HotelClub to leave Velocity

[markis10]

Velocity partner update
Effective 27 June 2013, HotelClub will no longer be a Partner in the Velocity Frequent Flyer Program. The final day members will be eligible to earn Points for accommodation reservations booked (including valid claims for Retrospective Points) with HotelClub is 26th June 2013.

 

[AIRwin]

Oh no! Anyway I think my hotel booking with them is cancellable in advance so I may just shop around for a better deal in the meantime... Thanks for the heads up.

 

[bass_ke]

I was just about to book half of August with HotelClub and watch points roll in

Sad news!

Do any of the other hotel partners attract the 75% bonus earn with Gold?

Nate

 

[777]

That is a real bummer. I hope they have something good in the pipeline to replace it.

 

[Blackswan]

Very disapointing.

 

[Supersonic Swinger]

More "enhancements", following on from the 33% devaluation of Diners Club points. Looks like their new head of loyalty who previously headed up Qantas Loyalty is having an effect. Wouldn't want people to earn enough points they may actually be able to redeem.

Hotel Club still earns Amex MR points which are worth more than Velocity points anyway. Their current promo offers 10 MR for every $ on bookings over $3000.

 

[Mal]

I never used it.. when you can earn between 7pc and 14pc direct cash back along with the welcome rewards loyalty scheme on top... it has always been a no brainer for me to use other affiliate sites.

But I do wonder if hotel club is set to leave my favourite sites at the same time.

 

[Mak404matt]

You can book with BlueHolidays for the Gold/Plat bonus still

 

[grubbidok]

Bummer. The hotel booking engine on the Virgin website is still hosted by HotelClub, I wonder when they'll change it over?

 

[Demonoid]

More "enhancements", following on from the 33% devaluation of Diners Club points. Looks like their new head of loyalty who previously headed up Qantas Loyalty is having an effect. Wouldn't want people to earn enough points they may actually be able to redeem.

Hotel Club still earns Amex MR points which are worth more than Velocity points anyway. Their current promo offers 10 MR for every $ on bookings over $3000.

What are you talking about? The current promo AMEX have with HotelClub is 10MR for every dollar for bookings over $350.
https://www.americanexpress.com/australia/personal/cards/rewards/partners/hotelclub.html

Also, 1MR = 1 Velocity Point.

 

[bass_ke]

Having trouble booking just hotels through VA holidays .

I really hope they have something else in place shortly as i need to book a few nights in the start of August!

Nate

 

[amagz]

This is really disspaointing. I earned some good points through Hotelclub. Was happy to pay a bit extra but now will go the Wotif deals. Hopefully it gets replaced by a good engine

 

[markis10]

This is really disspaointing. I earned some good points through Hotelclub. Was happy to pay a bit extra but now will go the Wotif deals. Hopefully it gets replaced by a good engine

Can I suggest if you think Wotif offer the lowest rates that perhaps some research is in order, I use Wotif to get an eye on what is around but I dont think I have ever paid rates other than their mystery hotels! Most hotels offer a best rate guarantee that can be lucrative!

 

[lovestotravel]

I refuse to use Wotif since the founder Graeme Wood donated about $1.7 Million to the Greens a few years ago

 

[amagz]

Can I suggest if you think Wotif offer the lowest rates that perhaps some research is in order, I use Wotif to get an eye on what is around but I dont think I have ever paid rates other than their mystery hotels! Most hotels offer a best rate guarantee that can be lucrative!

Generally with Wotif I use mystery deals or flaming deals. Keep an eye on emails for specials. I do check other agent sites (expedia etc) and even call the hotel and ask for corporate rates. Mostly I have been using Hotelclub for the points (plus status bonus) unless there is a great deal available elsewhere. Not anymore.

But if know of some other super amazing site that will put more coin in my pocket, please do share.

 

[markis10]

Generally with Wotif I use mystery deals or flaming deals. Keep an eye on emails for specials. I do check other agent sites (expedia etc) and even call the hotel and ask for corporate rates. Mostly I have been using Hotelclub for the points (plus status bonus) unless there is a great deal available elsewhere. Not anymore.

But if know of some other super amazing site that will put more coin in my pocket, please do share.

Skyscanner - Compare Cheap Flights, Hotels & Car Hire is a very good start, use that and find a site thats cheaper than the chain, go back to the chain and ask them to do a best rate guarantee, depending in the chain you will get a free night, or points worth up to $60 etc.

 

[amagz]

Ok I will try that. Free night or points sounds good. I have tried asking the hotel directly and generally don't get much.

 

[Mal]

Skyscanner - Compare Cheap Flights, Hotels & Car Hire is a very good start, use that and find a site thats cheaper than the chain, go back to the chain and ask them to do a best rate guarantee, depending in the chain you will get a free night, or points worth up to $60 etc.

Www.hotelscombined.com is another good place to check.

 

[grubbidok]

I'm still confused. HotelClub run the Virgin booking portal - and it seems points are available through there, and they seem to throw up the same availability and price as the HotelClub website.

Were there more points from using HC over the VA portal? Am I missing something here?

 

[777]

I'm still confused. HotelClub run the Virgin booking portal - and it seems points are available through there, and they seem to throw up the same availability and price as the HotelClub website.

Were there more points from using HC over the VA portal? Am I missing something here?

That has me confused as well. Is the end of the velocity portal or only if booking through hotel club?