http://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus In this episode of the Travel Bros, Joseph Redmond and Jamie Joseph take a deep dive into the creator of luxury hospitality: The St. Regis. Born from the Gilded Age and the vision of John Jacob Astor IV, this brand didn’t just join the luxury market—it wrote the rules for it. We explore the hotel's fascinating (and tragic) history, including its connection to the sinking of the Titanic and the "400 Club" of New York high society.

We also break down how you can maximize your stay with "hidden" freebies like signature butler service, daily champagne sabering, and garment pressing. Whether you are eyeing the overwater villas of the Maldives or the art-filled halls of Singapore, this is your ultimate guide to the St. Regis experience.

Book with us via Marriott STARS:
Daily Breakfast for Two: Enjoy a full breakfast every morning on the house.
$100 Property Credit: Use this toward world-class dining or a relaxing session at the spa.
Room Upgrades: Get moved to a better room or suite (subject to availability).
Flexible Check-in/out: Early check-in and late check-out to maximize your vacation time. (subject to availability)
Better-Than-Public Rates: We often have access to promos—like free nights or extra credits—not available to the general public.
Submit a form here: http://www.travelbrospod.com/bookwithus

YouTube Chapters
00:00 – The Astor Legacy & The Invention of Luxury
01:21 – Gilded Age Traditions: Afternoon Tea
02:43 – History & The Titanic Connection
04:50 – The Marriott Era & Global Expansion
05:19 – Marriott STARS: How to Get Free Upgrades & Credits
06:00 – The St. Regis Butler: Personal Assistant vs. Bellhop
18:23 – St. Regis vs. Ritz-Carlton: What’s the Difference?
20:13 – 6:00 PM Ritual: The Daily Champagne Sabering
22:02 – The Bloody Mary: Born at the King Cole Bar
23:22 – Property Spotlight: St. Regis Kanai, Mexico
26:29 – Property Spotlight: St. Regis Singapore
31:15 – Property Spotlight: St. Regis Florence
33:27 – Looking Ahead: St. Regis Papagayo Costa Rica (2027)
36:19 – The Ultimate Bucket List: St. Regis Maldives Vommuli


TLDR:
Founder Legacy: The brand was founded in 1904 by John Jacob Astor IV, the wealthiest passenger to die on the Titanic.
Signature Butler Service: Unlike many "gimmicky" services, St. Regis butlers act as personal assistants, offering morning coffee, packing/unpacking, and 24/7 WhatsApp communication.
Complimentary Perks: Every stay typically includes free morning coffee/tea service and the pressing of two garments per day.
The Sabering Ritual: Every St. Regis worldwide hosts a daily champagne sabering ceremony around 6 PM, where guests receive a free glass of bubbly.
Bloody Mary Origins: The cocktail was invented at the St. Regis New York’s King Cole Bar in 1934; today, every property has its own local twist.
Afternoon Tea: A tradition started by Caroline Astor for her "400 Club" of elite New York socialites, now carried on at all locations.
St. Regis vs. Ritz-Carlton: St. Regis focuses on "Classic Luxury" and social scenes, while Ritz-Carlton leans toward "Modern Luxury" and residential privacy.
While New York is the flagship, the Florence property is often considered the brand’s greatest masterpiece, featuring 15th-century architecture.
Maldives Luxury: The Vommuli resort features a "Bentley-themed" seaplane, a lobster-shaped spa, and a 2:1 staff-to-guest ratio.
Global Expansion: Since being acquired by Marriott, the brand has grown from 38 to over 64 hotels worldwide.