May 2012 promotions from Top Ten hotel loyalty programs:

Links to my Loyalty Traveler posts provide more detail and promotion analysis for each offer.

Most hotel loyalty promotions are two to four months in duration.

The easiest way to quickly see a list of all hotel loyalty promotions discussed on Loyalty Traveler is to check my Loyalty Traveler Facebook page. All Loyalty Traveler post links feed into Twitter and all my tweets feed into Loyalty Traveler Facebook.

Summer 2012 hotel loyalty promotions Read More…

The fifth post in my Loyalty Traveler series comparing the large hotel loyalty programs of Hilton HHonors, IHG Priority Club and Marriott Rewards is a case study of hotel rates and reward redemption opportunities in Paris, France for a stay in March 2012.

Prior posts have discussed the earning rate for hotel points with stays in each of the hotel brands (links to other posts in this series are at end of this post). The rate points are earned is only one factor for earning loyalty points. Limited time promotions for earning bonus points and bonus points for partner activities are other factors on the earning side of the equation.

The cost of hotel rewards in each of the three hotel loyalty programs must be compared to the rate of earning to determine if any program has a competitive advantage in one way or another for Hilton HHonors, Marriott Rewards and IHG Priority Club.

Paris, France Hotel Reward Search for March 16-20, 2012

Assume the dates are set in stone for a four night Paris trip. Here are the options in the big chains of Hilton, IHG and Marriott where you can burn your points.

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The fourth article in this series comparing the “MegaChain” hotel loyalty programs of Hilton HHonors, IHG Priority Club and Marriott Rewards is a look at the hotel reward options for each hotel chain. Reward nights using points are one of the two primary incentives of being a hotel loyalty program member. The other incentive is additional complimentary hotel stay benefits received during hotel stays like free internet, complimentary room upgrades, hotel executive lounge access and free breakfast.

Comparing hotel rewards is one of the most technical aspects of hotel loyalty programs. The rate of earning points is different in each hotel loyalty program with Hilton members earning as many as 15 points per dollar for hotel spend while Marriott and IHG Priority Club earn as few as 5 points per dollar for certain hotel brands. Promotions offering bonus points also affect the rate of earning points in each program.

And even if the hotel loyalty member earns 10 points per dollar in each program, then is a 25,000 point hotel reward comparable in each program? How does one compare a Marriott Rewards category 5 reward night (25,000 points), Priority Club Crowne Plaza reward night (25,000 points) and a Hilton HHonors category 3 reward night (25,000 points)?

The logical way to compare hotel rewards across programs is to compare the published rate for the hotel night to the reward night cost in points. The problem is the reward cost is a fixed cost while the room rate fluctuates and might be $150 tonight and $250 tomorrow night for the same 25,000 points free night. The other variable is a 25,000 points hotel reward might save $100 at one Marriott Rewards category 5 hotel and save $250 at a different Marriott hotel.

The bottom line is hotel reward redemption value is dynamic and fluctuates depending on date and hotel. The best a member can do is try to use points in a way that maximizes their redemption value.

Read More…

Elite status is the primary way to earn more points and benefits from hotel loyalty programs. Elite members earn 10% to 50% more bonus points per dollar in hotel spend. High elite status brings many additional benefits with hotel stays including complimentary breakfast, free room upgrades, welcome gifts and free internet.

Hilton HHonors and Marriott Rewards have a high bar for reaching top elite status. Most frequent guest travelers will only spend sufficient nights in a hotel to earn either Hilton HHonors Diamond (28 stays or 60 nights) or Marriott Rewards Platinum (75 nights).

Elite Membership Tiers

Marriott Rewards (Marriott Rewards membership levels link)

• Silver = 10 nights (20% elite bonus points).
• Gold = 50 nights (25% elite bonus points).
• Platinum = 75 nights (50% elite bonus points).
• Marriott offers elite rollover nights for 2012 hotel stays to make 2013 qualification easier.

Hilton HHonors (HHonors membership levels link)

• Silver = 4 stays or 10 nights (15% elite bonus points).
• Gold = 16 stays or 36 nights or earn 60,000 base points in a calendar year (25% elite bonus points).
• Diamond = 28 stays or 60 nights or earn 100,000 base points in a calendar year (50% elite bonus points).
• Award stays and nights count for elite credit. “The number of Reward Stays and the number of nights during a Reward Stay will count towards the number of stays and/or nights required for Elite tier qualification.” – HHonors T&C.
• 60,000 and 100,000 base points are equivalent to $6,000 and $10,000 in hotel spend at 10 base points/$1.

InterContinental Hotels Group Priority Club Rewards (Priority Club membership levels link)

• Gold = 15 nights or purchase for $50 or earn 20,000 qualifying points in a calendar year (10% elite bonus points).
• Platinum = 50 nights or earn 60,000 qualifying points in a calendar year (50% elite bonus points).
• InterContinental Ambassador = $200 membership fee or32,000 Priority Club points. InterContinental Ambassador benefits apply only to stays at InterContinental Hotels.(Ambassador FAQ)
• InterContinental Royal Ambassador = by invitation only for select Ambassador members (top 1%) based on factors of total number of nights stayed and revenue. Unpublished qualification criteria estimated to be around 60 hotel nights in IHG properties with stays in several InterContinental Hotels.  FlyerTalk has a thread where members attempt to determine the criteria for Royal Ambassador membership.

Elite Qualification Routes Compared

There are differences in the way each hotel loyalty program qualifies elite members. This post will compare the routes to elite membership in Hilton HHonors, IHG Priority Club and Marriott Rewards. The specific benefits an elite member receives at different membership levels in each hotel program will be discussed in separate Loyalty Traveler posts.

Priority Club Elite

Priority Club is one of the easiest hotel loyalty programs to qualify for high elite Platinum status despite showing the qualification level as 50 nights. And these are 50 paid nights not counting reward stays using points or Points & Cash stays. Only Hilton HHonors, Starwood Preferred Guest and Choice Privileges credit reward stays for annual elite tier qualification.

60,000 qualifying Priority Club points is an easy to reach threshold for guests staying far fewer than 50 nights in a calendar year at IHG hotels. Priority Club counts almost any point earned in your account as an elite qualifying point. About the only Priority Club points that do not count as elite qualifying are points purchased for Points & Cash stays when paying $40 for 5,000 points or $60 for 10,000 points as part of a Points & Cash reward booking. Qualifying points include base points and bonus points earned from hotel stays, bonus points earned from promotions and points earned from partner activities.

Example of earning 60,000 points for Priority Club Platinum elite membership

• Purchase 20,000 Priority Club points for $230 = 20,000 points.
• Hotel stays = 20 nights at Holiday Inn and HI Express @$100/night rate = 20,000 base points.
• Priority Club Double Points Promotion (Jan 23-Apr 30, 2012)  = 20,000 bonus points.
• Gold elite 10% bonus points = 5 nights at $100/night rate = 500 points.
• Total = 60,500 qualifying Priority Club points with 20 hotel nights to earn Platinum elite.

These two activities of buying points and hotel stays during the Priority Club Double Points promotion qualify the Priority Club member for Platinum elite after only 20 hotel nights rather than 50 nights. This is just one example of how easy it is to reach Priority Club Platinum and start earning 50% bonus points.

InterContinental Ambassador lets you buy your way to elite

InterContinental Ambassador is a $200 initial membership ($100 renewal) annually paid program if you are looking for complimentary luxury hotel benefits to supplement those $300 per night stays at InterContinental Hotels. There are many InterContinental Hotels with rates below $150 night many nights of the year, yet there are other IC properties where $300 per night would be quite a discount rate at any time of the year.

InterContinental Royal Ambassador members receive a certificate in their membership packet to gift membership to one other.

 

Marriott Rewards Elite

Marriott Rewards is consistently voted the best hotel loyalty program in business surveys and even the Freddie Awards in recent years. Marriott Rewards has maintained the toughest elite qualification criteria of any major hotel loyalty program for many years. Mid-tier Gold elite at 50 nights and high-tier Platinum elite at 75 nights far exceed other programs. Hilton, Starwood and Hyatt have hotel stays as an alternative route to elite membership. Stays are a far more favorable qualification route for guests who typically stay one night at a time.

Hilton HHonors Diamond requires 60 nights and Marriott Rewards at 75 nights is 25% more nights than HHonors.  And HHonors counts hotel nights on rewards.

Hilton HHonors takes only 28 stays for HHonors Diamond elite as a different elite qualification route. This means a member can earn HHonors Diamond elite with as few as 28 one-night stays and some of those stays can even be reward stays using points.

Marriott Rewards Elite Rollover Nights is a competitive edge

Elite Rollover Nights appeared in 2009 when the hotel industry was severely impacted by a sudden cutback in global travel.  Marriott Rewards did not alter its stringent elite qualification criteria, but instead lowered the elite qualification threshold in one way, while providing incentive to continue staying with Marriott even after attaining elite status for the calendar year.

Elite Rollover Nights carry any nights in excess of the elite level for the current year to the next calendar year. In 2012 a member who stays 33 nights in Marriott brand hotels earns Silver elite for 2013 after 10 nights, but fails to reach 50 nights for Gold elite. This member starts 2013 as Silver elite and the 23 nights stayed in 2012 above the Silver elite qualification level rollover to 2013 elite qualifying nights. The member starts 2013 with 23 elite qualifying nights and only needs 27 nights in 2013 to reach Gold elite rather than 50 nights. The member will earn Gold elite after 27 nights in 2013.

Elite rollover nights are a powerful incentive for staying with Marriott Rewards as a Silver elite, even if Gold elite is not achievable in 2012.

Marriott Rewards offers Elite Rollover Nights as a promotional benefit to members. 2012 will be the fourth year this benefit has been offered, however, the announcement to extend elite rollover nights did not come until late December 2011. Hotel nights in 2012 will automatically rollover to 2013. There is no guarantee the elite rollover nights benefit will be repeated again for hotel nights stayed in 2013.

Club Carlson set elite rollover nights as a standard program benefit when the new hotel loyalty program launched April 2011. This is the only other hotel loyalty program to offer elite rollover nights.

Hilton HHonors Elite

Hilton has several routes to high elite Diamond status.

• 28 stays can be as few as 28 one-night stays in a year and reward stays count too.
• 60 nights including reward stays.
• 100,000 base points = $10,000 in spend. That might be one wedding or company party.
• HHonors Surpass American Express gives cardmember Diamond elite after $40,000 annual spend.

The multiple routes to reach elite are a competitive advantage of Hilton HHonors over Marriott Rewards.

In my opinion Hilton HHonors Gold (16 stays or 36 nights) is one of the best mid-tier elite levels to have for any hotel loyalty program. HHonors Gold elite is frequently offered in fast-track promotions for as few as four stays in 90 days. A new or returning HHonors member can receive benefits of free internet and free breakfast on hotel stays through 2013 after just four stays.

Elite Status Promotion: Hilton HHonors Gold elite fast-track for Carlson Wagonlit Travel customers. Earn HHonors Gold elite after four stays within 90 days of promotion registration.  Loyalty Traveler post Sep 6.

Elite Status Promotion: HHonors Gold VIP elite after 4 stays or 9 nights in 90 days at U.S. hotels with Hilton HHonors MVP. Promotion registration required.

 

HHonors Reward Stays are Elite Qualifying Stays and Nights

Hilton HHonors was also a pioneer in elite status qualification when it became the first hotel loyalty program to count reward nights and stays several years ago. Choice Privileges and Starwood Preferred Guest are two other hotel loyalty programs that changed in the past couple of years to count reward stays for elite status.

The introduction of HHonors Points & Money Rewards in 2011 means counting reward stays for elite qualification is even more rewarding. Points & Money rewards require only 50% standard reward points. A member with 100,000 points can buy two category-7 standard reward nights at 50,000 points each.  Points & Money rewards allow the same 100,000 points to buy four separate category-7 reward nights with a cash supplement ($85/night) and earn up to 4 elite qualifying stays and 4 nights.

HHonors Points & Money are a 2011 reward enhancement, even though the program also introduced HHonors Premium Rewards that seems to have negatively impacted Diamond level members with decreased access to room rewards at the standard rate.

 

Elite Challenges

Marriott offers a Gold Challenge for 12 nights in 90 days or Platinum Challenge with 18 nights in 90 days. You receive gold or Platinum elite level for 90 days and drop back to earned status if challenge not successful. You must be enrolled in either Gold or Platinum Challenge. You do not earn Gold elite if you fall 3 nights short on a Platinum Challenge with only 15 nights even though that would have been sufficient for the Gold Challenge.

Elite level membership after completing the challenge is maintained at Gold or Platinum elite through February 2013, unless you requalify for the same or higher tier. So you need to have 50 or 75 nights in 2012 to retain elite level through 2013. Challenges starting in July 2012 may last through Feb 2014. FlyerTalk thread on Marriott Platinum and Gold Challenges from last six months and Dec 2011 thread.

Hilton offers Diamond Challenge for 19 to 21 nights in a 90 day period. FlyerTalk thread.

HHonors status match discussed in this FlyerTalk thread. Remember that status match is generally a once-in-a-lifetime match when granted by a hotel loyalty program. Challenges can be periodically repeated. Do not waste a status match unless you plan to use it. You may regret it a couple of years from now when you could really use the instant elite status and that long expired top elite member card is sitting in your drawer.

Marriott elite status match FlyerTalk thread.

You can generally get a status match if you truly have the potential of a high-revenue guest with frequent hotel stays. The people getting instant status through a hotel loyalty promotion and no record of frequent stays might find it more difficult to get a hotel loyalty status match.

The Credit Card Route to Elite

Marriott, Hilton and IHG Priority Club offer an easy route to low tier elite simply by enrolling as a credit card member with Hilton HHonors Visa or American Express, Marriott Rewards Visa or Priority Club Visa.  Hilton HHonors is the winner for credit card benefits.

• All HHonors credit cards confer complimentary HHonors Silver elite. HHonors Diamond membership is achievable through HHonors Surpass American Express after $40,000 annual card spend.
• Marriott Rewards Visa gives either 10 or 15 elite nights annually for instant Silver elite status.
• Priority Club Visa gives complimentary Gold elite.
• This Loyalty Traveler post from March 2011 is still fairly accurate on the elite benefits available through hotel points credit cards.
• Disclosure: I do not partner affiliate with any credit card providers. The links in my posts where I discuss credit cards are not affiliate marketing links for my Loyalty Traveler business.

Loyalty Traveler series: Comparison of Hilton HHonors, Marriott Rewards and IHG Priority Club hotel loyalty programs

1. Hilton, Marriott and IHG Hotel Brand Market Segments (Jan 15, 2012) – this post lists the different hotel brands, number of hotels in the brand, percentage of hotels in each brand and brand’s hotel market segment.

2. Hilton, IHG Marriott: Earning Base Points and Miles (Jan 17, 2012).

3. Making Elite with Marriott, IHG, Hilton (Jan 18, 2012) – Discussion of elite qualification requirements, elite status challenges and status matches.

This series will continue with a look at the redemption options using points and comparative analysis of these three programs.

IHG Priority Club has major changes taking effect in reward tiers for free nights January 18, 2012. I will compare reward cost for Hilton, Marriott and IHG free nights after the Priority Club changes are published and the new higher rates are in effect.

The second post in comparing the mega-chain hotel loyalty programs of Hilton, IHG and Marriott is a look at earning points and miles in each program. These three hotel chains are grouped together for comparative purposes based on their size, each hotel chain with more than 3,500 properties worldwide and a significant proportion of upscale to luxury hotels.

The first post in this series outlined the number of hotels in each chain’s brands and their brand market segments.

The primary competitive advantage of Marriott, IHG and Hilton in the hotel industry is their size with global geographic coverage as well as extensive coverage of the United States. Starwood, Hyatt and Carlson hotels will be compared in a separate series of posts for these hotel chains with 500 to 1,200 hotels globally. France-based Accor Hotels is another large global hotel chain with over 4,000 hotels worldwide, however, the chain has fewer than 20 hotels in the U.S. participating in the Accor loyalty program and is excluded from this survey.

Earning Points and Miles from Hotel Stays

Two factors differentiate hotel loyalty program stays from stays booked outside hotel loyalty programs on sites like Expedia, Orbitz and Travelocity:

• complimentary hotel loyalty benefits received during the hotel stay like free room upgrades, free internet access, hotel executive lounge access, free fitness facilities access, free breakfast and late check-out.
• points and miles earned from hotel stay are a rebate on the purchase price for the hotel stay.

These two factors are the area of competition between the major hotel chain loyalty programs. This post compares points and miles earning in Hilton HHonors, IHG Priority Club and Marriott Rewards. Separate posts will compare the hotel stay benefits of loyalty programs at different elite levels.

Earning Points

The rebate value of hotel loyalty programs is the factor that keeps many of us loyal to specific hotel chains. A good hotel loyalty promotion means the cost of a hotel stay is partially or fully rebated in the form of points earned from the stay.

Read More…

2012 HELP SHEET #1 – Hotel Loyalty Promotions.

The major offers from each hotel loyalty program are listed first. The number of asterisks from 1-5 indicates my rating for this offer with 4 or 5 being the best value offers in my opinion. This January 9, 2012 Loyalty Traveler post is the first update for 2012 hotel loyalty promotions and includes about 20 new promotion offers and Loyalty Traveler research posts since the December 7, 2011 update.

Main Q-1 2012 promotions from Top Ten hotel loyalty programs:

Accor A|Club – Stay 3 nights and pay for two through January 16, 2012 at 85 participating hotels.

*** Best Western Rewards – December 1 – January 31, 2012 – 2,000 bonus points per night for maximum 8,000 bonus points after 4 nights on stays in US and Canada from . Loyalty Traveler post December 1, 2012.

*** Choice Privileges – December 1 – February 29, 2012 2x points for stays  or Points + Miles.

*****Club Carlson – December 1 – January 31, 2012 receive 9,000 points rebate on each award stay for up to 45,000 points.

*** Hilton HHonors – January 1-March 31, 2012. HHonors More Points promotion offers 1,000 bonus points per night and 5,000 bonus points per two-night weekend stays with Thu-Fri, Fri-Sat or Sat-Sun.

***** Hilton HHonors – December 1-April 30, 2012. Must book hotel stay by Jan 31, 2012. Resort Escapes offers one free night globally after 5 consecutive nights at participating Hilton Resorts December 1-April 30, 2012. Must book hotel stay by Jan 31, 2012. Maximum two free nights. LT post Dec 4, 2011.

***** Hilton HHonors 30% points rebate for Points & Money and Premium Room Rewards booked by January 31, 2012 for stays by June 30, 2012. LT post Dec 8.

Hyatt Gold Passport – No new major bonus offer yet. Primary bonus opportunities are for hotels in China and Southwest Asia.

*** InterContinental Hotels Group Priority Club Rewards – No major promotion announced. Priority Club members may register for one of the quarterly stay promotions running January 1-March 31, 2012. You can only register for one offer so pick the target you are most likely to reach. Stay 3 nights = 5,000 bonus points. Stay 7 nights = 10,000 bonus points. Stay 15 nights = 15,000 bonus points.

**** Marriott Rewards – MegaBonus 2012 February 1 – April 30, 2012. Earn one free night every two stays; maximum two free nights. Select Marriott Rewards members received targetted offers for three free night maximum and 25,000 to 50,000 points after 15 to 25 nights. LT post Jan 7, 2012.

**** Marriott Rewards MegaMiles January 1-April 30, 2012 earns 2,000 bonus miles per Marriott brand stay beginning with second stay. Maximum 50,000 bonus miles. Loyalty Traveler post December 7, 2012.

***** Starwood Preferred Guest – November 29- March 15, 2012 – Two free nights at participating Asia Pacific hotels after 9 nights in Asia Pacific hotels from November 29- March 15, 2012 when stays are paid with a MasterCard. One free night after 5 nights. Maximum 2 free nights. Loyalty Traveler post December 2, 2011.

*** Starwood Preferred Guest – Better by the Night – January 9-April 8, 2012 offers double points (2 bonus points/$1) for two night stays and triple points (4 bonus points/$1) for three night and longer stays. LT post Jan 9, 2012.

**** Wyndham Rewards –  Nov 17 – Feb 1, 2012 – Gift Me promotion for U.S., Canada and Mexico resident members for 6,500 bonus points after 2nd, 4th and 6th stays at any Wyndham brand globally Nov 17 – Feb 1, 2012. Online booking bonus is 1,000 points for first 3 stays. Total 22,500 bonus points for 6 hotel stays. LT post November 18.

***** Wyndham Rewards Nov 17 – Feb 1, 2012 offer for European resident members only is 10,000 bonus points on 2nd, 4th and 6th stays for 30,000 maximum bonus points.

Read More…

HELP SHEET #13 – Hotel Elite and Loyalty Promotions.

The major offers from each hotel loyalty program are listed first. The number of asterisks from 1-5 indicates my rating for this offer with 4 or 5 being the best value offers in my opinion. This Loyalty Traveler post is the 13th update for 2011 hotel loyalty promotions and includes about 20 new promotion offers and Loyalty Traveler research posts since the November 9 update.

Main Q-4 2011 and Q-1 2012 promotions from Top Ten hotel loyalty programs:

Accor A|Club – Stay 3 nights and pay for two through January 16, 2012 at 85 participating hotels.

*** Best Western Rewards – 2,000 bonus points per night for maximum 8,000 bonus points after 4 nights on stays in US and Canada from December 1 – January 31, 2012. Loyalty Traveler post December 1, 2012.

*** Choice Privileges – 2x points for stays December 1 – February 29, 2012 or Points + Miles.

*****Club Carlson – Club Carlson 50,000 points for Radisson Stay November 10-December 30, 2011 – Loyalty Traveler November 2.

***** Hilton HHonors Fast Ways to Free Stays offers a free night every 4 stays or 10 nights October 1 -December 31, 2011. Double points is an alternate choice. LT analysis Sep 26.

***** Hilton HHonors Resort Escapes offers one free night globally after 5 consecutive nights at participating Hilton Resort December 1-April 30, 2012. Must book hotel stay by Jan 31, 2012. Maximum two free nights. LT post Dec 4, 2011.

Hyatt Gold Passport – No new major bonus offer yet. Passports with Purpose fundraiser for libraries in Zambia. Hyatt Gold Passport sponsored a raffle prize for Loyalty Traveler in the PwP raffle. $10 donation by Dec 16 for chance to win 110,000 Hyatt Gold Passport points. Loyalty Traveler post November 30, 2011.

** InterContinental Hotels Group Priority Club Rewards – Priority Club Fall 80,000 bonus points promotion for 500 points per night and potential for 2x, 3x or 4x points based on staying in two, three or four IHG brands from Sep 15 – Dec. 31, 2011.  LT Analysis August 13, 2011 and September 20 post for miles information and promotion details.

**** Marriott Rewards – Earn one free night at a category 1 to 4 hotel reward after two hotel stays paid with VISA September 15, 2011 – January 15, 2012. Registration deadline for this promotion is October 31, 2011. This offer may be earned two times during promotion for two free nights. Active Marriott Rewards members may be targeted for a points offer based on 15 to 25 nights. Loyalty Traveler post August 16.

**** Marriott Rewards MegaMiles January 1-April 30, 2012 earns 2,000 bonus miles per Marriott brand stay beginning with second stay. Maximum 50,000 bonus miles. Loyalty Traveler post December 7, 2012.

***** Starwood Preferred Guest – Two free nights at participating Asia Pacific hotels after 9 nights in Asia Pacific hotels from November 29- March 15, 2012 when stays are paid with a MasterCard. One free night after 5 nights. Maximum 2 free nights. Loyalty Traveler post December 2, 2011.

** Starwood Preferred Guest 2x or 3x points for stays Sep 6 – Dec 18, 2011. Loyalty Traveler post August 28.

**** Wyndham Rewards – Gift Me promotion for U.S., Canada and Mexico resident members for 6,500 bonus points after 2nd, 4th and 6th stays at any Wyndham brand globally Nov 17 – Feb 1, 2012. Online booking bonus is 1,000 points for first 3 stays. Total 22,500 bonus points for 6 hotel stays. LT post November 18.

***** Wyndham Rewards offer for European resident members only is 10,000 bonus points on 2nd, 4th and 6th stays for 30,000 maximum bonus points .

Most hotel loyalty promotions are two to four months in duration. This post is updated every few weeks to summarize the best offers.

Links to my Loyalty Traveler posts provide more detail and promotion analysis for each offer.

The easiest way to quickly see a list of all hotel loyalty promotions discussed on Loyalty Traveler is to check my Loyalty Traveler Facebook page. All Loyalty Traveler post links feed into Twitter and all my tweets feed into Loyalty Traveler Facebook.

 

Accor Hotels – A-Club

Hotel Brands: Sofitel, Pullman, M Gallery, Novotel, Mercure, Ibis, Adagio, All Seasons, Thalassa Spa.

A|Club Free Gold Status promotion code. LT post October 9.

Le Club Accorhotels to replace A|Club loyalty program for Accor. Ibis incorporates All Seasons and and Etap to become mega-brand. Loyalty Traveler post on changes Sep 18, 2011.

Motel 6 is the primary Accor Hotels brand in USA, however, extremely limited A-Club hotel loyalty program participation.

Accor Hotels is globally the largest chain of hotel brands outside of the USA. Accor also has the largest proportion of hotels as non-participants in its loyalty program compared to all other major global hotel chains. Hotels in  economy and budget hotel market segments do not participate in Accor’s hotel loyalty programs.

Accor 10^th Anniversary World Tour Giveaway – One monthly trip consisting of Round the World flights and hotel stays in 10 cities over 30 to 40 days. Ten prizes each month for a hotel stay. (11 prizes each month from March through December 2011). LT post March 30.

Accor A|Club Global Promotion Offers List – link (This link allows searches by continent region)

Accor Hotels A|Club bonus offers

 

Amtrak Guest Rewards (loyalty program allows transfers to Choice Privileges and Hilton HHonors points)

 

Best Western Hotels – Best Western Rewards

Hotel Brand Tiers: Best Western, Best Western Plus, Best Western Premier

*** Best Western Rewards – 2,000 bonus points per night for maximum 8,000 bonus points after 4 nights on stays in US and Canada from December 1 – January 31, 2012. Loyalty Traveler post December 1, 2012.

Best Western International Offers webpage link. The link provides a variety of promotions internationally for Best Western hotels.

Best Western Hotel Specific Bonus Points in U.S.

Best Western Rewards Elite Status Match Offer (February 19, 2010) This offer is ongoing and still available. Best Western is a particularly useful loyalty program when traveling outside the USA. Best Western and Accor A-Club have more hotels outside the USA than all the other major hotel programs combined including Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott and

Best Western Brand Tiers Change – Best Western in 2011 designated about 25% of the chain’s higher quality hotels in the 4,000+ hotel chain as Best Western Plus (about 800 hotels) and Best Western Premier (about 100 hotels, mostly outside U.S.).

 

Carlson Hotels – Club Carlson
(formerly Goldpoints Plus loyalty program)

Hotel Brands: Radisson Blu, Radisson, Country Inn & Suites, Park Inn, Park Plaza

***** Radisson Big Night Giveaway – Register Nov 10 for 50,000 bonus point.  The first 50,000 Club Carlson members worldwide who register beginning November 10, 2011 and stay at any Radisson Hotel in the U.S., Canada or Caribbean anytime from November 10-December 30, 2011. This is a high value deal where 50,000 points can be as many as five or more free nights or one free night at the highest tier hotel properties worldwide. One of the year’s best.

• Club Carlson 50,000 points for Radisson Stay November 10-December 30, 2011 - Loyalty Traveler November 2.
• Radisson 50,000 Points Promotion Revisited and Clarified - November 7. Important to also read this post with promotion clarification of terms.
• My Radisson Big Night Giveaway 50,000 points posted – Loyalty Traveler December 6.

***** Earn 9,000 bonus points for every Club Carlson hotel award stay December 1 – January 31, 2012. Bonus may be earned five times for a 45,000 points rebate on reward stays. Loyalty Traveler post November 29, 2011.

**** Book by December 13 for 30% discount rate at hotels in Americas for stays December 23 – March 3, 2012. Offer code 30PCTOFF. Loyalty Traveler December 1, 2011.

New Business Program - Club Carlson for Business offers small to medium businesses a special program for hotel rate discounts and a Club Carlson business account for earning additional points from employee hotel stays. Employees also maintain their own personal accounts and earn points normally as a Club Carlson member.

***** Club Carlson 50% Points Weekend Reward Nights in Europe, Africa and Middle East October 1- December 15, 2011. Many hotels have reward nights for half the standard points cost.

***** Park Inn 15,000 bonus points for stay in U.S. or Canada by December 15 31, 2011. Loyalty Traveler post Nov 3.Update: the date for this promotion was extended to December 31.

Club Carlson Ultimate Getaway Giveaway Sweepstakes October 18 – December 16, 2011. Eight weekly prizes (about $3,000 each) and one grand prize ($15,000+ prize) in celebration of grand opening November 1, 2011 of flagship Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago hotel.

**** Club Carlson 9,000 points for 3-day car rental with Avis by December 31, 2011. LT Post Sep 7. (See comments section of LT post for link to Budget Car Rental promotion for 9,000 points).

These Loyalty Traveler posts describe changes with Club Carlson launch March 31, 2011:

Club Carlson Hotel Category Reassignment Analysis – Overview and Category 1 Hotels (April 7) – This post has links to posts for each Club Carlson Hotel Reward category with tables showing the new Club Carlson reward category and the former Goldpoints Plus reward category.

Club Carlson Loyalty program Launches March 31 – Replaces goldpoints plus (Feb 14)

Club Carlson Reward Category Changes March 31, 2011 (Feb 18)

Club Carlson Hotel Reward Category Analysis (Feb 28) This post shows the number of hotels in each category and changes from 2010 level for different global regions.

Club Med resort credit for goldpoints. $100, $250 and $500 credit. (March 10).

Club Carlson online booking bonus – Club Carlson general members earn 1,000 bonus points for online booking. Silver and Gold elite members earn 2,000 bonus points for online booking. Concierge elite members earn 3,000 points. Club Carlson Benefits table link.

 

Choice Hotels – Choice Privileges

Choice Hotels Brands: Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban, EconoLodge, Rodeway Inn, Ascend Collection.

Choice Privileges Hotel Reward Partners:
Preferred Hotels Group, Barcelo Resorts

Choice Privileges 2x points or Points + Miles for stays December 1 – February 29, 2012. Loyalty Traveler post November 30. 

Choice Privileges Refer-a-Friend Promotion for 1,000 points for you and new member you refer after new member’s first hotel stay (through December 31, 2011).

Choice Privileges reward night cost analysis. Using a spreadsheet of 2010 reward cost, I calculated the percentage of hotels in various reward levels worldwide from 6,000 points to 40,000 points. This is the only breakdown of hotel reward tiers I have ever seen for Choice Hotels. Loyalty Traveler post May 1, 2011.

Choice Privileges Program Changes for Elite Members effective January 1, 2011:

Program enhancements for elites.

• Platinum elite qualification = 20 nights in a calendar year (formerly 25 nights).
• Diamond elite bonus increased to 50% base points (formerly 40%). Reward night booking window extended for Choice Privileges elite members:
• Gold = 50 days (formerly 40 days)
• Platinum = 75 days (formerly 60 days)
• Diamond = 100 days (formerly 90 days)

Nordic Choice Club hotel loyalty program covers 140 Choice hotels in Scandinavia and Baltic regions of Europe. Choice Privileges members currently do not earn points for hotel stays in Scandinavia, although hotel stays are available for points. Nordic Choice Club offers points and benefits for hotels in this region. Choice Privileges members planning frequent travel in Scandinavia may want to compare the benefits of Nordic Choice Club to Choice Privileges. (LT post Sep 9, 2010)

 

Drury Hotels – Gold Key Club

Drury Hotels are the #1 rated midscale limited service hotel brand by J.D. Power Guest Satisfaction Survey six consecutive years including 2010 and 2011. This hotel brand is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri and properties are primarily located in Midwest and South.

1,000 bonus points for enrollment in Drury Gold Key Club (ongoing).

E-Saver Discount rates for Drury Hotels.

Vacation and Hotel Discount Coupons for Drury Hotels in St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbus, San Antonio and Atlanta. There are $10 and $15 per night discounts at select hotels on this page.

 

Expedia.com – Expedia Rewards

Expedia’s new loyalty program earns points for air, hotel and travel package bookings. This is a gamechanger for online travel agencies. Booking airfare through Expedia is a no brainer method for earning additional travel rebates since frequent flyer benefits are unaffected. Hotels are a different matter though since no hotel loyalty points with programs like SPG, Marriott, Hilton and others are earned for Expedia bookings.

Main Expedia Rewards benefits are the ability to earn points when booking travel for other people like family members and friends. And Expedia vacation packages often allow a hotel night to be added for the same price as airfare alone; particularly when traveling to Las Vegas. Loyalty Traveler Analysis March 28.

 

Fairmont Hotels and Fairmont President’s Club

Tip: Sign up for Fairmont President’s Club to receive monthly special discount rates for Fairmont Hotels.

 

Four Seasons Hotels

Four Seasons Special Offers website link

 

Global Hotel Alliance – GHA Discovery – Hotel loyalty program alliance for 14 independent hotel brands including Omni Hotels, Pan Pacific, Kempinski Hotels, First Hotels, Mirvac, Anantara Resorts, Tivoli Hotels, The Doyle Collection, Marco Polo Hotels, Park Royal, The Leela Palaces, Shaza Hotels, Mokara Hotels & Spa, and Lungarno Collection.

Overview of GHA Discovery, elite membership benefits and local experiences, Loyalty Traveler post January 30.

 

Hilton Hotels – Hilton HHonors

10 Hilton HHonors Hotel Brands: Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites, Conrad, Waldorf-Astoria Collection, Hampton Inn, and Home2Suites.

***** Hilton HHonors Fast Ways to Free Stays offers a free night every 4 stays or 10 nights October 1 -December 31, 2011. Double points is an alternate choice. LT analysis Sep 26.

***** Hilton HHonors Resort Escapes offers one free night globally after 5 consecutive nights at participating Hilton Resort December 1-April 30, 2012. Must book hotel stay by Jan 31, 2012. Maximum two free nights. LT post Dec 4, 2011.

**** Hilton December Global Sale – Book by January 1, 2012 for 20 to 33% discount on Best Available Rates for stays from December 8 – January 8, 2012. Must book 7 days in advance. 1,000 bonus points for stays 2 or more nights. Loyalty Traveler post December 3, 2012.

HHonors Program Change – Southwest Airlines partnership ends January 1, 2012. No more earning Southwest Rapid Rewards points with HHonors. LT post October 14.

HHonors Points & Money Rewards Analysis – Loyalty Traveler post October 3. This post shows the HHonors Points & Money rate table that was removed from HHonors website within a few hours after publishing this Loyalty Traveler post.

HHonors Premium Rewards Analysis – Do HHonors Premium Room Rewards Prevent GLON/AXON Rewards at some Hilton Hotels? – Loyalty Traveler post October 13. This October 10 post also looks at using HHonors flexible dates tool to find low Hilton rates and Premium Room Rewards. Loyalty Traveler Research October 10.

HHonors Representative responds to Hotels only offering Premium Room Rewards issue. LT post October 14.

Hilton HHonors Gold elite fast-track for Carlson Wagonlit Travel customers. Earn HHonors Gold elite after four stays within 90 days of promotion registration. This offer has an end date of 12/31/2013 so might be best to wait until January 2012 to register for Gold elite through 2013. Loyalty Traveler post Sep 6.

New Hilton Hotels in 2011. Loyalty Traveler survey of 34 Hilton Hotels recently opened (LT post Sep 14).

New Doubletree Hotels in 2011. LT post Sep 17.

HHonors Gold VIP elite after 4 stays or 9 nights in 90 days at U.S. hotels with Hilton HHonors MVP. Promotion registration required.

HHonors Point Stretcher Rewards posted for hotels through December 2011. Point Stretchers require 40% fewer points than standard HHonors rewards. Use the drop-down menu to see participating hotels in different Hilton brands. The Point Stretcher hotel awards were updated in early June. As of December 7 there are no additional dates past December 2011.

Home2Suites opens first hotel of Hilton’s new extended stay brand in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Unfortunately this new hotel brand becomes the first HHonors brand with a lower earn rate for points and miles. Loyalty Traveler post March 21.

HHonors Comprehensive Reward Charts – Members have difficulty locating the various reward charts on the Hilton HHonors sites, particularly VIP Rewards and Waldorf-Astoria rates. This Loyalty Traveler post places all the HHonors reward charts in one post. (LT post Sep 13, 2010)

Cheaper Hilton Reward nights using Priority Club points – this Loyalty Traveler analysis developed from the Priority Club Anywhere Challenge. Hotels Anywhere allows Priority Club members to spend points for hotels in other chains. My study shows there are numerous Hilton Hotels requiring fewer Priority Club points than Hilton HHonors charges its members in HHonors points for the same reward. (LT post Sep 17, 2010.)

HHonors Program change: Gold and Diamond members receive complimentary internet at all Hilton Worldwide hotels beginning September 1, 2010. (Hilton – Aug 2 press release)

 

Hotels.com Welcome Rewards

Earn a free night for every 10 nights.

 

Hyatt Hotels – Hyatt Gold Passport

Hotel Brands: Park Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Vacation Club, Hyatt Resorts, Andaz, Hyatt Summerfield Suites, (AVIA and Hotel Sierra acquired Sep 1, 2011. Hotel Sierra and Hyatt Summerfield Suites will be rebranded as Hyatt House in 2012. Four AVIA upper upscale hotels are currently still called AVIA.)

Passports with Purpose fundraiser for libraries in Zambia. Hyatt Gold Passport sponsored a raffle prize for Loyalty Traveler in the PwP raffle. $10 donation by Dec 16 for chance to win 110,000 Hyatt Gold Passport points. Loyalty Traveler post November 30, 2011.

**** Hyatt Rate Discount – AARP members and Costco members have special rate offers for a $25 per night credit for hotel dining and purchases charged to room in addition to 10% off Hyatt Daily Rate (BAR is unrestricted rate). Loyalty Traveler post November 21. Costco member LT post November 22, 2011.

*** Hyatt Gold Passport 1,500 bonus points for stays November 22 – January 8, 2012 at AVIA, Hotel Sierra and Hyatt Summerfield Suites. This rate applicable for AAA, AARP, senior and other discount rates. Loyalty Traveler November 30, 2011.

*** 1,500 AAdvantage miles (triple miles) per Hyatt stay October 1 – January 15, 2012. No earning limit. LT post Oct 15.

Gold Passport Enhancement – Diamond members receive 50% bonus on Welcome Amenity points if points do not automatically post after stay. Loyalty Traveler post November 5.

Southwest Airlines triple points for 1,800 points per Hyatt brand stay October 1 – January 15, 2012. Maximum 18,000 points for promotion period.  LT post Sep 23. This offer may be combined with 5,000 points every 3 nights Hyatt Possibilities promotion.

Program Update: Hyatt House new brand to replace Summerfield Suites. LT post Sep 20.

Hyatt Gold Passport Diamond elite member enhancements and 43 hotel reward reassignments (25 up, 18 down) effective September 1, 2011. LT post July 28, 2011.

Hyatt adds annual anniversary free night benefit for Hyatt VISA card renewal members valid for one night in category 1 to category 4 reward hotel. LT post August 5, 2011.

 

InterContinental Hotels Group – Priority Club

Hotel Brands: InterContinental Hotels, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites, Hotel Indigo

***** Priority Club PointBreaks through January 31, 2012 are probably the best hotel loyalty program reward night value across all hotel chains and available at 5,000 points for a free night. 52 hotels in USA. 49 hotels rest of world. Many of the hotels are discounted 80% or more from their normal 25,000 to 40,000 points for a reward night.  Loyalty Traveler post November 22, 2011.

**** IHG November Black Friday registration period for a $100 airline flight credit after two-night weekend stay at any IHG hotel in U.S. by April 29, 2011. May earn flight credit 3 times. Loyalty Traveler November 9.

Priority Club Fall 80,000 bonus points promotion for 500 points per night and potential for 2x, 3x or 4x points based on staying in two, three or four IHG brands from Sep 15 – Dec. 31, 2011.  LT Analysis August 13, 2011 and September 20 post for miles information and promotion details.

IHG Europe Discount Rates – 2 nights for the price of 1 rates and Up to 35% off for weekend stays in Europe through December 31. These rates are prepaid and nonrefundable with no changes allowed. T&C also state no points. These are ongoing offers for past few years. Loyalty Traveler analyzed current discount rates in Sep 22 post: Better Know a Rate: IHG Discounts for Europe.

 

IHG First Night Free Best Rate Guarantee new policy. LT post Sep 22.

IHG Priority Club Last Minute Reward Nights are posted the week before the first weekend of the month. Hotels
are only posted for a few days and must be booked by Thursday prior to the Friday through Sunday first full weekend of the month dates. LT post June 30 and LT post August 2 and LT post October 4.

IHG Priority Club relaunch previews new reward option for Last Minute Hotel Nights at 50% points of standard reward night. Other changes are primarily cosmetic with new mobile apps, card redesign and website changes. Loyalty traveler post March 29.

IHG Priority Club partnership with Las Vegas Resorts – The Venetian and The Palazzo become InterContinental Alliance hotel partners as of April 1, 2011. Priority Club points can be earned and burned (40,000 points per night) for hotel stays and InterContinental Ambassador benefits apply.

InterContinental Ambassador Accelerator - 20,000 points after 15 nights at InterContinental Hotels. Registration required.

IHG Sweetheart Deal – $100 Visa card rebate for a three-day or longer stay at any IHG hotel worldwide within 90 days of 2011 wedding in U.S. or Canada. (LT Jan 11)

Cheaper Hilton Reward nights using Priority Club points – Hotels Anywhere allows Priority Club members to spend points for hotels in other chains. My study shows there are numerous Hilton Hotels requiring fewer Priority Club points than Hilton HHonors charges its members in HHonors points. (LT post Sep 17, 2010)

IHG Friend & Family Hotel Rates (Steve Sickel). Steve Sickel is senior Vice President Relationship Marketing for InterContinental Hotels Group. During the hotel recession of 2009 he offered this link to FlyerTalk members for booking discount friends and family rates. This link is still active. And we are all friends of Steve’s. Here is a FlyerTalk thread discussing this rate deal. The link in Steve Sickel’s name leads to the offer page for a voucher to complete. Some guests mention the hotel wants the completed voucher at check-in. These rates do not qualify for points or stay credit. One of the best features of this offer is the ability to book high category rooms at steep discount.

Priority Club Points Exchange Value and Points.com – Loyalty traveler research (Jan 20) into the exchange value of Priority Club points into airline miles through Points.com

 

Kimpton Hotels – InTouch

Loyalty Traveler posted an outline of Kimpton’s InTouch program showing how 21 stays in 2011 can potentially earn 7 free
nights at any Kimpton Hotel. (LT post Jan 11)

**** Walk this Way Package rate for Kimpton Palomar San Diego and Palomar Los Angeles hotels lets member earn a 50% off hotel stay certificate for these properties valid through 2012 if guest walks 10,000 steps on day of arrival as measured by pedometer provided as part of Walk this Way rate package. Loyalty Traveler post November 12.

 

La Quinta Hotels – La Quinta Returns

Hotel chain and hotel loyalty program overview by Loyalty Traveler April 12, 2011.

***** New La Quinta Returns members earn Gold elite after two nights within 60 days of enrollment. Two nights may be one stay. Gold elite promotion offer for new enrollments through December 31, 2011. This offer was extended from August 31, but keep in mind these offers are sometimes withdrawn early.

 

Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) – Leaders Club Rewards

Leaders Club Rewards program changes: Membership fees for Leaders Club Rewards dropped to $100 annual for Access level. Access membership includes complimentary breakfast for two each day of stay and free internet.
Unlimited membership is $1,200 annually. Loyalty traveler post Feb 3.

Earn a free night after every 5 stays with stays in at least two LHW properties by December 31, 2011.

LHW Hotel Special Offers link

 

Marriott Hotels – Marriott Rewards

Hotel Brands: Marriott, JW Marriott, Renaissance, Ritz-Carlton, Residence Inn, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, TownePlace Suites, SpringHill Suites, Edition, Autograph Collection, Marriott Vacation Club, AC Hotels.

**** Marriott Rewards MegaMiles January 1-April 30, 2012 earns 2,000 bonus miles per Marriott brand stay beginning with second stay. Maximum 50,000 bonus miles. Loyalty Traveler post December 7, 2012.

*** Marriott Rewards Facebook 1,000,000 points sweepstakes December 1-31. Enter daily for a chance to win 1,000 points. Grand prize 1,000,000 points. Loyalty Traveler post December 4, 2011.

*** Marriott Gift Cards 10% bonus value on any card $25 or more through January 8, 2012. Example: Buy $100 card and value on card = $110. Loyalty Traveler post November 21, 2011.

*** Marriott Travel Card 10% discount and Delta SkyMiles bonus – earn 1,000 Skymile per $1,000 purchase of $1,000 or $2,000 Marriott Travel Card, up to 10,000 Skymiles and get 10% card discount. Example: Buy $1,000 card for $900 and earn 1,000 SkyMiles. Loyalty Traveler post November 21, 2011.

Marriott Rewards Program Change: All-inclusive Resort Rewards discontinued. LT post October 21.

Earn 2,000 US Airways bonus miles per Marriott, JW Marriott or Renaissance stay in US, Canada and Mexico through December 26, 2011. Bonus may be earned five times for 10,000 bonus miles. LT post Sep 10, 2011.

More Stays, More Miles offers 1,000 to 2,000 bonus miles per stay from Sep 1- Dec 31 and unlike MegaBonus, does not require VISA payment. Delta, United, British Airways, Miles & More, LanPass and Varig airlines. Loyalty Traveler post August 31, 2011.

Instant Silver elite status for Asia-Pacific region members. This promotion is valid for those with a residential / business postal address in Australia, China, Guam, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. Marriott registration link. Loyalty Traveler post September 13.

**** Marriott Rewards Earn one free night at a category 1 to 4 hotel reward after two hotel stays paid with VISA September 15, 2011 – January 15, 2012. Registration deadline for this promotion is October 31, 2011. This offer may be earned two times during promotion for two free nights. Active Marriott Rewards members may be targeted for a points offer based on 15 to 25 nights. Loyalty Traveler post August 16.

New Autograph Collection Hotels are joining Marriott Rewards with six Boscolo Hotels in Italy, Prague and Budapest. LT post August 1.

AC Hotels is Marriott’s newest hotel brand. AC Hotels are a Madrid-based hotel chain now partnered with Marriott and brings 90 new upscale hotels in Spain, Italy and Portugal into the Marriott Rewards system. This brand is projected to expand in Europe and Latin America. Loyalty Traveler post March 27. AC Hotels start earning Marriott Rewards points beginning November 8, 2011.

***** AC Hotels free night offer – New members enrolling in Marriott Rewards while staying at an AC Hotel by January 31, 2012 will be registered for exclusive free night promotion. One additional stay at any Marriott hotel brand will earn a free category 1-4 hotel certificate valid for 6 months from issue date.

Marriott Rewards Hotel Category Assignment Changes for 2011 (Loyalty Traveler March 2)

Marriott Rewards PointSavers –PointSavers reduce the points cost of a free night by one hotel category. For example, category 5 hotel requires only 20,000 points per night priced at category 4 rate. 5^th night free rewards rate also applies to PointSavers rate. LT post Sep 26, 2011.

Marriott Points Redemption Strategy using $1,000 in Marriott Cheques. This post explains how Marriott elite members may buy $1,000 Marriott Cheques for 135,000 points. You can then pay for hotel stays and earn points and elite credit on paid stays you actually purchased indirectly with points. Loyalty Traveler post Jan 27.

Marriott Rewards Elite Rollover Nights extended for 2011. This is the third year Marriott Rewards offers elite rollover nights for elite qualifying nights over your earned elite membership. For example: Silver elite requires 10 nights in calendar year and Gold elite takes 50 nights. Stay 25 nights in 2011 and the 15 nights above Silver elite rollover to 2012 membership year. You will have earned Silver elite for 2013 from your 15 extra nights in 2011 rolled over to 2012. Confused? Don’t worry. This is a great benefit for elite members. (Loyalty Traveler 5-key offer. LT post Dec 23, 2010.)

Program change – Free internet worldwide for Gold and Platinum Marriott Rewards members beginning January 2011. This expands the complimentary internet benefit offered to elites for hotel stays in the Americas since May 2010.

Program Change: All Marriott Rewards members receive complimentary internet at Asia-Pacific region hotels. Loyalty Traveler post May 2, 2011.

 

Omni Hotels – Omni Select Guest

Member benefits include complimentary in-room Wi-Fi, shoe shine and morning beverage delivery.

Earn a free night after every 10 nights or earn 500 miles per hotel stay.

 

Preferred Hotels Group – I Prefer

I Prefer and Preferred Hotels Group special offers page. Members of Choice Privileges and Red Lion R&R Club can use points in those programs for free nights at participating hotels within Preferred Hotels Group.

 

Red Lion Hotels – 44 hotels in western U.S.

Red Lion Double Points and Free Breakfast promotion code = RLDOUBLE (through Dec 31, 2011)

* Red Lion R&R Club loyalty program changes in September 2011. LT Post October 21.

 

Red Roof Inn – RediCard

 

Ritz-Carlton Rewards
(Marriott Rewards partner brand)

Ritz-Carlton Rewards Visa – 50,000 points enrollment offer and Gold elite first year. Maintain Gold elite with $10,000 annual spending. Three confirmed Club level upgrades per year and other benefits. Loyalty Traveler post June 13.

Ritz-Carlton Rewards loyalty program launching Sep 15, 2010 (LT post Sep 14, 2010.)

Reward Changes in new Ritz-Carlton Reward Tiers (LT post Sep 15, 2010.)

Ritz-Carlton rewards Hotel + Air Packages Analysis (LT post Sep 16, 2010.)

 

Starwood Hotels – Starwood Preferred Guest

Starwood Hotels brands: Sheraton, Westin, W Hotels, Le Meridien, Luxury Collection, St. Regis, Four Points, Element, Aloft.

***** Starwood Preferred Guest – Two free nights at participating Asia Pacific hotels after 9 nights in Asia Pacific hotels from November 29- March 15, 2012 when stays are paid with a MasterCard. One free night after 5 nights. Maximum 2 free nights. Loyalty Traveler post December 2, 2011.

***** Buy Starpoints at 20% Discount for $28/1,000 points from November 1 – December 30, 2011. This is a good deal at some hotels where Cash & Points or standard reward night costs less using points than the lowest paid room rate.

Website Change – Starwood Hotels webpages now include Guest Reviews. Loyalty Traveler Oct 22 post shows how to post a hotel review from your Starwood Hotel stay.

New SPG Member Benefit – Award Stays Earn SPG Elite Qualification Credit as of October 1, 2011. Loyalty Traveler analysis Sep 29.

Earn Your Dreams promotion offers 3,000 points for a Suite (Rate code EYD3K) booking or 3x points for upgraded rooms (rate code EYDTRP) through December 31 at participating hotels in US and Canada.  Loyalty Traveler post Sep 12.

SPG 2x or 3x points for stays Sep 6 – Dec 18, 2011. Double points for all stays at participating hotels and triple points for any stay with a Sunday or Thursday night. About 25% of Starwood Hotels opted out, so check non-participating hotels list carefully. Loyalty Traveler post August 28.

Loyalty Traveler Research on using SPG website Compare Rates and Calendar Tools to find low Starwood rates. LT post Oct 10.

Starpicks discount rates for following three to six weeks post each Tuesday. Prepaid, nonrefundable and no changes. Must book by Friday each week.

Loyalty Traveler analysis of Starwood Preferred Guest Airline Direct Deposit program for Mileage Plus members and others interested in earning miles rather than points from hotel stays. (August 4, 2011)

Starwood Preferred Guest Hotel Category reward assignment changes for 2011 took effect on March 1. My LT post (Feb 22, 2011) has a list ordered by city, state and country for changes.

Starwood Hotels data on number of hotels in each brand and average rates by brand and global region. Loyalty traveler post Feb 4.

SPG Peak Season Rates Return for 2011. Category 5, 6 and 7 hotels relaunch peak season dates and a calendar of dates and participating hotels is posted here.  Loyalty traveler post Dec 6, 2010.

Starwood Hotels Policy Change: Sheraton Hotel Club Lounges will be open 7 days a week in 2011.

Starwood Preferred Guest – American Express credit card changes effective October 14, 2010. The annual fee increased to $65 from $45 for renewals  Oct 14, 2010. Benefit changes included 5 elite nights and 2 elite stays credit each year. The SPG50 certificate was discontinued in favor of a 3^rd night free offer at Sheraton Hotels. Loyalty traveler post (August 24, 2010); Sheraton 3^rd Night Free Analysis (Nov 12, 2010)

Pay Your Birthyear Rate -This promotion has been extended through 2011. Rates can be an incredible 5-key savings or no savings depending on the hotel and your birthyear. LT post 4/28/2009

**** Starwood Hotel Rate Discount Codes for Multiple Night Stays.

These offers for rate discounts on extended stays of 2 to 6 nights have been around for several years, but are not well advertised on Starwood site. Third night free tends to be one of the best discount rates. Important to check other rates (AAA, Senior, Special Offers) as these discounts are generally based on the Best Available Rate (BAR) and may not be the lowest overall rate for some hotels. Loyalty Traveler rate analysis Sep 21, 2011 – Better Know a Rate Z3H and Z3R and other extended stay promo codes.

 

Stash Hotel Rewards

Stash Hotel Rewards New Member Enrollment 1,000 bonus points link.

Stash Rewards is a one year old loyalty program for over 100 independent upscale hotels in the U.S. Loyalty Traveler post Jan 19. Loyalty Traveler has found the hotel partners with Stash Rewards in Monterey and Washington D.C. are great choices for hotel travelers seeking independent hotels with loyalty benefits. Stash Rewards offers points for many high quality independent hotels that previously had no loyalty program affiliation.

Stash Hotel Specials for Bonus Points and Low Redemption Rate Hotels

 

Swissotel Hotels and Resorts – Swissôtel Circle

Swissôtel Circle is the newly relaunched loyalty program for Swissotel Hotels and Resorts as of August 15, 2011. The Swissotel Circle loyalty program includes 30 Swissotel Hotels, Fairmont Hotels and Raffles. This Sep 9, 2011 Loyalty Traveler post is an overview of the hotel loyalty program, elite levels and benefits.

 

Voila Hotel Rewards

Loyalty Traveler profiled Voila Hotels program after signing two New York former Starwood W Hotels as the initial hotel members in the USA for this international loyalty program for 250 independent hotels.

Double Elite Qualification Nights through December 31, 2011. Mid-tier elite takes just 5 nights and top-tier elite requires only 10 nights for benefits like early and late checkout, complimentary upgrades and hotel executive lounge access. Registration required. LT post Sep 8.

 

Wyndham Worldwide – Wyndham Rewards

Wyndham Brands: Wyndham, Wingate, Hawthorn Suites, Ramada, Days Inn, Super 8, Howard Johnson, Travelodge, Baymont Suites, Microtel, Knights Inn, Tryp.

**** Wyndham Rewards – Gift Me promotion for U.S., Canada and Mexico resident members for 6,500 bonus points after 2nd, 4th and 6th stays at any Wyndham brand globally Nov 17 – Feb 1, 2012. Online booking bonus is 1,000 points for first 3 stays. Total 22,500 bonus points for 6 hotel stays. LT post November 18.

• Wyndham Rewards offer for European resident members only is 10,000 bonus points on 2nd, 4th and 6th stays for 30,000 maximum bonus points .

 

Loyalty Traveler Five ***** Promotion Scale

Loyalty Traveler ranks the consumer value of some hotel loyalty promotions on a Five ***** Scale.

Five ***** = one of the best hotel loyalty promotions of the year.

Four **** = high value rebate on the cost of hotel stays.

Three *** = good value hotel loyalty promotion or rate offer

Two ** = a bonus value if you play, but not necessarily worth going out of your way.

One * = There is limited or no value. You are likely paying more than the bonus value.

Rate discounts and loyalty program bonuses are two types of hotel chain incentives to consider when booking travel.

Rankings are subjective and subject to change. Your specific travel pattern may result in some promotions ranking more favorably for you.

When assigning a rank I take into consideration the following factors and probably more:

• The opportunity for significantly high-value return on hotel spend in terms of future hotel rebate in free nights and discounted hotel nights.
• Past loyalty program offers and rates for the specific hotel chain and loyalty program.

 

Loyalty Traveler Research Articles

Hotel Points Buy, Gift and Transfer Rules for major hotel loyalty programs. Loyalty Traveler post December 5, 2011.

PointHub.com gives loyalty travelers Cash vs. Points Hotel and Airline Recommendations (August 11, 2011). This new beta version website shows the cost in loyalty points for a free hotel night alongside the hotel rate and makes a recommendation for your travel dates. Airlines are also rated.

Room77.com hotel room views compared to my photos. Loyalty Traveler website analysis June 22.

Comparing the value of hotel program points - compares Hyatt, Priority Club and Hilton programs, then discusses how I am planning summer travel using free night promotions. (May 2, 2011)

 

Hotel Loyalty Credit Cards and the Value of Hotel Points

Best Hotel Credit Cards for Low Spenders (August 5, 2011)

Loyalty Traveler Analysis of Hotel Rewards Credit Cards (March 19, 2011)

Elite Status Benefits with Hotel Loyalty Credit Cards (March 21, 2011)

Hotel Credit Cards Comparison by Value of Points (September 2, 2010)

Hotel Credit Card Comparison using NerdWallet.com Value of Points (Sep 5, 2010)

Loyalty Traveler’s Three Rules for the Value of Hotel Points (Sep 7, 2010)

 

Hotel Points to Airline Miles Conversion Tables

Hotel Points-to-Miles Conversion Tables for 9 hotel programs and 7 U.S. airlines (March 30, 2010). These tables are a bit outdated and I plan to update the tables in October 2011.

 

Hotel Rates Survey for USA States, Cities, and Average Hotel Rates Worldwide

Hotels.com 2010 – Full Year 2010 – Global Hotel Price Index – This is a great resource for finding where hotel rates are high and low around the world. There are tables of USA average hotel rates by state and major cities.

 

Loyalty Traveler Travel

Brokeass Mountain Road Trip, July 2011

Monterey, California – Denver, Colorado

• Yosemite’s Tioga Pass Road across the Sierra Nevada Mountains
• Westin Monache Resort Mammoth for year round vacations
• Even Lonelier than the Loneliest Road in America
• Earth’s Oldest Trees in Great Basin National Park Nevada
• Less extreme than 127 Hours in Utah
• Brokeass Mountain Tour eastbound – Hotel Value at High Elevation
• Brokeass Mountain Tour visits Starwood in Denver
• Driving by the 14ers South Park to Aspen, Colorado
• Top of the Rockies on the High Road to Aspen – Independence Pass 12,095 feet.
• St. Regis Aspen – Too Late to Cancel
• Aspen, Colorado to Park City, Utah: Ghost lands of Buffalo Soldiers, Utes and Dinosaurs
• The California Trail across Nevada
• Homeward Bound – Carson Pass Highway 88 over the Sierra Nevada to Monterey

HELP SHEET #12 – Current Hotel LoyaltySphere

Updated November 9, 2011.

This Loyalty Traveler post is the 12th update for 2011 hotel loyalty promotions and includes about 20 new promotion offers and Loyalty Traveler research posts since the October 12 update.

Club Carlson has mounted a full scale promotion blitz in the U.S. this past month to celebrate the grand opening of the Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago hotel on November 1 with bonus points promotions and sweepstakes for stays in North America. Europeans are not totally out of luck since they can earn the U.S. stay bonuses too and go back home to Europe for 50% off hotel reward nights through December 15, 2011.

Offers marked with an asterisk (*) were added since the last update October 12.

Most hotel loyalty promotions are two to four months in duration. This post is updated every few weeks to summarize the best offers.

Links to my Loyalty Traveler posts provide more detail and promotion analysis for each offer.

Scroll over the calendar on left side of Loyalty Traveler blog to see daily posts for new promotion offers since last HELP sheet hotel promotions summary.

 

Accor Hotels – A-Club

Hotel Brands: Sofitel, Pullman, M Gallery, Novotel, Mercure, Ibis, Adagio, All Seasons, Thalassa Spa.

A|Club Jackpot Facebook Game for a chance to win 25,000 points or one million points October 6-November 15, 2011. LT post October 9.

A|Club Free Gold Status promotion code. LT post October 9.

Le Club Accorhotels to replace A|Club loyalty program for Accor. Ibis incorporates All Seasons and and Etap to become mega-brand. Loyalty Traveler post on changes Sep 18, 2011.

Motel 6 is the primary Accor Hotels brand in USA, however, extremely limited A-Club hotel loyalty program participation.

Accor Hotels is globally the largest chain of hotel brands outside of the USA. Accor also has the largest proportion of hotels as non-participants in its loyalty program compared to all other major global hotel chains. Hotels in  economy and budget hotel market segments do not participate in Accor’s hotel loyalty programs.

Accor 10^th Anniversary World Tour Giveaway – One monthly trip consisting of Round the World flights and hotel stays in 10 cities over 30 to 40 days. Ten prizes each month for a hotel stay. (11 prizes each month from March through December 2011). LT post March 30.

Accor A|Club Global Promotion Offers List – link (This link allows searches by continent region)

Accor Hotels A|Club bonus offers

 

Amtrak Guest Rewards (loyalty program allows transfers to Choice Privileges and Hilton HHonors points)

 

Best Western Hotels – Best Western Rewards

Hotel Brand Tiers: Best Western, Best Western Plus, Best Western Premier

Best Western 2x points for two stays or 3x for two stays in two BW tier hotels from September 12 – November 21, 2011. Non-elites may earn bonus two times (4 stays) and elite members may earn bonus four times (8 stays). Registration link www.bestwestern.com/fall. Loyalty Traveler post August 30.

Best Western 2x miles for two stays or 3x miles for two stays in two BW tier hotels from September 12 – November 21, 2011. Registration link www.bestwestern.com/fall. Loyalty Traveler post August 30.

Best Western International Offers webpage link. The link provides a variety of promotions internationally for Best Western hotels.

Best Western Hotel Specific Bonus Points in U.S.

Best Western Rewards Elite Status Match Offer (February 19, 2010) This offer is ongoing and still available. Best Western is a particularly useful loyalty program when traveling outside the USA. Best Western and Accor A-Club have more hotels outside the USA than all the other major hotel programs combined including Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott and

Best Western Brand Tiers Change – Best Western in 2011 designated about 25% of the chain’s higher quality hotels in the 4,000+ hotel chain as Best Western Plus (about 800 hotels) and Best Western Premier (about 100 hotels, mostly outside U.S.).

 

Carlson Hotels – Club Carlson
(formerly Goldpoints Plus loyalty program)

Hotel Brands: Radisson Blu, Radisson, Country Inn & Suites, Park Inn, Park Plaza

* Radisson Big Night Giveaway – Register Nov 10 for 50,000 bonus point.  The first 50,000 Club Carlson members worldwide who register beginning November 10, 2011 and stay at any Radisson Hotel in the U.S., Canada or Caribbean anytime from November 10-December 30, 2011. This is a high value deal where 50,000 points can be as many as five or more free nights or one free night at the highest tier hotel properties worldwide. 5-Key promotion. One of the year’s best.

* Loyalty Traveler November 2 – Club Carlson 50,000 points for Radisson Stay November 10-December 30, 2011. Important to also read this post with promotion clarification of terms. November 7 – Radisson 50,000 Points Promotion Revisited and Clarified.

 

* Club Carlson 50% Points Weekend Reward Nights in Europe, Africa and Middle East October 1- December 15, 2011. Many hotels have reward nights for half the standard points cost.

* Park Inn 15,000 bonus points for stay in U.S. or Canada by December 15, 2011. Loyalty Traveler post Nov 3.

* Club Carlson Ultimate Getaway Giveaway Sweepstakes October 18 – December 16, 2011. Eight weekly prizes (about $3,000 each) and one grand prize ($15,000+ prize) in celebration of grand opening November 1, 2011 of flagship Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago hotel.

Free Night promotion with Country Inns & Suites 2-night or longer stay Sunday through Thursday in US or Canada from October 2 – December 1, 2011. Free night certificate is valid for any US or Canada Country Inns & Suites hotel for stays from December 15, 2011 – February 15, 2012. There is no limit to free night certificates earned. LT post Sep 16. (4-key offer).

Club Carlson 9,000 points for 3-day car rental with Avis by December 31, 2011. LT Post Sep 7. (See comments section of LT post for link to Budget Car Rental promotion for 9,000 points).

These Loyalty Traveler posts describe changes with Club Carlson launch March 31, 2011:

Club Carlson Hotel Category Reassignment Analysis – Overview and Category 1 Hotels (April 7) – This post has links to posts for each Club Carlson Hotel Reward category with tables showing the new Club Carlson reward category and the former Goldpoints Plus reward category.

Club Carlson Loyalty program Launches March 31 – Replaces goldpoints plus (Feb 14)

Club Carlson Reward Category Changes March 31, 2011 (Feb 18)

Club Carlson Hotel Reward Category Analysis (Feb 28) This post shows the number of hotels in each category and changes from 2010 level for different global regions.

Club Med resort credit for goldpoints. $100, $250 and $500 credit. (March 10).

Club Carlson online booking bonus – Club Carlson general members earn 1,000 bonus points for online booking. Silver and Gold elite members earn 2,000 bonus points for online booking. Concierge elite members earn 3,000 points. Club Carlson Benefits table link.

 

Choice Hotels – Choice Privileges

Choice Hotels Brands: Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay
Suites, Suburban, EconoLodge, Rodeway Inn, Ascend Collection.

Choice Privileges Hotel Reward Partners:
Preferred Hotels Group, Barcelo Resorts

Choice Privileges 1,000 Bonus Points for Mobile Bookings October 1-November 15, 2011. LT post Oct 11.

Choice Privileges Refer-a-Friend Promotion for 1,000 points for you and new member you refer after new member’s first hotel stay (through December 31, 2011).

Choice Privileges reward night cost analysis. Using a spreadsheet of 2010 reward cost, I calculated the percentage of hotels in various reward levels worldwide from 6,000 points to 40,000 points. This is the only breakdown of hotel reward tiers I have ever seen for Choice Hotels. Loyalty Traveler post May 1, 2011.

Choice Privileges Program Changes for Elite Members effective January 1, 2011:

Program enhancements for elites.

• Platinum elite qualification = 20 nights in a calendar year (formerly 25 nights).
• Diamond elite bonus increased to 50% base points (formerly 40%). Reward night booking window extended for Choice Privileges elite members:
• Gold = 50 days (formerly 40 days)
• Platinum = 75 days (formerly 60 days)
• Diamond = 100 days (formerly 90 days)

Nordic Choice Club hotel loyalty program covers 140 Choice hotels in Scandinavia and Baltic regions of Europe. Choice Privileges members currently do not earn points for hotel stays in Scandinavia, although hotel stays are available for points. Nordic Choice Club offers points and benefits for hotels in this region. Choice Privileges members planning frequent travel in Scandinavia may want to compare the benefits of Nordic Choice Club to Choice Privileges. (LT post Sep 9, 2010)

 

Drury Hotels – Gold Key Club

Drury Hotels are the #1 rated midscale limited service hotel brand by J.D. Power Guest Satisfaction Survey six consecutive years including 2010 and 2011. This hotel brand is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri and properties are primarily located in Midwest and South.

Drury Hotels Double Points September 20 – November 20, 2011. LT post Sep 21.

1,000 bonus points for enrollment in Drury Gold Key Club (ongoing).

E-Saver Discount rates for Drury Hotels.

Vacation and Hotel Discount Coupons for Drury Hotels in St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbus, San Antonio and Atlanta. There are $10 and $15 per night discounts at select hotels on this page.

 

Expedia.com – Expedia Rewards

Expedia’s new loyalty program earns points for air, hotel and travel package bookings. This is a gamechanger for online travel agencies. Booking airfare through Expedia is a no brainer method for earning additional travel rebates since frequent flyer benefits are unaffected. Hotels are a different matter though since no hotel loyalty points with programs like SPG, Marriott, Hilton and others are earned for Expedia bookings.

Main Expedia Rewards benefits are the ability to earn points when booking travel for other people like family members and friends. And Expedia vacation packages often allow a hotel night to be added for the same price as airfare alone; particularly when traveling to Las Vegas. Loyalty Traveler Analysis March 28.

 

Fairmont Hotels and Fairmont President’s Club

Tip: Sign up for Fairmont President’s Club to receive monthly special discount rates for Fairmont Hotels.

 

Four Seasons Hotels

Four Seasons Special Offers website link

 

Global Hotel Alliance – GHA Discovery – Hotel loyalty program alliance for 14 independent hotel brands including Omni Hotels, Pan Pacific, Kempinski Hotels, First Hotels, Mirvac, Anantara Resorts, Tivoli Hotels, The Doyle Collection, Marco Polo Hotels, Park Royal, The Leela Palaces, Shaza Hotels, Mokara Hotels & Spa, and Lungarno Collection.

Overview of GHA Discovery, elite membership benefits and local experiences, Loyalty Traveler post January 30.

 

Hilton Hotels – Hilton HHonors

10 Hilton HHonors Hotel Brands: Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites, Conrad, Waldorf-Astoria Collection, Hampton Inn, and Home2Suites.

Hilton HHonors Fast Ways to Free Stays offers a free night every 4 stays or 10 nights October 1 -December 31, 2011. Double points is an alternate choice. LT analysis Sep 26.

* HHonors Program Change – Southwest Airlines partnership ends January 1, 2012. No more earning Southwest Rapid Rewards points with HHonors. LT post October 14.

HHonors Points & Money Rewards Analysis – Loyalty Traveler post October 3. This post shows the HHonors Points & Money rate table that was removed from HHonors website within a few hours after publishing this Loyalty Traveler post.

* HHonors Premium Rewards Analysis – Do HHonors Premium Room Rewards Prevent GLON/AXON Rewards at some Hilton Hotels? – Loyalty Traveler post October 13. This October 10 post also looks at using HHonors flexible dates tool to find low Hilton rates and Premium Room Rewards. Loyalty Traveler Research October 10.

* HHonors Representative responds to Hotels only offering Premium Room Rewards issue. LT post October 14.

United Airlines Mileage Plus 1,000 bonus miles for two-night stays October 1 – December 11, 2011. Bonus may be earned five times for 5,000 bonus miles. LT post October 3.

Delta Airlines SkyMiles Double Miles + 250 MQM for two-night stays October 1 – December 11, 2011. No earning limit. LT post October 4.

Hilton HHonors Gold elite fast-track for Carlson Wagonlit Travel customers. Earn HHonors Gold elite after four stays within 90 days of promotion registration. This offer has an end date of 12/31/2013 so might be best to wait until January 2012 to register for Gold elite through 2013. Loyalty Traveler post Sep 6.

New Hilton Hotels in 2011. Loyalty Traveler survey of 34 Hilton Hotels recently opened (LT post Sep 14).

New Doubletree Hotels in 2011. LT post Sep 17.

HHonors Gold VIP elite after 4 stays or 9 nights in 90 days at U.S. hotels with Hilton HHonors MVP. Promotion registration required.

HHonors Point Stretcher Rewards posted for hotels through December 2011. Point Stretchers require 40% fewer points than standard HHonors rewards. Use the drop-down menu to see participating hotels in different Hilton brands. The Point Stretcher hotel awards were updated in early June.

Home2Suites opens first hotel of Hilton’s new extended stay brand in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Unfortunately this new hotel brand becomes the first HHonors brand with a lower earn rate for points and miles. Loyalty Traveler post March 21.

HHonors Comprehensive Reward Charts – Members have difficulty locating the various reward charts on the Hilton HHonors sites, particularly VIP Rewards and Waldorf-Astoria rates. This Loyalty Traveler post places all the HHonors reward charts in one post. (LT post Sep 13, 2010)

Cheaper Hilton Reward nights using Priority Club points – this Loyalty Traveler analysis developed from the Priority Club Anywhere Challenge. Hotels Anywhere allows Priority Club members to spend points for hotels in other chains. My study shows there are numerous Hilton Hotels requiring fewer Priority Club points than Hilton HHonors charges its members in HHonors points for the same reward. (LT post Sep 17, 2010.)

HHonors Program change: Gold and Diamond members receive complimentary internet at all Hilton Worldwide hotels beginning September 1, 2010. (Hilton – Aug 2 press release)

 

Hotels.com Welcome Rewards

Earn a free night for every 10 nights.

Hotels.com Great Unloyaling Promotion – earn free night after booking first hotel stay with Hotels.com by November 15, 2011. Must show evidence of hotel stays in three different major loyalty programs since Jan 1, 2011 or five stays in any program. LT promotion analysis August 7, 2011. 5-Key promotion offer.

 

Hyatt Hotels – Hyatt Gold Passport

Hotel Brands: Park Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Vacation Club, Hyatt Resorts, Andaz, Hyatt Summerfield Suites

* 1,500 AAdvantage miles (triple miles) per Hyatt stay October 1 – January 15, 2012. No earning limit. LT post Oct 15.

* Hyatt Facebook Sweepstakes for 100,000 points to ten members who “LIKE” any or all ten Hyatt brand Facebook pages. Enter sweepstakes by December 9, 2011. Loyalty Traveler post October 28.

*Gold Passport Enhancement – Diamond members receive 50% bonus on Welcome Amenity points if points do not automatically post after stay. Loyalty Traveler post November 5.

Hyatt Possibilities – Earn 5,000 bonus points for every 3 nights, up to 30,000 bonus points Sep 15-Nov 15, 2011. This is one of the best promotions for the next two months since it rewards extended stays, hotel hops, and low rate hotel stays. Loyalty Traveler post August 29.

Southwest Airlines triple points for 1,800 points per Hyatt brand stay October 1 – January 15, 2012. Maximum 18,000 points for promotion period.  LT post Sep 23. This offer may be combined with 5,000 points every 3 nights Hyatt Possibilities promotion.

Program Update: Hyatt House new brand to replace Summerfield Suites. LT post Sep 20.

Hyatt Gold Passport Diamond elite member enhancements and 43 hotel reward reassignments (25 up, 18 down) effective September 1, 2011. LT post July 28, 2011.

Hyatt adds annual anniversary free night benefit for Hyatt VISA card renewal members valid for one night in category 1 to category 4 reward hotel. LT post August 5, 2011.

 

 

InterContinental Hotels Group – Priority Club

Hotel Brands: InterContinental Hotels, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites, Hotel Indigo

* IHG November Black Friday registration period for a $100 airline flight credit after two-night weekend stay at any IHG hotel in U.S. by April 29, 2011. May earn flight credit 3 times. Loyalty Traveler November 9.

Priority Club Fall 80,000 bonus points promotion for 500 points per night and potential for 2x, 3x or 4x points based on staying in two, three or four IHG brands from Sep 15 – Dec. 31, 2011.  LT Analysis August 13, 2011 and September 20 post for miles information and promotion details.

InterContinental Ambassador members earn 10,000 bonus points with stays in four different InterContinental Hotels September 1 – November 30, 2011. Earn 2,000 bonus points on first three stays and 4,000 bonus points on 4th stay. Applies only to new reservations after promotion registration. LT post Sep 10.

IHG Europe Discount Rates – 2 nights for the price of 1 rates and Up to 35% off for weekend stays in Europe through December 31. These rates are prepaid and nonrefundable with no changes allowed. T&C also state no points. These are ongoing offers for past few years. Loyalty Traveler analyzed current discount rates in Sep 22 post: Better Know a Rate: IHG Discounts for Europe.

Priority Club PointBreaks through November 30, 2011 are probably the best hotel loyalty program reward night value available at 5,000 points for a free night. Many of the hotels are discounted 80% from their normal 25,000 points for a reward night. I took advantage of two of these nights the week after the latest list posted and saved over $200 for 10,000 Priority Club points. LT post September 19, 2011 (5-key offer.)

IHG First Night Free Best Rate Guarantee new policy. LT post Sep 22.

IHG Priority Club Last Minute Reward Nights are posted the week before the first weekend of the month. Hotels
are only posted for a few days and must be booked by Thursday prior to the Friday through Sunday first full weekend of the month dates. LT post June 30 and LT post August 2 and LT post October 4.

IHG Priority Club relaunch previews new reward option for Last Minute Hotel Nights at 50% points of standard reward night. Other changes are primarily cosmetic with new mobile apps, card redesign and website changes. Loyalty traveler post March 29.

IHG Priority Club partnership with Las Vegas Resorts – The Venetian and The Palazzo become InterContinental Alliance hotel partners as of April 1, 2011. Priority Club points can be earned and burned (40,000 points per night) for hotel stays and InterContinental Ambassador benefits apply.

InterContinental Ambassador Accelerator - 20,000 points after 15 nights at InterContinental Hotels. Registration required.

IHG Sweetheart Deal – $100 Visa card rebate for a three-day or longer stay at any IHG hotel worldwide within 90 days of 2011 wedding in U.S. or Canada. (LT Jan 11)

Cheaper Hilton Reward nights using Priority Club points – Hotels Anywhere allows Priority Club members to spend points for hotels in other chains. My study shows there are numerous Hilton Hotels requiring fewer Priority Club points than Hilton HHonors charges its members in HHonors points. (LT post Sep 17, 2010)

IHG Friend & Family Hotel Rates (Steve Sickel). Steve Sickel is senior Vice President Relationship Marketing for InterContinental Hotels Group. During the hotel recession of 2009 he offered this link to FlyerTalk members for booking discount friends and family rates. This link is still active. And we are all friends of Steve’s. Here is a FlyerTalk thread discussing this rate deal. The link in Steve Sickel’s name leads to the offer page for a voucher to complete. Some guests mention the hotel wants the completed voucher at check-in. These rates do not qualify for points or stay credit. One of the best features of this offer is the ability to book high category rooms at steep discount.

Priority Club Points Exchange Value and Points.com – Loyalty traveler research (Jan 20) into the exchange value of Priority Club points into airline miles through Points.com

 

Kimpton Hotels – InTouch

Loyalty Traveler posted an outline of Kimpton’s InTouch program showing how 21 stays in 2011 can potentially earn 7 free
nights at any Kimpton Hotel. (LT post Jan 11)

 

La Quinta Hotels – La Quinta Returns

Hotel chain and hotel loyalty program overview by Loyalty Traveler April 12, 2011.

* New La Quinta Returns members earn Gold elite after two nights within 60 days of enrollment. Two nights may be one stay. Gold elite promotion offer for new enrollments through December 31, 2011. This offer was extended from August 31, but keep in mind these offers are sometimes withdrawn early.

 

Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) – Leaders Club Rewards

Leaders Club Rewards program changes: Membership fees for Leaders Club Rewards dropped to $100 annual for Access level. Access membership includes complimentary breakfast for two each day of stay and free internet.
Unlimited membership is $1,200 annually. Loyalty traveler post Feb 3.

Earn a free night after every 5 stays with stays in at least two LHW properties by December 31, 2011.

LHW Hotel Special Offers link

 

Marriott Hotels – Marriott Rewards

Hotel Brands: Marriott, JW Marriott, Renaissance, Ritz-Carlton, Residence Inn, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, TownePlace Suites, SpringHill Suites, Edition, Autograph Collection, Marriott Vacation Club, AC Hotels.

* Residence Inn by Marriott $5,000 gift card Facebook sweepstakes. Enter by 11/11/11. Loyalty Traveler Oct 27.

* Courtyard by Marriott November Facebook Sweepstakes. Enter once in November for chance to winn $250 or $500 Marriott gift card. Loyalty Traveler Oct 27.

* Marriott Rewards Program Change: All-inclusive Resort Rewards discontinued. LT post October 21.

Earn 2,000 US Airways bonus miles per Marriott, JW Marriott or Renaissance stay in US, Canada and Mexico through December 26, 2011. Bonus may be earned five times for 10,000 bonus miles. LT post Sep 10, 2011.

More Stays, More Miles offers 1,000 to 2,000 bonus miles per stay from Sep 1- Dec 31 and unlike MegaBonus, does not require VISA payment. Delta, United, British Airways, Miles & More, LanPass and Varig airlines. Loyalty Traveler post August 31, 2011.

Instant Silver elite status for Asia-Pacific region members. This promotion is valid for those with a residential / business postal address in Australia, China, Guam, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. Marriott registration link. Loyalty Traveler post September 13.

Marriott Rewards Earn one free night at a category 1 to 4 hotel reward after two hotel stays paid with VISA September 15, 2011 – January 15, 2012. Registration deadline for this promotion is October 31, 2011. This offer may be earned two times during promotion for two free nights. Active Marriott Rewards members may be targeted for a points offer based on 15 to 25 nights. Loyalty Traveler post August 16.

New Autograph Collection Hotels are joining Marriott Rewards with six Boscolo Hotels in Italy, Prague and Budapest. LT post August 1.

AC Hotels is Marriott’s newest hotel brand. AC Hotels are a Madrid-based hotel chain now partnered with Marriott and brings 90 new upscale hotels in Spain, Italy and Portugal into the Marriott Rewards system. This brand is projected to expand in Europe and Latin America. Loyalty Traveler post March 27. AC Hotels start earning Marriott Rewards points beginning November 8, 2011.

Marriott Rewards Hotel Category Assignment Changes for 2011 (Loyalty Traveler March 2)

Marriott Rewards PointSavers –PointSavers reduce the points cost of a free night by one hotel category. For example, category 5 hotel requires only 20,000 points per night priced at category 4 rate. 5^th night free rewards rate also applies to PointSavers rate. LT post Sep 26, 2011.

Marriott Points Redemption Strategy using $1,000 in Marriott Cheques. This post explains how Marriott elite members may buy $1,000 Marriott Cheques for 135,000 points. You can then pay for hotel stays and earn points and elite credit on paid stays you actually purchased indirectly with points. Loyalty Traveler post Jan 27.

Marriott Rewards Elite Rollover Nights extended for 2011. This is the third year Marriott Rewards offers elite rollover nights for elite qualifying nights over your earned elite membership. For example: Silver elite requires 10 nights in calendar year and Gold elite takes 50 nights. Stay 25 nights in 2011 and the 15 nights above Silver elite rollover to 2012 membership year. You will have earned Silver elite for 2013 from your 15 extra nights in 2011 rolled over to 2012. Confused? Don’t worry. This is a great benefit for elite members. (Loyalty Traveler 5-key offer. LT post Dec 23, 2010.)

Program change – Free internet worldwide for Gold and Platinum Marriott Rewards members beginning January 2011. This expands the complimentary internet benefit offered to elites for hotel stays in the Americas since May 2010.

Program Change: All Marriott Rewards members receive complimentary internet at Asia-Pacific region hotels. Loyalty Traveler post May 2, 2011.

 

Omni Hotels – Omni Select Guest

Member benefits include complimentary in-room Wi-Fi, shoe shine and morning beverage delivery.

Earn a free night after every 10 nights or earn 500 miles per hotel stay.

 

Preferred Hotels Group – I Prefer

I Prefer and Preferred Hotels Group special offers page. Members of Choice Privileges and Red Lion R&R Club can use points in those programs for free nights at participating hotels within Preferred Hotels Group.

 

Red Lion Hotels – 44 hotels in western U.S.

Red Lion Double Points and Free Breakfast promotion code = RLDOUBLE (through Dec 31, 2011)

* Red Lion R&R Club loyalty program changes in September 2011. LT Post October 21.

 

Red Roof Inn – RediCard

 

Ritz-Carlton Rewards
(Marriott Rewards partner brand)

Ritz-Carlton Rewards Visa – 50,000 points enrollment offer and Gold elite first year. Maintain Gold elite with $10,000 annual spending. Three confirmed Club level upgrades per year and other benefits. Loyalty Traveler post June 13.

Ritz-Carlton Rewards loyalty program launching Sep 15, 2010 (LT post Sep 14, 2010.)

Reward Changes in new Ritz-Carlton Reward Tiers (LT post Sep 15, 2010.)

Ritz-Carlton rewards Hotel + Air Packages Analysis (LT post Sep 16, 2010.)

 

Starwood Hotels – Starwood Preferred Guest

Starwood Hotels brands: Sheraton, Westin, W Hotels, Le Meridien, Luxury Collection, St. Regis, Four Points, Element, Aloft.

* Buy Starpoints at 20% Discount for $28/1,000 points from November 1 – December 30, 2011. This is a good deal at some hotels where Cash & Points or standard reward night costs less using points than the lowest paid room rate.

* Website Change – Starwood Hotels webpages now include Guest Reviews. Loyalty Traveler Oct 22 post shows how to post a hotel review from your Starwood Hotel stay.

New SPG Member Benefit – Award Stays Earn SPG Elite Qualification Credit as of October 1, 2011. Loyalty Traveler analysis Sep 29.

Earn Your Dreams promotion offers 3,000 points for a Suite (Rate code EYD3K) booking or 3x points for upgraded rooms (rate code EYDTRP) through December 31 at participating hotels in US and Canada.  Loyalty Traveler post Sep 12.

SPG 2x or 3x points for stays Sep 6 – Dec 18, 2011. Double points for all stays at participating hotels and triple points for any stay with a Sunday or Thursday night. About 25% of Starwood Hotels opted out, so check non-participating hotels list carefully. Loyalty Traveler post August 28.

Earn 1,000 Membership Rewards bonus points August 10-November 15, 2011 for stays at Four Points, Aloft and Element. Promotion registration required and payment must be with American Express card enrolled in Membership Rewards (excludes SPG AmEx card). Loyalty Traveler post September 13.

Loyalty Traveler Research on using SPG website Compare Rates and Calendar Tools to find low Starwood rates. LT post Oct 10.

Double dip for Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards points and SPG points by earning 1,000 Rapid Rewards points per stay at Sheraton, Four Points, Aloft and Element hotels in North America from August 1-December 15, 2011 in addition to normal earning for Starpoints. Must register by October 15. Loyalty Traveler promotion analysis August 4, 2011.

Starpicks discount rates for following three to six weeks post each Tuesday. Prepaid, nonrefundable and no changes. Must book by Friday each week.

Loyalty Traveler analysis of Starwood Preferred Guest Airline Direct Deposit program for Mileage Plus members and others interested in earning miles rather than points from hotel stays. (August 4, 2011)

Starwood Preferred Guest Hotel Category reward assignment changes for 2011 took effect on March 1. My LT post (Feb 22, 2011) has a list ordered by city, state and country for changes.

Starwood Hotels data on number of hotels in each brand and average rates by brand and global region. Loyalty traveler post Feb 4.

SPG Peak Season Rates Return for 2011. Category 5, 6 and 7 hotels relaunch peak season dates and a calendar of dates and participating hotels is posted here.  Loyalty traveler post Dec 6, 2010.

Starwood Hotels Policy Change: Sheraton Hotel Club Lounges will be open 7 days a week in 2011.

Starwood Preferred Guest – American Express credit card changes effective October 14, 2010. The annual fee increased to $65 from $45 for renewals  Oct 14, 2010. Benefit changes included 5 elite nights and 2 elite stays credit each year. The SPG50 certificate was discontinued in favor of a 3^rd night free offer at Sheraton Hotels. Loyalty traveler post (August 24, 2010); Sheraton 3^rd Night Free Analysis (Nov 12, 2010)

Pay Your Birthyear Rate -This promotion has been extended through 2011. Rates can be an incredible 5-key savings or no savings depending on the hotel and your birthyear. LT post 4/28/2009

Starwood Hotel Rate Discount Codes for Multiple Night Stays. 3-key or sometimes a 5-key discount rates

These offers for rate discounts on extended stays of 2 to 6 nights have been around for several years, but are not well advertised on Starwood site. Third night free tends to be one of the best discount rates. Important to check other rates (AAA, Senior, Special Offers) as these discounts are generally based on the Best Available Rate (BAR) and may not be the lowest overall rate for some hotels. Loyalty Traveler rate analysis Sep 21, 2011 – Better Know a Rate Z3H and Z3R and other extended stay promo codes.

 

Stash Hotel Rewards

Stash Hotel Rewards New Member Enrollment 1,000 bonus points link.

Stash Rewards is a one year old loyalty program for over 100 independent upscale hotels in the U.S. Loyalty Traveler post Jan 19. Loyalty Traveler has found the hotel partners with Stash Rewards in Monterey and Washington D.C. are great choices for hotel travelers seeking independent hotels with loyalty benefits. Stash Rewards offers points for many high quality independent hotels that previously had no loyalty program affiliation.

Stash Hotel Specials for Bonus Points and Low Redemption Rate Hotels

 

Swissotel Hotels and Resorts – Swissôtel Circle

Swissôtel Circle is the newly relaunched loyalty program for Swissotel Hotels and Resorts as of August 15, 2011. The Swissotel Circle loyalty program includes 30 Swissotel Hotels, Fairmont Hotels and Raffles. This Sep 9, 2011 Loyalty Traveler post is an overview of the hotel loyalty program, elite levels and benefits.

 

Voila Hotel Rewards

Loyalty Traveler profiled Voila Hotels program after signing two New York former Starwood W Hotels as the initial hotel members in the USA for this international loyalty program for 250 independent hotels.

Double Elite Qualification Nights through December 31, 2011. Mid-tier elite takes just 5 nights and top-tier elite requires only 10 nights for benefits like early and late checkout, complimentary upgrades and hotel executive lounge access. Registration required. LT post Sep 8.

 

Wyndham Worldwide – Wyndham Rewards

Wyndham Brands: Wyndham, Wingate, Hawthorn Suites, Ramada, Days Inn, Super 8, Howard Johnson, Travelodge, Baymont Suites, Microtel, Knights Inn, Tryp.

Wyndham Rewards Cash Back and Double Points or Miles Sep 15-Nov 18, 2011. Double points or miles limited to 3 stays. $20 Cash Back evey other stay up to 6 stays. LT post Sep 16.

European members – Wyndham Rewards 8,800 bonus points every two stays, up to six stays, Sep 15-Nov 18, 2011. LT post Sep 16.

 

Loyalty Traveler Five Key Promotion Scale

Loyalty Traveler ranks the consumer value of some hotel loyalty promotions on a Five Key Scale.

Five Keys = one of the best hotel loyalty promotions of the year.

Four Keys = high value rebate on the cost of hotel stays.

Three Keys = good value hotel loyalty promotion or rate offer

Two Keys = a bonus value if you play, but not necessarily worth going out of your way.

One Key = There is limited or no value. You are likely paying more than the bonus value.

Rate discounts and loyalty program bonuses are two types of hotel chain incentives to consider when booking travel.

Rankings are subjective and subject to change. Your specific travel pattern may result in some promotions ranking more favorably for you.

When assigning a key rank I take into consideration the following factors and probably more:

• The opportunity for significantly high-value return on hotel spend
  in terms of future hotel rebate in free nights and discounted hotel nights.
• Current loyalty program promotions and offers from other hotel
  chains.
• Past loyalty program offers and rates for the specific hotel chain
  and loyalty program.
• Current economic conditions in the hotel location and travel
  industry.

 

Loyalty Traveler Research Articles

PointHub.com gives loyalty travelers Cash vs. Points Hotel and Airline Recommendations (August 11, 2011). This new beta version website shows the cost in loyalty points for a free hotel night alongside the hotel rate and makes a recommendation for your travel dates. Airlines are also rated.

Room77.com hotel room views compared to my photos. Loyalty Traveler website analysis June 22.

Comparing the value of hotel program points - compares Hyatt, Priority Club and Hilton programs, then discusses how I am planning summer travel using free night promotions. (May 2, 2011)

 

Hotel Loyalty Credit Cards and the Value of Hotel Points

Best Hotel Credit Cards for Low Spenders (August 5, 2011)

Loyalty Traveler Analysis of Hotel Rewards Credit Cards (March 19, 2011)

Elite Status Benefits with Hotel Loyalty Credit Cards (March 21, 2011)

Hotel Credit Cards Comparison by Value of Points (September 2, 2010)

Hotel Credit Card Comparison using NerdWallet.com Value of Points (Sep 5, 2010)

Loyalty Traveler’s Three Rules for the Value of Hotel Points (Sep 7, 2010)

 

Hotel Points to Airline Miles Conversion Tables

Hotel Points-to-Miles Conversion Tables for 9 hotel programs and 7 U.S. airlines (March 30, 2010). These tables are a bit outdated and I plan to update the tables in October 2011.

 

Hotel Rates Survey for USA States, Cities, and Average Hotel Rates Worldwide

Hotels.com 2010 – Full Year 2010 – Global Hotel Price Index – This is a great resource for finding where hotel rates are high and low around the world. There are tables of USA average hotel rates by state and major cities.

 

Loyalty Traveler Travel

Brokeass Mountain Road Trip, July 2011

Monterey, California – Denver, Colorado

• Yosemite’s Tioga Pass Road across the Sierra Nevada Mountains
• Westin Monache Resort Mammoth for year round vacations
• Even Lonelier than the Loneliest Road in America
• Earth’s Oldest Trees in Great Basin National Park Nevada
• Less extreme than 127 Hours in Utah
• Brokeass Mountain Tour eastbound – Hotel Value at High Elevation
• Brokeass Mountain Tour visits Starwood in Denver
• Driving by the 14ers South Park to Aspen, Colorado
• Top of the Rockies on the High Road to Aspen – Independence Pass 12,095 feet.
• St. Regis Aspen – Too Late to Cancel
• Aspen, Colorado to Park City, Utah: Ghost lands of Buffalo Soldiers, Utes and Dinosaurs
• The California Trail across Nevada
• Homeward Bound – Carson Pass Highway 88 over the Sierra Nevada to Monterey

Market Metrix founder Jonathan Barsky published a piece last week on hotel loyalty program effectiveness – ‘Hotel loyalty programs offered by chains and independents are growing in popularity’. The introduction to the article concludes hotel loyalty programs are easier to use than frequent flier programs.

I guess that is why I don’t get $250 for finding couples a hotel room like OnlineTravelReview, Gary Leff or Lucky earn for frequent flier award booking.

Hotel loyalty program is the fourth most cited reason for choosing a specific hotel, behind:

1. Location
2. Price
3. Past Experience
4. Hotel Loyalty Program

The percentage of elite members in hotel loyalty programs is up 5% in 2011 according to this article.

Market Metrix is a research organization serving the hospitality industry. One of their functions is to analyze hotel guest feedback. Hotel loyalty program effectiveness is measured by the percentage of guests who state hotel loyalty program was a primary reason for choosing a specific hotel.

Hilton, Starwood and Hyatt have seen the greatest growth in hotel program effectiveness in the past two years. Hilton HHonors leads the pack with 39.2% of guests citing hotel loyalty program as a primary factor in choosing a Hilton brand hotel. Starwood had the overall highest improvement in the past two years and ranked second to Hilton with 37.7% of guests surveyed citing SPG as a primary factor in choosing the Starwood Hotel.

While Hilton increased 4.6 percentage points from 2009 to 2011 and has the highest rank, Starwood increased 5.9 percentage points for the highest program gain since 2009 when it was third behind Marriott and Hilton.

Marriott Rewards is the interesting program for me in that it dropped from first place in 2009 (35.0%) and 2010 (36.2%). Guests citing Marriott Rewards as a primary factor for hotel choice declined in 2011 to 35.2%. This two year change is only an improvement of 0.2 percentage points.

I attribute part of the drop to lacklustre Marriott Rewards promotions (another Marriott MegaBonus) and the rewards devaluation of 2009 when the program dropped its progressive points discount for any reward stay two nights or longer to a simple 5th night free program. This was a major devaluation probably exceeding Hilton’s 2010 changes with the hotel category shift and new Category 7 hotel rewards. Then again, Marriott Rewards improved ranking in 2010 and Hilton improved for 2011. So who knows?

Hyatt saw a big jump from 2009 (17.0%) to 2010 (21.3%) when the program was undisputably the most rewarding hotel loyalty program with back to back high value promotions for points, miles and free nights and complimentary elite status along with enhanced elite member guaranteed benefits on stays. Hyatt took a slight drop in 2011 to 21.0% and that might be attributable to its promotion pullback and the elimination of complimentary elite membership to anyone who asked.

IHG Priority Club sits around 25% year-to-year. There was a dropoff in program effectiveness from 2009 to 2010 and now the program is back up again. Priority Club has offered generous promotions in the past year and done a lot with social media.

Choice Privileges and Wyndham Rewards are an interesting comparison with far greater percentage of guests citing Choice Privileges (2011 = 26.0%) as a factor compared to Wyndham Rewards (2011 = 13.5%) for choosing a specific hotel. Both programs offer high value rebates, but I think Choice Privileges does far better marketing for its brands. I also think Choice Privileges loyalty program marketing is a bit disingenuous with promotion wording for its recurring offer of “earn a free night after two hotel stays” when the actual promotion bonus is generally for 8,000 points and that is only sufficient for a reward night at about 25% of Choice Hotels.

Choice Privileges points can be used at Preferred Hotel Group and Barcelo Resorts. A big plus.

There is a table of hotel loyalty program data and more loyalty program information in the Jonathan Barsky article.

The results here caught my attention after spending my first hour today reading the 34-page thread on Hilton HHonors Premium Rewards and seeing numerous posters claim they are thinking of leaving Hilton HHonors with this latest devaluation of point value for the program. Premium Rewards offer a unique opportunity to book high category rooms, even Presidential Suites, but at a relatively low redemption value around $3.33 to $4.30 per 1,000 points.

The new HHonors Points & Money Rewards are a true enhancement in my opinion and actually might prompt me to spend more time at Hilton brand hotels.

I’ll be interested to see the Market Metrix 2012 hotel loyalty program effectiveness ranking.

 

 

Hilton HHonors members will no longer have the option to earn Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards points effective January 1, 2012. Members with Points & Miles earning preference set with Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards need to change earning to a different airline by January 1, 2012 or the account automatically reverts to Points & Points earning on January 1, 2012.

The removal of Southwest Airlines as a Hilton earning partner is a loss for members who spend lots of nights at Hampton Inns and Homewood Suites where 600 Rapid Rewards points are earned per stay, the same rate as all other Hilton brands.

*Effective January 1, 2012, the Hilton HHonors program will no longer offer Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards® Points for stays at hotels & resorts within the Hilton Worldwide portfolio.

 

Most airlines earn only 20% miles at Hampton and Homewood compared to stays completed at other Hilton brands. Fixed miles earners typically receive 500 miles per stay at all Hilton brands, and only 100 miles per stay for Hampton Inns and Homewood Suites.

JetBlue is the only other US carrier offering full points/miles for stays at these lower miles earning Hilton brands.

 

HHonors Points & Miles vs. Points & Points Earning

500 miles per Hilton stay is a convenient way to build up frequent flyer account mileage balances. 30 stays per year can earn 15,000 additional miles with most airlines at 500 miles earned per stay at Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Conrad, Waldorf Astoria Collection, Hilton Garden Inn and Hilton Grand Vacations.

Assume an HHonors member spends $6,000 per year on 30 stays and a Points & Points earners will receive 30,000 bonus points compared to a Points & Fixed Miles earner who can pick up 15,000 miles instead. The value of 15,000 miles might exceed the value of 30,000 points for someone who probably earns 100,000+ points already as a Points & Miles earner.

 

The HHonors Brand Determines the Miles Factor

The miles factor is dependent on which of the ten HHonors hotel brands you stay. There is a two-tier earning system for most airlines when collecting Points & Fixed Miles. Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Conrad, Waldorf Astoria Collection, Hilton Garden Inn and Hilton Grand Vacations offer 500 miles per stay with most airlines.

The value of miles is reduced greatly if you frequent Hampton Inn or Homewood Suites where the earn rate is only 100 miles per stay for most airlines. That 15,000 miles is reduced by 80% if you have 30 stays at Hampton Inn and earn only 3,000 miles with American Airlines AAdvantage, Delta Skymiles, or United Mileage Plus.

I’d take 30,000 HHonors points as a Points & Points earner rather than 6,000 miles as a Points and Variable Miles earner.

The value of Southwest Airlines is 30 Hampton Inn stays earns 18,000 points and enough for a free flight on Southwest Airlines. That is a comparable value to 30,000 HHonors points and likely a better deal than 6,000 miles in another airline.

 

bmi, British Midland International (Star Alliance partner)

There is a decent alternative for earning miles when staying at Hampton Inns, Homewood Suites and Home2Suites.

bmi airlines, a Star Alliance partner, earns 1,000 miles per night at Hampton Inn, Homewood Suites for a maximum three nights per stay. 3,000 miles is a good haul and applies to stays at all Hilton brands except Home2 Suites where the earning limit is 1,000 miles per stay.

Home2 Suites is Hilton’s newest brand and I have to give a big thumbs down to HHonors this year when setting a  precedent of reduced points earning for stays at Home2 Suites. Stays at this newest brand of Hilton HHonors earn only 5 points per dollar. All other Hilton brands earn 10 points per dollar. Hilton points earning link.

Many airlines, including Southwest Airlines, do not earn any miles for stays at Home2 Suites. Most airline partners allow a maximum 100 miles or points for a stay at Home2 Suites. bmi airlines at 1,000 miles per stay at Home2 Suites looks like a great deal.

I seem to recall some issues about redeeming miles for new members to bmi who have not had a bmi flight. Perhaps someone with up-to-date knowledge on that aspect of bmi can comment to remind me of any restrictions on using bmi miles.

Accor Hotels has a 50% off Super Sale for over 1,000 hotels on bookings made by June 22 for stays from July 8 –September 4, 2011. Particpating Hotels link. These sale rates earn A|Club points.

There are some real bargain rates for hotels I checked in Frankfurt and Prague, Florence, Italy and Dublin, Ireland. All these cities revealed weekend rates in the range of US$50 to $100 per night.

July 9, 2011 sample Super Sale rates

• Mercure Hotel Kaiserhof Frankfurt City Center = US$50
• Novotel Franfurt City = US$57
• M Gallery Hotel Savigny Frankfurt City = US$71
• Novotel Praha Wenceslas Square, Prague = US$89
• M Galley Hotel Century Old Town Prague = US $93
• Ibis Dublin Red Cow Junction, Dublin, Ireland = US $57
• Novotel Firenze Nord Aeroporto, Florence, Italy = US $86
• M Gallery Hotel Cerretani Firenze, Florence, Italy = US $129

Accor 50% Sale Terms & Conditions:

• Book June 14 to June 22.
• Stay July 8 to Sep 4.
• Sale rates in UK do not apply  for stays until July 17.
• Sale rates end for Paris August 22.
• Rates are prepaid and nonrefundable and do not allow changes.  

Loyalty Traveler aside note: I always wondered why place names are not the same in English as the name used in the country where the city is located like Praha and Prague or Firenze and Florence? This has puzzled me from the time I lived in Deutschland (Germany) as a 9-year old.

Accor Hotels tutorial for Americans

Accor Hotels has around 4,329 hotels worldwide making it a larger chain than Hilton or Marriott and on par with InterContinental Hotels Group. Travelers in Europe and particularly France will find Accor Hotels the most prevalent chain in many cities with over 2,400 hotels across the continent.

Accor Hotels is the largest hotel chain in Europe with a range of hotel brands from luxury segment to budget.

• Sofitel Hotels is Accor’s luxury brand.
• The upscale brands are Pullman Hotels and M Gallery.
• Novotel and Mercure are midscale market segment hotels (think Four Points, Courtyard, Hilton Garden Inn).
• Economy hotel brands are Ibis Hotels and All Seasons. 
• Accor has around 2,000 budget brand hotels with ETAP and Formule 1 in Europe and Motel 6 in the U.S. Many of the budget hotels in Europe in the ETAP brand and Formule 1 are less than US$40 per night making these hotels affordable overnighters for couples and families needing a place to simply sleep in a bed.

 

Accor A|Club hotel loyalty program

2,300 hotels in the Accor brands of Sofitel, Pullman, M Gallery, Novotel, Novotel Suites, Mercure, Adagio, Ibis and All Seasons participate in A-Club hotel loyalty program. The Accor budget market segment brands do not participate in A-Club loyalty program.

General A|Club membership is free, although there are paid memberships with Accor Favorite Guest and Ibis la carte for additional benefits.

A|Club Points Value

A-Club is a points-based loyalty program, however, A-Club points have a fixed value.

2,000 A|Club points = US$60 or 40EUR

Leveraging A|Club for hotel room points requires the member to find bonus points promotions when paying for rooms. Most brands earn points at the rate of 2 points per Euro.

Ibis and All Seasons earn 1 point per Euro. In France only Ibis stays Friday to Sunday nights earn points.

 

A|Club Elite Status

A|Club has elite status levels with the following qualification levels and bonus points:

• Silver = 10 nights or earn 2,500 A|Club points. Earns 50% bonus points.
• Gold = 30 nights or earn 10,000 A|Club points. Earns 75% bonus points.
• Platinum = 60 nights or earn 25,000 A|Club points. Earns 100% bonus points.

The advantage of A|Club is the ability to redeem points for vouchers to pay for room stays. This allows members to effectively redeem points for vouchers and discount room rates while earning more points and elite credit on paid stays.

A|Club in the Americas

Only about 7% of A|Club hotel loyalty program members live in the U.S., while about 50% of all A-Club members live in Europe where most Accor brand hotels are located.

Latin America with nearly 200 Accor brand hotels has 21% of A|Club global members; the second largest regional membership base for A|Club.

Brazil is another country where A|Club is a useful loyalty program membership. You won’t find many of the U.S. hotel chain properties in Brazil, although every hotel chain is building and rebranding hotels like crazy in advance of the major sporting events of World Cup 2014 and the Summer Olympics 2016 hosted by Brazil.

Links: Accor Hotels 50% off Super Sale at 1,000 Hotels

PDF of Participating Accor Hotels (No hotels in USA are participating)

Loyalty Traveler Request for Reader Assistance:

Please leave tips on A|Club and Accor Hotels to help Loyalty Traveler build a better knowledge base on this program that is unfamiliar to most Americans.

If you are involved in Accor Hotels PR or management, I’d love to hook up with someone from Accor Hotels to arrange a hotel brand tour. TBEX Prague (Praha) is happening November 2011. Let’s talk.