Quick Comparison 7 Major Hotel Programs That Count Award Stays Toward Elite Status in 2024

Quick Comparison 7 Major Hotel Programs That Count Award Stays Toward Elite Status in 2024 - Marriott Bonvoy Counts Award Stays and Base Points From $0 Rate

Marriott Bonvoy's decision to count award stays and even stays with a $0 rate towards both elite status and base points is a significant change for 2024. This is in line with other hotel loyalty programs that are increasingly recognizing the value of all types of stays. This shift potentially makes it easier to attain elite status, as it's not solely reliant on paid nights. Members now have a wider range of options to accrue the necessary nights, stays, and points needed to climb the tiers. Marriott is clearly looking to attract and reward loyalty beyond simply spending money on hotel rooms. This adjustment also creates more transparency and clarity in the journey towards higher elite status within the program, something that can often be confusing with the numerous ways to earn points and status levels.

Marriott Bonvoy stands out by crediting both award stays and base points for bookings made at zero-dollar rates. This includes complimentary stays or employee stays, a practice not widespread among hotel loyalty programs.

The way they determine base points from zero-dollar stays is tied to the expenditures made during the stay. So, even a "free" night contributes to achieving elite status. While it's good to see the points, the way this is measured is not perfectly transparent, but Marriott's system for tracking those points and the resulting status is becoming more sophisticated. In 2024, members should be able to see in real-time how many points are earned during stays with awards.

Whether you book an award stay via a travel agency or Marriott directly, it counts towards status. This shows a bit of agility on their side. That being said, there is the question of whether these points are comparable to regular point earnings and how they will evolve in the coming years.

It is worth noting that award stays still allow you to earn points on extras, like dining and other services, at the property. This turns even a free night into a small income stream, a nice perk. This is also likely the reason why you get rewarded in this way.

For those on a business travel circuit who often land in company-paid stays, this is a huge benefit, as those nights count toward status within the program. The more points, the better.

Marriott Bonvoy benefits extend across a wide portfolio including brands like Sheraton, Westin, and even Ritz-Carlton, each contributing to your overall elite status. This system creates a level playing field where one can mix and match properties and still advance in the program.

Marriott's structure makes it possible to personalize the way you earn points according to your travel behavior. This degree of flexibility gives travelers who stay multiple times a way to maximize their accumulation of points. This aspect of earning points and maximizing returns is useful, albeit with some level of complexity and a lack of clear rules.

The ever-changing travel landscape of 2024 might see further changes to the Marriott Bonvoy program, perhaps including how award nights contribute towards earning status. The competition for loyal hotel guests is intense. It will be interesting to see how Marriott reacts to that in 2024.

This policy of rewarding stays even when they are free is probably a tactical move to grab customers and retain them as the travel scene intensifies. One needs to be flexible in the age of global travel.

What else is in this post?

1. Quick Comparison 7 Major Hotel Programs That Count Award Stays Toward Elite Status in 2024 - Marriott Bonvoy Counts Award Stays and Base Points From $0 Rate
2. Quick Comparison 7 Major Hotel Programs That Count Award Stays Toward Elite Status in 2024 - IHG One Rewards Elite Status Through Free Night Certificates
3. Quick Comparison 7 Major Hotel Programs That Count Award Stays Toward Elite Status in 2024 - World of Hyatt Award Night Credits Apply to Globalist Status
4. Quick Comparison 7 Major Hotel Programs That Count Award Stays Toward Elite Status in 2024 - Accor Live Limitless Points From Award Stays Count Toward Status
5. Quick Comparison 7 Major Hotel Programs That Count Award Stays Toward Elite Status in 2024 - Choice Hotels Allows Award Night Elite Qualifying Stays
6. Quick Comparison 7 Major Hotel Programs That Count Award Stays Toward Elite Status in 2024 - Best Western Rewards Status Credit for Award Bookings
7. Quick Comparison 7 Major Hotel Programs That Count Award Stays Toward Elite Status in 2024 - Wyndham Rewards Points and Award Nights Add Up For Status

Quick Comparison 7 Major Hotel Programs That Count Award Stays Toward Elite Status in 2024 - IHG One Rewards Elite Status Through Free Night Certificates

IHG One Rewards has introduced a more flexible approach to achieving elite status, particularly through the utilization of free night certificates. Unlike many hotel programs, IHG offers multiple routes to elite status beyond simply staying at their hotels. This includes earning points from their co-branded credit cards. In 2024, the program structure has evolved to include a mix of qualifying nights and points for Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond tiers, potentially making it easier for both dedicated and occasional travelers to achieve status.

One of the program's notable strengths is its ability to allow guests to earn points and contribute toward elite status based on ancillary spending at properties during both paid and award nights. This offers a unique incentive to actively engage with the program, rewarding members who use free night certificates and contribute to IHG's revenue in other ways. It appears that the program is attempting to make it easier for travelers to earn status through a combination of different actions and revenue streams. The extent to which these changes ultimately attract and retain loyalty within the competitive hotel landscape remains to be seen.

IHG One Rewards, after its revamp in 2022, has introduced a few interesting elements related to reaching elite status. While the program's core remains similar to other hotel loyalty programs—requiring a certain number of nights or points—it offers a few twists. For instance, earning Silver Elite requires 10 qualifying nights, while Gold needs 20 nights or 40,000 points. Platinum needs 40 nights or 60,000 points, and Diamond calls for 70 nights or 120,000 points. These metrics are relatively standard, but IHG distinguishes itself through its policies on free night certificates and how they factor into status.

One intriguing aspect is that IHG allows you to earn elite status by using free night certificates. These nights contribute towards status qualification, which could potentially accelerate your climb to higher tiers. This is somewhat rare and a distinct strategy on IHG's part to incentivize members to use those free nights. The potential drawback is that it's not fully transparent whether or not they are valued the same way as paid nights. It is also noteworthy that the program allows multiple avenues to earn status beyond just spending on rooms, a strategy that many hotel chains now seem to implement.

In addition to the status earned through stays, it appears that the program also gives you a chance to earn some status by using the services and amenities at the hotels. This means that even if you earn a free night through a promotion, you can earn some points, and indirectly status, through these ancillary services. That creates an interesting relationship between status and hotel services.

IHG also presents a range of brands under its umbrella—InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, etc.—allowing members to diversify their stays and potentially expedite their progression through the tiers. Whether this approach is truly beneficial for members will have to be seen in the future. It does provide IHG with the ability to incentivize bookings across its portfolio.

Credit cards that work with IHG offer an extra dimension, typically including an annual free night certificate as well as credits or discounts that can speed up elite status qualification. It's not surprising that these cards can accelerate your progress; it's essentially a co-branded marketing effort designed to promote greater engagement with the program.

IHG is actively exploring various strategies to encourage loyalty and engagement. This includes offering opportunities to "match" your existing elite status from other hotel chains, or offering promotions for bonus points. It remains to be seen how these strategies influence customer behavior over time.


One aspect of elite status is that it's not just for the member, but can potentially benefit family members, giving them access to certain features like late checkouts. This element creates a larger incentive for loyalty and extends the value of elite status beyond a single person.

It will be interesting to observe how IHG adapts and evolves its program in the coming years. Hotel programs are highly competitive, and it appears that they are all trying to create a set of advantages that attracts and retains travelers. The emphasis on a variety of strategies is a reflection of this ongoing struggle for customer loyalty in the travel industry.

Quick Comparison 7 Major Hotel Programs That Count Award Stays Toward Elite Status in 2024 - World of Hyatt Award Night Credits Apply to Globalist Status

World of Hyatt's Globalist status remains a highly sought-after tier in the hotel loyalty landscape, particularly for those who frequently stay at Hyatt properties. A key update for 2024 is that award nights now count towards achieving Globalist status. Previously, only paid stays were counted, but Hyatt has recognized that awarding stays are a significant part of many travelers' experience. This change potentially makes achieving Globalist status more accessible, as it widens the options for earning the required nights.

Reaching Globalist typically involves either accumulating 60 qualifying nights or 100,000 base points in a given year. While the points system can be a bit complex at times, earning those base points from award stays provides more flexibility in how to earn this sought-after status.

Interestingly, Hyatt also continues to incentivize credit card spending. Those holding the co-branded World of Hyatt credit card receive annual elite night credits that nudge them closer to Globalist status. While the credit card is designed to drive spending and potentially make you a more valuable customer, these credits can also help those who travel less frequently gain the benefits of Globalist status.

The perks associated with Globalist status are many, leading to it being considered by many industry experts as the most desirable elite status across all major hotel chains. However, the overall structure of the program may not be as straightforward as it appears. With its ever-evolving landscape and the rising competition, it will be interesting to observe how Hyatt responds to customer behavior in the coming years. This may further incentivize the use of award stays or other strategies to retain loyal customers.

Hyatt's World of Hyatt program has interwoven award nights into the path towards Globalist status. This is an intriguing aspect of their loyalty strategy, as it allows members to leverage free stays to climb the elite status ladder. The way the Hyatt credit card ties into this system is particularly noteworthy, because it allows members to accumulate points and nights towards Globalist status faster. This suggests that they are trying to tie credit card usage closely to hotel stays, and in essence try to incentivize a higher level of engagement with the hotel chain.

One of the interesting parts about this is that members are still able to earn points on incidentals, like food and drinks, even during an award stay. This subtle detail adds some complexity to the system but also makes it more rewarding. It's a smart move on Hyatt's part to extract more value from free stays, by tying it to revenue-generating opportunities in the hotels.

It is a fact that Hyatt's system, at least in terms of using free nights for elite status, stands apart from many competitors. This makes it, at least on paper, easier to reach the top tier of the Hyatt program, compared to some other programs. There are clear advantages when reaching Globalist status in Hyatt, as you get perks like room upgrades and sometimes waived resort fees. While it's tempting to simply view the perks as being solely driven by spending on rooms, Hyatt seems to see value in engaging with their customers across a variety of channels and reward their usage of the system via award stays.

Hyatt's strategy is interesting from a new customer perspective. It might be more enticing to join their program, given that one can accrue elite status from the get-go, which provides a nice entry point for infrequent or first-time Hyatt users. Similar to other programs, Hyatt also carries forward some nights from one year to the next, which is a rather standard practice to retain loyalty. The constant competition in the hotel space is probably driving Hyatt to continually refine their offering. This includes things like exploring promotional opportunities to boost award night usage and creating incentive mechanisms to incentivize loyalty.

Hyatt's large portfolio is also a part of their strategy to attract a wider spectrum of guests. Travelers might find suitable lodgings across a range of Hyatt brands, from the luxury segment to select-service hotels, which makes the program appealing from a broad usage perspective. As the travel landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to observe how Hyatt's strategy of blending award stays and elite status adapts to changing travel trends and preferences. There might be a connection between shifting travel behaviors towards a more hybrid and cost-conscious outlook and the hotel chains' desire to attract and keep customers with more flexible earning structures.

Quick Comparison 7 Major Hotel Programs That Count Award Stays Toward Elite Status in 2024 - Accor Live Limitless Points From Award Stays Count Toward Status

Accor Live Limitless, or ALL, has made a change that could benefit those who prioritize earning elite status. They now count points earned from award nights towards achieving higher tiers within their program. This means that if you're aiming for Gold or Platinum, you can use a mix of paid and free stays to hit your targets. Since the number of points needed to reach those statuses is typically quite high, this could be a valuable addition for members.

With ALL, the number of points you get varies depending on the specific hotel brand you stay at and the amount you spend. So, strategizing your stays based on your desired rewards can help you accumulate points faster and get closer to that coveted Gold or Platinum status. Beyond hotel stays, they also offer collaborations with airlines, like Air France and KLM, which allows you to accrue points in both hotel and airline programs at the same time. This can be attractive for those who tend to fly with specific carriers and are trying to optimize their reward options.

Whether this shift in how award nights impact status is enough to significantly alter member engagement and long-term loyalty in a very competitive landscape remains to be seen. It's definitely a move in the right direction though, recognizing the value that reward stays provide.

Accor Live Limitless (ALL) stands out by counting points earned from award stays towards elite status. This is interesting, as many hotel loyalty programs don't offer this, which implies that Accor recognizes the role reward nights play in today's travel landscape, fueled by credit card offers and promotions.

This program's structure appears to make it easier to reach higher status levels. The combination of points earned from award stays and incidental spending during those stays potentially makes it appealing for frequent and casual travelers to achieve a higher tier.

One unique aspect is how members can earn points for services beyond the room, like dining or spa treatments, even when using an award night. This is not only a nice perk for the user, but it also makes sense from Accor's perspective as a way to potentially generate more revenue from those award nights.

Accor's vast portfolio of brands—from Sofitel to Ibis—provides members with flexibility. It allows members to accumulate status across various price points, giving those with diverse travel preferences a wider range of choices.

Similar to other chains, ALL has partnerships that allow members to earn points in more ways. The usage of co-branded credit cards expands the avenues for earning points and makes elite status more achievable through daily spending habits.

Another positive development is the ability to see the points and status accumulation in real-time. This trend towards greater transparency is becoming more commonplace in loyalty programs and it likely makes users more engaged as they see how their travel contributes to their overall status.

ALL's initiatives to entice members from other hotel chains by matching their status is another way to gain market share. This is a tactic that hotels often employ to grab customers from the competition.

A handy feature is the ability to carry over nights earned in one year to the next. This is useful for members whose travel habits might fluctuate from one year to the next. It provides a degree of continuity that can be useful to maintain your status without needing to restart the process every time.

The program's strategy to keep the annual membership fee low is also interesting. Competitors have introduced hefty fees, potentially making Accor a more appealing option for those who are more budget-conscious.

Given the current dynamics of the travel industry, we expect to see changes in how award stays affect elite status in the future. As consumer behavior adapts to new travel preferences, we anticipate that Accor and others will need to continue to adapt their programs to remain relevant.

Quick Comparison 7 Major Hotel Programs That Count Award Stays Toward Elite Status in 2024 - Choice Hotels Allows Award Night Elite Qualifying Stays

Choice Privileges, the loyalty program of Choice Hotels, has implemented a change that could benefit its members: award nights now count towards achieving elite status. This means that stays booked using points, in addition to paid stays, can contribute towards reaching tiers like Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. These tiers typically necessitate 10, 20, and 40 qualifying nights per calendar year, respectively.

While some other hotel programs, like Hilton and Best Western, have already adopted similar practices, Choice Privileges' overall value proposition for elite members might not be as compelling as programs offered by larger chains, like Marriott or Hyatt. However, the new policy of recognizing award nights for elite status does increase accessibility, potentially attracting more travelers to the Choice Hotels family.

It will be intriguing to watch how this change influences member behavior and loyalty moving forward. As the landscape of hotel loyalty programs continues to evolve, we expect further adjustments and innovations, all aimed at attracting and retaining loyal guests.

Choice Hotels has joined the growing number of hotel programs that count award nights towards elite status. This shift, which acknowledges the importance of all stay types, makes it easier for members to climb the tiers without solely relying on paid nights. The program now offers a clear path to earning points and achieving status through award stays, allowing members to strategically plan their bookings.

This change is especially beneficial for business travelers who often utilize company-paid stays. These stays, now counted towards elite status, create more value for those frequently utilizing Choice Hotels. The program's structure is now more flexible, allowing for a blend of paid and award nights to facilitate faster status attainment. This also offers an incentive to book more frequently with Choice, aiming for the best rewards possible.

Similarly to other programs, Choice Privileges enables members to earn points on purchases made during both paid and award stays, such as dining and services at the property. This strategy encourages more engagement with hotel amenities, potentially generating greater ancillary revenue. The broad range of Choice Hotels brands, from Comfort Inn to Quality Inn, provides travelers with options for stays that can contribute to reaching elite status. This diversity caters to a broader range of preferences and potentially builds stronger brand loyalty.

The trend of awarding points for award stays is becoming increasingly common in the hotel industry. Choice's decision can be seen as a method to stand out from competitors who primarily emphasize paid stays. It potentially attracts a larger customer base while also highlighting a different perspective on customer loyalty, which seems to move beyond the traditional emphasis on revenue generated from paid rooms.

However, there is a potential risk of confusion. How precisely points and qualifying nights are calculated for award stays needs to be clear and easily accessible for members. Without transparency, there is a risk that some might feel the system is not truly fair.

Going forward, it will be interesting to observe how Choice Hotels adapts its loyalty program in the face of growing competition within the hotel sector. Consumer preferences are evolving, and Choice will likely need to adapt their structure to remain a competitive and relevant option in a rapidly changing travel landscape.

Quick Comparison 7 Major Hotel Programs That Count Award Stays Toward Elite Status in 2024 - Best Western Rewards Status Credit for Award Bookings

Best Western Rewards has shifted its approach to recognizing the value of all types of stays, now including award nights in the calculation for elite status. This means that when you book a free night using your accumulated Best Western Rewards points, those stays now count towards achieving higher tiers like Diamond, which needs 30 nights in total. This change puts Best Western in line with other major hotel programs that are increasingly realizing that award nights are a crucial component of many travelers' experiences.

The way Best Western Rewards is structured makes it possible to earn points quickly, which ultimately helps people earn free nights. In addition to earning points for award nights, there are bonus structures for elite members—from a 10% bonus for the basic Blue and Gold tiers to a 30% bonus for those at the top Diamond level. These bonus structures further encourage members to achieve higher status tiers and maximize their returns.

Essentially, Best Western appears to be adapting to the evolving landscape of loyalty programs and travel behaviors. The trend across many hotel chains is to reward a wider range of stay types, recognizing that not all stays are simply about spending money on a room. This shift has the potential to drive greater engagement within the Best Western Rewards program, potentially increasing loyalty. It will be interesting to see how this shift, along with the program's existing features, attracts travelers and competes within the increasingly crowded hotel loyalty market.

Best Western Rewards, in a move that aligns with industry trends, counts award nights towards achieving elite status. This is notable because it acknowledges that award stays are a significant portion of how people engage with hotel loyalty programs. This means you can potentially earn both qualifying nights and points from award stays, giving you a bit more flexibility in how you strategize your travels.

It's interesting how Best Western has positioned itself in the competitive hotel landscape by recognizing the value of award stays. It's a clear sign that they are adapting to how travelers are looking for value and incentives when they're loyal to a certain program.

Even during award nights, you can still earn points for things like dining or room upgrades. This creates a situation where a seemingly "free" night can generate some value. This might be seen as a way to encourage members to spend more at the hotel, which ultimately benefits Best Western.

The credit cards that are linked to the Best Western Rewards program can enhance earning opportunities. This provides a nice avenue for those who like to use credit cards for regular purchases and want to leverage their spending habits to get closer to status or award nights. It's a way to link financial behavior with hotel usage.


However, Best Western Rewards isn't always perfectly transparent about how you earn status. While award stays count, it might not always be readily apparent how many nights or points are needed to reach a specific level, which could lead to confusion or dissatisfaction for some.

This approach to include award nights in status qualifications is part of a bigger trend in the hotel industry. Customers expect rewards programs to be more comprehensive and recognize how they engage with the chain, which is why this kind of flexibility is becoming more standard.


As travel behaviors and the overall hotel landscape continue to change, we can likely expect that Best Western Rewards will add more features to enhance how people earn points and status. It's all part of the ongoing competition within the hotel industry to stay relevant.


Having real-time tracking for how points and status are accumulating during different kinds of stays would be a beneficial step for the user experience. Clarity on point and status accumulation across various types of stays is essential for today's travelers who value transparency.

The inclusion of award nights in status criteria makes things easier for everyone. But it also creates a bit more complexity for the program itself, and Best Western will need to be very clear on how people are progressing towards elite status, to avoid confusion or disappointment.

Quick Comparison 7 Major Hotel Programs That Count Award Stays Toward Elite Status in 2024 - Wyndham Rewards Points and Award Nights Add Up For Status

Wyndham Rewards has cleverly positioned itself within the competitive hotel loyalty landscape by making both paid and award nights count toward achieving elite status. This is a smart move that recognizes how travelers use points and rewards. In 2024, if you want to reach the Diamond level, you'll need to rack up 40 qualifying nights across their hotels. This structure offers a welcome flexibility, catering to those who mix paid stays with free nights earned through their points. The way points are earned is fairly straightforward, with members getting 10 points for each dollar they spend on paid nights. They've also built in elite-status bonuses to incentivize higher tiers, with Gold members receiving an extra 10% bonus, Platinum 15%, and Diamond members enjoying a 20% bonus on top of their base points. The program goes a step further by encouraging participation through partnerships with credit card companies. This gives members a potential avenue to speed up their climb towards elite status, essentially creating a path for less frequent travelers to also benefit. The recognition of award nights reflects a common trend in the hotel industry, which is a reflection of shifting consumer habits. It's essentially a tactic to keep customers engaged with brands across the board and reward the full spectrum of their interaction with a hotel chain.

### Wyndham Rewards Points and Award Nights Add Up For Status

Wyndham Rewards presents an interesting approach to earning elite status, where both paid and award nights contribute toward reaching different tiers. This structure, while seemingly simple, offers some intriguing nuances that can significantly impact how members interact with the program.

One of the noteworthy aspects of Wyndham Rewards is that points are not solely earned from hotel room nights. The program extends point earning opportunities to various aspects of a stay, like meals in the hotel or spa treatments. This implies that even when redeeming points for free nights, a member can still accumulate further points from spending within the hotel itself. The structure potentially incentivizes members to spend more within the Wyndham ecosystem, extending beyond just the cost of the room itself.

Interestingly, Wyndham's program allows members to earn both qualifying nights and points from award nights. This is a rather flexible approach, as it facilitates a path to achieving elite status, even without spending money on lodging. In this regard, Wyndham appears to be more adaptable than some other programs. However, it raises the question of whether these points and nights are truly equivalent to those earned through paid stays.


Wyndham Rewards distinguishes itself with its diverse redemption options. Points can be redeemed for not just hotel stays, but also a range of travel partners, such as airlines and car rentals. This expanded ecosystem allows members to potentially maximize their points across multiple travel segments, contributing toward reaching elite status at a faster pace. This approach is in contrast to programs that limit redemption strictly to hotel stays. Whether that actually contributes to the overall appeal of the program remains to be seen.


Another aspect worth examining is Wyndham's approach to the benefits associated with award nights. Many programs often restrict certain benefits like complimentary breakfast or room upgrades to paid stays. However, Wyndham frequently extends these amenities to award bookings, which directly adds to the perceived value of using reward points. This could also be part of their effort to drive ancillary spend in the hotel, although it is likely a positive feature for travelers who value a more consistent set of benefits across different booking methods.


It's also worth noting that Wyndham has established a lower barrier for achieving elite status, especially in the lower tiers. For example, acquiring Gold status only necessitates 15 qualifying nights, a number that is well below many of its competitors. This strategy may attract travelers who might not frequent high-end hotels, and thus wouldn't be incentivized to join other programs. It is not yet clear whether this strategy will indeed attract more customers and increase overall loyalty to the brand, but it is an interesting approach to attract a wider audience.

One potential advantage for occasional travelers is that points in the Wyndham Rewards program do not expire as long as some kind of account activity happens within 18 months. This feature essentially provides a safety net for members who do not use the program consistently. It potentially increases the lifetime value of a member, even for infrequent users. This feature is increasingly common amongst hotel programs and shows that the competition for users is very active.

Also, a strong point in favor of Wyndham is the absence of blackout dates for award bookings. This means that points can be used to book stays at any time of the year, which gives travelers greater flexibility, particularly during peak seasons. While this can also create challenges for Wyndham in managing inventory, it seems to be a highly valued feature for travelers.


Furthermore, Wyndham's app offers real-time tracking for points and elite status progress. This level of transparency is not universally available across hotel loyalty programs. The ability to visually track progress and see the impact of each stay could certainly foster a stronger sense of engagement among members. This feature is also becoming more common across many loyalty programs and can certainly foster more engagement and appreciation.

In addition, members using Wyndham Rewards have the ability to benefit from bonus point earning structures that can multiply earned points for both paid and award stays. This aspect again adds an intriguing element to the system as it potentially encourages a higher level of engagement by members. It remains to be seen whether this approach is ultimately beneficial for travelers and will drive an increase in the frequency of stays under the Wyndham umbrella.

Essentially, the Wyndham Rewards program stands out for its approach to award nights and the ways in which it incentivizes engagement. While there are some questions regarding whether the points and nights earned via award stays are truly equivalent to those earned via paid stays, the overall flexibility and transparency seem to create a unique value proposition. It remains to be seen whether this approach will translate to higher customer loyalty in the long run. However, it clearly demonstrates that Wyndham is attempting to differentiate itself in a crowded field.