell it.

Finally, although the car looks a like an F430 Scuderia, it doesn’t take an expert to notice that it’s a fake. Beyond the fact that the engine is the wrong size and in the wrong part of the car, even the Ferrari badge was inaccurate, featuring the Chilean flag rather than the Italian one at the top.

More: Ferrari Wins Case Against Mansory For Copying The FXX K With The 4XX Siracusa

An unrelated to this case, Ford Cougar-based Ferrari F430 replica from eBay

“It is a rather unusual fact that an intellectual property case ends up in criminal proceedings ,” the businessman’s lawyer, María Muiño González, told El Pais. The defense has spent three years “analyzing the ins and outs of the brand” and maintains that the accused “never wanted to appear to have a real Ferrari.” “The emblems were crude and you could see that they were simple stickers,” she explains, “and I wasn’t going to sell it either; “He had it in his possession for only 12 days until it was seized.”

“It’s quite unusual for an intellectual property case to escalate into criminal proceedings,” noted the businessman’s lawyer, María Muiño González, told El Pais. The defense team invested three years in closely examining the brand and firmly asserted that the accused never had any intention of making the vehicle resemble a genuine Ferrari. “The emblems were crude, and you could clearly see that they were basic stickers,” she said. “Furthermore, there were no plans to sell it; he had it in his possession for only 12 days before it was seized.”

All of which led the judge to determine that there was no hint of harm to the interests of consumers or Ferrari. Therefore, the court has denied the automaker’s claim, and the dealer will not have to pay any amount. However, Ferrari can still appeal the ruling.

Read More 

Carscoops 

The Toyota GR Supra needed a boost ever since Nissan’s Z arrived to steal its thunder, courtesy of a more powerful engine and lower price tag. And just this summer, Nissan revealed a hotter Nismo Z, a car Toyota had no answer for, though that’s about to change.

We spied the new hardcore GRMN Supra on test in Germany earlier this week, but the tough-looking coupe has us so excited that we couldn’t pass up an opportunity to give it some more screen time when a fresh set of pictures landed in our inbox today.

They show the super-Supra again strutting its stuff at the Nurburgring and on the fast, flowing roads that surround the famous track. The minimal disguise consists of wrap on the nose and upper tail that’s in the unique black, red, white, and gray colors Toyota uses for all of its GR prototypes, but even that mish-mash of colors can’t prevent us from picking out the canards and front splitter, or the motorsport-style rear spoiler. 

And the wrap does nothing to obscure how slammed this thing looks. The regular GR Supra definitely doesn’t ride this low, suggesting that the Gazoo Racing engineers have been busy working on the suspension, too. The images also show what looks like an uprated brake package featuring drilled, two-piece floating rotors and sticky Michelin Pilot Cup 2 rubber.

Related: 2025 Toyota Supra GRMN Spied With Canards And Rear Wing, Could Pack BMW M4 Power

The GRMN name stands for Gazoo Racing, Masters of the Nurburgring, but in this case, the M might just as well stand for BMW M, if the rumors are true. The Supra is based on the same platform as the BMW Z4 and shares its 382 hp (387 PS) 3.0-liter engine with the Z4 M40i. But while BMW doesn’t offer the Z4 with a manual gearbox and never bothered creating a full M variant, Toyota added a manual option to the Supra in 2022 and is now thought to be pinching one of BMW’s M powerplants for the GRMN coupe.

We’ve previously speculated that Toyota will adopt the 473 hp (480 PS) engine from the base BMW M3 and mate it with a choice of six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions, just like the non-Competition M4 does. But thinking about it again, perhaps it’s more likely that BMW would only give Toyota access to the slightly milder 453 hp (460 PS) version of the motor from the M2. Why? The 3.0 Supra and M240i already share the same 382 hp power output and the M2 and GRMN Supra will effectively be scrapping over the same buyers, so why would BMW let Toyota get the upper hand?

If that M3 theory is true, the GRMN would still be rated at 71 hp (72 PS) more than the existing 3.0-liter Supra. It would also get 20 lb-ft (27 Nm) more torque, the M2 powertrain making the same 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) as the M3 despite its lower power output. What do you think the GRMN has under the hood?

SH Proshots

Read More 

Well+Good 

As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, the feelings of fall coziness typically evoke comforting rituals: making soups, drinking pumpkin-spiced lattes, and getting together with loved ones. But for millions, the season-changing can elicit more complicated feelings and darker emotional states.

Commonly known as “winter blues,” seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a subtype of major depressive disorder, explains licensed psychotherapist Tandrea Tarver-Brooks. It happens when seasonal transitions trigger shifts in mood and affects a person’s ability to function. Although the most prominent cases show up in the colder months, seasonal depression can occur at any time of year, Tarver-Brooks says.

Meanwhile, many people find holiday gatherings and customs trigger grief rather than comfort. “Holidays, anniversaries, and birthdays serve as ‘memories frozen in time’ and may worsen symptoms of grief by increasing feelings of uncertainty and loneliness,” says Tarver-Brooks. “When grief coexists with SAD symptoms, an individual’s ‘blues’ can also be reignited, making it much more difficult to complete day-to-day tasks and attend to basic needs.”

As a somatic practitioner primarily focused on breathwork—which I’ve used to help thousands of people, from Fortune 100 executives to kids in juvenile detention centers—I’ve found that certain somatic techniques can help to address the emotions surfacing in the body when the symptoms of grief and seasonal depression intertwine.

What is a somatic practice? It’s a tool to address physical manifestations of emotional states in the body. Here are three that I recommend in particular to create more moments of calm and groundedness as you approach each day, one day at a time.

Three practices you can use while navigating seasonal depression and grief

1. Morning oceanic breath

Starting your day with soothing, grounding breaths can help decrease overthinking. An improved mind-body connection can help encourage the completion of daily routines that become more challenging when you’re experiencing depression and grief, like making the bed, taking a shower, or brushing your teeth.

The oceanic breath is a beginner-friendly breathwork pattern that sounds like its name. To do this, start with the mouth wide open.

Inhale through the mouth slowly, evoking elongated breaths. Feel your chest and diaphragm rise on the inhale. Then exhale out of the mouth, feeling your ribcage hug your stomach as you empty the lungs.

If you feel comfortable doing so, you can close your eyes and position your body lying down or sitting up for the duration of the practice. Start with a time that feels achievable for you, whether that’s one minute, five minutes, or 10 minutes.

Know that it’s normal for tasks and to-dos to come to mind as you begin to breathe. Be gentle with your mind doing its job (thinking) and compassionately return your focus to your breath.

2. Intentional nasal breathing with low-impact walking

Walking can be a great tool to feel more present in your body as you process difficult emotions. Coupling a slow-paced walk with intentional nasal breathing is a practice that will help “create more space” in your mind, and the situations it wants to process, by focusing attention instead on movement and deeper inhales and exhales.

While taking a stroll, begin to notice your regular breathing pattern. Extend your inhale and exhale by a few more seconds than what comes naturally. Notice how your body feels as you slow down and deepen your inhales and lengthen your exhales with more intention.

3. Nurturing self-touch

Touch can elicit the brain’s “feeling safe and comfortable” response.

If a specific area of the body feels tense or is at unease, gently rub that area in a circular motion (clockwise then counter-clockwise). Allow your body to sink into whatever surface is supporting you while allowing tension in the face, shoulders, and lower body to melt away.

To evoke additional feelings of safety, swaddle yourself with a blanket after this practice or cover yourself with a weighted blanket.

Note: Grief can show up in the body differently for everyone, but commonly manifests in the chest (heart space) and stomach area.

Read More 

The Points Guy 

[circuit type=review circuit_id=”9313″]

Rome is a city rich with history and tradition, but there is certainly no shortage of trendy hotels in the Eternal City. If you want to stay somewhere fresh and modern after spending the day admiring 1,900-year-old buildings and eating your fill of Italian cuisine, look no further than the W Rome.

On a recent summer trip, I had a few days to check out the city before embarking on a Mediterranean cruise, so I decided to spend two nights at the relatively new W Rome. Suffice it to say, my stay surprised me in the best ways.

Whether you plan on racking up well over 10,000 steps a day while sightseeing (like I did) or enjoying a more low-key Roman getaway far from the ancient city’s throngs of tourists, here’s what you can expect when staying at the W Rome.

What is the W Rome?

The W Rome became the brand’s first location in Italy when it opened its doors in December 2021. It has 162 rooms and suites and sits on a quiet side street only 10 minutes away (by foot) from famous tourist attractions like the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and Villa Borghese, making it a convenient spot for sightseers to unwind after a busy day out and about.

With a popular rooftop pool, a restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred Sicilian chef Ciccio Sultano and photo-worthy artwork and design features (think: classic marble floors contrasted with geometric patterns and bright blue, yellow and red accents), the W Rome should appeal to everyone from families with aspiring foodies to couples seeking a stylish, romantic getaway and friend groups eager to see all the city’s famous sights.

Related: Here’s why fall is a great time to visit Italy

How to book the W Rome

CAPRI WHITELEY/THE POINTS GUY

Rooms at the W Rome start around 485 euros ($512) per night when booking directly through Marriott. If you have a stash of Marriott Bonvoy points available, you can also choose to use points to pay for your room. While the exact rates will vary depending on the dates you choose, expect to need at least 71,500 Bonvoy points per night when redeeming points for a standard room.

Cash rates for my stay during peak tourism season were surprisingly low at 517 euros ($545) per night (rates on the same days in August 2024 are 704 euros, or $739, per night), so I opted to book with cash.

Know, though, that if you have certain Marriott Bonvoy credit cards — such as the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Credit Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card — you can also use free night certificates to cover the cost of your stay.

If you are not a Marriott status holder, consider booking through the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts program. Cardholders with The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express are able to make a reservation through the program to unlock several elitelike perks, such as space-available upgrades, a $100 food and beverage credit to be used during your stay, daily breakfast for two and guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout.

Related: 12 hotels where you can stay for half price (or break even) with your Amex Platinum credit

The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

It’s on a quiet street but close to the action

With a discreet entrance on a side street off of the famous Via Veneto, which is full of hotels and restaurants, the W Rome provides the best of both worlds: seclusion from the busyness of Rome’s ancient streets during peak tourist season and ease of access to many of the city’s main points of interest.

Staying at the W Rome means you’ll be within walking distance of can’t-miss sights like the Trevi Fountain and Villa Borghese, plus numerous restaurants, cafes and gelaterias dishing up authentic Italian fare. However, the property sits near the top of the iconic Spanish Steps, so be prepared for a lot of steep journeys if you’re venturing out nearby.

CAPRI WHITELEY/THE POINTS GUY

For longer treks to and from the hotel, lean on ride-hailing services like Uber. Cars are plentiful in the area and typically cost 12 to 18 euros ($13 to $20) to reserve for trips between the hotel and farther attractions. A small metro system is also available, with the closest stop — Barberini station — about a seven-minute walk away.

To get to and from Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO), the region’s main airport, plan on driving, as the ride takes about 35 minutes by car. Taking a taxi to and from the airport will set you back 50 euros ($53).

Related: Planning a trip to Italy? Here’s how to get there on points and miles

The room design is chic

Walking into my Fabulous Room, the standard room type I booked for this stay, I was immediately wowed by the design. The pale blue walls with picture frame molding all the way around the room provided a subtle nod to traditional style but with a modern twist of an unconventional color. The look perfectly complemented the sleek curved leather headboard and dramatic red velvet curtains in the main sleeping area, though the walls admittedly lacked adequate soundproofing, so every little noise in the hall carried into the room.

Still, the standard room felt a lot bigger than expected thanks to thoughtful design touches throughout the 247-square-foot space. For example, the bathroom door, dresser drawers and minibar were all slightly hidden, flush to the wall and matching the same pale blue color and picture frame molding as the rest of the room. This saved valuable square footage, but it did take a few minutes for me to discover where each element was located.

I was particularly impressed with the minibar, as it was packed with options to satisfy plenty of different drink cravings. There were 500-milliliter bottles of gin, tequila and vodka for 45 euros ($47) each, plus several premade cocktails for 15 euros ($16), prosecco for 55 euros ($58), wine for 22 euros ($23) and various juices costing up to 10 euros ($11) that could be used for mixers. A jar of olives was even available for 10 euros ($11) so you could top off your premade martini. For those who prefer caffeinated beverages, a selection of complimentary coffees and teas sat next to glassware in another hidden drawer. 

Beyond the minibar area, you’ll find a comfortable king-size bed with multiple USB outlets and standard European Type C electrical plugs on each side, as well as a closet with mirrored double doors that open to reveal plenty of hangers and hanging space.

The bathroom was the most luxurious area within the room, featuring floor-to-ceiling marble in gray and black hues. Despite being too small to accommodate a soaking tub and a second sink, the walk-in shower was spacious, and I appreciated the variety of provided toiletries, including Momo-branded shampoo and conditioner, a toothbrush and toothpaste, a shaving kit and makeup wipes.

The most charming part of my room, though, was undoubtedly the bench seat in front of the window, where you could sit and admire the beautiful view of the Swiss Institute across the street. If I had more time, I would’ve lingered here to relax and read a book while the warm Italian breeze blew in through the window. 

CAPRI WHITELEY/THE POINTS GUY

Related: Booking a milestone birthday trip to Rome and Florence

Delicious dining and drinking options abound

CAPRI WHITELEY/THE POINTS GUY

One of the things that swayed me to choose this hotel for my stay was the Sicilian-influenced restaurant that occupies most of the ground floor, including a courtyard in the center of the building. Helmed by superstar Sicilian chef Ciccio Sultano, Giano Restaurant is highly regarded, having earned inclusion in Rome’s Michelin Guide. I’m happy to report it lived up to the expectations. 

Seated in the quiet (albeit sparsely decorated) courtyard when we visited for dinner one night, my dining companion and I started our meal sharing a bottle of Pallagrello Riccio Bianco for 46 euros ($48) and nibbling on the complimentary homemade focaccia and fresh bread with ricotta and lemon-infused olive oil offered by our waiter.

Then, we shared an order of the tender Polpo e Caponata (roasted octopus) for 26 euros ($27) before eating our entrees. Both the Spaghetto Taratata with tuna tartare, tuna bottarga and citrus pesto for 28 euros ($30) and the Maialino nero dei Nebrodi with Sicilian pork, potatoes and apricot for 35 euros ($37) were exceptional and full of flavor. Our Tiramisu dessert for 16 euros ($17) and complimentary chocolates creatively shaped into wafer glasses, raspberries, almonds and peanuts were a fun and delectable way to end the evening.

Continental breakfast is complimentary for all guests, so I returned to Giano again in the morning to fill up before sightseeing. The standard European breakfast spread featured an array of meats, cheeses, bread, pastries and fruits, all of which were delightful.

Two additional food and beverage venues — the W Lounge, a moody art deco lobby bar that was surprisingly quiet during my stay, and Seu Pizza con Vista, a rooftop pizza joint with sweeping city views — are also available on-site.

I was only able to grab a drink at Seu Pizza con Vista, but if you’re planning to dine there, be sure to make a reservation in advance, as the venue is popular. You can’t go wrong trying the Super Santos and La Bellavita cocktails for 22 euros ($24) each; they were just as delightful as the views.

Related: Insider tips for eating and drinking your way through Italy

A rooftop pool (a rarity for Rome) is available

The only thing better than pizza with a view in Rome is a rooftop pool.

Pools, especially ones on rooftops, are extremely hard to find in Rome, so when I discovered that the W Rome incorporated one into its design, I was eager to check it out.

While the rooftop pool area isn’t particularly large, it certainly is eye-catching, with blue-patterned tiles lining the inside of the pool, bright yellow towels and plenty of green and pink foliage surrounding the pool. Despite being small, there seemed to always be a few open seats, even during peak afternoon hours.

CAPRI WHITELEY/THE POINTS GUY

You won’t find anyone swimming laps, but the shallow pool is perfect for cooling off with a drink in hand on a hot summer day. Best of all, it’s only open to hotel guests, so you don’t have to worry about lots of people blocking your view.

Related: 15 of our favorite hotel pools on the planet

There’s also a high-end gym but no spa

Hotel gyms rarely excite me, but the one at the W Rome is impressive.

Located in the basement of the building, the 24-hour fitness center’s concrete walls, low archways and mood lighting come together to create a more luxurious vibe than your typical gym. Offering all kinds of high-end equipment, from treadmills and ellipticals to rowing machines and free weights, plus fitness classes like boxing and yoga, it had everything a gym rat could need (except natural light). Maybe it was all the Roman tourist attractions I had spent the day appreciating, but the facility felt like something a rich gladiator would train in before heading to the Colosseum for battle. 

While the hotel excels at fitness offerings, it falls short when it comes to wellness amenities. There is no on-site spa, so if you wish to pamper yourself with a massage, facial or body treatment, you’ll want to choose a different property.

Related: From city sanctuaries to desert retreats, these are the best luxury hotel spas for every type of traveler

Reasons the W Rome might not be for you

CAPRI WHITELEY/THE POINTS GUY

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my stay, though there were a few potential downsides you’ll want to consider in deciding if it’s the right property for you.

Many families used the hotel as their home base for exploring the city during my visit, so if you prefer a peaceful adults-only setting (especially during the busy summer months), you may want to look elsewhere.
While W Hotels are known for their party atmospheres, the W Rome did not have that same vibe. Yes, there is a resident DJ, but it’s a more sophisticated property that seemed a bit removed from the party scene while I was there, so don’t expect a lively lobby bar and a late-night crowd.
The location is great for visiting nearby attractions, but if you want to be in the center of all the action, you may want to stay somewhere farther south.
If a spa is important to you, you’ll be disappointed to learn there isn’t one at the W Rome.

Related: 10 exciting new hotels to check out in Rome

Accessibility

Having opened in 2021, the hotel seemed to be designed with accessibility in mind. The flat entrance and lobby are wheelchair accessible, as are all seating areas at Giano Restaurant, though there are two steps to walk up to reach the continental breakfast setup.

Wheelchair-accessible rooms are available in nearly every room type, but note that you will have to call the hotel after booking your preferred accommodation category in order to secure one of the accessible rooms. In them, you’ll find modified amenities like roll-in showers.

The rooftop pool is not wheelchair accessible, as it’s located up three steps from the lounge area and doesn’t have a lift. However, the rest of the rooftop, including Seu Pizza con Vista, is easy to move about in a wheelchair.

Related: How to make sure you get an accessible hotel room if you need 1

Alternatives to the W Rome

CAMERON SPERANCE/THE POINTS GUY

There are plenty of great hotels in Rome if the W Rome does not suit your vibe. 

Marriott loyalists have their pick of 13 properties around Rome’s city center, including the recently opened Rome Edition, which offers a more intimate feel thanks to only housing 91 rooms and suites.

Those who prefer IHG properties are also in luck, as there are two noteworthy hotels that are part of the IHG portfolio. The InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace, which opened earlier this year, is a high-end option that impresses with its exceptional culinary venues and stunning design, while Six Senses Rome, which also became part of the IHG family this year, wows with its historic 15th-century facade and serene interior.

For travelers willing to pay a pretty penny for one of Rome’s most coveted hotels, there’s also Hotel de la Ville. Just a short walk away from the W Rome, this Rocco Forte-affiliated hotel has luxe accommodations and an expansive spa with a salt room, an ice fountain and a cold plunge pool, among other amenities.

Related: The best hotels in Rome

Checking out

CAPRI WHITELEY/THE POINTS GUY

If you’re planning a trip to Rome and looking for a centrally located hotel that’s equal parts trendy and relaxing, the W Rome should be on your list. 

The W Rome takes a more refined approach to hospitality than some of the brand’s older hotels, but still attracts a trendy crowd while keeping a lower profile. The property does an excellent job of appealing to both families looking to explore the city and couples and solo travelers eager to savor top-notch Italian fare in a chic setting.

On my next trip to the Eternal City, I’ll certainly keep the W Rome in mind. Competition in the hotel space in Rome can be stiff, but if I can find a good rate, I’d happily return to dip my toes back in the pool and experience more culinary delights at Giano.

Related reading:

Marriott Bonvoy: The ultimate guide for travelers
The best Marriott credit cards
What is Marriott Bonvoy elite status worth?
The best credit cards to reach elite status
Which credit cards offer the most lucrative rewards for hotel stays?
The best hotel rewards programs in the world

For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Amex Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex Card, click here.

Read More 

Carscoops 

Mysterious and exciting aren’t two words we’d normally associate with Toyota’s sensible Camry sedan, but they definitely apply to the car in this new teaser. The single dark image shows a car with Prius-style DRLs, gaping air intakes, and canards on the side of the bumper, suggesting that it’s something new from Toyota’s GR division.

But despite the handsome Prius lights, we know it’s not a Prius because neither the mirrors nor the wing-to-fender line match up. So we’re guessing it’s a sneak look at the 2025 Camry, and Toyota has chosen to preview the overhauled sedan with a GR concept. Toyota has provided no further information on the mystery car, only supplying one image accompanied by the headline “A New Dawn is Coming,” and asking us “Can you guess what’s on the horizon?”

But we know two things for certain: one is that both SEMA and the LA Auto Show are right around the corner, which are two perfect opportunities to show off something important, and the other is that Toyota is known to be busy working on a new Camry for 2025. Our spy photo team has already captured the new sedan testing, and while it won’t be new from the ground up, it will get some major changes, believed to include the new hairpin-shaped DRLs seen on the latest Prius.

Related: 2025 Toyota Camry Spied Proving That Mainstream Sedans Are Not Dead

New mystery Toyota shown alongside today’s Camry sedan

The aggressive air intakes carved into the teased car’s bumper, and just about visible where the light catches the corner of the bumper in the darkened image, match up with the shape of the bumper visible in the spy shots of the 2025 Camry seen in the gallery below.

Riding on an updated version of today’s TNGA-K platform, which is also used by the Crown crossover, the ninth-generation Camry could retain the current car’s 203 hp (206 PS) 2.5-liter four and 208 hp (211 PS) 2.5-liter hybrid four, but is likely to lose the 301 hp (305 PS) 3.5-liter V6 in favor of a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline four when sales begin in the fall of 2024.

What do you think Toyota is teasing? Drop a comment below and let us know.

Read More 

The Points Guy 

American Express offers a strong lineup of Hilton cobranded cards, ranging from a no-annual-fee card to one offering top-tier Diamond status.

Now, Amex has refreshed two cards in its lineup: the mid-tier Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card and the top-tier Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. These refreshes include adding new statement credits and bonus-earning categories, removing some perks and raising the annual fees. In all, it’s a mixed bag.

Here’s a breakdown of the changes and what they mean for new and existing cardmembers.

The information for the Hilton Aspire card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Hilton Surpass card changes

Annual fee increase

The new annual fee for the Hilton Surpass is $150 (see rates and fees) — a $55 increase from the previous $95 annual fee. The $150 annual fee is effective immediately for anyone applying as of Thursday; existing cardmembers will see the higher annual fee take effect for renewals on or after Feb. 1, 2024.

Although no one wants to see the annual fee on their credit card increase, you may find the $55 increase is fair based on some new benefits added to the card.

The Surpass now has a new card design. AMERICAN EXPRESS

Removal of Priority Pass visits

A negative change to the card is the removal of Priority Pass lounge access. Currently, the Hilton Surpass offers 10 complimentary passes to visit any Priority Pass lounge.

If you signed up for your Priority Pass membership before Jan. 31, 2023, your passes can be used until Jan. 31, 2024. If you’ve enrolled between Feb. 1, 2023, and Jan. 31, 2024, you can use your passes through Oct. 31, 2024.

New spending category

Cardholders will now earn 4 Hilton points per dollar on U.S. online retail purchases. This is a valuable addition as it empowers cardholders to shop online and earn rewards, and can also be used to double dip when using shopping portals.

But while a 4% return on spending may seem high, it’s important to note that Hilton points are only worth 0.6 cents each, per TPG’s valuations, so spending $1,000 will net a $24 return. Compare that to the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, which offers a 3% return for online shopping at U.S. retailers (on up to the first $6,000, then 1%). The same purchase is worth $30 in cash-back rewards and also receives purchase protection.

Related: The best cards for online shopping

The Surpass card continues to earn 12 points per dollar on eligible Hilton purchases; 6 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations; and 3 points per dollar on other eligible purchases — no changes there.

New Hilton statement credit

A valuable development for the Hilton Surpass is the addition of a statement credit toward eligible Hilton purchases. Each quarter, cardmembers now receive up to $50 in statement credits (up to $200 annually) when using the Hilton Surpass card for Hilton purchases. Eligible purchases include those charged directly with a Hilton portfolio property, including room rates and incidental charges such as room service.

BENJI STAWSKI/THE POINTS GUY

Note that a quarterly statement credit might be hard to maximize if you don’t travel every three months, so not all cardmembers may be able to max out the full $200 every year.

New elite status benefits

As partnerships between issuers and hotel brands continue to strengthen, we often see the inclusion or expansion of elite status benefits. Previously, the Hilton Surpass only offered complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, worth $1,220, according to TPG’s calculations.

Cardholders now enjoy complimentary National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status after enrollment in the Emerald Club program. Terms apply. It includes benefits such as increased access to cars for the same price as a midsize vehicle, guaranteed upgrades and no second-driver fees.

If your preferred car rental company isn’t National, you can leverage the Emerald Club Executive status and complete a status match to other car rental companies.

Hilton Aspire card changes

Annual fee increase

The new annual fee for the Hilton Aspire is $550, a $100 increase from the previous $450 annual fee (see rates and fees). Similarly to the Hilton Surpass, the Hilton Aspire’s $550 annual fee is effective immediately for anyone applying as of Thursday; existing cardmembers will see the higher annual fee take effect for renewals on or after Feb. 1, 2024.

The Aspire now has a new card design. AMERICAN EXPRESS

Change in airline fee credit

Effective Jan. 1, 2024, this card will lose its $250 airline fee credit, to be replaced with a $50 quarterly airfare statement credit.

Effective immediately, you now receive a $200 statement credit (up to $50 a quarter) on eligible flight purchases made directly with an airline or through amextravel.com. You don’t need to choose one airline, so you could use the $50 quarterly benefit on different airlines across the year.

If you’ve already maxed out your $250 airline fee credit for this year, you can use the new $50 quarterly flight credit immediately in the last quarter of 2023.

Removal of Priority Pass lounge membership

A major loss for the Hilton Aspire is the removal of Priority Pass Select membership, which currently allows unlimited visits and up to two guests.

If you signed up for your Priority Pass membership before Jan. 31, 2023, your membership is valid until Jan. 31, 2024. If you’ve enrolled between Feb. 1, 2023, and Jan. 31, 2024, your membership is valid through Oct. 31, 2024.

The lack of notice of the removal of this perk is disappointing, given that long-term cardmembers only have 3 1/2 months left to use their Priority Pass membership.

The Club MCO at Orlando International Airport, near Gate 91. PRIORITY PASS

New statement credits

The inclusion of additional statement credits helps balance things out in this card’s refresh.

Effective Jan. 1, 2024, the $250 annual Hilton Resorts statement credit will be replaced by up to $400 (up to $200 biannually) in statement credits for eligible purchases at participating Hilton resorts. Although more than the previous credit, it is limited to being used twice yearly and not all at once to help cover a larger Hilton purchase.

This benefit can possibly be combined with the card’s existing $100 credit when booking a two-night minimum stay at participating Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts properties.

Also, the Hilton Aspire has added up to $189 in statement credits per year when you sign up for a Clear Plus membership and pay with the Hilton Aspire card. Clear offers expedited security, different from TSA PreCheck, at more than 50 U.S. airports, stadiums and large event venues.

A Clear Plus membership is a great addition to your travel wallet, even if you have a TSA PreCheck membership. TSA PreCheck lines can sometimes have long wait times, so a Clear Plus membership would be useful to more quickly speed through security. 

New elite status benefits

Similarly to its sibling, the Hilton Aspire now includes complimentary National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status after enrollment in the Emerald Club program. Terms apply. While not a groundbreaking addition to the most premium Hilton-branded Amex card, frequent travelers will find some benefit to this new perk.

Additional free night reward

While the card provides an annual free night reward every year upon renewal and another free night reward after spending $60,000 in a calendar year, there’s now an opportunity to earn a third annual free night reward. Cardholders can earn a free night reward after spending $30,000 on the Hilton Aspire card within a calendar year.

For those who spend an average of $2,500 a month, you can expect two free night rewards; those who spend an average of $5,000 a month will receive three free night rewards.

Cellphone protection

Like some other American Express credit cards, the Hilton Aspire now provides cellphone protection.* Cardmembers will now be reimbursed for the repair or theft of a device for a maximum of $800 per claim when the wireless bill for the specific cellphone line is paid using the Hilton Aspire card. Note that you’re limited to two approved claims within a 12-month period, and each claim carries a $50 deductible. 

*Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Bottom line

Refreshes to credit cards can be a mixed bag of good news and bad news.

The $55 increase in the annual fee on the Surpass should be mostly offset by the $50 quarterly Hilton credit, even if you just stay at a Hilton once per year. Adding a bonus category for online retail purchases and National Car Rental elite status is welcome, but removing 10 Priority Pass visits a year is a drawback.

Aspire cardmembers may have a tougher time digesting these changes. With a high annual fee of $550, you will no longer get a Priority Pass lounge membership. The airfare and Hilton resort credits now require you to maximize them either quarterly or biannually, adding to the mental cost of keeping track of your cards’ benefits. But on the plus side, Aspire cardmembers now get cellphone protection, a Clear Plus statement credit and National Car Rental elite status.

Our advice would be to analyze whether you’re willing to put in the work to maximize your Surpass and Aspire card benefits. If you are able to and enjoy doing that, then you’ll probably find these changes to be acceptable. We’ll update our monthly checklist of credit card perks and benefits with these changes to ensure you’re not missing out on any value.

However, if you are considering not renewing your Surpass or Aspire card, make sure to ask for a retention offer first, as it may make sense for you to hold on to your card for another year.

For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Surpass, click here

For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Aspire, click here

Read More 

Carscoops 

BMW‘s Neue Klasse platform will revolutionize the brand’s electrified lineup from the middle of this decade, but not every model is making the switch. Much like Porsche is doing with its Macan, BMW will offer two different X3s from 2025 onwards. One, the electric iX3, is expected to ride on the Neue Klasse platform, while the combustion (but in reality, hybrid) versions, including the new X3 M50i seen above, will stick with an updated version of today’s CLAR architecture.

This won’t be a simple facelift of the current six-year-old X3, though, because BMW will add welcome inches to the wheelbase to ensure buyers see the value in paying extra for the midsize SUV, and don’t settle for the newly enlarged X1 instead. In terms of design, however, the X1 and X3 will be very close, both featuring the same flush door handles, a window line that rises beyond the C-pillar, a hood that wraps over the top of the front fenders, and enlarged, square-shaped kidney grilles.

If that make it sound like the two cars will be almost impossible to tell apart, these pictures suggest there will be at least one key tell. On the X1 the DRLs are shaped like two letter ‘r’s, but the spy shots appear to show the X3’s DRLs curving below the main LED light unit, rather than above. And the X3’s Y-shaped rear lights will be far more distinctive than the X1’s.

Related: What If BMW Had Made Its X SUVs In the ’80s?

Our spy photographers managed to snap both the X3 M Performance version of the SUV (seen above), which we believe will be called M50i and hopefully still carry a six-cylinder drivetrain, as well as a non-M variant that was putting in hot laps at the Nurburgring. All versions are expected to get either mild-hybrid or PHEV powertrains, and while we can’t see the interior in these pictures, we know from previous encounters that the 2025 car will feature BMW’s one-piece dashboard display and a minimalist console-mounted gearshift toggle.

Images: Baldauf

Read More 

Well+Good 

Does the mere thought of probiotic foods make your mouth pucker up in anticipatory delight? I know mine sure does. Kimchi, kraut, kombucha: You name it, I want it (as well as their gut-boosting and health-protective benefits, TYVM).

However, a few things can stand in the way of maximizing the probiotic powers of certain foods, drinks, and supplements—particularly when and where stability is concerned. With that in mind, it turns out that dialing up the temperature isn’t so great for good or bad bacteria to thrive.

To discover just how concerned we should be when it comes to heating probiotic foods, we reached out to Bianca Tamburello, RDN, a dietitian based in New York City.

Does heating probiotic foods kill off good bacteria?

Tamburello gets straight to the point on this question. “Yes, heating probiotic-rich foods kills off beneficial bacteria that help keep your gut healthy,” she begins (much to my dismay as a lover of Korean kimchi stew and deli fare like melty Reuben sandwiches with extra sauerkraut). “Probiotics are hard to find in foods, so heating them before consumption means you’re missing out on the opportunity to help balance gut bacteria and reap health benefits including better digestion, immune health, and less inflammation,” Tamburello says.

At this point, you may be wondering if there’s a temperature threshold before the gut-friendly bacteria begins to die off. For instance, is there a difference between topping freshly heated quinoa with sauerkraut versus boiling said sauerkraut in a hearty soup? In one word: yes.

“All strains of live probiotics (there are hundreds!) can survive at different temperatures, but most probiotics start dying off at around 115 degrees Fahrenheit and higher,” Tamburello says.

As such, this means that heat and probiotic foods aren’t *always* incompatible—and the dietitian offers a quick tip to ensure that your probiotics have a better chance to stay alive by the time you start enjoying and digesting your food. “If you’re serving a hot meal or snack, it’s best to add the cold probiotic-rich food right before mealtime,” Tamburello explains. “For example, top kraut or kimchi on your warmed grain bowl upon serving rather than incorporating this ingredient with hot proteins or veggies.” So if your main goal is to load up on gut-boosting probiotics, you may want to avoid integrating probiotic foods directly into an environment that’s too hot for good-for-you bacteria to handle—such as on the stove in a stir-fry or in a boiling soup pot.

Of course, there are certain dishes and recipes that require heating up foods that are naturally rich in probiotics. As a consolation of sorts, Tamburello says that heating them up doesn’t completely negate other benefits, so you definitely shouldn’t worry over the idea of making them nutritionally void. “Heated kimchi and kraut, for example, still offer up fiber for digestion and nutrients for overall health,” she explains. (Cue the sound of my tummy rumbling *and* a massive sigh of relief.) Moreover, you can always enjoy these dishes but aim to get your probiotics elsewhere, such as via yogurt or fermented beverages like kefir and kombucha.

Are raw probiotic foods superior to pasteurized options?

With all this talk about heat and probiotics, Tamburello takes care to note where else temperature comes into play: with raw and refrigerated versus pasteurized probiotic foods. “Raw, unpasteurized fermented foods—which you can find in the refrigerated section [at grocers]—have significantly more healthy probiotics than pasteurized, shelf-stable options,” she shares. “The pasteurization process includes heating food at high temperatures, which kills off gut-healthy bacteria.” While this process won’t negate all of a given food’s nutritional properties, such fare shouldn’t be your go-to if you’re aiming to get the bulk of your probiotics through diet alone.

“The pasteurization process includes heating food at high temperatures, which kills off gut-healthy bacteria.” —Bianca Tamburello, RD

Instead, Tamburello suggests shopping for refrigerated probiotic foods on your grocery hauls; ideally, they’ll be clearly labeled as both raw and unpasteurized. If you’re not super familiar with probiotic foods and/or want to make sure you choose the best options for your gut and greater health, she recommends kraut and kimchi (as well as pickles, which are fermented but not necessarily probiotic) by Cleveland Kitchen in particular. “If you’re a fermented food newbie, this is a great brand to get started on your gut health journey,” she says. “They offer yummy flavors like roasted garlic and beet red krauts, and even a new mild kimchi, which is a great introduction to kimchi, as the flavor is less intense.” We also love Goshen Kimchi, which is handcrafted, rich in probiotics, and free from preservatives. Eat kimchi solo or in a salad, or as a side dish to your balanced plate. Remember: The less exposure to heat, the better.

But all things considered, Tamburello reiterates you shouldn’t stress out too much when temperature is concerned. “If your favorite recipes mix heat with probiotic foods, there’s no need to worry. Just make sure you’re eating some probiotic-rich foods cold, too, for maximum gut health benefits,” she concludes.

Read More