Exciting new Four Seasons jet trips, Hilton’s lemon-infused waffles, and other hotel updates you may have missed

May has come and gone, and I honestly have no idea how. It was a whirlwind month for this hotel reporter, beginning with my wedding in New York City, a honeymoon in Paris, and catching the opening night of Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tour." Right after, I joined an amazing retreat with TPG's travel team in Washington, D.C.

Even with our hectic schedule, my team and I stayed on top of the major hotel news this month. Some key stories include the exciting update that Regent Santa Monica is now accepting reservations, Hard Rock International launching a new loyalty program, and Airbnb unveiling an entirely new "Category" for extravagant accommodations.

Between wedding festivities, long flights, and wonderful discussions with my team, I gathered some smaller nuggets of news that I believe all you hotel enthusiasts would appreciate. Here’s the hotel news you might have missed in May.

IHG is set to open three new hotels in Turks and Caicos

At present, IHG does not operate in Turks and Caicos, a stunning Caribbean destination known for its crystal-clear waters. However, this will change in 2027 when the brand plans to launch three of its signature hotels — InterContinental, Kimpton, and Hotel Indigo — at the renowned Grace Bay.

While further details are pending, we know the hotels will be developed in collaboration with Molo Hotel Group and the U.K.-based management firm Lighthouse Hotel Management, providing three unique experiences tailored for diverse travelers.

Four Seasons unveils new private jet experiences

Indeed, Four Seasons is renowned for its exquisite hotels and resorts worldwide, but its crowning jewel is likely the Four Seasons Private Jet Experience. This exclusive offering pairs stays at stunning Four Seasons properties with travel aboard one of the finest aircraft in the skies.

Recently, Four Seasons introduced six new itineraries for 2026. Well-heeled travelers can visit iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower, the historic city of Petra, and Angkor Wat, or unwind on the beautiful beaches of Bora Bora, the Maldives, or Miami.

Prices start at $159,000 per person, and some of the 2026 itineraries feature the 21-day International Intrigue — including stops in Paris, Kyoto, Japan, Hoi An, Vietnam (home to my favorite Four Seasons, Nam Hai), Marrakech, Morocco, and the Maldives — as well as the 16-day Asia Unveiled, traveling from Tokyo to Bangkok. The 23-day Ancient Explorer takes guests from Miami to Madrid, with stops in Australia, Jordan, Mexico City, Easter Island, and even the Four Seasons Taormina at San Domenico Palace in Sicily, known from "The White Lotus."

Additionally, the Four Seasons Toronto has recently undergone a stunning transformation.

In news related to Four Seasons, the Toronto location has just completed a comprehensive, multimillion-dollar renovation of its guest rooms and suites. The refreshed design honors Canadian culture and "captures Toronto's unique blend of urban elegance and natural splendor," as stated by Four Seasons.

Other notable features include artworks from Canadian artists, locally crafted furniture, Nespresso machines, electric kettles, updated lighting, automated curtain systems, wireless charging stations, and minibars stocked with local products.

An iconic department store finds a new purpose

In Oxford, England, a fresh lifestyle hotel known as The Store has launched in the historic site of the Boswells department store — one of the oldest department stores globally. This new hotel offers a unique experience for guests with 101 rooms across seven floors and two interconnected buildings, as well as a rooftop bar, a restaurant serving "untraditionally British" cuisine, and a spa.

Hampton by Hilton is adding some zest

For a limited time, Hampton by Hilton is revamping its complimentary breakfast offerings by introducing a delightful lemon waffle in the U.S. and Canada. Known for their innovative waffle flavors like pumpkin spice and red velvet, the brand now invites guests to enjoy a lemon waffle topped with sweet blueberry compote for the perfect summer treat.

Hilton collaborates with ResortPass for enhanced pool and spa access

Sometimes, you might not find yourself at the resort with the finest pool or spa, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them. Hilton has partnered with ResortPass, a service that offers day passes to sought-after resort pools and spas, allowing non-guests to join in on the fun at select locations.

Currently, some of these resorts include Conrad Los Angeles, Hilton Waikoloa Village in Hawaii, Conrad Indianapolis, The Diplomat Beach Resort, Conrad Punta de Mita, and Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, among others.

Chef Michael Mina makes his New York debut at the JW Marriott Essex House

Chef Michael Mina is renowned for his diverse array of restaurants, including Bourbon Steak, a modern twist on the classic American steakhouse. While Bourbon Steak has locations in cities like LA, Miami, and Nashville, Mina has not returned to New York City since starting his career at Charlie Palmer's restaurant, Aureole.

That’s all changed now that Bourbon Steak New York has opened its doors at the JW Marriott Essex House, situated directly across from Central Park. Here, guests can indulge in a menu focused on meat and seafood, featuring a lobster cart brought to the table, along with smoky whisky cocktails and exquisite steaks. Afterward, they can retreat to a room with stunning views of the park.

Tempo by Hilton Times Square invites you to connect with Ben Platt

When I first found out that the iconic Palace Theater in New York City would be elevated 30 feet above street level as part of the TSX Broadway and Tempo by Hilton project, I was curious about how the hotel would collaborate with the theater it overlooks. Now, those collaborations are unfolding, starting with Broadway sensation Ben Platt and Broadway Plus.

Now through June 15, Platt will be performing at The Palace, and Tempo by Hilton Times Square is rolling out a special package. It includes an overnight stay, show tickets, a meet-and-greet experience, exclusive merchandise, and complimentary drinks inspired by Platt's new album, "Honeymind," served at Highball, the hotel's bar.

Additionally, Highball will offer a complete pre-fixe menu for $65 per person, featuring dishes inspired by Platt's album.

Rates begin at $800, and you can make your reservation online.

In other updates:

• Do the recent changes to World of Hyatt indicate the end of hotel loyalty programs?
• Hilton and Huttopia are key players in the expanding US camping travel market
• The Mirage will close in July to kick off its transformation into a Hard Rock property
• Ritz-Carlton is set to take over a renowned resort on Oahu's North Shore
• The top 11 hotels for nightlife — from buzzing nightclubs to chic lounges

Essential reviews to check out:

• Experience luxury in Music City: A stay at the Conrad Nashville
• What it’s like to stay at Banyan Tree Phuket
• A look into the world’s most photographed hotel: A review of Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
• The trendiest hotel in New York's hottest neighborhood: My experience at the Warren Street Hotel
• Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto: Exceptional service makes up for its average location
• Staying in a treehouse in Mexico: A review of Nomade Holbox