The Costco Connection - February 2018

INSIDECOSTCO

BY T. FOSTER JONES

LAST MONTH, COSTCO announced a new service for Costco members: online, hotel-only booking through Costco Travel, putting more than ;,;;; hotels worldwide at members’ fingertips when their travel needs require accommodations only. But what does ;,;;;-plus hotels mean, exactly? What can members expect?

“Costco Travel is excited to offer members more variety for their travel accommodation needs, with a selection of offerings from Hilton, Hyatt, Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissôtel,” says Sarah Gaudet, global hotel buyer for Costco. Hilton offers more than ;,;;; hotels worldwide, with ;; brands, including Hampton and Embassy Suites, as well as luxury brands such as Waldorf Astoria. Hyatt features more than ;;; hotels and resorts in the Americas under ;; brands, including Hyatt Place, Hyatt Regency and Andaz. And Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel brands include iconic hotels around the globe, such as The Plaza in New York City, Raffles Singapore and Swissôtel in Amsterdam.

Let’s look at a few examples.

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, Nevada

A year-round destination, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe resort sits across from this jewel-like lake in the Sierra Nevada. Whether staying in a room or suite, winter guests can take advantage of free ski shuttles to any of the ;; downhill and cross-country ski areas. In the summer, more than a dozen championship golf courses and miles of hiking and biking trails beckon those who can convince themselves to leave the resort’s private beach area. Year-round, guests can try their luck in the Grand Lodge Casino, enjoy a variety of dining options, take a spa day at the Stillwater Spa or get out and explore everything that Lake Tahoe has to offer, just steps from the front door.

Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, Florida

Sitting on ;; acres of one of the top ;; ranked beaches in the country, the Hilton Clear water Beach Resort & Spa overlooks the stunning Gulf of Mexico.

An icon of Clearwater Beach for nearly four decades, the nine-story resort recently completed a ;;; million renovation. Highlights of the remodel include all-new guest rooms, impressive interior upgrades, two new pools, private pool cabanas, a new restaurant, new spa, new fitness center, private beach cabanas and the only Tiki bar on the sand. The Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa is the only hotel on Clearwater Beach where guests can consume alcoholic beverages nearly down to the water’s edge.

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Quebec City

Staying in the oldest city in North America is often described as taking a trip to Europe, without the jet lag. Located in the Historic District, inside the walls of Old Quebec (a UNESCO World Heritage site), with breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac has undergone a multimillion-dollar renaissance. It blends the charm of the hotel’s past with modern innovations, creating an allure that is fresh and seductive, balanced with the hotel’s rich history and dynamic future. All ;;; guest rooms and suites share an elegant touch of historic Europe, guaranteeing a memorable and inspiring stay in one of the most beautiful, and walkable, cities in the world. C

The inn crowd
Costco Travel’s
hotel-only program

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe resort has its own private beach.

CONNECTING

Costco Executive members can now earn a 2% Reward, up to $1,000, on quali;ed Costco purchases when they book vacation packages, cruises and rental cars through Costco Travel (terms, conditions and exclusions apply). Using the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi adds another 3% cash-back reward. For more information, and to book, click “Travel” at Costco.com.