Hotel loyalty programs reward frequent travellers with perks like free nights, upgrades, and exclusive benefits. From boutique stays to luxury chains, these programs are essential for maximising the value of your hotel bookings.
Check below for tips and guides on how to make the most of hotel loyalty programs.
Update (3 July 2018): SPG will merge with Marriott Rewards on 1 August 2018. From this date, transfers from Amex to the new SPG/Marriott program will take place at a new rate of 3 Amex points = 2 Marriott Rewards points. Unfortunately, this represents a significant devaluation. Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) points are an extremely … Continued
When booking accommodation, you have the option to book hotels direct or to use a third-party website like Expedia or Booking.com. If you book directly with the hotel, you can earn points and status with the hotel’s loyalty program. But you won’t receive any hotel benefits if you book with a third party. So, is … Continued
There are rumours that Hilton Hotels could soon be returning to Melbourne with up to three new properties. The popular American hotel chain is planning to open a new Hilton-branded hotel, alongside a Curio Collection and Double Tree. AFF moderator JessicaTam has the scoop on the new Hilton hotels in Melbourne. Initially, Hilton had planned to … Continued
This week our members share a clever strategy to save money on hotel bookings. It’s often difficult to know when the cheapest time to book a hotel will be. But, unlike plane tickets, most hotel bookings allow for free changes. In fact, many hotel bookings allow you to cancel free of charge until the day … Continued
American Airlines is offering 25% bonus points on SPG transfers to AAdvantage. The bonus is also available when transferring points from several other hotel loyalty programs to the American Airlines AAdvantage program. This offer expires on 31 May 2018. American Airlines AAdvantage is a popular frequent flyer program for Australians. AAdvantage miles can be redeemed … Continued
After much speculation, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) and Marriott Rewards have announced details of their new combined loyalty program. Starwood and Marriott hotels merged back in 2016, but their respective loyalty programs have remained separate… until now. The SPG, Marriott Rewards and also Ritz-Carlton Rewards programs will become a single loyalty program from 1 August … Continued
Hilton Honors members are truly spoilt for choice when travelling to London. There are 30 Hilton properties in central London, and dozens more on the city’s outskirts! So, as AFF member Notyourbag asks, which Hilton hotels in London offer the best value? And which look after Gold and Diamond Hilton Honors members the best? Heading … Continued
The Qantas Hotels Price Promise is proudly advertised on the Qantas website. The guarantee claims that customers can know they’re getting a great deal. But one member’s recent experience with the Qantas Hotels Price Promise definitely did not live up to expectations. AFF member Phil_vic booked a hotel room on the Qantas website for $236. … Continued
Major changes have been announced to Hilton Honors, effective from April 2018. Hilton Honors is the loyalty program of Hilton Hotels, which covers brands including Conrad, Double Tree and Waldorf Astoria. The Hilton Honors program changes are largely positive, with some new benefits for frequent stayers. But there is bad news for base level and … Continued
Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) points are a valuable currency for frequent flyers. Starpoints, as they’re known, can be transferred to over 30 frequent flyer programs. SPG will even throw in 5,000 bonus points for every 20,000 Starpoints transferred. What’s more, SPG is offering a 35% discount on Starpoints purchases until 29 December 2017. Woke up … Continued
If you regularly stay at hotels – particularly if you’re loyal to a certain brand – it makes sense to join the hotel’s loyalty program. Not only can you earn points for each stay, but frequent guests can enjoy elite status benefits such as complimentary room upgrades, late checkout, free breakfast and more. But there … Continued
Hyatt Hotels will completely overhaul its loyalty program from March 2017. Hyatt Gold Passport, Hyatt’s current rewards program, will become “World of Hyatt” as a host of changes are made to status benefits and the way in which status is earned. Replacing the existing Platinum and Diamond status tiers will be three new levels, the … Continued
