The True Cost-Benefit Analysis of Hotel Mattress Runs When Do The Numbers Actually Work?

The True Cost-Benefit Analysis of Hotel Mattress Runs When Do The Numbers Actually Work? - Why Hilton Honors Diamond Status via Mattress Runs May Cost $840 in 2024

Securing Hilton Honors Diamond status through the so-called "mattress runs" might be a costly endeavor in 2024, potentially requiring around $840 in expenses. Hilton's updated criteria for achieving or retaining this elite status, which includes a significant number of nights or points earned, makes it a substantial commitment. The days of more relaxed rules are over, and members who held Diamond status during the past few years might now face a hurdle to maintain it. While Hilton introduced some interim measures, like trial statuses, to keep some members happy, these options come with their own stipulations and deadlines. Travelers interested in this status need to carefully assess if the premium benefits like complimentary upgrades and extra points are genuinely worth the associated cost. It's a decision that depends heavily on individual travel patterns and priorities.

Hilton's Diamond status, a coveted tier in their loyalty program, can be a valuable asset for frequent travelers. However, attaining this status solely through so-called "mattress runs" – booking short, inexpensive stays to rack up nights or points – has become more expensive in 2024. The current requirements demand either 30 stays or 60 nights within a calendar year, or 120,000 base points. While the program has seen some changes since 2023, including a trial period for Diamond status, earning that status organically is still a matter of fulfilling the required criteria.

One has to look at the cost-benefit of such a strategy. The cost, based on current rates for budget hotels that are frequently used in this tactic, has been estimated to be around $840 to achieve the 30-stay requirement. Naturally, that's just an average and may vary with location and property. Whether that price point is worthwhile depends on how much you value the benefits that come with Diamond status. These include a 100% points bonus on stays, complimentary room upgrades (which can be particularly beneficial during peak seasons), and access to Executive Lounges.

The potential for saving money through Executive Lounge perks is noteworthy, as free food and drinks can partially offset the costs of your runs. However, it's important to consider that not all properties have an Executive Lounge, and the quality of food and drink can vary widely. You may find yourself in properties with minimal amenities. Other perks such as guaranteed late check-out and free breakfast may seem nice, but they don't necessarily translate into substantial savings for everyone.

Hilton's partnership with airlines can make these points more valuable if you actively utilize airline miles. But earning miles through hotel stays isn't necessarily ideal when compared with direct earning with the airline.

It's also worth noting that the current flexibility within the program is likely temporary, as Hilton often modifies its loyalty programs to maintain an equilibrium. What makes sense for mattress runs today may not be a viable strategy tomorrow. Therefore, it's crucial to fully evaluate your potential ROI before engaging in an extended mattress run program. This is especially true with Hilton's offer for a trial Diamond status expiring at the end of the year and whether they change the requirements again for 2025.

What else is in this post?

1. The True Cost-Benefit Analysis of Hotel Mattress Runs When Do The Numbers Actually Work? - Why Hilton Honors Diamond Status via Mattress Runs May Cost $840 in 2024
2. The True Cost-Benefit Analysis of Hotel Mattress Runs When Do The Numbers Actually Work? - Marriott Bonvoy Status Requirements Now Need 25% More Stays Making Mattress Runs Less Valuable
3. The True Cost-Benefit Analysis of Hotel Mattress Runs When Do The Numbers Actually Work? - IHG One Rewards Sweet Spot Mattress Run at Holiday Inn Express Properties Under $55
4. The True Cost-Benefit Analysis of Hotel Mattress Runs When Do The Numbers Actually Work? - The New World of Hyatt Status Match Challenge Makes Mattress Runs Obsolete
5. The True Cost-Benefit Analysis of Hotel Mattress Runs When Do The Numbers Actually Work? - Choice Hotels Point Runs Generate 1 cents per Dollar at Select Properties
6. The True Cost-Benefit Analysis of Hotel Mattress Runs When Do The Numbers Actually Work? - Wyndham Rewards Elite Status via 12 Nights Proves Most Expensive Mattress Run Option

The True Cost-Benefit Analysis of Hotel Mattress Runs When Do The Numbers Actually Work? - Marriott Bonvoy Status Requirements Now Need 25% More Stays Making Mattress Runs Less Valuable

Marriott Bonvoy has made it tougher to achieve elite status, particularly Gold Elite, by upping the required stays by a quarter. This change potentially makes the practice of "mattress runs," short, cheap stays to rack up nights, less valuable. You now need to stay 25 nights a year to hit Gold, which could deter those seeking a quick path to perks like a 25% bonus on earned points. It's worth pondering if the benefits associated with Gold Elite, such as the points bonus, are worth the additional effort and costs in light of this change. With hotel loyalty programs evolving and becoming increasingly competitive, it's more crucial than ever to determine if chasing status through these short stays is worth the effort, based on your personal travel needs. The value proposition may simply not be as compelling anymore with the new requirements in place.

Marriott Bonvoy has recently adjusted its elite status requirements, demanding 25% more stays to reach the same level compared to the past. This change makes the tactic of "mattress running", or booking short, inexpensive stays solely to accrue status nights, less compelling.

To illustrate, attaining Gold Elite status, which provides perks like a 25% bonus on points earned, now needs 25 nights, a clear increase compared to the previous threshold. This elevated requirement translates to a greater financial commitment for those pursuing elite status through this method.

Marriott Bonvoy spans 30 hotel brands and over 7,000 hotels worldwide, which makes it one of the most expansive programs available. The program itself has multiple status tiers, each with a graduated set of benefits, like prioritized room upgrades or extended check-out times. The highest tier offers significant rewards like a bonus of 25 points for every dollar spent in hotels, potentially creating a large point accrual over time.

Interestingly, entry-level Silver Elite status has become more accessible. You can now qualify through specific credit card benefits, a departure from the traditional dependence on exclusively earning nights. Marriott Bonvoy credit cards, such as the Bold and Boundless variants, offer ways to attain status through spend, rather than relying purely on stays. The Brilliant Amex card even includes a free annual night certificate worth up to 85,000 points.

Because of the recent changes, the economics of mattress running has shifted, and travelers should carefully analyze whether the benefits of the increased nights are truly worth it. In a sense, it's about analyzing the return on the investment of your time and money. The shift within the Marriott Bonvoy program emphasizes that loyalty programs are continually evolving and adapt to member behavior. If Marriott's program now demands more engagement, travelers will have to make sure it still makes sense, or if alternatives exist that are more favorable. It's a matter of continually assessing if a program fits a traveler's needs and travel habits.

The True Cost-Benefit Analysis of Hotel Mattress Runs When Do The Numbers Actually Work? - IHG One Rewards Sweet Spot Mattress Run at Holiday Inn Express Properties Under $55

IHG One Rewards presents an interesting scenario for budget-conscious travelers seeking to accumulate points with their "mattress run" strategy at Holiday Inn Express properties priced under $55. While the potential for earning points and achieving status within the IHG program is undeniable, the actual return on investment can be difficult to pin down. The flexibility of IHG One Rewards with its point redemption system isn't always transparent. Points needed for free nights, or other benefits like free Wi-Fi, can change depending on where you're staying and when you book. Moreover, with IHG's unusual decision to count 2023 stays for 2024 rewards, it raises some questions about their long-term strategy with this program.

The reality of these mattress runs, often tied to physical check-ins, could complicate matters if local rules regarding hotel stays get in the way. The so-called "sweet spots" in IHG One Rewards, hotels that are allegedly worth the points, vary a lot depending on market and trends. Ultimately, the practicality of pursuing a mattress run at Holiday Inn Express properties hinges on carefully evaluating your own travel goals and whether the potential rewards outweigh the out-of-pocket expenses involved. The lack of transparency surrounding reward redemption possibilities and the evolving landscape of hotel loyalty programs can affect how you see the benefits of these runs. It's a game of risk and reward.

Focusing on IHG One Rewards, particularly their Holiday Inn Express properties with rates under $55, reveals an interesting aspect of the "mattress run" strategy. These budget-friendly stays can potentially offer a high return on investment when considering the points and nights earned for a relatively small monetary outlay.


IHG's points structure often grants 10 to 20 points per dollar spent at Holiday Inn Express locations. For someone seeking to rapidly accumulate points, these low-cost stays can translate into a substantial amount of points over a series of short visits.

Furthermore, IHG frequently offers promotions like bonus points for certain booking periods. These can effectively compound the rewards earned from the stays themselves, significantly boosting the returns on your lodging spend.

Many Holiday Inn Express properties also offer perks such as free breakfast and Wi-Fi, effectively lowering the overall cost of each stay. While not luxurious, these reductions contribute to a more favorable financial profile for the mattress run approach.

The points you accrue from mattress runs can then be used for a variety of purposes. You could potentially redeem them for free nights at IHG properties, including more premium brands. Some might even explore converting points to airline miles, creating further flexibility.

IHG often provides a fair degree of flexibility in terms of booking and cancellation policies. If your plans change, you might be able to adapt or cancel without losing too much financially, a beneficial feature for those who aren't fully certain about their travel plans.

Furthermore, Holiday Inn Express locations are often strategically located near transportation hubs like airports or highways, ideal for travelers who are looking to efficiently maximize their status accrual while already traveling.

However, the cost of these stays isn't constant. It's dependent on a variety of factors like seasonality and market demand. Those who are adept at identifying times of low demand can potentially extract even more value from the runs.

Accumulating nights through these low-cost stays has the potential to influence your progress towards IHG One Rewards' elite statuses faster. This could lead to higher tiers sooner than would otherwise be possible, unlocking access to additional perks and other benefits.

When looking to leverage your points for free nights, hotels like Holiday Inn Express can often offer very attractive redemption rates compared to higher-end properties. This can be a significant element in optimizing the return from your mattress run activities.



The practice of mattress runs is indeed a strategy that's dependent on various elements. While it can be a potent way to maximize loyalty programs, it also involves planning and some understanding of the specific dynamics of each program. The IHG One Rewards system, specifically the Holiday Inn Express budget brand, does appear to offer a compelling aspect for this approach, at least currently. However, the frequent changes in the hotel loyalty programs emphasize the need for regular assessment to ensure it still delivers a positive return on investment.

The True Cost-Benefit Analysis of Hotel Mattress Runs When Do The Numbers Actually Work? - The New World of Hyatt Status Match Challenge Makes Mattress Runs Obsolete

Hyatt's new Status Match Challenge is fundamentally altering how travelers approach elite status within their loyalty program. The ability to potentially achieve the top-tier Globalist status with a mere 10 nights, through a status match from another program, has made the traditional "mattress run" strategy less compelling. Why spend countless nights in budget hotels accumulating points and nights when a status match can provide similar benefits with far less effort?

Current Hyatt promotions further diminish the attractiveness of mattress runs by lowering the standard elite qualification requirements. Achieving Globalist status now necessitates fewer nights compared to the past, making the grind of multiple short stays to gain status feel increasingly unnecessary for many. The allure of shortcuts, especially when tied to a potentially lower financial commitment, is becoming more attractive to frequent travelers.

This shift in approach highlights a fundamental change in the cost-benefit calculation related to hotel loyalty. The time and money previously invested in extended mattress runs now need to be reevaluated in light of the new status match possibilities. Whether the rewards of Globalist status outweigh the costs and effort associated with a long string of short stays is now a more intricate equation. It's a situation that encourages travelers to critically analyze their overall travel habits and determine if status match or existing promotions truly offer a more favorable pathway to maximizing their Hyatt benefits.

Hyatt's newly introduced Status Match Challenge is fundamentally changing the landscape of how travelers approach earning elite status. Previously, accumulating status, especially the top-tier Globalist level, often involved a series of short stays, known as "mattress runs," designed to rack up qualifying nights. However, this tactic may no longer be the most efficient strategy.

Reaching Globalist status traditionally demanded 60 elite nights, which could translate into a significant number of points (around 300,000 at a Category 1 hotel) and potentially substantial out-of-pocket expenses. But with the Status Match Challenge, travelers can potentially achieve the same status by transferring their existing status from another hotel loyalty program. This streamlined path could cut the number of required nights significantly, potentially down to just 10, eliminating the need for numerous short stays.

The introduction of this new mechanism seems to be a response to a broader shift within the hotel industry. Hotel chains are increasingly recognizing that they can attract guests from other programs through offering status matches. This strategy encourages a change in customer behavior by bypassing traditional loyalty building, such as prolonged stays, with a more instant gratification system.

The value of Hyatt points, which can vary widely, influences how appealing mattress runs become. Some estimations place the worth of Hyatt points at a mere 1.5 cents each, which might make the extensive stays and associated costs seem less rewarding. In contrast, the Status Match Challenge requires far fewer stays to secure similar benefits.

In addition to the core elite nights, Hyatt offers various milestones along the path, such as a 5,000-point award for hitting 40 nights. However, these intermediate rewards might lose some allure if status can be attained more easily through a status match.

Among frequent travelers, there's a growing acknowledgment that mattress runs may not always be the best approach. Leveraging promotions and the Status Match Challenge, which often have more favorable cost-benefit ratios, are gaining favor. Essentially, the decision is changing towards evaluating how quickly you want access to the perks and if you already are loyal to another program.

The new Status Match Challenge does offer certain perks, like potential for upgrades, complimentary breakfast and late checkout, all leading to potential savings. Whether these benefits are worth the effort depends on your individual travel patterns. However, preliminary data indicates that the return on effort might be much better for those leveraging status matches.

While status matching seems appealing, it's also important to analyze if this is a strategy that is built to last. Program changes, how valuable those benefits are over time and if the value stays the same are crucial factors to evaluate. The flexibility and attractiveness of these challenges are likely influenced by current travel habits. As the industry continues to evolve, the strategy of hotels and how they incentivize loyalty will certainly change. There is a possibility that the current flexibility of these status matches becomes less attractive in the future.

The True Cost-Benefit Analysis of Hotel Mattress Runs When Do The Numbers Actually Work? - Choice Hotels Point Runs Generate 1 cents per Dollar at Select Properties

Choice Hotels is offering a relatively low return on points earned through stays at certain properties, with the current value sitting around 1 cent per dollar spent. This base earning rate of 10 points per dollar can rise, especially if you hold elite status or use affiliated credit cards, reaching as high as 25 points per dollar. While some reward options show a slightly better value of 2.33 cents per point, on average, a free night redemption brings about 0.7 cents per point. This can make simply racking up points less interesting than aiming for stays at hotels offering higher redemption value for your points. In the end, figuring out if Choice points runs are truly beneficial for you is about understanding your typical travel patterns and the particular hotels you're considering. You'll want to decide if the points you're accumulating offer a good enough return on your investment.

Choice Hotels presents a somewhat unusual approach to point accrual, with select properties offering roughly 1 cent per dollar spent during stays. This stands in contrast to many other hotel chains where the value you get for your points can vary widely, creating an interesting but also complex picture for maximizing returns.

However, the effectiveness of these so-called "point runs" can vary a lot, often depending on where the hotel is located. While urban areas tend to have higher rates, potentially making the value per point less compelling, rural locations offer cheaper stays, but might lack the frequency of those tempting bonus point promotions.

Adding another layer to this is the fact that Choice points expire after 18 months of inactivity. This creates a pressure on frequent travelers to engage consistently with the program, which can become a hurdle for those who are focused on longer-term value through mattress runs.

Further complicating things is Choice Hotels' dynamic pricing model. Room rates, and subsequently, point values, can fluctuate depending on demand and the time of year. This adds an element of uncertainty for those who are trying to build a budget-conscious strategy, potentially leading to inconsistent returns.

Despite these uncertainties, the program does offer some flexibility in how you can use your points. Redemption options are varied, including free nights, gift cards and other goodies. While this adds some value, it can also distract from the core goal of optimizing mattress runs for free nights specifically.

Choice Privileges, like other hotel loyalty programs, has a multi-tiered system for elite status. The more you stay, the better your rewards. However, navigating these tiers effectively with a point-run strategy might not be straightforward for everyone, particularly for those who have a tighter budget or travel less frequently. Finding the optimal balance between the costs and benefits is key here.

To increase point earning potential, Choice Hotels often runs promotions offering bonus points for specific types of stays. If a traveler is able to strategically time their stays with these promotions, it can enhance the overall value of point runs substantially.

While it appears attractive to rack up points for future stays via runs, the up-front costs of these lower-end hotels might, in some cases, not be compensated by the point earnings. This is a critical factor to examine for each property - how much do you need to spend compared to the points earned?

Another limiting aspect is that not all Choice Hotels participate in the rewards program to the same extent. Some locations may have limitations on earning opportunities or the type of elite status you can achieve. This introduces another layer of complexity for those who value a consistent travel experience across different brands.

Lastly, it is important to realize that the practicality of point runs in the Choice system is affected by the overall travel market. Economic fluctuations, travel trends, and the general demand for hotel rooms in a particular region will all influence the feasibility of these stays, leading to variable potential returns.

The True Cost-Benefit Analysis of Hotel Mattress Runs When Do The Numbers Actually Work? - Wyndham Rewards Elite Status via 12 Nights Proves Most Expensive Mattress Run Option

Wyndham Rewards has garnered attention recently because of how expensive it's become to achieve elite status through the so-called "mattress runs." Specifically, to reach even the basic Gold status, you're looking at a minimum of 12 nights, and that's a significant commitment when considering the costs involved. While 12 nights might seem manageable, it's the actual financial burden of these stays that raises eyebrows. It's debatable whether the perks of elite status, like waived fees and the occasional room upgrade, are truly worth the money spent on those stays. As other hotel chains adjust their loyalty programs, the Wyndham route with these runs for achieving elite status starts to look less appealing as a money-saving tactic for frequent travelers. Ultimately, frequent travelers need to carefully evaluate whether these stays are in line with their typical travel behavior and if the overall benefits justify the expense. It's a matter of balancing the potential gains against the actual outlays in the constantly changing world of hotel rewards programs.

Wyndham Rewards, with its 15 points per dollar earned at most hotels, seems to fall within the usual range of hotel loyalty programs, where points can be worth roughly 1.5 to 2.5 cents each. However, the path to elite status in this program relies heavily on accumulating nights, making mattress runs a potentially expensive strategy.

To get to the top tier of Wyndham's elite program, a traveler may need to spend anywhere between $900 and $1,200 just on short-stay runs. This begs the question for many frequent travelers: Are the benefits associated with elite status worth this kind of expenditure, especially when those potential savings and perks aren't always readily available?

Adding to the complexity is the fact that Wyndham points don't have a constant value. The number of points needed for a free night can range from 7,500 to 30,000 depending on the property and the time of year. This means that the points accumulated through mattress runs might not always translate into the most desirable free nights depending on what kind of properties you're interested in.

Furthermore, Wyndham, like many other hotel programs, isn't static. The specific requirements for earning status or the ways points can be redeemed change from time to time. It has changed its elite status criteria in the past, highlighting that mattress runs may not always be a reliable way to earn status as programs evolve.

On the other hand, Wyndham does have promotions. At times, they offer double points or other bonuses. If you can time your mattress runs with these, you can change the way you look at the cost and benefit equation.

The way you can redeem points for free nights is also not the same for every program. Unlike some other hotel chains, Wyndham often has restrictions and blackout dates for rewards, making it harder for elite members to take advantage of free nights. This can impact the effectiveness of the elite perks.

Thankfully, Wyndham's cancellation policy appears relatively flexible compared to other programs. This can provide a safeguard against financial risk for those who engage in lots of mattress runs.

Yet another factor is the yearly cap Wyndham puts on points that can be earned from hotel stays. This can force frequent travelers to optimize their runs and perhaps try to find promotions or properties where points accrue at a higher rate.

The options that are available today to travel aren't just confined to hotel loyalty programs. With budget airlines and other options available, you always have to look at the value of any hotel program against the wider travel landscape. Sometimes, the rewards for racking up miles with an airline could prove to be more beneficial than hotel points accumulated from short stays.

Finally, the benefits you can receive through elite status at Wyndham – things like late check-out, room upgrades, or bonus points – are not equal across all properties. While higher-tier hotels offer more enticing perks, a lot of smaller, more budget-friendly properties may not necessarily offer that much of a change, casting some doubt on whether mattress runs are always worth it.

The conclusion is that while Wyndham's program offers some standard features and rewards, the feasibility of using mattress runs as a primary strategy depends heavily on individual travel patterns and preferences. It's vital to evaluate your specific needs and weigh the associated costs against the actual value derived from these activities before committing to mattress runs as a consistent approach.