Discover the Paris Hilton suite in Beverly Hills, celebrate Banyan Tree's 30th anniversary, and catch up on other hotel happenings you might have overlooked.

September is always bittersweet for me as summer fades away and the chill of fall begins. This month was particularly memorable, kicking off with a Mediterranean cruise and visits to some stunning hotels in Italy, followed by a quick jaunt to Mexico to experience Hyatt's new all-inclusive offerings.

While I was off enjoying my travels, a flurry of hotel news emerged this month. Graduate Hotels officially became part of Hilton Honors, along with nearly 100 Small Luxury Hotels. Wyndham launched its latest luxury brand in the U.S., and Kimpton opened reservations for its first all-inclusive resort.

Here’s a recap of additional hotel news from September that you might have missed.

Banyan Tree marks three decades of excellence.

Until the year's end, Banyan Tree—a collection of wellness-oriented resorts—is celebrating its 30th anniversary with global events and unique experiences. Highlights include wellness sessions and dining options at Banyan Tree's flagship resort in Phuket, Thailand; a sunset dinner and Urban Wellbeing Retreat at the newly opened Banyan Tree Dubai; 60 specially curated activities across various Banyan Tree locations (including the new site in Kyoto); and an update to the brand's renowned dining experience, Saffron.

The Beverly Hills suite of Paris Hilton

From October 4 to November 1, Paris Hilton will take over The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, launching two lavish "Stay Like an Infinite Icon" suites. According to Hilton, these extravagant suites will be infused with glamour, fun, and an abundance of pink. The socialite emphasized her fond memories of celebrating special moments with her family at this iconic hotel.

Hilton Honors members have the chance to bid for a two-night stay that features a "special Paris surprise," gift bags, and round-trip airport transfers. Alternatively, a select few can book the suite directly via the hotel's website, with stays available from October 4 to November 1.

A new resort is transforming Utah's vacation landscape near Zion National Park.

A luxurious resort, sprawling over 600 acres, is set to debut in St. George, Utah, close to Zion National Park. With direct access to Snow Canyon State Park, it caters to outdoor lovers seeking exceptional dining and spa experiences. Black Desert Resort will unveil its initial phase following the PGA Tour FedEx Cup tournament in October 2024, and its Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course will host an LPGA Tour event in May 2025.

Situated in one of Utah's certified Dark Sky Places, the resort offers an ideal setting for stargazing. Its amenities include nine Wellness Suites with direct spa access, 13 treatment rooms, over 700 guest rooms, 45,000 square feet of versatile indoor/outdoor meeting space, and seven diverse dining options.

The resort is offering a special preview experience with a 50% discount, featuring room rates starting at $199 per night, available until March 31, 2025. — Becky Blaine

Alila has launched its first urban resort in China, marking a new milestone for the brand.

When thinking of Hyatt's Alila brand, one often imagines tranquil destinations like the Maldives or Big Sur. However, the ultra-luxurious brand has ventured into urban resorts with the recent opening of Alila Shanghai in the heart of the city, blending serene luxury with Shanghai's vibrant style.

The property features 186 rooms, including 94 suites, all tastefully decorated in soothing neutral tones. Despite being located in one of Asia's busiest urban centers, Alila Shanghai exudes a calm atmosphere, enhanced by a serene water feature and a striking 17-foot gathering tree in the fourth-floor lobby.

Even the entry-level guest rooms here boast walk-in closets, but the pinnacle of luxury is the 2,626-square-foot Penthouse Suite, which features an expansive entertaining space, stunning city views, and a luxurious deep-soaking elliptical bathtub.

Considering a stay at Alila Shanghai? Act quickly to take advantage of grand opening deals, with suites available for under $400 per night. — Cameron Sperance

The Andaz Culinary Series is set to launch in October.

Running through December, the Andaz Culinary Series will host a select group of chefs from Andaz locations in the U.S., Costa Rica, and Mexico at the Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows, offering weeklong events with unique dining experiences, exclusive menus, and other food-centric activities for both guests and locals.

Here's a summary of the upcoming events.

Oct. 17-20: Andaz Peninsula Papagayo @ Andaz Scottsdale

• Experience a six-course private chef's table led by Costa Rica's Chef Bruno and Scottsdale's Chef Sammy
• Special limited-edition menu at Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen
• Featuring a crudo station and more

Nov. 7-9: Andaz Maui @ Andaz Scottsdale

• Enjoy a luau-themed menu complete with live entertainment
• Indulge in a six-course private chef's table hosted by Maui's Chef Ritchard and Scottsdale's Chef Sammy
• Participate in the "Poke All Around" class, where culinary tradition intertwines with Hawaiian history, showcasing the ancient roots of poke, originally crafted by native Hawaiians using freshly caught fish and local ingredients like sea salt, ogo (seaweed), and inamona (roasted kukui nuts).

Dec. 12-14: Andaz Mayakoba @ Andaz Scottsdale

• Enjoy a six-course private chef's table experience led by Chef Miguel from Mayakoba and Chef Sammy from Scottsdale
• Discover a special limited-edition menu at Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen
• Participate in ceviche-making classes and more

For reservations and additional details, visit the Andaz Scottsdale website.

In other updates:

• Aman is set to open a luxury resort in the Maldives
• Hyatt is introducing a new Hyatt Regency in the Maldives
• The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay reveals an impressive new design
• The highly anticipated Regent Santa Monica Beach will debut on October 1
• A new Hyatt is finally coming to Santa Monica, with a major renovation on the way
• A luxurious new St. Regis is opening near Punta Cana, with reservations now available for April

Essential reviews you should check out:

• An inside look at Janu Tokyo, the debut hotel of Aman's new brand
• From Sandals to super-luxe: My first all-inclusive experience at a premier upstate New York resort
• Timeless luxury in the French Quarter: A review of Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans
• Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme: Revisiting a beloved favorite to see if it still holds up
• Charming service, stunning common areas, and average rooms: My weekend at the Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World
• A review of Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel: Experiencing resort life in the Eternal City
• Where the Wild West meets California's rustic glamour: A review of The Inn at Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection