Marriott
Marriott boasts one of the largest and most diverse portfolios in the hospitality industry, encompassing over 7,000 properties across 30 leading hotel brands worldwide. From luxury resorts under the Ritz-Carlton and Sheraton brands to budget-friendly options like Courtyard by Marriott and lifestyle establishments such as Aloft and Moxy. The chain caters to a wide range of travelers and preferences.
Loyalty Program
The Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program members earn points for every dollar spent on eligible hotel stays, events, meetings, and dining at participating properties. The earning rate is tailored to encourage spending within the Marriott network, with up to 10 points per dollar spent. Additionally, members can earn points through partner programs, including airline miles conversion and credit card spending with Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit cards. Redemption options are varied, offering free nights without blackout dates, experiences like culinary tours or sports events, and even donations to charitable causes.
Mobile App
The Marriott Bonvoy mobile app enhances the guest experience with features such as mobile key, mobile dining, and mobile requests, enabling guests to order food, make service requests, and even unlock their hotel room directly from their smartphone. Elite status in Marriott Bonvoy brings even more benefits, including complimentary room upgrades, late checkout, and access to exclusive Marriott Bonvoy events.
Airlines
Offers a vast array of airline partners, with the ability to transfer points to over 40 airline loyalty programs, including major ones like Delta SkyMiles, United MileagePlus (with a 10% bonus on transfers), and
American Airlines AAdvantage.
Credit Cards
Co-branded credit cards include options from Chase and American Express, such as the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card.
Hyatt
Hyatt is renowned for its commitment to personalized service and guest care. With more than 900 properties across 17 brands, Hyatt offers a range of experiences from high-end luxury at Park Hyatt and Hyatt Recency to modern essentials at Hyatt Place. It’s known for creating memorable experiences in striking destinations.
Loyalty Program
The World of Hyatt is designed to reward guests across its portfolio. Members earn 5 base points for every eligible dollar spent on stays, dining, and spa services at participating locations. The program is particularly noted for its redemption value, with free nights starting at just 5,000 points. Moreover, World of Hyatt offers points + cash booking options, room upgrades, and dining and spa awards. A unique feature of the program is its partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, allowing members to earn and redeem points at participating boutique luxury hotels around the globe.
Mobile App
The World of Hyatt app not only facilitates booking and account management but also integrates with Exhale Spa and FIND experiences, providing members with wellness and unique experiences beyond traditional hotel stays. Elite membership tiers offer benefits like bonus points on stays, complimentary breakfast at select properties, and waived resort fees on free night awards.
Airlines
Hyatt’s points can be transferred to over 25 airline loyalty programs, like the programs of Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific, and offers a 1:1 transfer ratio with most partners.
Credit Cards
The World of Hyatt Credit Card, issued by Chase, directly rewards spending with Hyatt hotels and offers additional points on other purchases.
Accor
Accor is a leading travel & lifestyle group offering a diverse portfolio of over 5,000 properties across 110 countries. Its range includes luxury brands like Sofitel and Fairmont, popular midscale options such as Novotel and Mercure, and budget-friendly accommodations under the ibis brand.
Loyalty Program
ALL – Accor Live Limitless program awards members points based on Euros spent on accommodations and other eligible expenses at Accor properties. Unique to ALL is its experiences marketplace, offering members the chance to redeem points for exclusive events, culinary adventures, and sports activities. The program also partners with Paris Saint-Germain Football Club, offering unique experiences for football fans.
Mobile App
The ALL app provides features like online check-in/check-out and access to private sales, enhancing the value proposition for members. Elite status in ALL offers benefits like room upgrades, late checkout, and Accor Live Limitless Experiences access.
Airlines
Accor’s partnership includes major airlines like Air France-KLM’s Flying Blue and Qatar Airways Privilege Club.
Credit Cards
While Accor doesn’t have a globally available co-branded credit card, partnerships vary by region, offering ways to earn points through credit card spending.
Hilton
Hilton is a global brand with more than 6,100 properties across 118 countries. It encompasses 18 brands, including luxury hotels like including Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, and Hampton by Hilton.
Loyalty Program
The Hilton Honors loyalty program spans across Hilton’s 18 brands. Members earn base points for every dollar spent on room rates and other eligible room charges. The program offers flexibility in earning and spending points, with 10 base points earned per dollar spent at most brands. Hilton Honors distinguishes itself with its points pooling feature, allowing friends and family to combine points for free, and its use of points for Amazon purchases.
Mobile App
The Hilton Honors app provides innovative features like a digital key, room selection, and connected rooms technology, allowing guests to customize their stay from their smartphone. Elite status tiers enhance the experience with benefits such as complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, and bonus earning on stays.
Airlines
Hilton Honors points can be transferred to over 40 airline partners, including Qantas and Etihad.
Credit Cards
Co-branded credit cards are offered through American Express, including the Hilton Honors American Express Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.
As we close the chapter on our exploration of hotel loyalty programs, it’s clear that the journey towards maximizing your travel experiences is just beginning. Armed with the knowledge of the perks, points, and privileges that come with each program, you’re now equipped to choose the loyalty path that best suits your travel style and preferences. Each of these loyalty programs offers unique pathways to amplify your travel rewards through strategic partnerships with airlines and credit cards, making it easier to earn and redeem points or miles for an enriched travel experience. Whether it’s savoring the sweet taste of a room upgrade, basking in the glow of a late checkout, or jet-setting to your next adventure with points-turned-miles, the world is yours to explore, one stay at a time. So go ahead, pledge your loyalty to the program that resonates with you the most, and watch as your travels unfold into a tapestry of experiences that are not only rewarding but truly unforgettable. Here’s to making every journey more memorable and every destination more delightful. The world awaits, and with these hotel loyalty programs, you’re set to conquer it in style!
