Want to take advantage of Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits, including a space available room upgrade, complimentary breakfast, a hotel credit, and more? Contact Ford ([email protected]) for more details. He may even be able to help if you already have a stay booked.
Four Seasons is one of the world’s most popular luxury hotel companies, given the brand’s constantly growing portfolio and excellent service. There are often questions about whether Four Seasons has a loyalty program, so in this post I wanted to take a closer look at that. Let me say upfront that the short answer is “no.”
In this post:
Why Four Seasons doesn’t have a loyalty program
While Four Seasons is known for its great hotels, one frustration among a certain subset of consumers has been the hotel group’s lack of a loyalty program that allows you to earn and redeem rewards.
Why doesn’t Four Seasons have a traditional loyalty program? Here’s Four Seasons’ philosophy:
- Four Seasons’ focus is on recognition, rather than the traditional concept of a loyalty program, whereby you accumulate points and get free things in exchange for business
- Four Seasons says that feedback reflects that Four Seasons guests are less concerned about accumulating points to be redeemed for rewards, and are more concerned with being recognized and having their preferences understood, so they can be served in a highly personalized way
- In the past few years Four Seasons has been working on improving programs related to recognizing guests
As Four Seasons’ CEO explained:
“You will hear, over the course of the near term, our talking about programs related to recognition that we will be undertaking, but again, as I said, it is focused on the distinction between recognition and rewards. One is recognizing you, understanding your distinct preferences and desires and being able to accommodate those, as opposed to a points-based program. I actually think it’s very compatible with what our guests are actually looking for.”
Ultimately it seems that luxury hotel groups are split when it comes to having points-based loyalty programs:
- Competitors like Park Hyatt, Ritz-Carlton, Shangri-La, St. Regis, Waldorf Astoria, etc., do have loyalty programs where you can accrue points
- Competitors like Aman, Mandarin Oriental, and Peninsula, don’t have loyalty programs where you can accrue points, but rather have some form of guest recognition
Could Four Seasons benefit from a points program?
Four Seasons has a loyal enough client base that it feels it doesn’t need to offer points, and for some people it may even detract from the experience. If we’re going to view a points program as a cost center (which is how many travel companies approach it), then I’d generally agree Four Seasons is fine without a loyalty program.
At the same time, Four Seasons has such incredible brand recognition and a loyal following, and I feel like that could be leveraged for a points program in a profitable way:
- I’m sure an uber-premium Four Seasons credit card could be incredibly popular, and it could be a good way to fill hotel rooms without discounting rates
- Luxury hotels don’t like discounting rates, either directly or through third parties; this is why we often see offers for a third or fourth night free, etc.; in that sense, a points program can be a great way to fill rooms without having to discount rates
In other words, even if Four Seasons didn’t want to start awarding points for stays, I could still see value in Four Seasons profiting off of a co-branded credit card.
How everyone can get perks at Four Seasons
While Four Seasons doesn’t have a loyalty program, the reality is that all guests can receive elite-like perks just by booking in the right away. Specifically, the Four Seasons Preferred Partner program is the best way to maximize value at Four Seasons properties.
Four Seasons Preferred Partner is a program available through select travel advisor, offering additional perks for stays at Four Seasons properties (including Four Seasons Private Retreats). For booking through a Preferred Partner agent, you receive many of the same perks, including:
- Breakfast for two
- A hotel or resort credit
- A room upgrade subject to availability
- Late check-out
Four Seasons Preferred Partner perks can be applied to virtually any rate bookable directly with Four Seasons, and upgrades through Preferred Partner are prioritized ahead of upgrades through Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts, Virtuoso, etc.
The reality is that the perks offered through Preferred Partner rival what you’d otherwise receive through elite status with other major hotel loyalty programs.
Ford is always happy to help with Four Seasons bookings and is a Preferred Partner agent, and he can be reached at [email protected]. He doesn’t charge any booking fees for Four Seasons reservations, and you’ll pay the same rate as you would directly with Four Seasons.
Bottom line
Four Seasons doesn’t have a loyalty or points program, instead choosing to focus on guest recognition and ensuring that each guest has a great experience. The good news is that every guest can be treated like a loyal customer by taking advantage of Four Seasons Preferred Partner through an eligible travel advisor. This offers perks like complimentary breakfast and a hotel credit, and can add hundreds of dollars of value per stay.
I do still think there’s big revenue potential for Four Seasons introducing a co-branded credit card, though, given the demographics of its consumer base.
What do you make of Four Seasons not having a points program?
Want to take advantage of Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits, including a space available room upgrade, complimentary breakfast, a hotel credit, and more? Contact Ford ([email protected]) for more details. He may even be able to help if you already have a stay booked.
Read Four Seasons reviews: Athens, Bogota Casa Medina, Boston, Cap-Ferrat, Costa Rica Peninsula Papagayo, Denver, Desroches Island, Florence, Fort Lauderdale, Geneva, Hualalai, Kyoto, Lanai, Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, Los Cabos, Madrid, Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, Maui, Megeve, Miami, Napa Valley, Naviva, Nevis, Oahu at Ko Olina, Paris, Punta Mita, San Francisco at Embarcadero, Scottsdale, Seychelles, and Surfside
Learn about Four Seasons deals & offers: Anguilla, Athens, Atlanta, Austin, Bahamas, Bora Bora, Boston, Cap-Ferrat, Costa Rica, Dubai, Fort Lauderdale, Hawaii, Jackson Hole, London, Los Cabos, Maldives, Mallorca, Minneapolis, Nashville, Naviva, New York, Napa Valley, New Orleans, Orlando, Osaka, Palm Beach, Paris, Philadelphia, Punta Mita, Rabat, San Francisco, Santa Fe, Seattle, Sicily, Tamarindo, and Vail
Learn about Four Seasons basics: Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Four Seasons Private Retreats, Four Seasons Yachts, Four Seasons Private Jet, Four Seasons travel agents, Four Seasons loyalty program, and maximizing value at Four Seasons
good god no 4S and peninsula hotels are my go to brands and to have the miles and points crowd churning cards to chase status there would be the worst. i have "elite" status with four seasons i was invited/nominated to join by the GM of one of the properties i frequently stay at. for reference i typically stay at 4S properties 70 + nights a year and spend well over 100K USD a year...
good god no 4S and peninsula hotels are my go to brands and to have the miles and points crowd churning cards to chase status there would be the worst. i have "elite" status with four seasons i was invited/nominated to join by the GM of one of the properties i frequently stay at. for reference i typically stay at 4S properties 70 + nights a year and spend well over 100K USD a year with them. The benefits are far more useful than typical elite status which includes personal concierge style services and reservations relationship manager the level of personal attention and need anticipation are off the scale
Four Seasons is a copyright infringement on Frankie Valli and the four seasons. Lawyer up ! Big girls don’t cry.
@Ben not sure about this, but I know someone who told me that he does have a membership with Four Seasons and it is called Concierge. Would that be the official name or would it be another niche invitation only?
Strongly prefer FS to stick with their current program and not add any points based program or credit card products. The former will dilute the experience by encouraging stays from a different set of travelers, and the latter will often only benefit citizens of a single country (often to the detriment of everyone else).
@Peter. At the time, mostly it was work with 1 or 2 week long vacations mixed in. I rarely ever stayed at the super premium properties though. Mostly LA (which used to be much more affordable...not so much now and why my nights dropped drastically), Dallas (which is a great value still), Chicago, or Seattle. These properties would have decent deals back in the day, some still do. LA used to account for 25-30 nights...
@Peter. At the time, mostly it was work with 1 or 2 week long vacations mixed in. I rarely ever stayed at the super premium properties though. Mostly LA (which used to be much more affordable...not so much now and why my nights dropped drastically), Dallas (which is a great value still), Chicago, or Seattle. These properties would have decent deals back in the day, some still do. LA used to account for 25-30 nights by itself when rates used to be in the $300's. Now they are over $500 so I moved on. Further, you would never catch me paying the $700 rates in NYC, SF, or London though...it was ridiculous.
There are sweet spots with FS at many properties outside the major expensive cities. These days though I find that Park Hyatt is a better overall value. And trust me, I also stay in plenty of Hampton Inn's and Courtyards as well!
Good thing about this program is that the benefits stack with FSPP, Virtuoso...etc. It also doesn’t matter how you book it, I can book with Citi Prestige to get 4th night free but still receive my elite perks which is saving me some real money.
To share how I got the status, I was invited after I spent two months at one Four Seasons property (probably spent close to $100k there over the course...
Good thing about this program is that the benefits stack with FSPP, Virtuoso...etc. It also doesn’t matter how you book it, I can book with Citi Prestige to get 4th night free but still receive my elite perks which is saving me some real money.
To share how I got the status, I was invited after I spent two months at one Four Seasons property (probably spent close to $100k there over the course of the stay). Prior to that I probably spent on average 2-3 weeks a year at various Four Seasons properties. From what I understand the 2 month stay was what got me the invite.
I get 5 of the 7 perks just by booking Four Seasons through American Express FHR. Good workaround for not having elite status directly.
Im actually happy that Four Seasons doesn't offer a loyalty program I don't want to be surrounded by a ton of people who are there because they racked up points to stay at some $800 dollar a night hotel. I feel like this is what really ruined the Ritz Carlton which was my preferred brand when it was on its own. You pay a high rate for the experience and every stay at a Four...
Im actually happy that Four Seasons doesn't offer a loyalty program I don't want to be surrounded by a ton of people who are there because they racked up points to stay at some $800 dollar a night hotel. I feel like this is what really ruined the Ritz Carlton which was my preferred brand when it was on its own. You pay a high rate for the experience and every stay at a Four Season has been just as enjoyable as the previous one.
Will also add that Ford does an AMAZING job with the preferred partner program. Each stay has been perfect so thank you Ben for mentioning that in each of the Four Seasons post its been a great plus when it comes to booking 4S stays
@Stuart genuinely curious as to how you were staying 50-60 nights per year?? (read: Jealous!)
Were those work stays, retired...?
I have been an elite for around six years. Interestingly I cut dramatically my stays at FS some three years ago as it just felt stupid staying there when I could get points and breakfast at Park Hyatt etc. However, surprisingly, they have not booted me as of yet. I went from around 50-60 nights a year to maybe 10 nights tops. Yet still recognized.
The credit and breakfast is a great new addition....
I have been an elite for around six years. Interestingly I cut dramatically my stays at FS some three years ago as it just felt stupid staying there when I could get points and breakfast at Park Hyatt etc. However, surprisingly, they have not booted me as of yet. I went from around 50-60 nights a year to maybe 10 nights tops. Yet still recognized.
The credit and breakfast is a great new addition. Room service breakfast at FS is typically pricey as heck so it will help. But, bottom line is, getting points at Park Hyatt will always be my first choice.
For the average guest, the Preferred Partner perks are just as good as having status.
"Competitors like Park Hyatt, Ritz-Carlton, Shangri-La, St. Regis, Waldorf Astoria, etc., do have loyalty programs where you can accrue points.
Competitors like Aman, Mandarin Oriental, and Peninsula, don’t have loyalty programs where you can accrue points, but rather have some form of guest recognition".
- The difference here is the ones you listed in the first sentence...
For the average guest, the Preferred Partner perks are just as good as having status.
"Competitors like Park Hyatt, Ritz-Carlton, Shangri-La, St. Regis, Waldorf Astoria, etc., do have loyalty programs where you can accrue points.
Competitors like Aman, Mandarin Oriental, and Peninsula, don’t have loyalty programs where you can accrue points, but rather have some form of guest recognition".
- The difference here is the ones you listed in the first sentence are part of mega chains, whereas the 2nd list aren't. They are "more exclusive" and don't need a points system. It really is as simple as that.
FS is not after bottom feeder customer hoping for the upgrade, it’s customer expect the best experiences.