Grand Hyatt Istanbul, the Hotel Review

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This summer, we spent a few unforgettable weeks in Turkey, exploring the Mediterranean coast, hiking to ancient ruins, and diving into the vibrant culture of Istanbul. In this Grand Hyatt Istanbul review, we’ll cover what it’s like to stay at one of the best-located Hyatt properties in the city, perfect for families and World of Hyatt members looking to redeem points.

Istanbul is a massive, vibrant city, and if you’re staying on points, choosing a centrally located hotel from your preferred chain is key. The Grand Hyatt Istanbul sits in the heart of the city, just minutes from Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, popular restaurants, and local shops, making it an ideal base for both sightseeing and relaxing between adventures.

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Chase World of Hyatt credit card review

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Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card is great for people who stay at Hyatt hotels often. We consider it to be a keeper card as it offers a decent earning rate in general categories such as dining, and airfare (and a great rate at Hyatt hotels), coupled with a modest annual fee that can be easily outweighed by an annual Free Night Award Certificate that can be redeemed at Category 1-4 Hyatt hotels worldwide (read our post to learn more about Hyatt hotel categories), and other benefits.

This card is a must-have for everyone who wants to earn or keep the Explorist status (requires 30 qualifying nights) or the Globalist status (requires 60 qualifying nights) with Hyatt since it offers a kickstart of 5 nights annually. You can earn two more nights with every $5,000 spent towards the status.

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Visiting Pamukkale, Türkiye, with kids

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This summer, we spent a few unforgettable weeks exploring Türkiye with our kids, from wandering the streets of Istanbul to relaxing on the Mediterranean coast. One of the most memorable experiences was visiting Pamukkale, Türkiye, with kids, a surreal landscape of white travertine terraces and warm thermal pools that felt like something out of a dream.

We’ve already shared all the details of our three-day road trip from Antalya to Istanbul (read it here), including how we chose fun and unique stops along the way. But Pamukkale stood out as a clear favorite — not only for us but also as the place our friends ask about the most.

If you’re planning a family trip to Türkiye, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Pamukkale with kids, why it’s worth a stop, what to expect, and how to make the most of it.

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Park Hyatt Istanbul – Maçka Palas, the Hotel Review

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This summer, we spent a few unforgettable weeks exploring Turkey with our family. Our journey began in Istanbul, a vibrant, historic city that blends ancient architecture with modern energy. In this Park Hyatt Istanbul review, we’ll share what it was like staying at one of the city’s most luxurious Hyatt properties, booked entirely on points.

Istanbul has several Hyatt hotels, and as loyal World of Hyatt members, we were excited to enjoy both a free stay and exceptional service in one of the city’s most stylish neighborhoods. Park Hyatt Istanbul is located in the upscale Nişantaşı district, within walking distance of Taksim Square, close to excellent restaurants and shops, and just a short ride from Istanbul’s famous historical sites. Let’s take a look!

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A perfect 3-day itinerary in Istanbul, Türkiye

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We spent two unforgettable weeks exploring beautiful Türkiye this summer, and our journey began in one of the world’s most iconic cities: Istanbul. This 3-day Istanbul itinerary captures the vibrant culture, rich history, and nonstop energy that made it the perfect place to kick off our adventure.

Founded by Greek settlers in the 7th century B.C., Istanbul served as the imperial capital of the Roman, Byzantine, Latin, and Ottoman Empires for nearly 1,600 years. Today, it’s a dynamic blend of ancient and modern, drawing millions of visitors every year. If you’re planning a short visit, this guide highlights the must-see sights, best bites, and unforgettable experiences you won’t want to miss.

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Türkiye with kids: Antalya to Istanbul road trip

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A rooftop terrace at the Fulya Pansiyon Hotel, Eğirdir/Isparta, Türkiye

This summer, we embarked on an unforgettable Antalya to Istanbul road trip with our kids, a family adventure across Türkiye filled with ancient ruins, coastal views, charming towns, and incredible food.

From relaxing at an all-inclusive resort on the Mediterranean to exploring Istanbul, one of the world’s oldest and most vibrant cities, we designed this journey to balance fun, culture, and history. Keep reading for our detailed Türkiye road trip itinerary, family travel tips, and the best stops along the way.

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Everything you need to know about the Centurion Lounge, by American Express

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Airports are often associated with the stress of going through the TSA / Airport Security, and when you think of an airport, you don’t usually imagine a luxurious experience. American Express Centurion Lounge is a luxury travel perk that gives you a space in the airport to relax and enjoy high-quality food and drinks absolutely for free! How can you actually get that benefit?

Keep on reading, and we will demystify some of the aspects of getting into an American Express Centurion Lounge.

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Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa Review

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If you’re searching for a family-friendly oceanfront escape in Southern California, this Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach review covers everything you need to know. The Spanish-style Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa is one of the top choices for families, thanks to its unbeatable location just steps from the beach and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

Sprawling across several acres, the resort features multiple dining options, pools, a full-service spa, and plenty of kid-friendly amenities, including surfing lessons right on site.

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Amazing food from around the world

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Recently we have realized that we get equally excited about visiting a new place as much as about trying new restaurants and food! I guess this is how we started our “foodie” journey. 😅 What can we say, we just love to eat!

When traveling we love to try local food, if possible, to explore a different cultural atmosphere fully. How do we find a good restaurant? Mostly on Yelp (no matter how trivial it may sound)🤷🏻‍♀️ or sometimes on TripAdvisor. We came to the conclusion that the rating doesn’t usually lie and if something is 2.5 stars, well it’s probably going to end up being 2.5 stars.

Here are some of our favorite restaurants from around the world that we have been lucky to try on our trips.

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Everything you need to know about booking Hyatt hotels with Points

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Looking to make the most of your Hyatt points? Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to the World of Hyatt program, booking Hyatt hotels with points can unlock exceptional value. From luxury resorts to family-friendly hotels and all-inclusive getaways, there are options around the world for every type of traveler.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about booking Hyatt hotels on points: how to earn them, how the Hyatt award chart works, which redemptions offer the best value, and tips for scoring free nights, suite upgrades, and more. With the right strategy, you can stretch your points further and enjoy top-tier stays without breaking the bank.

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