The Benefits of Just Joining a Hotel Loyalty Program

The Wall Street Journal explains the entry-level perks of some hotel frequent guest programs, which are offered to a member just for joining.

The benefits are relatively modest but it is of course better to join a frequent guest program than not to do so. Some hotel chains offer free internet, others won’t charge for late checkout (but don’t guarantee its availability), and perhaps a free newspaper will be included.

I usually roll my eyes when TV travel commentators talk about how great it is to be a member of a hotel’s program. And some guests bluster “But I’m an HHonors member!” as though that should grant them the Presidential suite.

But for the beginner, it’s worth understanding that it’s worth joining a program, the little things count (attenuate expectations accordingly, membership generally affords some little things).

About Gary Leff

Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel - a topic he has covered since 2002. Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »

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