The main thing to know with these discount rates is they are prepaid, nonrefundable hotel room reservations.  The terms also state no Priority Club points are earned. This offer is not good for hotel promotions and points, but at these room rate discounts the points may not really matter. Just be aware that you forfeit the entire prepaid amount if you need to cancel your reservation.

The “2-for-1” and “3-for-2” rates are special offers available through this UK link and discounts are based on the Best Flexible Rate. The default page is set to search “IHG Weekend Breaks” in the UK for 35% off Best Flexible Rate.

Use the bullet menu on the right to change rate from 35% off weekend rates to the “2-for-1” or “3-for-2” rates.

The 2-for-1 offer is a 50% discount on Best Available, whereas Senior and AAA rates when available typically offer only a 10% discount.  Availability is most widespread across the UK. European cities offer some deals too, although these are more hit and miss. Paris never seems to participate much.

These discount rates are primarily for Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Crowne Plaza. In London these rates tend to be available for Hotel Indigo too.

In Europe there are sometimes 2-for-1 rates at InterContinental Hotels. A few years back the InterContinental Cannes was a steal with these rates. My search today found the InterContinental Vienna on a 2-for-1 rate.

There is a maximum stay of two consecutive nights at any single property with the 2-for-1 rate. You can hotel hop in a place like London with dozens of discounted IHG hotels and book the 2-for-1 rate at several hotels for a 6 to 8 night discount hotel vacation if you choose.

Here are sample “2 nights for the price of 1” rates:

Feb 1-3

• Holiday Inn Express London Heathrow T-5 = US$50.29 per night.
• Holiday Inn London – Kensington Forum = US$106.08
• Holiday Inn London Regent’s Park = US $117.87

Feb 16-18

• Holiday Inn Nice, France = US$95.30 (extra person charge of 15EUR starts with 2nd person in room).

March 12-14

• Crowne Plaza Madrid Airport = US$52.58

April 8-10 (Easter Sunday)

• Crowne Plaza – London Docklands = US$70.72
• Crowne Plaza London – The City = US$129.66
• Hotel Indigo London – Tower Hill = US$146.16
• InterContinental Vienna = US$130.60 (99.50EUR)

July 25-27 (London Olympics opening ceremony is July 27. Rates triple for July 27 from rates shown below to over $500 per night.)

• Holiday Inn London Mayfair = US$208.24 ($250 after VAT tax)
• Holiday Inn London Regent’s Park = US$220.02  ($265 after VAT)

Bookmark the UK/Europe IHG discount rates page. This is your best friend when traveling around the UK and Europe this year. Even if you don’t earn Priority Club points on these stays.

Terms & Conditions for IHG Discount Rates available through August 31, 2012.

Up to 35% Discount Terms and Conditions

• Offer applicable for stays taken up until the 31st August 2012 at participating IHG hotels in the UK.
• Stays are available over Fri, Sat and Sun nights (some hotels may offer limited midweek availability – please check when booking).
• Discount represents a saving against our Best Flexible rate per room, per night for two adults sharing a standard double/twin room (inclusive of VAT). Room only, breakfast not included.
• Up to 2 children under the age of 18 stay free when sharing a room with up to 2 adults.
• Offer valid on new bookings only, full payment must be made at time of booking; no cancellations or amendments permitted; no refunds given.
• All bookings are subject to availability of rooms allocated to this offer at participating hotels. Rates may vary by date of booking.
• A maximum of 2 rooms can be booked under any one reservation.
• This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or special promotions.
• Priority Club points do not apply.

Half price Discount Terms and Conditions

• Offer applicable for stays taken up until the 31st August 2012 at participating IHG hotels in the UK.
• Stays are available over Fri, Sat and Sun nights (some hotels may offer limited midweek availability – please check when booking).
• Discount represents a saving against our Best Flexible rate per room, per night for two adults sharing a standard double/twin room (inclusive of VAT) for a minimum of two consecutive nights. Room only, breakfast not included.
• Up to 2 children under the age of 18 stay free when sharing a room with up to 2 adults.
• Offer valid on new bookings only, full payment must be made at time of booking; no cancellations or amendments permitted; no refunds given.
• All bookings are subject to availability of rooms allocated to this offer at participating hotels. Rates may vary by date of booking.
• A maximum of 2 rooms can be booked under any one reservation.
• This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or special promotions.
• Priority Club points do not apply.

2 Nights for the Price of One – Terms and Conditions

• Offer applicable for stays taken up until the 31st August 2012 at participating IHG hotels in the UK & Europe.
• Stays are available over Fri, Sat and Sun nights with many hotels offering midweek availability – please check at time of booking.
• 2 for 1 offer is based on the Best Flex Rate and consists of two consecutive night stays for the price of one, based on two adults sharing a standard twin/double room (max.2 adults per room) at participating hotels only.
• Full payment must be made at time of booking; no cancellations or amendments permitted; no refunds given.
• Up to 2 children under the age of 18 stay free when sharing a room with up to 2 adults, if suitable accommodation is available.
• Single supplement will be charged at the full room per night price.
• All rooms are subject to availability with a limited number of rooms available at these offer rates. Rates may vary by date of booking. Limited availability may be applicable over public holidays.
• Offer not available to groups and can not be used in conjunction with any other offers or special promotions.
• A booking made pursuant to this offer is non transferable.

3 nights for the price of 2 Terms and Conditions

• Offer applicable for breaks and reservations made from 1st January 2012 to 31st August 2012.
• Stays are available over Fri, Sat and Sun nights with many hotels offering midweek availability – please check at time of booking.
• 3 for 2 offer is based on the Best Flex Rate and consists of three consecutive night stays with the 3rd night at no charge, based on two adults sharing a standard twin/double room (max.2 adults per room) at participating hotels only.
• Full payment must be made at time of booking; no cancellations or amendments permitted; no refunds given.
• Up to 2 children under the age of 18 stay free when sharing a room with up to 2 adults, if suitable accommodation is available.
• Single supplement will be charged at the full room per night price.
• All rooms are subject to availability with a limited number of rooms available at these offer rates. Rates may vary by date of booking. Limited availability may be applicable over public holidays.
• Offer not available to groups and can not be used in conjunction with any other offers or special promotions.
• A booking made pursuant to this offer is non transferable.
• Priority Club points do not apply.

IHG Discount Rates booking page link.

Reward reservations must be made at least seven days in advance. This offer is not valid at Coast Capri Hotel and Coast Prince Rupert.

Coast Rewards hotel loyalty program

Coast Rewards is the hotel loyalty program for over 40 hotels, located primarily in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada, but with 12 hotels in U.S. western states from Maui and Anchorage to hotels in Burbank and Santa Barbara California, two hotels in Portland, Oregon and five hotels in Washington including two in Seattle and a hotel at SEA airport.

Coast Rewards loyalty program is a standard structure with 1 point per $1 for room charges and dining. Coast Rewards benefits for Silver (1-14 nights/annual year), Gold (15-39 nights). Platinum (40+ nights) include elite bonus points of 25% and 50% and offers top Platinum elite members free breakfast and internet.

Coast Rewards differs from most hotel loyalty programs in counting the elite qualification year based on loyalty program enrollment anniversary rather than a calendar year. Points expire after 24 months of no account activity.

Another difference with Coast Rewards is all hotel reward nights are the same cost regardless of location. This provides some degree of leverage in the ability to earn points staying at cheaper hotels and redeem free nights at more expensive properties.

Canada 

Alberta

Coast Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre - Calgary

Coast Edmonton East Hotel - Edmonton

Coast Edmonton House - Edmonton

Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel - Edmonton

Coast Pyramid Lake Resort - Jasper

Coast Lethbridge Hotel & Conference Centre - Lethbridge

Coast Medicine Hat Hotel - Medicine Hat

British Columbia

Coast Abbotsford Hotel & Suites - Abbotsford

Coast Discovery Inn & Marina - Campbell River

Coast Chilliwack Hotel - Chilliwack

Coast Tsawwassen Inn - Delta

Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre - Kamloops

Coast Capri Hotel - Kelowna

Coast Hotel & Convention Centre Langley City - Langley

Coast Bastion Inn - Nanaimo

Coast Osoyoos Beach Hotel - Osoyoos

Coast Penticton Hotel - Penticton

Coast Inn of the North - Prince George

The Hillcrest Hotel, a Coast Resort - Revelstoke

Coast Sundance Lodge - Sun Peaks

Coast Surrey Guildford Hotel - Surrey

Coast Inn of the West - Terrace

Coast Coal Harbour - Vancouver

Coast Plaza Hotel & Suites - Vancouver

Coast Vancouver Airport Hotel - Vancouver

Coast Victoria Harbourside Hotel & Marina - Victoria

Coast Blackcomb Suites at Whistler - Whistler

Coast Fraser Inn - Williams Lake

Northwest Territories

Coast Fraser Tower - Yellowknife

United States

Alaska

Coast International Inn - Anchorage

California

Coast Anabelle Hotel - Burbank

Safari Inn, a Coast Hotel - Burbank

West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel - Santa Barbara

Hawaii

Maui Coast Hotel - Kihei, Maui

Oregon

The Benson, a Coast Hotel - Portland

The Paramount Portland, a Coast Hotel - Portland

Washington

Coast Bellevue Hotel - Bellevue

Coast Gateway Hotel - Seattle Airport

The Paramount Seattle, a Coast Hotel - Seattle

The Roosevelt, a Coast Hotel - Seattle

Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel - Wenatchee

Last summer I visited Coast Coal Harbour in Vancouver. The location is between Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Vancouver and Renaissance Harbourside and the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver. The hotel had a business hotel feel with a twist of green. There are recycling baskets for organic and recycle waste in each room. The showers use large bottles of shampoo and soap.

Coast Hotel Coal Harbour Vancouver

Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Suite

Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver bed.

Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver desk area with recycle bins.

Coast Hotel Coal Harbour Vancouver view.

Coast Hotels Coal Harbour Vancouver pool.

Coast Rewards

Kimpton Hotels are popular with guests. Check TripAdvisor.com and today there are 4 Kimpton Hotels in the top 7 ranked hotels for Washington, D.C.

I have been meaning to write a post on the Hotel Palomar DC for the past couple weeks and hopefully I’ll get to that piece in coming days.

San Francisco shows 3 Kimpton Hotels in the Top 14 for a city with 242 hotels on TripAdvisor.com.

Kimpton InTouch members have access to a four day sale beginning today for discount weekend rates at 49 Kimpton Hotels nationwide from as low as $79 (Grand Hotel Minneapolis) to $199 (Eventi New York, EPIC Miami). This sale ends Sunday October 30, 2011 by midnight. No time zone is given in T&C for midnight.

• Booking window October 27-30, 2011.
• Rate code = ONE
• Hotel Stay Window – now through January 31, 2012.
• Prepaid and nonrefundable.
• New members can join Kimpton InTouch hotel loyalty program and book these member rates.

Kimpton Hotels

Arizona

Scottsdale

• FireSky Resort & Spa, from $99

California

Los Angeles

• Palomar, from $159

San Diego

• Palomar, from $159
• Solamar, from $159

San Francisco

• Argonaut, from $189
• Harbor Court, from $119
• Monaco, from $149
• Palomar, from $169
• Serrano, from $139
• Sir Francis Drake, from $139
• The Prescott, from $159
• Triton, from $129

Silicon Valley

• Cypress, from $89

Colorado

Aspen Sky Hotel, from $169

Denver Monaco, from $119

Florida

Miami

• EPIC Miami, from $199

Vero Beach

• Vero Beach Hotel & Spa, from $109

Illinois

Chicago

• Allegro, from $99
• Burnham, from $119
• Monaco, from $99
• Palomar, from $119

Maryland

Baltimore Monaco, from $99

Massachusetts

Boston

• Nine Zero, from $159
• Onyx, from $129

Cambridge

• Marlowe, from $109

Minnesota

Minneapolis The Grand Hotel, from $79

New York

New York City

• 70 park avenue, from $189
• Eventi, from $199
• Ink48, from $169
• The Muse, from $199

Oregon

Portland

• Monaco, from $99
• Vintage Plaza, from $99

Pennsylvania

Philadelphia Palomar, from $129

Texas

Dallas Palomar, from $159

Utah

Salt Lake City Monaco, from $99

Virginia

Alexandria

• Lorien Hotel & Spa, from $99
• Monaco, from $99
• Morrison House, from $99

Arlington

• Palomar, from $89

Washington, D.C.

• Helix, from $89
• Madera, from $109
• Monaco, from $139
• Palomar, from $139
• Rouge, from $99
• The George, from $109
• Topaz, from $109

Washington

Seattle

• Alexis, from $109
• Monaco, from $109
• Vintage Park, from $99

Kimpton’s Evening Wine Hour

Kimpton Hotels offer a hosted evening wine hour. This is a convenient way to bring people together and socialize, or just hang out in the lobby drinking free wine.

Pet-Friendly HosPETality

Last May I met some Kimpton marketing people who encouraged me to bring my entire entourage to San Francisco for a stay at a Kimpton Hotel. I can just imagine arriving with four cat carriers, a bird cage and a rat cage. They would have to upgrade me to a suite to hold my crew. I’d love to bring a couple of my cats to a Kimpton Hotel, but they don’t like riding in the car.

You can bring your pets for no extra fee or deposit to a Kimpton Hotel. The hotel offers pet amenities. If you don’t have a pet, some hotels have resident fish they will place in your room for your stay. Check out their hosPETality webpage.

Related Loyalty Traveler post: Kimpton Hotels Fast Free Nights Plan 2011 (Jan 11, 2011)

SPG.com Starwood Hotels Compare Rates Tool

The main point of this article is to examine features of the SPG.com Compare Rates tool that allows three additional Starwood corporate, group and promotional rates to be compared to Standard Rates in a display.

My initial rate checks for the St. Regis Florence pulled up several dates with low rates at 550EUR or USD$752 per night in October and November 2011. This certainly seemed the appropriate time to search the SPG.com Compare Rates and Browse Dates/Rates tools. I also checked St. Regis Florence hotel special offers.

SPG Compare Rates allow me to check different rate types while Browse Dates/Rates allow rates on different dates to be compared far more quickly than simply plugging dates into the homepage calendar search.

Finding the SPG Compare Rates and Rate Calendar tools

1. Go to SPG.com or StarwoodHotels.com.
2. Enter City Location and preferred dates.
3. Hotel search results page looks like these two examples.

St. Regis Florence – No available rooms October 20-24, 2011 (click on image to open full size)

SPG.com St. Regis Florence Nov 3-6, 2011

Both screenshots show the option to compare more rates or browse dates/rates. My account is set to show AAA rates shown as SET/Corporate Account # 298940.

Compare more rates allows three rates to be compared and even a specific promotional or corporate rate code to be used.

Starwood Compare More Rates checklist for quick rate checks.

When my interest is paid rates rather than using points, then I can compare AAA, Senior and Breakfast rates together.

Starwood Compare Rates display for AAA, Senior and Breakfast rates.

Different dates I tried resulted in rate differences of a couple hundred euros per night.

Promotion Code Z3H is a third night free offer I entered into the Compare Rates option and the St. Regis Florence returned availability.

St. Regis Florence Compare Rates Display for November 3-6, 2011

The 3 nights for the price of 2 rate is prepaid and nonrefundable. The rate discount looked to be the best deal going.

St. Regis Florence 3rd night free rate.

Two special offers at the St. Regis Florence showed a 20% discount for a 3-night stay and 30% discount on a 4-night stay. These rates have the same prepaid, nonrefundable terms as Z3H and provide a smaller discount for a three night stay compared to Z3H for November 3-6, 2011.

St. Regis Special Offer 20% off Rate is higher than Starwood Z3H rate.

St. Regis Florence Rate Comparison November 3-6, 2011

Deluxe King (no river view)

• Z3H = 290 EUR/night
• 20% = 335 EUR/night

Deluxe King – Panoramic river view

• Z3H = 340 EUR/night
• 20% = 393 EUR/night

Premium Deluxe Panoramic River View

• Z3H = 390 EUR/night
• 20% = 445 EUR/night

St. Regis Florence Rate Comparison on 4-night stays

St. Regis Florence has a hotel special offer 30% discount on four night stays. This rate should be lower than Z4H fourth night free which works out to 25% discount. I went back to the SPG.com Compare Rates function to input Z4H.

Starwood Compare Rates function for Z4H 4th Night Free promotion.

Search results show no Z4H availability, but the lowest rate is the 30% discount on a four night stay.

St. Regis Florence 30% discount on four night stay.

The lowest rate so far is 262 EUR per night on a four night stay November 20-24, 2011.

Rate Calendar for Quick Checks of other dates

The 30% discount special rate on 4-night stays is the best deal seen. The Starwood Rate Calendar allows a quick check of other four-night dates to see if there are even lower rate dates for November 2011.

Starwood Rate Calendar for quicker comparative rate checks.

The 262EUR rate is for November 20-24, 2011. I can enter alternate dates and see a quick rate display.

Starwood Calendar Quick Rate Check Nov 19-23 St. Regis Florence

Shifting the arrival date one day earlier pushes the rate up 100EUR per night for the entire stay from 262EUR/night to 363 EUR/night. About $600 more to arrive one day earlier on a four night stay. The calendar rate function shows this rate instantaneously once dates are inserted into calendar.

Shifting the Arrival date one day later has no impact on the 262EUR rate. I can quickly check every date of the month using four night stays and find 250EUR/night is available beginning November 24.

Starwood Rate Calendar quickly reveals rate drop Novemebr 24-28, 2011 for St. Regis Florence.

Starwood Rate Comparison and Rate Calendar make searching for the best rate a simpler task. The features could be improved by showing lowest daily rates on calendar without having to enter specific dates.

Finding the lowest rates for your hotel stay can be challenging. Starwood’s tools make the task a little bit easier. There is still room for improvement.

I recall finding a great deal for the InterContinental Carlton Cannes on a 2-for-1 rate a few years back, but these days the 2-for-1 deal is primarily limited to Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and HI Express. I took the 2-for-1 IHG link off my Current Hotel Promotions page this last round since the link I had expired June 30, 2011. A Google search turned up a different link for current IHG discounts at hotels in Europe and the UK.

IHG Green Room Discounts

The Green Room is an IHG site for discount rates at Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express hotels in the UK and Europe.

2 Nights for the Price of 1 and 35% off weekends promotional offers are valid for stays through December 31, 2011.

The burbs of London are almost always available for low rates and during holiday periods the rates in Central London typically drop as low as US$100 per night in my 2-for-1 rate analyses of the past several years.

Here is an example of the 2-for-1 rate at the Crowne Plaza Wiesbaden, Germany (aside: I attended 9th grade in Wiesbaden in 1975 at the U.S. Armed Forces High School. A school year wasted or should I say a wasted year of school?)

Crowne Plaza Wiesbaden November 3-5, 2011

2-for-1 rate (tip: click on graphic and image loads in separate webpage as full size image).

The 2-for-1 rate at Crowne Plaza Wiesbaden is 75EUR per night. The rate is prepaid, nonrefundable and no reservation changes allowed.

Compare the 75EUR rate to other rates at the hotel and you see this 2 Nights for the Price of 1 is a pretty good deal.

A rate check of the Crowne Plaza Wiesbaden hotel on the U.S. Priority Club site shows the lowest rate is a 21-day advance purchase, prepaid rate at 111 EUR per night. The cancellation policy refunds 10% of the room rate if you need to cancel or no-show. You will lose 100EUR per night if you cancel this 21-day advance purchase prepaid reservation compared to losing 75EUR per night with the 2-for-1 prepaid rate.

The lowest flexible cancellation rate is 149EUR per night. This rate allows you to cancel up to 6pm day of arrival with no penalty. The 2-for-1 rate is truly a 50% discount compared to the Best Flexible penalty-free cancellation rate.

This is why you Better Know an IHG Rate for Europe. These IHG discount rates can extend your hotel travel budget substantially when touring Europe.

Terms and Conditions for IHG Europe and UK discount rates:

Up to 35% Discount Terms and Conditions

• Offer applicable for stays taken up until the 31st December 2011 at participating IHG hotels in the UK.
• Stays are available over Fri, Sat and Sun nights (some hotels may offer limited midweek availability – please check when booking).
• Discount represents a saving against our Best Flexible rate per room, per night for two adults sharing a standard double/twin room (inclusive of VAT). Room only, breakfast not included.
• Up to 2 children under the age of 18 stay free when sharing a room with up to 2 adults.
• Offer valid on new bookings only, full payment must be made at time of booking; no cancellations or amendments permitted; no refunds given.
• All bookings are subject to availability of rooms allocated to this offer at participating hotels.
  Rates may vary by date of booking.
• A maximum of 2 rooms can be booked under any one reservation.
• This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or special promotions.
• Priority Club points do not apply.

Half price Discount Terms and Conditions

• Offer applicable for stays taken up until the 31st December 2011 at participating IHG hotels in the UK.
• Stays are available over Fri, Sat and Sun nights (some hotels may offer limited midweek availability – please check when booking).
• Discount represents a saving against our Best Flexible rate per room, per night for two adults sharing a standard double/twin room (inclusive of VAT) for a minimum of two consecutive nights. Room only, breakfast not included.
• Up to 2 children under the age of 18 stay free when sharing a room with up to 2 adults.
• Offer valid on new bookings only, full payment must be made at time of booking; no cancellations or amendments permitted; no refunds given.
• All bookings are subject to availability of rooms allocated to this offer at participating hotels.
  Rates may vary by date of booking.
• A maximum of 2 rooms can be booked under any one reservation.
• This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or special promotions.
• Priority Club points do not apply.

2 Nights for the Price of One – Terms and Conditions

• Offer applicable for stays taken up until the 31st December 2011 at participating IHG hotels in the UK & Europe.
• Stays are available over Fri, Sat and Sun nights with many hotels offering midweek availability – please check at time of booking.
• 2 for 1 offer is based on the Best Flex Rate and consists of two consecutive night stays for the price of one, based on two adults sharing a standard twin/double room (max. 2 adults per room) at participating hotels only.
• Full payment must be made at time of booking; no cancellations or amendments permitted; no refunds given.
• Up to 2 children under the age of 18 stay free when sharing a room with up to 2 adults, if suitable accommodation is available.
• Single supplement will be charged at the full room per night price.
• All rooms are subject to availability with a limited number of rooms available at these offer rates. Rates may vary by date of booking. Limited availability may be applicable over public holidays.
• Offer not available to groups and can not be used in conjunction with any other offers or special promotions.
• A booking made pursuant to this offer is non transferable.

3 nights for the price of 2 Terms and Conditions

• Offer applicable for breaks and reservations made from 1st January 2011 to 31st December 2011.
• Stays are available over Fri, Sat and Sun nights with many hotels offering midweek availability – please check at time of booking.
• 3 for 2 offer is based on the Best Flex Rate and consists of three consecutive night stays with the 3rd night at no charge, based on two adults sharing a standard twin/double room (max.2 adults per room) at participating hotels only.
• Full payment must be made at time of booking; no cancellations or amendments permitted; no refunds given.
• Up to 2 children under the age of 18 stay free when sharing a room with up to 2 adults, if suitable accommodation is available.
• Single supplement will be charged at the full room per night price.
• All rooms are subject to availability with a limited number of rooms available at these offer rates. Rates may vary by date of booking. Limited availability may be applicable over public holidays.
• Offer not available to groups and can not be used in conjunction with any other offers or special promotions.
• A booking made pursuant to this offer is non transferable.
• Priority Club points do not apply.

IHG Green Room Discount Rates

• breakfast for two adults and up to two children under 12 in same room
• $50 resort credit per room night
• room or view upgrade based on availability

Participating Hotels:

Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

• 5350 East Marriott Drive
• Phoenix, Arizona 85054

• From $149-$319
• Check Availability

Scottsdale

JW Marriott Camelback Inn® Scottsdale Resort & Spa

• 5402 East Lincoln Drive
• Scottsdale, Arizona 85253
• From $139-$339
• Check Availability

Tucson

JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa

• 3800 W. Starr Pass Boulevard
• Tucson, Arizona 85745
• From $149-$299
• Check Availability

California

Coronado

Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa

• 2000 Second Street
• Coronado, California 92118
• From $269
• Check Availability

Indian Wells

Renaissance Esmeralda Indian Wells Resort & Spa

• 44-400 Indian Wells Lane
• Indian Wells, California 92210
• From $129-$229
• Check Availability

Los Angeles

JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE

• 900 West Olympic Boulevard
• Los Angeles, California 90015
• From $219
• Check Availability

Palm Desert

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

• 74-855 Country Club Drive
• Palm Desert, California 92260
• From $129-$329
• Check Availability

Sonoma

The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa

• 1325 Broadway at Leveroni & Napa Roads
• Sonoma, California 95476
• From $309-$329
• Check Availability

Colorado
Vail

Vail Marriott Mountain Resort & Spa

• 715 West Lionshead Circle
• Vail, Colorado 81657
• From $159-$219
• Check Availability

Florida

Fort Lauderdale

Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

• 3030 Holiday Drive
• Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316
• From $269-$379
• Check Availability

Fort Myers

Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa

• 17260 Harbour Pointe Drive
• Fort Myers, Florida 33908
• From $159-$239
• Check Availability

Key Largo

Key Largo Bay Marriott Beach Resort

• 103800 Overseas Highway, MM 103.8
• Key Largo, Florida 33037
• From $189
• Check Availability

Marco Island

Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa

• 400 South Collier Boulevard
• Marco Island, Florida 34145
• From $239-$379
• Check Availability

Miami

Doral Golf Resort & Spa, A Marriott Resort

• 4400 NW 87th Avenue
• Miami, Florida 33178
• From $184-$234
• Check Availability

Miami Beach

Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach

• 4525 Collins Avenue
• Miami Beach, Florida 33140
• From $259-$399
• Check Availability

Orlando

JW MarriottOrlando Grande Lakes®

• 4040 Central Florida Parkway
• Orlando, Florida 32837
• From $239-$369
• Check Availability

Orlando World Center Marriott

• 8701 World Center Drive
• Orlando, Florida 32821
• From $224-$374
• Check Availability

Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld®

• 6677 Sea Harbor Drive
• Orlando, Florida 32821
• From $169-$269
• Check Availability

Panama City Beach

Bay Point Marriott Golf Resort & Spa

• 4200 Marriott Drive
• Panama City Beach, Florida 32408
• From $139-$219
• Check Availability

Ponte Vedra Beach

Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa

• 1000 PGA Tour Boulevard
• Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida 32082
• From $129-$179
• Check Availability

Singer Island Riviera Beach

Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa

• 3800 North Ocean Drive
• Singer Island Riviera Beach, Florida 33404
• From $259-$384
• Check Availability

Stuart

Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort & Marina

• 555 NE Ocean Boulevard
• Stuart, Florida 34996
• From $165-$215
• Check Availability

Hawaii

• Honolulu – Oahu
• Kapolei – Oahu
• Lihue – Kauai
• Waikoloa
• Wailea – Maui

Honolulu – Oahu

Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

• 2552 Kalakaua Avenue
• Honolulu – Oahu, Hawaii 96815
• From $354
• Check Availability

Kapolei – Oahu

JW Marriott Ihilani Ko Olina Resort & Spa

• 92-1001 Olani Street
• Kapolei – Oahu, Hawaii 96707
• From $399
• Check Availability

Lihue – Kauai

Kaua’i Marriott Resort

• Kalapaki Beach, 3610 Rice Street
• Lihue – Kauai, Hawaii 96766
• From $279-$459
• Check Availability

Waikoloa

Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

• 69-275 Waikoloa Beach Drive
• Waikoloa, Hawaii 96738
• From $259-$334
• Check Availability

Wailea – Maui

Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

• 3700 Wailea Alanui
• Wailea – Maui, Hawaii 96753
• From $430-$520
• Check Availability

Nevada
Las Vegas

JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa

• 221 N Rampart Blvd
• Las Vegas, Nevada 89145
• From $159-$269
• Check Availability

Texas

• Horseshoe Bay
• San Antonio

Horseshoe Bay

Horseshoe Bay Resort Marriott

• 200 Hi Circle North
• Horseshoe Bay, Texas 78657
• From $301
• Check Availability

San Antonio

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

• 23808 Resort Parkway
• San Antonio, Texas 78261
• From $259-$389
• Check Availability

Loyalty Traveler Rate Analysis

Hotel revenue managers have a variety of strategies for getting more money out of the customer at less cost to the hotel. One of the strategies commonly used is to combine value-added components to package rates. Marriott frequently uses the value-added package rates strategy.

Some of these package deals can be good value rates for the guest and save money if you plan to use some of the hotel services during your stay. Often these rates are not very good deals. The revenue managers know many guests will not take sufficient time to compare all the available rates. Package rates tend to improve hotel revenue more than guest savings.

Marriott’s Endless Summer package rates might be a good deal as long as you have two adults for breakfast and you will use your $50 daily credit.

Analysis of Endless Summer ZXO rate for JW Marriott Camelback Inn, Scottsdale, Arizona

Monday, August 1 – Thursday, August 4, 2011

Endless Summer Package Rate = $169/night (includes free breakfast and $50 daily resort credit and potential upgrade).

Marriott Rewards member exclusive offer = $118/night (includes $25 daily resort credit). This offer is better for an elite guest who already receives complimentary breakfast benefit or for a single guest who won’t benefit from complimentary breakfast for two adults and two young children.

JW Marriott Camelback Inn has 14 other rate packages available during these dates offering complimentary golf for one to four persons, spa services, free breakfast for kids, free appetizers at restaurants, dinner packages, and all sorts of options that may better fit your specific needs. The golf packages look like they could be big savings.

Endless Summer rate Aug 1-4 JW Marriott Camelback Inn, Scottsdale, AZ

Conclusion: Marriott’s Endless Summer rate might be a good value for your stay, but be sure to check out the variety of package rates available at Marriott Resorts to see if there is a better package rate suited for your hotel activities and interests.

Buyer beware! These rates are prepaid and nonrefundable with no changes allowed.

Reference offer code C48H7.

There is no list of participating Hyatt properties or applicable dates and some hotels may have minimum stay requirements.

All in all there are very few details to help potential guests find this Hyatt special offer discount rate. Just try your luck and see what you find.

I hoped for the Hyatt Escala Lodge for Park City, Utah for a discounted room tonight, but the discount rate is not eligible. The Hyatt Escala AAA rate at $161.10 is a good deal, but since I could have booked the hotel for $143.10 last week I am not so impressed by this low AAA rate.

A suite upgrade and free breakfast as a Hyatt Gold Passport Diamond seems like a great deal after using one of my SPG free resort nights for a lacklustre stay at the St. Regis Aspen. I walked by the Hyatt Residences in Aspen last night and I thought that hotel looked like a better choice. I visited both the Hyatt and St. Regis Aspen last summer. The highlight of the St. Regis Aspen is actually having Versus channel on the TV to watch Tour de France. And the jar on the desk filled with ten St. Regis pillow chocolates is a treat.

Hyatt Residences Aspen, Colorado

Post Update July 14: Thanks to reader Jimmy for comment on this post (see comments) showing Best Western Rewards T&C state Managers Special rates are deeply discounted rates not eligible for points or miles. The Tweet1 rate should probably be avoided if going for 3 stays = 1 free night promotion. I’ll stick with AAA deeply discounted rates that are eligible for points and promotion credit.

AAA is generally a 10% rate discount so TWEET1 is only useful if you are not a AAA member or the hotel offers a greater discount than 10% with TWEET1 promotion code. I’ve actually been asked to show my AAA card more in 2011 than in the entire previous decade so hotels appear to me to be carding guests more frequently to verify actual AAA membership.

Thanks to SC Flier for posting this discount promotion code on Milepoint.com.

Finding TWEET1 (Managers Special) promotion rate on BestWestern.com.

1. Search for hotels in a city on Best Western (Moab, Utah).

Best Western Hotels in Moab, Utah and July 13, 2011 Best Available rates

2. Click on “Check Availability” button for hotel and enter TWEET1 in the promotion code box.

Enter TWEET1 in promotion code box

3. Look for Managers Special rate and compare to Best Available and AAA rates. TWEET1 offers a 5% discount at Moab Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn.

Best Western Canyonlamds Inn TWEET1 rate is 5% discount on BAR.

4. Compare Managers Special rate (TWEET1) to AAA rate. Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn, Moab, Utah offers AAA 10% discount rate for a better deal than TWEET1 if you are eligible for AAA rate.

Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn Moab has better AAA discount of 10%.

5. At some Best Western hotels the Managers Special offers a bigger discount than AAA. Best Western Park Vue in Ely, Nevada offers a 20% discount on BAR using TWEET1 promotion code compared to just 10% rate discount using AAA.

Best Western Park Vue, Ely Nevada offers 20% discount rate using TWEET1.

You may also want to try COSTCO as a promotion code rate offering a 10% discount at many Best Western hotels if you are not a AAA member.

Best Western is offering a free night after three hotel stays from June 19 through August 14. Here is Loyalty Traveler’s post on summer free night offers.

This Loyalty Traveler post is the 8th update for 2011 hotel loyalty promotions  and includes about 25 new promotion offers since the June 7 list. Offers marked with an asterisk (*) were added since the last update June 7.

Accor Hotels -  A-Club

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

* Motel 6 is the primary Accor Hotels brand in USA, however, extremely limited A-Club hotel loyalty program participation. A|Club repeats last year’s promotion allowing redemption of A|Club vouchers for stays at North America Motel 6 hotels from June 1-October 31. LT post June 29.

Accor Hotels is the largest chain of hotel brands globally outside of the USA.

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

Best Western Hotels – Best Western Rewards 

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

5-Key promotion – Best Western free night after three stays from June 19 to August 14, 2011. Limit one free night during promotion. Loyalty Traveler post June 4.

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

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 Starwood.

Program Change for Elites: Elite members earn 250 bonus points for stays in US/Canada or a welcome snack. (Aug 3, 2010)

Best Western Brand Tiers Change – Best Western has 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 

* Club Carlson does not currently have a major bonus points promotion since the free night after two stays promotion ended June 15. There appear to be some good discount rates (35% off two day Radisson stays – book by July 12) and Park Inn 20% off two or three night weekend stays in North America through August 31.

There are also some good values with Club Carlson double points rates where members earn 40 points/$1 for room rate. This is an extra 2,500 points on a $125 room rate that may only be $10 more than otherwise lowest rates.

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

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

Hotel Reward Partners: Preferred Hotels Group, Barcelo Resorts 

Stay two times for 8,000 points May 19-August 11. This promotion awards members with 8,000 total points after two stays. Four brands require a two-night stay for this promotion ay Rodaeway Inn, EconoLodge, MainStay Suites and Suburban Suites. This offer is a variable bonus offer since two $60 stays that normally earn 1,200 points ($120 x 10 points/$1) receives 6,800 bonus points for 8,000 total points, yet two $300 hotel stays that earn 6,000 base points will result in 2,000 bonus points for 8,000 total points. This offer is best bonus on low cost hotel stays. Loyalty Traveler post May 16, 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

* 1,000 bonus points for enrollment in Drury Gold Key Club.

Expedia Rewards –

Double Rewards points for Expedia Vacation Package paid with MasterCard through August 31. Registration required. 

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 12 independent hotel brands including Omni Hotels, Pan Pacific, Kempinski, First Hotels, Mirvac, Anantara Resorts, Tivoli Hotels, The Doyle Collection, Marco Polo Hotels, Park Royal, The Leela Palaces, Shaza Hotels.

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

Hilton Hotels – Hilton HHonors

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

* Double HHonors Points or Double Miles for stays worldwide from July 1-September 30, 2011. List of about 250 excluded hotels, mostly in U.S.. Promotion registration required. Loyalty traveler post June 24.

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

* Free HHonors Gold VIP elite  to August 31, 2011 for U.S. resident Visa Signature cardmembers. Complete three stays by August 31 to extend Gold VIP status through March 2013. Existing Gold and Diamond members receive 5,000 bonus points. Loyalty Traveler post June 10.

Great Getaway Hilton Summer Sale with discounts from 15% to 40%. Book May 13 to August 31 for hotel stays May 27 to Sep 5. Prepaid rates and must book 14 days in advance. Loyalty Traveler post May 19.

HHonors Point Stretcher Rewards posted for hotels through November 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.

HHonors Points & Money – Loyalty Traveler reward analysis indicates these are good value. Loyalty Traveler post May 9.

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)

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.

* Double points (up to 4 bonus points) through July 31 for new Welcome Rewards members.

Hyatt Hotels – Hyatt Gold Passport

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

* 2,500 Aeroplan miles per Hyatt stay July 1-September 30. Maximum bonus is 25,000 miles after 10 stays.

* Welcome credit and 2,500 bonus points for stays paid with American Express at 75 international hotels. Loyalty Traveler post July 2. 3-key promotion.

Earn 19,000 Southwest points after 5 Hyatt stays June 1-August 31. Loyalty traveler post June 5.

Program Change – Hyatt Property Specific Bonuses: Jeff Zidell Hyatt VP, told me on March 8 the ‘property level bonus’ program is being evaluated and reinvented. We will probably only see regional hotel bonus offers until July. Specific property level bonuses that typically offered 1,000 to 2,000 points in G1, G2, and G3 offers may be gone for good. We’ll see.

InterContinental Hotels Group – Priority Club

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

* Limited Time Rate Discount Europe – Up to 35% off for weekend stays in Europe through August 31. These rates are prepaid and nonrefundable with no changes allowed. T&C also state no points.

* Limited Time Rate Discount Europe – 2 nights for the Price of 1 – LT Note: Promotion page states this offer expired June 30, 2011, but I still found available 2-for-1 rates for August dates on July 7. This is a recurring rate promotion for several years and offers one of the greatest discounts on hotel rooms in Europe; particularly London. LT 5-key rate offer.

* Pack Your Points Tweetstakes July 1-July 31. Retweet @IHG_Deals daily message for entry. One entry per day. Prizes are 15,000 or 30,000 points for daily winners chosen in August. LT post July 4.

* 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 dates. LT post June 30.

$75 MasterCard Gift Card for 2-night weekend stay worldwide at any IHG hotel May 19-August 31, 2011. Limit of four cards per member. Only for U.S. residents. Loyalty Traveler post May 18. 4-key offer.

IHG Double Points or Double Miles (May 16 – August 15, 2011) – 2-key offer. LT post April 21.

InterContinental Hotels in Europe 5^th Night Free rate July 14 – Sep 11, 2011. These rates are about 20% off Best Flexible Rate and equivalent to Advance Purchase rate. Loyalty Traveler post March 16.

Priority Club PointBreaks through July 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. The current list had 133 hotels on May 9 and only 27 hotels on July 6. Look for a new list of hotels posting in July.  Loyalty Traveler post May 9. (5-key offer.)

Complimentary InterContinental Ambassador membership ($200 value) after three stays at InterContinental Hotels by July 31, 2011. My Loyalty Traveler post argues for spending 32,000 points or $200 for Ambassador membership and earning benefits on three stays.

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. Earn 6,000 bonus points for a three night stay booked by June 30 (Loyalty Traveler April 11 post).

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

Priority Club Any Hotel Anywhere American Express gift cards.

      New Price for Any Hotel, Anywhere Cards  Loyalty Traveler post Jan 25.

• $100 = 33,000 points (formerly 29,000)
• $125 = 39,000 points (formerly 34,000)
• $150 = 45,000 points (formerly 39,000)
• $200 = 60,000 points (formerly 49,000)
• $250 = 72,000 points (formerly 59,000)

3-key offer 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)

Points & Cash Program Change:  Priority Club Points & Cash Reward nights increased the cost of 5,000 Priority Club points to $40 from $30. The cost to buy 10,000 points remains unchanged at $60. Loyalty Traveler post (Nov 19)

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)

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.

Program Change: Ambassador Annual Membership Fee Increased from $150 to $200 as of July 1, 2010. You can also buy Ambassador membership for 32,000 Priority Club Rewards points (formerly 24,000). Renewal fee is still $100.

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

* Kimpton “Summer Like a Local Rate” offer gives a $25 nightly dining credit for a rate $10 over BAR May 26-September 5.

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.

* 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 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 Earn one free night at a category 1 to 4 hotel reward after two hotel stays June 1-August 31. Registration deadline for this promotion was June 30, 2011. This offer may be earned two times during promotion. Active Marriott Rewards members may have a points offer based on 15 to 25 nights. Loyalty Traveler post May 16.

Marriott Rewards 4x miles for hotels stays June 1-August 31. Earn 8 miles per $1 or 4 miles per $1 with 13 participating airlines depending on Marriott hotel brand. Loyalty Traveler post May 27.

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

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.

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. 5^th night free applies to PointSavers rate. http://www.marriott.com/rewards/marriottRewardsPointSavers.mi

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.)

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.

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.

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

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

Ritz-Carlton Rewards

* 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 (LT post Sep 14)

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

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

Starwood Hotels – Starwood Preferred Guest

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

* $40 gas card for two-night or longer stays at Four Points, Aloft or Element hotels in North America through September 15. Must book hotel stay by July 31 using rate code SSBGAS. LT post July 6.

* Four Points $25,000 contest for best story submitted on Four Points Facebook page between June 15 and August 10. Contest open to US  and Canada (except Quebec). Also weekly prizes for two-night stay and $50 in beer credit. Contest Rules.

* 3x points for Starwood Hotels in Japan for stays and dining June 1-August 31. LT post June 26.

Starwood Preferred Guest – Stay 3 and get a free Starwood Resort hotel night from May 1-July 31, 2011. Note: Promotion registration ended June 30, 2011, so too late if you are not already registered. Free nights are good for over 200 Starwood Resorts including several category 6 and one category 7 resort. Free nights are valid until December 21.  LT post April 15. (5-key promotion)

FourSquare 250 bonus points for mobile check-in at Starwood Hotels May 1-July 31, 2011. Loyalty Traveler post May 12. Note: Most of these bonuses have quickly posted for me. I need to follow up on a couple of missing bonuses.

Starwood Preferred Guest Hotel Category reward assignment changes for 2011 took effect on March 1. My LT post (Feb 22) 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.

Starwood hotels Website Enhancement – Website now allows comparison of four different rate types side-by-side for hotels in one location including promotion rates, AAA, breakfast rates, senior, government and reward nights. There are monthly calendars to locate days when Cash & Points nights are available at a specific hotel Loyalty Traveler post Nov 23, 2010. 

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. Book by January 9 to lock in lower rates for your hotel stays. Loyalty traveler post Dec 6. 

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 is increasing to $65 from $45 for renewals beginning Oct 14. Benefit changes include 5 elite nights and 2 elite stays credit each year. This will have no effect for members who qualify on stays. The SPG50 certificate will be discontinued in favor of a 3^rd night free offer at Sheraton Hotels. Loyalty traveler post (August 24); Sheraton 3^rd Night Free Analysis (Nov 12)

3-key or sometimes a 5-key promotion SPG link: 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

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

These offers are for rate discounts on stays of 2 to 6 nights. 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. 

Starpoints Airline Direct Deposit is Better for United, Continental, and Singapore miles (March 25, 2010)

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, Napa and Washington D.C. are great choices for hotel travelers. 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

Voila Hotel Rewards

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

* 2,500 Voila bonus points per stay through August 31 and entry into 500,000 points sweepstakes.

* Double elite credit for Voila member hotel stays through July 31. Registration required.

Wyndham Worldwide -  Wyndham Rewards

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

1,000 bonus points per Wyndham stay from June 1 –September 5, 2011. Loyalty Traveler post June 2.

* European residents only – 15,000 bonus points for two hotel stays worldwide by September 30 at most Wyndham brands. Stays must be booked by August 31. Bonus may be earned four times for 60,000 points. Loyalty Traveler post July 6.

Loyalty Traveler Research Articles

* 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

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)

Hotel Market Segments and Hotel Brand Profiles based on JD Power 2010 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study

Overview JD Power 2010 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study (Aug 10)

Loyalty Traveler comments on JD Power Luxury Segment and luxury hotel brands  (Aug 11, 2010)

Loyalty Traveler comments on JD Power Upscale Segment Hotel Brands (Aug 11)

Loyalty Traveler Comments on JD Power 2010 Midscale Full Service Brand Ratings (Aug 13, 2010)

Loyalty Traveler comments on JD Power 2010 Midscale Limited Service Brands (August 15, 2010)

Loyalty Traveler comments on JD Power 2010 Economy/Budget Hotel Brand Ratings (August 16, 2010)

Comments on JD Power 2010 Extended Stay Hotel Satisfaction Index (Aug 17)

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 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.

Starting and ending dates for hotel stays are slightly variable within the dates of May 27-September 5, 2011.

Some hotels do not allow stays until after the first week of June and Hyatt Mar Monte in Santa Barbara, California for example only offers this sale rate through June 30.

Participating Hotels

Arizona
Hyatt Place Phoenix/Gilbert 
3275 S Market Street, Gilbert, AZ

Hyatt Place Phoenix/Mesa  

1422 West Bass Pro Drive, Mesa, AZ

Hyatt Place Phoenix-North 

10838 N. 25th Ave, Phoenix, AZ

Hyatt Place Scottsdale/Old Town 
7300 East 3rd Ave, Scottsdale, AZ

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa
7500 E. Soubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale, AZ 

Hyatt Place Tempe/Phoenix Airport  

1413 W. Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ

Hyatt Place Tucson Airport  
6885 SWB. Tuscon Blvd, Tucson, AZ

California
Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport
1333 Bayshore Highway, Burlingame, CA

Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Spa & Golf Club
7100 Aviara Resort Drive, Carlsbad, CA

Hyatt Carmel Highlands
120 Highlands Drive, Carmel, CA

Hyatt Regency Orange County
11999 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA

Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, Villas and Spa
44-600 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells, CA

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa
21500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA

Hyatt Regency Long Beach
200 S Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA

Hyatt Place Sacramento/ Roseville
220 Conference Center Drive, Roseville, CA

Hyatt Regency Sacramento
1209 L Street, Sacramento, CA

Hyatt Regency La Jolla
3777 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA

Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina
1441 Quivira Road, San Diego, CA

Grand Hyatt San Francisco
345 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA

Hyatt Regency San Francisco
5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA

Hotel Mar Monte
1111 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, Ca

Hyatt Regency Santa Clara
5101 Great American Parkway, Santa Clara, CA

Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel & Spa
170 Railroad Street, Santa Rosa, CA

Hyatt Regency Valencia
24500 Town Center Drive, Valencia, CA

Colorado
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa
136 East Thomas Place, Avon, CO

Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center
7800 East Tufts Avenue, Denver, CO

Hyatt Place Denver Tech Center
8300 East Crescent Parkway, Englewood, CO

Hyatt Summerfield Suites Denver Tech Center
9280 E. Costilla Avenue, Englewood, CO

Hyatt Place Denver-South/Park Meadows
9030 East Westview Road, Lone Tree, CO

Florida
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
301 South Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater, FL

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa
5001 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs, FL

Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six
2301 SE 17th Street Causeway, Ft Lauderdale, FL

Hyatt Place Lake Mary/Orlando-North
1255 S International Parkway, Lake Mary, FL

Hyatt Regency Miami
400 Southeast 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
One Grand Cypress Blvd, Orlando, FL

Hyatt Regency Sarasota
1000 Blvd Of The Arts, Sarasota, FL

Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
6200 Courtney Campbell, Tampa, FL 

Hyatt Regency Tampa
211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL

Georgia     
Grand Hyatt Atlanta
3300 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA

Hawaii
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
1571 Poipu Road, Koloa, HI

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort and Spa
2424 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI

Illinois
Hyatt Deerfield
1750 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, IL

Hyatt Lisle
1400 Corporetum Drive, Lisle, IL

Hyatt Rosemont
6350 North River Road, Rosemont, IL
 

Indiana
Hyatt Place Fort Wayne
111 W. Washington Center Road, Fort Wayne, IN

Hyatt Regency Indianapolis
1 South Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis, IN

Kansas
Hyatt Place Kansas City/Overland Park/Conv Cntr
5001 W. 110th Street, Overland Park, KS

Hyatt Regency Wichita
400 West Waterman, Wichita, KS

Kentucky
Hyatt Place Louisville-East
701 South Hurstbourne Pkwy, Louisville, KY

Maryland
Hyatt Regency Bethesda
One Bethesda Metro Center, Bethesda, MD

  
Michigan
Hyatt Regency Dearborn
Fairlane Town Center, Dearborn, MI

Nevada
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort
111 Country Club Drive, Incline Village, NV

New Jersey
Hyatt Place Fair Lawn/Paramus
41-01 Broadway, Route 4 West, Fair Lawn, NJ

Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson
2 Exchange Place, Jersey City, NJ

Hyatt Morristown
3 Headquarters Plaza, Morristown, NJ

Hyatt Place Princeton
3565 US Route 1, Princeton, NJ

Hyatt Regency Princeton
102 Carnegie Center, Princeton, NJ

New Mexico
Hyatt Regency Albuquerque
330 Tijeras NW, Albuquerque, NM

Hyatt Place Santa Fe
4320 Cerillos Road, Santa Fe, NM

Hyatt Regency Tamaya

1300 Tuyana Trail, Santa Ana Pueblo, NM

New York
Hyatt Regency Buffalo
Two Fountain Plaza, Buffalo, NY

Hyatt Regency Rochester
125 East Main Street, Rochester, NY

Ohio
Hyatt Regency Cleveland – The Arcade
420 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, OH

Hyatt on Capitol Square
75 East State Street, Columbus, OH

Hyatt Regency Columbus
350 North High Street, Columbus, OH

Oklahoma
Hyatt Regency Tulsa
100 East Second Street, Tulsa, OK

 
Pennsylvania
Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh International Airport
1111 Airport Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA

 
Texas
Hyatt Summerfield Suites Austin Arboretum
10001 N. Capitol of Texas Highway, Austin, TX

Hyatt Regency Dallas
300 Reunion Blvd, Dallas, TX

Hyatt Place Fort Worth/Cityview
5900 Cityview Blvd, Fort Worth, TX

Hyatt Summerfield Suites Houston Galleria
3440 Sage Road, Houston, TX

Hyatt Summerfield Suites Houston West Energy Corridor
15405 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa

575 Hyatt Lost Pines Road, Lost Pines, TX

Hyatt Place San Antonio – North/Stone Oak
1610 East Sonterra Blvd, San Antonio, TX
 

Utah
Hyatt Escala Lodge at Park City
3551 North Escala Court, Park City, UT

Hyatt Place Salt Lake City Airport
52 N. Tommy Thompson Rd., Salt Lake City, UT

Virginia
Hyatt Place Richmond/Chester
13148 Kingston Ave, Chester, VA

Hyatt Fairfax at Fair Lakes
12777 Fair Lakes Circle, Fairfax, VA

Hyatt Regency Reston
1800 Presidents Street, Reston, VA
               
Hyatt Place Richmond/Arboretum
201 Arboretum Place, Richmond, VA

Hyatt Place Sterling/Dulles Airport-North
21481 Ridgetop Circle, Sterling, VA

Washington
Grand Hyatt Seattle
721 Pine Street, Seattle, WA

Hyatt at Olive 8
1635 8th Avenue, Seattle, WA

Canada
Hyatt Regency Toronto
370 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario

Hyatt Regency Vancouver
655 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia


Caribbean

Aruba
Hyatt Regency Aruba
J.E. Irausquin Blvd #85, Palm Beach

Curacao
Hyatt Regency Curacao Golf Resort, Spa and Marina
Santa Barbara Plantation, Porta Blancu, Nieuwpoort