DAILY TRAVEL BRIEF · 2026-10-03 · PACIFIC TIME

Sapporo stays, IHG rewards and what’s next in premium travel

Hotel openings, a major card launch and airline plans worth catching up on.

Hotels & exceptional stays

A new base for exploring Hokkaido

Hyatt · 2026-10-03

Hyatt Centric Sapporo opened on October 3, giving travelers another Hyatt option in northern Japan. It is the brand’s first hotel in Hokkaido, adding a central city base for visitors heading to the island’s mountains, hot springs and seasonal attractions.

The hotel occupies upper floors of a mixed-use tower near the historic Red Brick Building and Odori Park. Hyatt describes it as a base for discovering Sapporo and the wider island, including Hokkaido’s ski resorts, hot springs and national parks.

Key points

216 guestrooms and suites, starting at 36 square meters.
About a ten-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station, with an underground walkway connection toward Odori subway station.
On-site dining includes Matsu Grill & Bar and Mr. Fish.

Tip: Use Sapporo as the city stop in a wider Hokkaido itinerary. This location puts Odori Park within reach and JR Sapporo Station about ten minutes away on foot—handy for combining city sightseeing with onward rail travel.

See Hyatt announcement

Hyatt’s luxury expansion puts Mexico in focus

Hyatt · 2026-09-29

Hyatt’s September 29 update puts several upcoming Mexican properties on the radar for luxury travel. The most distinctive addition is Park Hyatt Riviera Maya, expected by the end of 2026 as the first all-inclusive Park Hyatt.

The expansion reaches beyond beachfront resorts. Park Hyatt Mexico City Polanco is planned for the capital, while the existing adults-only, all-inclusive Impression Isla Mujeres is set to join The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. The update gives travelers several distinct properties to watch as they plan future stays.

Key points

Park Hyatt Riviera Maya: expected to open by the end of 2026.
Park Hyatt Mexico City Polanco: expected in spring 2027, with 155 rooms and suites overlooking Chapultepec Park.
Impression Isla Mujeres: scheduled to join The Unbound Collection by Hyatt on November 2.

Tip: Build your Mexico shortlist around the kind of trip you want: Riviera Maya for a beach resort stay, Polanco for exploring Mexico City, or Impression Isla Mujeres for an adults-only island escape.

See Hyatt announcement

Airlines & loyalty

Alaska and Hawaiian outline their next premium cabins

Alaska Airlines · 2026-09-29

Alaska and Hawaiian announced their next premium-cabin plans on September 29. Aurora for Alaska and Leihōkū for Hawaiian cover upgraded lie-flat suite experiences; Premium Reserve adds another premium-economy option on specified aircraft beginning in 2028.

The changes extend beyond seats to the airport experience. Alaska’s Seattle lounge expansion is planned for late 2027, while Hawaiian’s new Honolulu lounge is planned for early 2028. These announcements describe future products rather than a fleet-wide change travelers can book today.

Key points

Aurora plans include Alaska’s 787 aircraft and select transcontinental 737-10 MAX flights.
Leihōkū enhancements include redesigned suites on Hawaiian’s A330 fleet.
Premium Reserve is planned for specified Alaska 787 and 737-10 MAX aircraft and Hawaiian A330s.

Tip: When comparing a future premium flight, look at the aircraft as well as the airline. Match the cabin you want to the aircraft named in these plans, then check the seat layout for the departure you are considering.

See Alaska Airlines announcement

Cards & points

Chase launches IHG Premier Select with a 200,000-point welcome offer

Chase · 2026-10-01

Chase and IHG introduced Premier Select on October 1 as a higher-fee option for IHG travelers. Its benefits combine an anniversary hotel night, elite-night credits and loyalty status with a limited-time welcome offer.

The announcement also changes the existing IHG card portfolio. Current cardholders should follow their individual notices: benefit effective dates vary, and annual-fee adjustments are scheduled for 2027.

Key points

Premier Select costs $350 annually; the launch bonus requires $5,000 in purchases within the first three months.
The anniversary free night is capped at 60,000 points, with the option to add your own IHG points.
20 annual elite-night credits and automatic Platinum Elite status are included.

Tip: Start with a hotel where you would use the anniversary free night. Look up its points price, see how the 60,000-point certificate would fit, and compare that stay’s cash price with the $350 annual fee. That gives you a concrete starting point for judging the card’s ongoing value.

See Chase announcement

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