Hotels

Category Archives for Hotels.

IHG Hotels Earns Just 10% Of What Marriott, Hilton Make On Credit Cards

by Gary Leff on December 8, 2023

Dec 08 2023

The CEO of IHG Hotels and Resorts admits that they make only 1/10th as much off of their Chase credit cards as Hilton and Marriott make on their co-brands. Total fees form their card portfolio total $100 million a year All of this used to get passed through to hotels. Now one third is kept at the corporate level. A recent loss by Hyatt in tax court explains how hotel program economics work and they’re very different from airlines. For the most part the chains don’t own the hotels, and the programs are very different than airline frequent flyer offerings. The amount kept by the chain is almost all profit. And IHG wants Chase to pay more in a deal re-up. The current card agreement expires in 2025. Banks pay a lot more than you…

New Hilton Promotion Bonuses Each Stay, Plus Extra Points For Using Your Phone As Room Key

by Gary Leff on December 7, 2023

Dec 07 2023

Hilton has released its first promotion of 2024, and registration is available. From January 1 to May 1, 2024, “Points Plus” offers: 2,000 bonus points per stay plus 500 bonus points for using digital key.

The Secret World of Daytime Affairs: How Hotel Logistics Work For Clandestine Meetings

by Gary Leff on December 6, 2023

Dec 06 2023

Often people have affairs during the day, to keep their spouses from knowing about it. They’re supposed to be at work, maybe they grab a hotel room over lunch?

But the logistics of it just don’t seem to work. Hotels clean their rooms precisely when people want to use those rooms for affairs.

Hyatt Changes More Generous Than I Thought: Unlimited Guest Of Honor Remains In 2024

by Gary Leff on December 5, 2023

Dec 05 2023

Hyatt is making major changes to its Guest of Honor benefit, making them transferable certificates earned as Milestone Rewards and valid both on points and paid stays – replacing the unlimited points-only benefit that exists today. However in addition to starting out top tier members with 5 transferable certificates next year, it turns out the unlimited benefit is also available through February 2025.

People Can Get A Key To Your Hotel Room Just By Asking, Here’s How To Protect Yourself

by Gary Leff on December 5, 2023

Dec 05 2023

A Cleveland man was sentenced to two years in prison for attempting to break into a coworker’s hotel room. But he didn’t force entry. He used a key. And he’d been given that key by the Courtyard by Marriott Independence, Cleveland.

The Ups and Downs of Marriott’s Elite Ambassador Program: A Tale of Service, Layoffs, and Revival

by Gary Leff on December 4, 2023

Dec 04 2023

Marriott has the most exclusive top elite tier with published earning criteria. The Ambassador level requires not just 100 nights in hotels but also a minimum of $23,000 in spend, nearly impossible to achieve in many parts of the world with low hotel rates.

Yet for three years the Ambassador level didn’t even come with Ambassador service. Marriott eliminated dedicated Ambassadors during the pandemic, even while Hyatt (which offers concierges at just 60 nights without minimum spend) kept theirs.

Luxury Larceny: How 5-Star Hotel Guests Are Stealing More Than Just Towels

by Gary Leff on December 4, 2023

Dec 04 2023

A new study shows that guests at 5-star hotels are more likely to steal high-value items like tablet computers, artwork, TVs, and mattresses, reflecting a trend among wealthier guests. There’s been an increase in the theft of more valuable items since 2019, including coffee makers, mattresses, and tablet computers. Mini fridges are now commonly stolen from 4-star hotels.

The survey categorizes theft behavior in hotels by nationality.

Hyatt Transforming Elite Benefits For 2024: What You Need To Know

by Gary Leff on November 30, 2023

Nov 30 2023

World of Hyatt is making changes to elite benefits for 2024, and they are mostly good. All awards like upgrades and free nights become transferable, and more benefit choices are being added as members stay every 10 nights. It’ll be possible to confirm a suite and try out top tier benefits after fewer nights, while their Guest Of Honor benefit will be more flexible – but no longer unlimited.

Travel Companies Are Hanging On To Hidden Fees Because Fraud Works

by Gary Leff on November 20, 2023

Nov 20 2023

There’s a simple reason that annoying fees are prevalent in travel. They work. Customers spend more money. And in some cases politics and the tax code encourage them.

John Arnold shares what happened at StubHub when they tested an elimination of hidden fees for some customers: those who were shown transparent all-in pricing spent less money.

How Hotels Blow It When Delivering Amenities