While I started mileage running at the age of 14, I only really got into hotel loyalty at the age of 18 (given that prior to that I couldn't technically stay at hotels). My first hotel status was with InterContinental back when Royal Ambassador referral certificates were "recyclable." Basically those that earned Royal Ambassador status…
Continue reading: The history of my hotel loyalty, and why I’m seriously considering…
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
The history of my hotel loyalty, and why I’m seriously considering giving it all up and staying exactly where I want without worrying about stay credits and points.
Best guess: it's not worth hotel status if you can book via FHR/Virtuoso/Kiwi an get an upgrade, a free breakfast, etc.
@ Dan ray -- Back in the day Hyatt offered bonuses for stays at select hotels, known as G1, G2, and G3 bonuses. G1 bonuses offered 1,000 bonus points per stay, G2 bonuses offered 2,000 bonus points per stay, and G3 bonuses offered 1,500 bonus points per stay.
Lucky does not like Mariott and he mentioned the Hilton Q3 promo to be pretty good. So may be he is going for HHonors match.
I am surprised you mentioning Royal ambassador not getting their benefits on award stays and this for the second tine,i ve been royal since tge creation of the program and i cant recall one single time i ve been declined any of my benefits on reward stay,i ve recently stayed 9 nights in IC london on points and got a suite,8am check inn free minibar,internet and movie,i offered a friend 5nights in dubai IC and he git suite and lounge access,Paris IC always delivered on reward stays abd i can go on and on,my critics regarding the Ambassador program would be the usage of week end certificates restricted to flexibke rates and non suites,my other critic is fixed earning points on IC property where spending dont get you points,as for the mid range property in IHG Crowne plaza and indigo are quite good properties.
Doing only Points Breaks at 4,500 PC points per night with the Chase card, which even at the new "purchase" rate, is only $32 or so per night.
Going to work for Four Seasons, which I believe lets its employees stay for free at any of it's properties.
@ Mitch -- Is that actually true?!? If so, do they actually require you to show up to your job in order to "work" for them? 😀
@Mohamed I think the problem is consistency and expectations. As a Hyatt Diamond or Hilton Diamond, I am certain that on award stays I will get lounge access at a minimum, internet, add 3rd adult at no charge, etc, regardless of what room I end up in...as a new RA, it seems to be inconsistent on award stays. I have to pay extra $ for the 3rd person or rollaway bed, Club access is extra $, breakfast isn't guaranteed. IC Hong Kong and IC Sydney are examples. Why aren't elite benefits guaranteed on award stays at all ICs as a stated rule in the program?
... Joining the Matterhorn Club?
"Sir ... this line is reserved for members of the Matterhorn Club"
my guess is spg.
You can keep the hot nuts, but thanks.
-David
You should have a disclaimer on this post about your relationship with SPG. Unconsciously or not, them sending you to the US Open and other places made you like them significantly more.