Miles and Points Travel

Why you don’t need it, but should want it

Let’s start with the obvious-you don’t need hotel loyalty status. You can stay anywhere, anytime, without ever thinking about the perks you’re not getting. Check-in, sleep, check-out. In fact, most of you reading this post probably do not have more than one loyalty program you belong to. And that’s a mistake.

First and foremost, any time you stay at a hotel, you should sign up for their loyalty program prior to arrival. At the very least, you could get bonus points on your stay. You don’t need a co-branded credit card to join. Most hotel programs are free (not all, but most).

However this is where having the right credit cards can catapult you to higher status, thereby giving you perks you didn’t know you were missing out on.

So if you’re staying 2-3 times per year at a specific chain, it may be worth it in the long run to look at getting their credit card. For example, the IHG One Rewards Premier card gives you Platinum status. Normally, that would take 40 nights to achieve! It has a low annual fee, $99, and comes with some great features when you stay, beyond the instant status.

• Room upgrades subject to availability at check-in
• A welcome amenity-at the discretion of each property
• Early check-in and late check-out (up to 2pm), each based on availability

On top of the stay benefits, you’ll also get a 40,000 point free night annual certificate, redeem 4 nights and get the 5th night free, plus TSA pre-check/Global Entry fee credit up to $100 every five years and more.

https://www.referyourchasecard.com/210J/VF0Q753SRA

Looking for something a bit higher on the status chain? The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card gives you instant Diamond Status. That is the top tier with Hilton! The benefits list is long with this card, and the annual fee reflects that ($550). To offset it, you’ll get an annual Free Night Certificate (FNC), Resort credits, Flight credits, car rental status, and on and on. The FNC alone can get you upwards of $1,000 in value (use it at a Waldorf Astoria or Conrad Hotel, for example)

And with the Diamond Status, your stays at any Hilton portfolio property will come with a handful of new inclusions.

• Space-available room upgrades (up to a one-bedroom suite)
• Access to Executive Lounges at participating hotels
• 100% bonus points on all stays
• No resort fees on reward stays
• Premium Wi-Fi
• Free bottled water
• Daily food and beverage credit (U.S. hotels) or complimentary continental breakfast (non-U.S. hotels)
• Late checkout, subject to availability
• Get your fifth night free on reward redemptions

So depending on what you are looking for, hotel status can make your travel experience even better.

Take a look at our American Express Hilton Aspire link for more details.

https://americanexpress.com/en-us/referral/hilton-honors?ref=SHAROBXwkQ&xl=cp10a1

I may receive some compensation for the links on this blog. Any opinions expressed in any post are my own, and have not been reviewed, approved, requested or endorsed by my advertising partners. I do not write about all credit cards that are available . 

Terms may apply to any and all of the offers and benefits listed