How I Elevate My Work Trips with the Right Hotels

Palm Springs Boutique Hotel Stay, West Hollywood Luxury, and My Favorite Business Travel Perks

I went to California for work, but somehow it turned into one of those trips that reminds you why you love traveling in the first place.

Between Palm Springs and Los Angeles, the hotels completely set the tone — and honestly made the whole trip feel less chaotic and more like a getaway. If you’re planning a trip to California, choosing the right places to stay makes all the difference.

Where I stayed:

The Del Marcos Hotel

I started in the desert, staying at Del Marcos Hotel, a beautiful boutique hotel in Palm Springs known for its mid-century modern design. The property has that classic Palm Springs mid-century architecture — low-key, stylish, and surrounded by palm trees and mountain views. Mornings felt slow and peaceful, sitting by the pool with that dry desert air and sunshine. If you’re looking for a quiet Palm Springs hotel with character, this kind of stay makes the desert experience feel special.

Then I headed into the energy of LA and stayed at W Hollywood

A great option if you want a luxury hotel in West Hollywood that’s central to everything. If you’ve ever been to LA, you know it’s nonstop, and this hotel matches that vibe perfectly. Modern, lively, and right in the middle of the action. The rooftop scene is such a vibe — sun, city views, and music.  I actually got a free upgrade to a king room when I booked with my AMEX business card, which made the stay even better — go watch my room tour!

How I've been elevated my Business Travel:

A big reason I’ve been able to make work trips feel more elevated lately is just being more intentional about how I book travel. I’ve found ways to get added perks at hotels — like property credits, free upgrades and breakfast that let me actually enjoy the stay instead of skipping everything to “save money.”

For me, that’s where my AMEX Platinum Business Card really comes in. I was honestly skeptical at first because of the annual fee. I told Sean, my husband, I’d try it for a year and cancel if it didn’t feel worth it. But within the first month, I had already gotten so much value from the card that it practically paid for itself.

It’s also been a game-changer at the airport too. Airport lounge access means I have a calm place to hang, eat, and recharge instead of sitting at a crowded gate. Delta is my go-to airline, and they work really well with AMEX, which makes earning and using points even easier. And when it comes to flights and hotels, I’m earning points on purchases that go right back toward future travel.

I honestly didn’t think I’d love the perks this much, but it’s been such a good move for me. It may not make sense for everyone, but I figured it was worth sharing my experience.

I’m really excited to start sharing more hotel reviews, travel tips, and business travel experiences with you guys. I’ve realized where you stay can completely shape how a trip feels — whether it’s slow desert mornings or high-energy city vibes — and I love finding places that make the travel part just as good as the destination.

More travel diaries coming soon ✈️🌴

Much Love,

KRS

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