Hotel Programs: The inside scoop on hotel loyalty programs
What's the Deal
Posted: 10/17/2012
Last Updated:
217 days ago
Hotels like to roll out the red carpet for their frequent customers by giving their loyal guests perks like free internet, a room upgrade and lots of points to their frequent guests.
You also get special reservations numbers to call, guaranteed late check-out, and options like free breakfast. Intercontinental Royal Ambassadors even get unlimited complimentary drinks from their mini bar.
But before you start dreaming of getting drunk with the power that hotel elite status can provide, decide if it's worth chasing. Even the lowest level of Starwood's program requires you to stay 25 nights. The lowest level at Marriott is ten nights.
If you're predominantly a leisure traveler, those numbers aren't always easy to hit. And think about the trade-offs. Heading across town just to stay at a hotel you have status with can be inconvenient.
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