This morning I released my third annual update of my hotel loyalty program comparison tables. While I try to keep those unbiased, this post is all about opinion. If you’re aiming for elite status then which program — and which tier in that program — is right for you? Unlike with airlines there are many more differences between hotel loyalty programs. Some details, such as the number of points required for a free … [Read more...]
Comparing Hotel Elite Status in 2016
After comparing the four major U.S. airlines earlier this week, I'm now back to review six major hotel chains side-by-side. My objective is to compare each loyalty program to the others using common measures and help you choose one (or two?) most deserving of your business. I got a good response to the airline update and hope you'll find this one equally helpful. In the four years that I've performed this project … [Read more...]
Get Points for Referring Friends to Southwest Airlines and Marriott
It's not often that you can earn points for joining an airline or hotel loyalty program these days. I mean, you can certainly earn after you join and start traveling, but the idea of a bonus just for giving them your name and number has become outdated. Southwest Airlines is making it easier to earn a few extra Rapid Rewards points with a limited time promotion. Refer a friend by January 16, 2016, and you'll get … [Read more...]
Should You Request a Status Match?
Given the abundant status match offers in recent weeks -- brought on, I think, by the changes at Starwood and American -- several readers have asked me if they should take advantage of this or that offer. I've personally requested two status matches, and both have been successful. No one should request a status match just because they can. It can (1) create unrealistic demands on your time and money and (2) … [Read more...]
Four “Free” Nights at Atlantis in the Bahamas Could Be Very Costly
View from the Wing shared a deal on Wednesday, in which the Atlantis casino in the Bahamas is offering some people four free nights at its resort if you complete six hours of "rated" play. I've heard good things about Atlantis and know a few family friends who have been there, so it piqued my interest. Nearly any elite status with any competing casino rewards program is eligible for this offer, as long as you don't … [Read more...]
Hilton Will Match Your Hotel Elite Status through 2017
Hilton is offering to match its members' elite status with other hotel chains, although the exact specifics remain unclear. I've purposely held off on promoting the offer until now because there were no further details. However, I did submit a request on Wednesday and look forward to the response. Given that Hilton's Gold elite tier is already so easy to obtain with a variety of credit cards, it seems likely to me … [Read more...]
Hyatt Is Offering Outright Matches to Diamond Status
Hyatt used to have a pretty generous Diamond Trial that provided status up front but still required a certain number of stays in order to keep it -- typically 12 nights in 60 days. Now, FlyerTalk members report that it's giving outright matches. Provide evidence of your status in a competing program and Hyatt Gold Passport will match that to its top Diamond tier without requiring any additional … [Read more...]
Marriott Announces Acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts
I don't think anyone saw that coming. After pitching itself to Chinese investors, IHG, and even Hyatt, today we learned that Starwood Hotels & Resorts will be acquired by Marriott International. The merger will bring together over 5,500 properties worldwide, easily beating IHG's ~4,800 to produce the world's largest hotel company. According to Arne Sorenson, President and CEO of Marriott: The driving force … [Read more...]
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