Discover 4 Hotel Loyalty Programmes

Let me guide you through the world of hotel loyalty programmes, where every stay, every meal, and every booking inches you closer to wonderful rewards and unforgettable experiences! Whether you're a frequent flyer, often travelling for business, or savouring your leisure time, there's a programme out there for every traveller. In this article, I delve into 4 programmes from leading hotel chains. Are you ready to unlock all the benefits?!

Marriott

Marriott boasts one of the largest and most diverse portfolios in the hospitality industry, with over 7,000 properties across 30 renowned brands worldwide. From luxury resorts such as Ritz-Carlton and Sheraton to budget-friendly options like Courtyard by Marriott, and hip stays such as Aloft and Moxy, there’s a broad array of choices to suit every taste!

Loyalty Programme
Members of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programme earn points for every pound spent on stays, events, meetings, and dining at participating locations. The earning ratio is tailored to encourage spending within the Marriott network, with up to 10 points per pound spent. Additionally, members can accrue points through partnership programmes, including converting air miles and spending with Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit cards. The redemption options are varied, offering free stays without blackout dates, experiences such as culinary tours or sporting events, and even donations to charitable organisations.

Mobile App
The Marriott Bonvoy app enhances your stay with features like mobile key, mobile dining, and mobile requests, enabling guests to order food, make service requests, and even unlock their hotel room directly from their smartphone. Elite status in Marriott Bonvoy brings even more perks, including complimentary room upgrades, late checkout, and access to exclusive Marriott Bonvoy events.

Airline Partners
Marriott Bonvoy has over 40 airline partners, offering the chance to transfer points to airline loyalty programmes such as Delta SkyMiles, United MileagePlus (with a 10% bonus on transfers) and American Airlines AAdvantage.

Credit Cards
Marriott offers co-branded credit cards with Chase and American Express, such as the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card.

Marriott hotel Dubai
source: Marriott Image Library – Marriott hotel Dubai

Hyatt

Hyatt is celebrated for its dedication to personal service and guest care. With over 900 properties across 17 brands, Hyatt provides endless options, from high-end luxury at Park Hyatt and Hyatt Regency to modern stays at Hyatt Place. Hyatt is famed for crafting memorable experiences in the most extraordinary destinations.

Loyalty Programme
The World of Hyatt is designed to reward guests across all establishments. Members earn 5 base points for every pound spent on stays, dining, and spa

services at participating locations. The programme is particularly known for its redemption value, with free nights starting at just 5,000 points. Additionally, World of Hyatt offers the option to book with points + cash and the opportunity for an upgrade. A unique feature of the programme is its partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, allowing members to earn and redeem points at participating boutique hotels globally.

Mobile App
The World of Hyatt app not only facilitates bookings and account management but also integrates with Exhale Spa and FIND experiences, offering members wellness and unique experiences beyond traditional hotel stays. Elite membership levels provide benefits such as bonus points on stays, complimentary breakfast at selected locations, and resort fee waivers.

Airline Partners
Hyatt points can be transferred to more than 25 airline loyalty programmes, including those of Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific, most offering a 1:1 transfer ratio.

Credit Cards
The World of Hyatt Credit Card, issued by Chase, rewards spending at Hyatt hotels directly and provides additional points for other purchases.

Accor

Accor is a leading travel & lifestyle group with a diverse portfolio of over 5,000 properties in 110 countries. The range includes luxury brands like Sofitel and Fairmont, popular mid-scale options such as Novotel and Mercure, and budget-friendly accommodations under the ibis label.

Loyalty Programme
The Accor Live Limitless programme (ALL) rewards members with points based on money spent on accommodations and other eligible expenses at Accor stays. Unique to ALL is the experiences marketplace, offering members the chance to redeem points for exclusive events, culinary adventures, and sports activities. The programme also partners with Paris Saint-Germain Football Club, providing unique opportunities for football enthusiasts.

Mobile App
The ALL app features online check-in/out and access to private sales, enhancing the value proposition for members. Elite status in ALL offers perks like room upgrades, late checkout, and access to Accor Live Limitless Experiences.

Airline Partners
Accor’s partnership includes major airlines like Air France-KLM with their Flying Blue programme and Qatar Airways Privilege Club.

Credit Cards
Though Accor doesn’t offer a global co-branded credit card, the partnerships vary by region, thereby offering different opportunities to earn points through credit card spending.

room service
source: Unsplash – room service

Hilton

Hilton is a global brand with more than 6,100 properties in 118 countries. Hilton features 18 different brands, including luxury hotels such as Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, and Hampton by Hilton.

Loyalty Programme
The Hilton Honors loyalty programme spans all Hilton brands. Members earn base points for every pound spent on room rates and other room charges. The programme offers flexibility in earning and spending points, with 10 base points earned per pound spent at most hotels. Hilton Honors is distinguished by its points sharing feature, allowing friends and family to combine points for free, and the use of points for Amazon purchases.

Mobile App
The Hilton Honors app features innovative functions like a digital key, room selection, and Connected-Rooms technology, allowing guests to customise their stay via their smartphone. Elite status levels enhance the experience further, with benefits such as complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, and bonus earnings on stays.

Airline Partners
Hilton Honors points can be transferred to more than 40 airline partners, including Qantas and Etihad.

Credit Cards
Co-branded credit cards are offered through American Express, including the Hilton Honors American Express Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.

These were the loyalty programmes of Marriott, Hyatt, Accor, and Hilton. In my opinion, it’s clear that taking advantage of these opportunities will truly enhance your experience! Armed with knowledge of the benefits, points, and privileges that come with each programme, you’re ready to sign up. It’s free, so why not give it a go?! Whether it’s enjoying a room upgrade, late check-out, or embarking on adventures with converted air miles, the world is your oyster!

Tim Vrij