Accommodation loyalty program for beginners . . .

[bighdad]

Now that I have the flights sorted, and am with AAdvantage, now comes the hard bit.

I've browsed this part of the AFF forum, and see that most of the big names carry the Hilton, SPG, PC programs. Is there any standout program? I have accom to book in NY 3 nights, D.C. for 8 nights (conference for 4), Honolulu for 2 nights.

I was an SPG member 3 years ago via Sheraton Hotels, and got some discount vouchers from the BNE Sheraton, but don't think I have any points with them - how would I check?

Thanks for any help.

Andrew

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

Now that I have the flights sorted, and am with AAdvantage, now comes the hard bit.

I've browsed this part of the AFF forum, and see that most of the big names carry the Hilton, SPG, PC programs. Is there any standout program? I have accom to book in NY 3 nights, D.C. for 8 nights (conference for 4), Honolulu for 2 nights.

I was an SPG member 3 years ago via Sheraton Hotels, and got some discount vouchers from the BNE Sheraton, but don't think I have any points with them - how would I check?

Thanks for any help.

Andrew

As with frequent flyer programs it very much depends on what you want to get out of it. If only staying infrequently I would suggest crediting miles directly with FFP of your choice instead of collecting hotel points. This is because it generally takes a few stays to get enough points for a single free night, and because hotel points devalue even faster than FFP points (reflecting increasing hotel yields in most places).

If staying a lot then consider whether status benefits are important or only in it for the redemptions. And of course consider whether your selected hotel program(s) actually operate where you want/need to stay.

 

[QF WP]

Agree with Kiwi Flyer on his reasoning. A lot also depends on where you travels take you and which hotels are close to your clients or meet your needs. Elite status is harder to attain in SPG and Hilton (number of nights/points requirements are higher). Quite a number of us have migrated to Priority Club, where Platinum is easily attainable with as little as 10 nights/year (as all their bonus points count towards elite staus and yuo have a resource thread here to gain you all those bonus points). 60K points for Platinum - I had achieved by July last year with 12 nights.

 

[Tiki]

You should first decide where you want to spend your reward points (expensive location that offers good value for point redemption). In my case, Tahiti/Bora Bora is my target reward so I chose PC as my reward program. Look for opportunites for bonus points like filling out surveys, using their links to buy things you would nornally have to buy somewhere. I use their FTD link to buy flowers for my mother on her birthday and also gift food packages for friends in the States. Then I can transfer my Amex MR points there too.

Hilton Honours probably has better Australian connections and the only reason I didn't choose them is because they don't have a property in Tahiti. Tahiti is the most expensive destination that we visit regularly.

 

[bighdad]

A final update, just in case someone ever has a similar query - I bid for the US accommodation on Priceline with their lowest bid system, and got 13 nights for around 2400 AUD, all 4 star or resort rated, and a substantial discount on the best online rate, a fraction of what TAs want. Since joining each loyalty program was free, and since all of them seem to have a way to siphon points into AA (albeit with a threshold for transfer), I don't have to stick to one chain, and can probably get better prices as well.

Now, if work would just pay the way next time .... :idea:

Hope its ok to mention the pl site.

Andrew

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

Just be aware that many (all?) hotel programs restrict hotel point earning to bookings made on their own website, not third party websites such as priceline.

 

[bighdad]

Seems variable based on previous bidders' experience, but it doesn't worry me too much, especially when for nothing, you can attract other benefits like 5 pm checkout, free paper, free am drink etc (Omni).

Andrew