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.
Ahead of an upcoming trip to Canberra, one member asks for advice on hotels in the national capital from our community. I will be travelling to Canberra early May to receive an posthumous award on behalf of my father. I need somewhere central to stay, nice but not too expensive if you understand. It is … Continued
This week our members discuss the advantages and pitfalls of booking mystery hotels. Hotel booking sites Wotif.com, Lastminute.com.au and Hotwire.com are among a range of websites that offer such mystery hotel deals. Customers can blindly book a hotel, which remains a surprise until after the room has been paid for. The sites promise big discounts, … Continued
For a long time, Melbourne’s Hilton on the Park (HOP) has been a favourite amongst members. With Hilton Diamond status a benefit of Virgin Platinum, many of our members are elite members of the Hilton Honors program. Being close to the city but not in it, close to the MCG and looking after elite members … Continued
In recent years, thanks to protest and coup activity, Bangkok has not been as popular a destination as it once was. Throw in a relatively new airport with different transport options, and when it comes to finding a place to sleep, a returning visitor may struggle to find the right solution. Got two overnight stays … Continued
Booking hotels these days has never been easier. Thanks to the internet, hotel chains can easily take reservations online. If you want to look at hotels across a variety of chains, there are plenty of third party sites that can help. However, not all sites are cheap, easy to use, or cover a good choice … Continued
Since the Olympics were held in Sydney in 2000 travellers have been spoilt for choice when it comes to hotels. No matter what star rating you may prefer, chances are there will be plenty of options to choose from. This week we take a look a small but popular segment of that market, the five … Continued
For a number of years now, members have been discussing IHG’s Priority Privilege program. Originally the Pacific Privilege program, when the local hotels were owned by South Pacific Hotel Corporation, it offers dining and accommodation discounts at IHG’s properties around Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific and in some parts of Asia. Some customers, like … Continued
It is time for a good old fashion vent about pet hates and hassles that are experienced at hotels the world over. Whether it be the quality of the sheets or the position of the toilet roll, our members discuss all manner of concerns surrounding hotel accommodation. A common gripe is the failure of most … Continued
This week one of our members has a question about how to enjoy some luxury, without bill shock come checkout time I’ve booked my wife and I on a trip to Japan via Hong Kong. The flight is a 1st class award redemption with a 1 night stop over in Hong Kong. I’m hoping for … Continued
One member feared the worst when they received an email from a hotel confirming a booking for a reservation they never made. This member had visited the hotel previously but had not made a booking for the coming weeks. Our members concerns grew when the hotel confirmed that the reservation had been made via a … Continued
Hotel frequent guest programs are often an afterthought for many travellers. With careful use and keeping an eye on promotions however, they can save you a lot of money. One of the benefits that’s on offer, is of course free nights, and you don’t need status to enjoy them. Many of the hotel chains in … Continued
Whilst hotel frequent guest programs have not been around as long as airline programs, they are increasingly getting more attention for the extra benefits and rewards one can earn as part of a paid stay. A development seen locally only in the last ten to fifteen years is the advent of a paid program that … Continued