Hey {{first name | reader}},
Happy Wednesday and greetings from Punta Cana! Halfway through the week. Today's lineup: a hotel review that might change how you think about NYC luxury, a miles sale that can be useful if you're strategic, and an airline I honestly didn't expect to see enter the A350 suites era.
Here's what's inside today's post:
Dan & Oskar's newest video: the "undercover best hotel" in New York?
Avianca LifeMiles sale is back — and it can be very useful (if you're picky)
EgyptAir's new A350-900: suites are coming… and I did NOT see that coming
Dan & Oskar's newest video: the "undercover best hotel" in New York?
If you've ever thought: "NYC luxury hotels are either wildly overpriced, or great… but kinda grimy" — this one might reset your expectations.
In the latest Dan + Oskar video, they finally stay at the Mandarin Oriental New York (Columbus Circle) — the hotel they've been dreaming about for years. And the headline is pretty simple:
This is one of the best-located hotels in NYC, with views that feel illegal.
A few standout moments:
Lobby is on the 35th floor and has insane skyline/park energy the second you step out of the elevator
They were upgraded to a Premier Central Park View room (because, of course, they booked through us 😉 ) and the view is honestly the main character
Service that doesn't feel like New York (in the best way): name recognition, thoughtful check-in, and real "Asia-level" hospitality
The pool situation is rare in NYC: a legit lap pool (not a tiny "decorative" splash pool)… although it sounded freezing in winter
They also did their classic fun "real world value" breakdown: average pricing, what they paid via advisor access, and why the upgrade value can be massive
There are also points about what wasn't perfect too:
Some room elements felt a bit dated (and yes… stains on the bench at the foot of the bed at those prices is wild)
Wi-Fi speed wasn't great for 2026 standards
If you're visiting NYC and you care about experience + location + views more than having the newest, flashiest room finish — this hotel is absolutely one to know.
📌 Go watch the new video (and if you want the same perks they highlight — breakfast, property credit, potential upgrade priority, etc. — you already know where to find me).
Avianca LifeMiles sale is back — and it can be very useful (if you're picky)
Avianca is running another LifeMiles "buy miles" promo, offering up to a 155% bonus, which brings the cost to $12.90 per 1,000 points (at the top bonus tier).
If you've been around points long enough, you know the rule:
Buying miles can be smart — but only with a plan and a near-term redemption.
Why this sale matters:
LifeMiles can be excellent for certain Star Alliance partner redemptions (especially when you're topping off for one specific booking).
The math can work when paid cash fares are high and award space exists.
A few realistic ways people use LifeMiles well:
Business class to on Star Alliance carriers when cash fares are spicy and you find space
Last-minute Star Alliance awards where cash pricing gets ridiculous
Topping up when you're short for a specific itinerary
A few important cautions:
Award space can be hit-or-miss (and can disappear fast)
LifeMiles IT can be… LifeMiles IT
Devaluations are always possible (so don't buy "just because")
EgyptAir's new A350-900: suites are coming… and I did NOT see that coming
Okay, this one surprised me.
EgyptAir has now taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-900 — first of 16 on order.
EgyptAir A350
And according to news, the aircraft will have:
30 Business Class suites with direct aisle access
310 Economy seats
In a two-cabin configuration
A couple notes:
I couldn't find cabin interior photos yet (if you've seen them, send them to me — seriously).
The term "suite" gets people excited because in airline marketing it often implies a more private seat, and sometimes that means a door... What's confirmed is suite + direct aisle access.
Now, why I'm cautiously excited:
The A350 is my favorite widebody to fly — it's quiet and smooth, and EgyptAir has historically been inconsistent (to put it politely).
Because here's the reality:
EgyptAir's long-haul experience can swing wildly depending on the aircraft.
For example:
Their 777 business class product is an older angled lie-flat style seat and not exactly competitive.
Meanwhile, the 787 business class is more modern (a proper 1-2-1 style experience on those frames).
And connecting through Cairo can be a bit… intense, with extra layers of process that aren't always seamless.
And personally: I flew an EgyptAir 737 last year when I was in Egypt — and I swear it was the oldest aircraft I can remember flying. Like, "this thing belongs in a museum but it's still airborne" old.
So yes: seeing EgyptAir introduce a flagship A350 product is genuinely interesting. I'm very curious whether these "suites" become a true step-change — and whether they roll out consistently across the A350 subfleet.
That's it for today. More deals and strategies coming your way on Friday.
Catch you in the clouds,
Tomi