Hotel Reward Programs
Created by Adam Kjems, content last updated on Mar 10, 2019
Chosen Program
Hotels.com
Hotel Chain Programs
IHG (Intercontential Hotel Group)
Benefits:
Discounted Rates (with entry membership) Can pay flat fee for upgraded membership Disadvantages not that many participating hotels
Verdict
Not yet used but the InterContential and Hotel Indigo are our favourite hotel brands.
Le Club AccorHotels
Benefits:
Discounted Rates (with entry membership), comparable to Hotels.com Can write room preferences, need to check if these are applied Can earn points via partners Economist subscription EuropCars Partnering hotels are in a range of price categories starting entry provides the useful benefits like online checkin, 15% car rental discount, free wifi
Disadvantages
Limited to AccorHotels Chain 10 + nights (2.000 pts) only gives a free welcome drink and late checkout need 30+ nights (7.000 pts) for room upgrade and early check-in can probably request early check-in and late check-out if needed reset January 1st
Verdict
It is convenient to choose one hotel chain at as it gives a predictable service when traveling. If the room preferences are applied and their special deals are 5 % cheaper than the offers at Hotels.com I will book with Le Club AccorHotels
Radisson Rewards
Benefits
Discounted Rates with price guarantee with 25% refunded Air Miles from stays 5% discount on food and drink with Club membership
Disadvantages
Limited hotels participating Did not get points from booking Hotel staff do not read comment fields. Benefits kick off at 9 nights/6 stays a year. Note likely.
Experience
For summer 2021 I compared hotels.com and Radisson prices. The same room was 6060,92 DKK on Raddison and 6.675 on Hotels.com. But I had a 700 DKK voucher from hotels and it would give me 4 nights
Verdict
I booked with this because the price was 780 DDK with the program vs. 980 DKK when using hotels.com. However, the points were never added to my account. Maybe because I was not the one staying in the room. Hotels.com has given me points in similar situations. The booking form also had a field for comments and requests. On calling the hotel to confirm my requests and the reception at Radisson in Aarhus was unaware of the requests as she said, “We don’t look at those”. I will try to avoid this program.
Cross Chain Programs
(+) Hotels.com
Benefits
Discounted Rates 1 night free every 10 nights of value equal to average of 10 nights. That’s an extra 10% discount on hotel prices Works across many hotel chains Can get points by booking for others as well price guarantee, but have not used it yet At some hotels silver benefits have been late checkout or free wine.
Disadvantages
Not integrated with hotel specific features
Experience
The website shows total price including taxes for a booking, but charges 35 DKK to use redeem a free night voucher. The app shows per night pricing and does not including taxes until checkout.
Verdict
I’m using this service as it gives the clearest cost saving. Their app works without problems. I can call them to deal with issues with the hotel and not have to engage directly, although I am not sure this is better than just calling the hotel.