hotel privilege programs - dining and accommodation discounts

[Myrna]

I understand that in Australia, a number of hotel chains offer a "privilege" card - for a cost of around $300 a year - with dining and accommodation discounts. This is different from the normal hotel "loyalty" programs where guests earn points for hotel stays - these programs have different names.

I have joined the Intercontinenal Hotel Group's program called the "Priority Privilege" - covering Australia and NZ.

I also know of:

1. The Marriot Gold Card. I had a phone call from them last week, but I declined because there are not many Marriott hotels in Australia - unlike the IHG (Intercontinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn). I think the Marriott Gold Card covers Australia and some Asian countries.

2. The Stamford Hotel - I cannot remember the name of the program. Hubby stayed at the Stamford in Brisbane last year and brought home a brochure for me to compare against the IHC Priority Privilege. I did not think the Stamford one was good - again, due to limited number of hotels in Australia.

3. The Starwood Privilege program. I think there are 2 separate programs: one for Starwood hotels in Asia Pacific and one for Starwood hotels in Europe, Africa and Middle East.

My questions are:

(a) What other hotels offer these programs? Thoughts on good or bad? Just curious.

(b) Are there similar programs for the US & Canada? And Europe (particularly the UK)? Hubby is travelling for work to London and New York in March, and am thinking of tagging along ...

(c) Does anyone know how much the Starwood Privilege program cost, for Asia Pacific? and for Europe, Africa and Middle East?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Mal]

Don't forget the Hilton Premium Club as well... ( www.hiltonpremiumclub.com/ )

 

[oz_mark]

Stamfords is called the Senators club.

Others include Accors Advantage Plus program

There are threads on the Accor program, Hilton Premium and Priority Privilege programs around and it seems there are a number of members of these three programs hanging around AFF.

 

[Myrna]

Thanks, Mal and Oz_Mark. I did not know about the Hilton and Accor programs. So, will check them out for interest.

 

[ric_melb]

I have at times been a member in Starwood, Accor, and Marriott.
Currently I remain a member in Starwood, but not the other two.

I left Accor for a number of reasons; their room rate discount did not give me enough benefit, I did not use their hotels much, I found the food offerings often inferior, they did not post my Qantas points.

I left Marriott due to smaller number of hotels in Australia, and as one of my cards had to go! Not a bad scheme though.

I do like the Starwood scheme which is either $279 or $289 a year.
It offers 10% off BAR. You get 3 60% off rack rate coupons, which usually achieve a good price. Also other accommodation vouchers, plus various dining vouchers for half price wine, or 50% off for groups. In any case card offers you 50% off food when 2 people dine together.
As well as Asia Pacific hotels it includes Starwood hotels in Europe, Africa, and Middle East. NOte that it does not include UK.

 

[cove]

If you live in Perth,the Hyatt is way out the best for dining.
The Cafe with the club card works down to $65 for 2 including a drink for the best smorgasbord meal in Perth.

This card no longer works at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne.
The Intercontinental is good for Sydney Circular Quay And Burswood Casino Hotel plus quite a few of their other affiliated hotels and I believe the one in Coogee is very good (Holiday Inn).

 

[oz_mark]

One lesser known, but sort of hybrid program is Constellation Groups Escape Club. Entry level is free, but gold can be cought for $169 and this gives buy one get one free meal offers.
The Escape Club - Great Choice has its own rewards


The Rydges Priority Guest gives you 20% off F+B at the base level, and 50% off if you make it to the platinum level. Also gives 10% off accommodation costs, but to get points you need to book via the web.