Monday, April 28, 2008

Pros and Cons of Marriott rewards program

Pros

1 lot of properties in North America, if you are business traveler, especially travel to some area where has no full service hotel around, Marriott chains other brand may be available.

2 As mentioned earlier, Travel package award and redemption at Ritz-Carlton hotels.

3 Consistence- All their rooms are very similar to each other and offer consistent service.

4 relatively low points requirement at its “high end” cat 7 properties

Cons

1. Very Very bad elite recognition at its properties and hard to achieve elite status. As a GOLD elite/PLAT elite (50 nights/75 nights), you will only get upgrade to lounge floor with access to lounge or breakfast coupon. No late checkout benefit or suite upgrades benefit like SPG. You only get one category upgrade as a PLAT member at some resort properties. That’s all you get.

2. All their properties look similar; you can not find any luxury properties excluding Ritz-Carlton hotels. As compared to other chains, they all come with some super luxury hotels. I exclude Ritz-Carlton because you can not accumulate points while staying here, therefore should not be considered as part of Chain.

3.Award rooms are capacity controlled; you will need to double ur points if there is no award rooms available. SPG and Hilton have no capacity for standard room redemption, as long as they have a standard room for sale, you can redeem it.

4 Bonus promotion is not as generous as Hyatt or Priority club.

5. No real difference between Gold and Platinum member.

I know some people may say you can use marriott Gift card and Bonus bucks to bring the total cost down, but the lack of elite reconginition and dump properties do not worth those few extra bucks saved.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Marriott Rewards

下面 说说Marroitt吧. 这个也是最大的酒店连锁之一了,全世界也有2000多家店,下面的品牌太多了包括,让我评介的话,elite benefits and treatments没有SPG的好,而且不好拿到. 奖励点数没有Priority Club 多, top hotel can not compete with Hilton, SPG and Hyatt.

它们的酒店集团包括如下知名酒店:Marriott Hotels & ResortsRenaissance Hotels & ResortsMarriott Conference CentersCourtyard by MarriottFairfield Inn by MarriottSpringHill Suites by MarriottMarriott Vacation Club InternationalResidence Inn by MarriottTownePlace Suites by MarriottHorizons by Marriott Vacation Club InternationalMarriott Executive ApartmentsMarriott ExecuStayNew Otani Hotels

每花1块钱在以下的酒店你会得10点,但只是房钱,其它都不算点SpringHill Suites by MarriottResidence Inn by MarriottTownePlace Suites by Marriott Courtyard by Marriott

每花1块钱在以下的酒店你会得10点,什么都可以算点Marriott Hotels & ResortsRenaissance Hotels & ResortsMarriott Conference CentersMarriott Vacation Club International

每花1块钱在以下的酒店你会得5点,带*号的是只算房钱Residence Inn by MarriottTownePlace Suites by MarriottHorizons by Marriott Vacation Club International

我个人不太喜欢他的一个原因,就是它的精英会员资格只能通过每晚入住(night)拿到,而不是 stay, 10晚银卡(sliver), 50晚 金卡(gold),75晚 白金卡(platinum). 太难拿了,一定要那种经常都在酒店住的人才能拿到. If its Elite program is really good and worth the 75 nights with them, I would do it, but its Elite program is the worst. I will talk about it in another post with more detail.

说怎么用他们的点吧, 最好的一点就是他可以用来换airlines miles on 1:1 basis up 120K, but you also need a 7 nights stay at one hotel together to redeem that offer, which is called “Travel package” Here is the detail. However, those 7 nights can not be Ritz-Carlton Hotels

In addition, you can redeem your Marriott points at Ritz-Carlton酒店, 但是住在那里不能拿点.虽然marriott好想已经买了他们大部分的股份, 但只能换,不然攒. Here is the detail on how to redeem at all partner hotels including Ritz-Calton.

Marriott also offer discount award redemption table for selected hotels, check here for award level. Ritz-Carlton is also included on the discounted level.

Every quarter, Marriott will offer additional bonus points for all accounts, login your account because everyone may got different.

Finally, Marriott has three affiliate credit cards, this one, Marriott Rewards Premier Visa Signature® Card is the best. You have get 20K points after ur first purchase, then 5K when u renew the card. In addition, you will get a electronic certificate good for cat 1-4 at first year and a certificate good for cat 1-5 every year after. You will also get 15 nights towards ur elite status every year, 5 points at Marriott hotel spending and 3 poitns elsewhere. Although you have to pay $85 annual fees, the cat 1-4/5 certificate gave ur $85 back already.

Choice Hotels Programs including Comfort inn, Quality, Sleep Inn and more

一个我很喜欢的酒店常住优惠计划, 是相对低档的, 叫Choice Privileges, 是属于Choice Hotel International Group, 这个连锁有Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, or MainStay Suites and Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn. www.choicehotels.com

Choice Privileges program, 你在旅馆酒店消费一美元可以拿到10 点, 通常这么攒也太慢. 所以最好申请一张它家的信用卡, 没有年费的. 第一次购买的时候可以拿到6000点, 但是有时候有个优惠推广, 那时候会给你16000 or 24000点, 不知道什么时候还会回来. 同时你还可以每一美元日常消费拿到2点, 如果在旅馆消费就可以拿到5点 . 通常,他们都有一些优惠推广计划, 象是triple points or double points.

There is also a way to save up to 20% of rate showing on the website. Go to choicehotels.com, then there is a line “Enter Your Special Rate ID” under “select rate program”, click it. Then, enter 00800532, click sign in, then “yes confirm”. You will get back to original book page with one more line under select rate program “significant Organization Saving

换点的等级也分的很多, 有6000, 8000, 10000,12000,16000,20000,25000点之分,大都是按地点算的钱,越好的地点要求的点越高.

In addition, you can also use your points at “Preferred hotels & Resorts” or “summit Hotels and resorts”. Please use this link for detail on point level and redemption procedures.

Coming up: Marriott rewards programs and Trip Rewards Program 里面有Super 8 和 Travelodge 等等.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Super Cheap Rate at Hyatt Regency, Lake Tahoe

Book by May 5, 2008 for travel between April 21 and June 5, 2008. 139 per night week day and 189 Fri and Sat.

Type 13147 in box and LEAVE OFFER CODE BOX BLANK. you will see the rate.

This offer was getting from Travelzoo, However, if you use link from travelzoo, which will have TVL191 in offer code box, your stay will NOT be count toward ur elite status.

earn 12000 bonus points at Hyatt Regency Monterey

Offer good until Oct31, 2008, Use MRY12K in offer code box. Min three nights required.

Earn Double Points in Texas at Starwood properties until Sep 1st.

Must register at here first. Offer valid at all Participating hotels

Austin
Sheraton Austin Hotel

Dallas
Adams Mark Dallas – soon to be Sheraton Dallas
The Joule
Sheraton Arlington Hotel
Sheraton Dallas North Hotel
Sheraton Stonebriar Hotel
Sheraton Suites Market Center, Dallas
W Victory Dallas
The Westin City Center
The Westin Dallas Fort Worth Airport
The Westin Galleria Dallas
The Westin Park Central, Dallas
The Westin Stonebriar Resort

Houston
Four Points by Sheraton, Memorial City – NOW OPEN!
Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel
Sheraton Suites Houston near the Galleria
Sheraton Houston North at George Bush Intercontinental
The St. Regis Houston
The Westin Galleria, Houston
The Westin Oaks, Houston

San Antonio
Sheraton Gunter Hotel, San Antonio
The Westin La Cantera Resort, San Antonio
The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio

American Airline Flight to Latin America Sale-15% off

Use code : DFLATAPR15

Good for travel btw Apr23rd and June 15th,2008, must book by May2,2008, up to six passengers from the US to Guatemala (GUA), Nicaragua (MGA), Panama (PTY), El Salvador (SAL), Honduras (TGU), Argentina (EZE), Colombia (BOG, MDE, BAQ, CLO) and Chile (SCL).

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Hyatt Gold Passport!

Hyatt Gold Passport.我个人很喜欢他们的酒店, 但是他们的地方太少了, 有他们的地方就已经有别家了, 我有时就不会专门再去住他们了. 先说一下他们的赚取点数的规矩.

简单,好记, 每花一美元可以赚取5 点, 白金卡会员额外奖励15% ,钻石卡会员额外奖励30% . 除了这个, 不同酒店可以还有额外奖励, 在订之前去gold passport的网站去看一下就知道了. 如果想得到 白金卡会员资格, 你需要入住5次或多或15晚;钻石卡会员资格则需要入住25次或多或50晚; 钻石卡会员会被升级到Regency/Grand Club room, 而且会有 lounge access, 包括免费的早餐. 还有,当你换免费的房间的时候,如果你是白金卡或钻石卡会员 ,就算没有免费房间你也可以换到.

现在他们有个promotion,如果你还不是会员的话, 通过这个link加入,并且在加入三个月内住一次他们的酒店,并用mastercard付钱。你会得到3000点的bonus.

换房间也很容易,就是用点换就好了,酒店分5级, 分别需要5000,8000,12000,15000,20000点 去换一个免费的. 其实他家最吸引人的还是一个时不时就出现的优惠推广计划, 比如入住两次可以得到一晚免费, 没有限制只要你用MasterCard 信用卡预订, 就是说你只要分开住了2次, 就会得到一晚在他们任何一个level酒店的免费入住. 只要是在优惠推广时期, 你可以赚取尽可能多的免费入住 (earn as many nights as you can), 没有上限.

我个人认为这家酒店就这么多了, 他们也没有自己的信用卡,不过看他们最近老和 MasterCard 合作,估计快有信用卡了.

下个是会写一下budget Hotel ( Motel ) chain的常住优惠计划.

Priority Club is offering 10% rebate on Award Room Redemption

use code 7372 to register and redeem ur points for stay until May 31st, 2008. 10% points rebate will be deposit into ur account 6- 8 weeks after stay complete.

Here is registration landing page.

Monday, April 21, 2008

United Airlines Matched AA Double Elite Qualify miles offer

register here,

T&C here:
Terms & Conditions:• Offer valid for residents of the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. Residency is determined by the mailing address listed in your Mileage Plus account.• Registration is required and must be completed by June 15, 2008 at united.com/offer/mpd288reg to be eligible for the offer.• Offer valid for qualifying travel flown between April 21, 2008 and June 15, 2008. Only travel completed after date of registration is eligible for this offer.• Participation in this offer does not guarantee elite status.• Qualifying travel must be posted to the Mileage Plus account on/before July 31, 2008 to qualify for the offer.• Offer valid on flights operated by United, United Express®, and Ted only and not applicable on United-marketed code-share flights operated by other carriers or Star Alliance flights.• Offer valid for all paid, published fares. • Offer not valid on government fares. • Elite Qualifying Miles will be credited six to eight weeks after the end of the offer period.• Elite Qualifying Miles cannot be redeemed for award travel.• Offer is combinable with other combinable offers.• Double Elite Qualifying Miles in this offer is defined as two times the actual base flight miles posted to your account for qualifying flights taken during the promotional period. • This offer does not apply to class of service bonus miles or EQM, elite bonus miles, redeemable bonus miles, promotional EQMs or Elite Qualifying Segments.• Mileage Plus number must be provided prior to flight departure for trip to qualify.• United reserves the right to change or terminate the Mileage Plus program at any time without notice.• For tickets purchased in the U.S.: Tickets purchased through United reservation offices are $15 higher per ticket, and airport ticket counters are $20 per ticket higher. Fees are subject to change without notice. • Passenger must be a member of United’s Mileage Plus frequent flyer program for travel to qualify for this offer. • Flights must be credited to the Mileage Plus account in order to qualify. • Miles accrued, awards issued and bonus offers are subject to the rules of the United Mileage Plus program. The Mileage Plus program, including accruals, awards and bonus miles offers, is subject to change without notice. Taxes and fees related to award travel are the responsibility of the passenger. United and Mileage Plus are registered service marks. For complete details about the Mileage Plus program, visit united.com. • Offer subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply. (MPD288)

Amex 25K membership reward signup bonus deal is back!

Here is the link,

get 5K by signup and get additional 20K if you spend 1K on the card before Oct 31, 2008.

Fast track to Hilton Gold!

I found this sign up link yesterday. You need complete 4 stays within 90 days after sign up, then you will get Gold status valid 12 months from the date of fast track completion

Hilton HHonors has improved significantly to compete with other major chains

Few months ago, I received a email saying Hilton HHonors program will eliminating capacity controls on standard award redemption. It sounds like they were going to change to SPG type awards, which we will get an award room if the hotel has standard room for sale. It was too good to be true.

Today, I was playing award canlender for Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, which you never gonna find any award rooms on any date in the past unless you are Diamond member. Guess what! I found avaliabity almost on any date. I guess Hilton Corp has made this hotel to do it.

Although the best property to redeem Hilton award is Hilton Seychelles, which the room rate start with 1000 euro per night, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is still not a bad place to spend the points and getting to Maldive is a lot of easier than to Seychelles.

Good Job, Hilton!

Finally, United became the first airline to charge $150 domestic changing fees

Last weekend, without any prior notice, united changed fare rule for most markets. From now on, the change fees(domestic) will be 150 instead of 100, I am sure other airlines will join within days.

Marriott-the worst chain!

I hates Marriott lot for various reasons, buy primarily because of lack of elite recognition and identical properties. This past weekend, I stayed at Mystic Marriott Resort and Spa at CT, which suppose to be a better Marriott. Unfortunately, still bad. The room looks no difference than any other Marriott in the world. When I request for a late checkout for 1:00pm, I was told the latest is noon even for Gold members.

At Starwood properties, I can easily get a 4:00 pm checkout as Platinum member.

Too bad, this would be my second to the last stay at any Marriott properties, the last stay will be when I redeem my points.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino Offers 5000 bonus points for stay until July 15

Min 2nights, book by May 27, You will get 50 dollar food credit and 40 dollar Game coupon and of course 5000 bonus points. Rate from 159.

More information here

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

AA new promotion, Double Elite Qualify miles for existing elites

Here is the link,

must register and travel before June 15th, 2008.

starwood just starts a sales event!

Book Apr 21st for stay until June 1st,2008

http://www.starwoodpromos.com/maygetaways/?EM=sgc_wi_3836711_3845995_prim

New InterContinental San Francisco is having a sale.

Book from Travelzoo link

$129 per night + tax, valid on the following date:


April 18-20, 25-29
May 2-4, 9-12, 17, 18, 22-27, 30, 31
June 1, 12, 13, 19-22, 27-29
July 2-6, 11-13, 18-20, 24, 25
Aug. 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, 30, 31
Sept. 1

This is a great promotion for people in Bay Area, If you stay 3 nights at Any IC before June 30th, you will get Ambassador status for free. another 150 dollar saving. Make sure to register 5446 at priorityclub.com/register beofre stay at IC.

Hilton HHonors

下面 再说说Hilton 酒店的 HHONOR 吧, 如果你还不是HHONOR 的会员,给我发个信,我可以refer你,这样我们都拿bonus.就当是我码字的报酬了。呵呵
众所周知,Hilton可是老牌酒店了,但是在中国没几家.

他们的酒店常住优惠计划分成 4个等级, 普通(blue), 银卡(sliver), 金卡(gold) and 钻石卡(diamond)

银卡是4次或10晚入住,金卡是16次或36晚入住, 或每年累计60000点, 钻石卡是28次或60晚入住, 或每年累计100000点. 你在Hilton每消费一美刀赚取10点,银卡会员奖励15%点数, 金卡会员奖励25%点数, 钻石卡会员奖励50%点数. 另外你还可以选择在Hilton 或 Double tree额外1000点的奖励, embassy Suite 金卡500点,钻石1000点。这写都是限于北美地区。 金卡或钻石卡的房间升级选择. 他们下面还有Conrad, embassy suites, Hampton inn, Hilton garden inn 和一些其它的旅馆酒店

另外HHonor是唯一一个允许你同时赚取酒店优惠点数和航空公司累计里程的酒店常住优惠计划,这被称作 double dipping, 每晚入住你可以选择10 base points per dollar + 5 bonus points per dollar 或者 10 base points per dollar + 1 miles per dollar 或者 10 base points per dollar + 500 fixed miles(1000 per night for British Midland up to 3000 per stay, 稍候我会介绍British Midland 这个program)

还有他们的精英会员的资格点数是可以累计(roll over)的,这样比每一年一计算要好一点. 还有,他们的航空公司业务伙伴有很多很多,包括象Air China, Czech Airline 等一些其他酒店常住优惠计划没有的业务伙伴.

他们也有很多的推广优惠活动, 但不是象priority club 那样容易混,又不想starwood那么严格. 这些都是特定顾客的推广优惠, 而且你只能选择一个,象我这样一年都不住一次的自然就没有了.但是, 那我不能让我的累计点数少了呀,我就打电话, 告诉他们我要个优惠, 没有triple points 你也给我一个 double points吧,要不我就去别家住了. 第一次说不行, 第二说可以,他们就帮我加到一个 double points 优惠中了.

他们还和e-rewards是业务伙伴, 你可以从这网站活动中拿到免费的点数, e-rewards 是让你参加它的调查问卷, 用email寄给你, 每个调查你可以赚些dollar rewards, 满了$50 你可以换成 HHonors 3000 点. 这些可都是不要钱的哟.不过我现在很少用他们.

他们的信用卡很好,是AMEX, 没有年费, 你申请后第一次购买就可以拿到up to 50000点, 10000点当你使用了卡后,住了四晚每晚可以拿2500点,。 如果你能在开卡后的五个月内花5000元的话,你可以拿到30000点。另外你还可以每花费在Hilton family hotel一美元换取5点, 另外日常消费也有点数. 现在它们又增加了新的功能, 如果你用Any Amex信用卡在线预订Hilton酒店你可以额外赚到 500 点, 另外你还可以利用一个特殊电话可以用125000免费兑换它们最高等级(level 6)酒店的4晚, 而正常免费兑换的话是需要160000点的. 这个卡还可以直接给你Hilton银卡会员,并且在拿到这个卡的3个月内住4次,就会变成金卡会员。Link 在这里

Hilton还有一张citi bank的卡,开户给15000点并送银卡会员。Link在这里

他们的免费兑换(redemption) 政策还好,分为6级(Chart),中间还有个小6级(Chart),就是discounted 6级.如果你是银卡以上(包括银卡)会员,可以换他们的GLOBAL AWARD, 就是打折的免费兑换。150000点可以换6晚1-5级的酒店(最多换到14晚),175000换6晚6级的酒店。这是个很好的折扣,如果你有上面说的2种卡的话,你就已经是高级会员了。 here is the chart.

这个酒店常住优惠计划亮点就是Double Dipping。I will talk about more about Double dipping with British Midland Airlines。

Double Points for stays on East Coast until May 31st,2008

offer valid for weekday travel, here is the link

SPG program and Qantas airlines transfer ending soon

The last day to transfer ur SPG points to qantas program is Aug 14, 2008.

should I keep accumulating NW miles?

I don't know, if NW program eventually become DL program, miles will become worthless. 25K intra-Africa, 20K intra-asia award will disappear. IF possible, burn ur NW miles ASAP before become worthless.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Finally, Delta and Northwest merged

Northwest airline announced merge deal today. The new airline will keep Delta, keep ATL as headquarter and keep DL CEO, I am afraid NW program will become DL too.

Too Bad!

Orbitz Gay Travel Coupons

Posted on Flyertalk Hotel deals section, no need to be a guy to use it:

$200 off a 5 night International stay (w/ flight)$75 off a 3 night International stay (no flight req.)$100 off 5 night stay in Chicago/Orlando , $50 off 3-4 night stay in Chicago/Orlando

200 OFF PROMOTION CODE (PROMOTION CODE: INTLGAY1)Book a qualifying international vacation package between March 3, 2008, and May 4, 2008, for 5 or more nights for travel between March 3, 2008, and July 31, 2008, via Orbitz and instantly receive $200 off your purchase through the use of the promotion code. To display qualifying vacation packages, click "I have a promotion code." and enter the promotion code, then look for packages marked with the icon "COUPON." Limit one discount per hotel room and one promotion code per purchase. Discounts are not redeemable for cash for any reason. Any attempt at fraud will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Void where prohibited, taxed or restricted. Orbitz reserves the right to change or limit the promotion in its sole discretion.

$75 OFF PROMOTION CODE (PROMOTION CODE: INTLGAY2)Book a qualifying international hotel or vacation package between March 3, 2008, and May 4, 2008, for 3 or more nights for travel between March 3, 2008, and July 31, 2008, via Orbitz and instantly receive $75 off your purchase through the use of the promotion code. To display qualifying hotels or vacation packages, click "I have a promotion code." and enter the promotion code, then look for hotels or packages marked with the icon "COUPON." Limit one discount per hotel room and one promotion code per purchase. Discounts are not redeemable for cash for any reason. Any attempt at fraud will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Void where prohibited, taxed or restricted. Orbitz reserves the right to change or limit the promotion in its sole discretion.

GAY DAYS PROMOTION CODE:Red t-shirt or leather? Whatever your preferred attire may be, you can save up to $100 instantly on two of the most popular events in late spring - IML in Chicago (May 22nd - 26th) and Gay Days in Orlando (June 3 - 9). To save $100 instantly on 5+ night hotel stays or flight + hotel vacations, use promotion code GAYDAYS100 . Or save $50 on 3-4 nights with promotion code GAYDAYS50. Book by May 31, 2008 for travel from May 22 through June 10, 2008.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Priority Club Rewards Program

下面 我再介绍一下Priority Club, 它是Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts Group酒店集团的常住优惠计划. 这是累积点数方法最多的酒店常住优惠计划, 多的你用都用不完. 我稍后会详细解释一下的.

这个连锁里比较出名的就是Holiday-inn, Crown Plaza, Holiday-inn express 和 Express by Holiday inn 还有一些其他的, 现在被英国的Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts Group 收购了,所以就变成了Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts Group.全世界有3400多家酒店, 覆盖90多个国家.他们的市场就比Starwood Group定的低一些,就算最好的等级Intercontinental Hotels 也不会象St. Regis 那么贵.所以大家还是比较容易接受的,还有,他们最大的好处是到处都有

说到他们的酒店常住优惠计划, 还真有点复杂,因为他们有两个优惠计划. 针对 Holiday-inn, Crown Plaza, Holiday-inn express 和 Express by Holiday inn, 用的是Priority Club酒店常住优惠计划, 也就是说你的Priority Club精英会员资格会被这些酒店认可, 但是并不会被 Intercontinental Hotels 认可. Intercontinental Hotels有自己的酒店常住优惠计划, 叫 ambassador program. 这两个优惠计划虽然是分开的,但又是在一起的,因为是属于一个酒店集团.比如说你住在Intercontinental Hotels, 你的benefits and treatments 是从ambassador 精英会员资格身份拿到的,但你累积的点是到priority club上面的.换句话说, 你在 Intercontinental Hotels 住, Intercontinental Hotels不管你是不是 Priority Club 金卡或白金卡会员, 他们只看你是不是ambassador,才决定给不给你免费升级之类的优惠.但是住intercontinental Hotels 的酒店得到的点数是记到你的 priority club 的帐号里, 因为你作为ambassador是没有号码的,如果你是Priority Club 会员, 你注册ambassador的时候就用那个号码,如果你不是的话,你注册的时候他们应该会分给你一个Priority Club会员号.

说了这么多有点乱了吧,谁叫他们两个一起用呢,下面来介绍一下如何拿到Priority Club 精英会员资格.

普通会员资格的注册(Sign up)Priority Club是免费的,随时都可以.然后攒到20000点就是金卡会员,60000点就是白金卡会员,这些都太容易了,因为我前面提到的拿优惠点数的技巧, 几下就可以搞定了.金卡会员用处不太大, 而白金卡会员可以免费升级到更好的房间, 如果酒店有空房的话, 而且每次还可以多拿50%的奖励点数. 住在酒店里的每一美元消费换取10点(10 base points), 但是住在Intercontinental Hotels酒店的话, 你不管住几晚花费多少都是2000点, 这就是一个很不好的地方,我要是在Intercontinental Hotels住一周,花了7000美金,也还是2000 base points.

注册 ambassador program 是收费的,一年$150,可以得到一晚周末免费住宿的certificate, 5000点奖励积分certificate, priority club的金卡会员资格和 3000 miles 的累计里程(大多数航空公司). 在 ambassador 上面还有一个等级, Royal Ambassador 是只能被邀请加入的, 外加priority club的白金卡资格, 如果大家有兴趣看,我可以再写写怎么变成 Royal Ambassador. Royal Ambassador 的好处就太多了,你每次住在Intercontinental Hotels,你在早上8点就check-in, 而且一定是套间(suite), 就算套间没有准备好, 也会给你一个很好的房间,等套间好了再搬过去.还有mini bar随便你用,爱拿什么拿什么. 其他的好处也多多,我就不详细写了. 大家有兴趣的话我再写一下.记住,你的ambassador status 不会被Holiday-inn, Crown Plaza, Holiday-inn express and express by Holiday inn 认可的, 但是他们会认你的和ambassador一起的priority club金卡会员资格. 基本上,你的身份是分为以下几中:

1. Priority club金卡会员
2. Priority club白金卡会员
3. Gold Ambassador (同时自动的 Priority club金卡会员)
4. Platinum Ambassador
5. Platinum Royal Ambassador (同时自动的 Priority club白金卡会员)

写了这么多介绍的,下面写写大家最关心的,怎么积累优惠点数的"窍门". 这个酒店常住优惠计划最傻的地方就是他们的优惠推广活动, 你可以自己用promotion code去 它的Promotion Registration网页登记, 就是说只要你知道了它的promotion code, 你就可以自己登记, 而不管这个code 是不是送给你的。请去这里看code。

下面再说说注册ambassador, use this link

你注册后,会收到免费一晚certificate 和5000点奖励积分certificate给他, 再网上定一个两晚周末的任何Intercontinental Hotels luxury weekend rate, 用收到的免费一晚certificate在 check out的时候减掉一晚,再把5000点奖励积分certificate给他. 再加上那些乱起八遭的promotion, 大家算算吧.

不过切记, 你承担自己的风险使用这些promotion code 因为如果被priority club查到的话, 你的会员帐户是会被取消的, 但是我从来没有被查到过. 如果你的入住被哪个傻酒店搞错了,变成了non-qualify stay, 你需要email给客服中心打电话要求那些优惠点数. 我前几天在北京的一个holiday inn就给我搞错了,我后来只能要回10000 优惠点数, 而不是20000点.因为你理亏,那些code是不能摆到桌面上的. 另外还有一点是你只能拿优惠点数或者优惠里程, 不能同时拿两样. 系统有时候回自动将你的promotion code注册取消(unregister your promotion code). 为了确认这些 promotion bonus points都会收到,请隔一小段时间就再去Promotion Registration网页把那些code再输入一次,特别是入住旅馆之前.如果你还可以用同样的code注册, 就证明你之前被注册取消了,没关系,重新注册一次就好了.

所了这么多赚取优惠点数的方法,再说说如何利用它们兑换成免费入住(redemption) 吧, 这个很简单,只要酒店给你,你就可以住,但他们可以不给,说免费房间没了,那你也没折,不过这种情况不多见.

Intercontinental Hotels: 40000 points per night flat rate, 30000 at selected location
Crown Plaza: 25000 pointsHoliday inn/ Holiday inn express: 25000, 15000, 10000 看在哪了.
Candlewood Suite 25000
StayBridge Suites: 20000
Hotel Indigo: 25000
还有个新的叫points breaker, 主要5000点,只个别酒店的promotion

一般来说换的就是标准房间(standard room)或稍微高级一点的,但是有几个Intercontinental Hotels, 可以换总统套房,大家有兴趣我可以把他们列出来,不过只有一个在印度, 其他全在中东或南美

最后,有个小link给大家,是priority club Credit Card by Chase, 大家在别的地方看的link都是15000 points, 这个link是30000 points plus 20 statement credit, 但是记住,一年后一定要取消掉

Membership rewards program transfer to Delta Bonus again

Delta is offering 15% bonus for transfer from membership rewards program, here is the link

www.delta.com/transferbonus

Starwood preferred Guest

今天就先给大家介绍一下我最喜欢的酒店常住优惠计划: Starwood preferred Guest 先说下这个连锁酒店集团,这个连锁一共有拥有725家酒店旅馆, 覆盖超过80多个国家, 并且还在增加中. 他们有很多很多的酒店都是很豪华的,并且有50家上了Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List, Hot List, Ski List, Golf List and Reader's Choice, 20家上了World's Best by Travel & Leisure readers. 其中包括St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W hotel, Westin, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton和Le Meridien还有一个新的好象叫aloft, 是W hotel 的低档版本,第一家已经在纽约(New York)开始建了. 中国是他们的大市场,到2008年, 就会有50多家他们的连锁酒店了.


我最喜欢他是因为他对白金卡会员的特殊优惠服务. 作为白金卡会员, 不管你预订的价钱甚至是用优惠点数来预订的, 你都可以免费升级到他们最好的房间包括普通套间, 而且升级的成功率很高, 其它相对的优惠服务还远远不止这些,要多的多. 作为普通会员, 你每刀的花费积攒两点 (2 points), 而金卡或白金卡会员你每刀的花费积攒三点.另外当你使用它的优惠点数兑换免费住宿时, 它是没有任何不允许的预订日子的(no blackout date), 只要该酒店有空标准房房间, 你就一定可以预订到. 象三亚的Sheraton, 你要是从大年三十住到初五, RMB3600一晚,这时就要用优惠点数兑换免费住宿才合算呀.. 当然如果你只靠入住酒店积攒点数的话, 你积攒到的点数可能不会很多. 所以你需要利用它的推广优惠活动. 有些推广优惠活动是针对特定的客人的, 有些不是. 它们目前有两次大的推广优惠活动, 具体请到www.spg.com去看或者去http://www.frequentflyerbonuses.com/starwood.html他们每个季度都对针对特定客人的推广优惠活动,但是有的时候是不发给你email去通知你的. 去它的www.spg.com/promo,然后输入你的SPG number 去看你有没有被哪一个特定推广优惠活动选中, , 如果没有,就过几天再试试.我就是这么试到的,他们没给我发过email. 除了这些,还有一个每天都有的特别优惠, 但是时间是不定的,就是当他们的客服中心的电话预订热线非常忙的时候, 它会告诉你一个专门的网址, 如果你愿意自己上网订的话, 它可以免费送你500优惠点数. 这个秘密网址在这儿, 如果它是被激活的, 你就可以直接订而拿到500优惠点数了. 大家说说, 现在点够多了吧. 还有,他们的兑换免费住宿的起始优惠点数只要2000点, 然后再往上加, 不同的酒店有不同的起始优惠点数划分级别. 这个划分级别不是说这个酒店好就高, 而是看酒店每年的年收入,在年初的时候会被重分等级.比如说在马来西亚的吉龙坡的一家很牛的Sheraton, 才是级别1, 而三亚的Sheraton 却级别 4, 价钱在平时都差不多, $100多一点, 但三亚的客源多呀.所以呢,用优惠点数在吉龙坡兑换就是很划算的了.三亚就差点, 因为级别 4要10000点一个晚上, 40000点五晚(因为入住四晚还可以免费一晚). 现在有个不太好的消息就是, 由于美元的一直下滑,这些外国酒店可能会升级,因为收入是用美元算的. 下面要讲讲怎么成为精英会员(elite member)的了. Starwood Preferred Guest精英会员分金卡会员和白金卡会员两种. 金卡会员是一年入住十次或二十五晚, 金卡会员是一年入住二十五次或五十晚. 如果你有Amex spg credit card,而且一年的消费在35K以上,你就会得到金卡身份.

这个连锁酒店管理的比较严格,所以你们的elite benefits 基本都会有. 你每次入住酒店(check in)之前,他们已经把房间准备好了,水果呀,红酒呀等等,还有一份General Manager的信, 有的GM甚至把他们的电话都写在信上, 以便你有问题的时候可以直接和他们谈. 还有, 他们还有一个比较成功的地方就是用现金和优惠点数结合的计划(cash and points award). 比如说你的点不够用了,但你想在这个某个酒店住一周,需要21000点. 可你就只有10000点. 那你可以没晚花 $20 +1200 点, 那么就是1200*7=8400点加上$140就搞定了. 不好的一面就是不是所有的酒店都参加这个计划的. 最后一个这个Starwood Preferred Guest计划的好处就是当你把你的酒店常住优惠计划转成累积里程点数(Frequent Flyer Program)的时候, 它是一比一兑换的(除了联航United Airlines和大陆Continental Airlines是二比一兑换) 另外加上每次兑换20000点额外获得5000 miles里程数, 这也是和其它酒店常住优惠计划不同的地方. 总之,这个酒店常住优惠计划是好多人认为最好的,缺点就是不象Hilton, Holiday inn or Marriott 到处都有, 还有就是他们的价格比较高, 有些最低等级的Four Points by Sheraton 有的也要$100一晚, 当然,地点不一样,价钱也不一样, 象在Thailand Sheraton Krabi Resort 非旺季(low season)的时候 才不过$68 一晚.

Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express是目前最好的累计Starwood Preferred Guest 点数的信用卡, 一旦申请并使用一次后就可以拿到10000点的奖励. 每次一美元的消费可以攒到一点, 每次在Starwood hotels and resorts内的一美元的消费可以攒到2点, 对Starwood Preferred Guest感兴趣的朋友值得认真考虑一下加入.


另外你还可以申请一张Starwood Preferred Guest Business Credit Card from American Express 再拿10000点.

另外,在Ameritrade开个帐户,放进25000美元,就可以拿到20000 points http://www.tdameritrade.com/offer/partner/starwood/starwood.html

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Delta launched a new credit card

Delta is now giving out Elite Qualify miles like candy, that's one reason I say this is the worst FF program. With this credit card, you can earn UNLIMITED ELITE QUALIFY MILES and GIVE TO OTHERS. 15,000 qualifying miles for each $30,000 in spend. you can get Plat status without even step on the plane! The card came with $475 annual fees, but you also get CRC access.

This bad, very bad

5K Delta miles for one day rental-once again

Delta is giving out tons of miles now, get 5K for avis rental-airport location plus 25%off, min 1 day to keep. Here is link. Must before Apr 30th.

Marriott Credit Card is offering 25K signup bonus now

This is a very good credit card, although you need to pay $85 annual fee every year, but you do get a free night certificate good up to cat 5. You will get the following benefit as a card member. apply here

25% discount to Carribean on AA

Use promotion code DFCARPLSPG, must book by Apr 12th, valid for between the US, Canada, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands to Samana(AZS) and La Romana(LRM), Dominican Republic, Antigua(ANU), Anguilla(AXA), Bermuda(BDA), Barbados(BGI), Bonaire(BON), Curacao(CUR), Dominica(DOM), Freeport(FPO) and Nassau(NAS), Bahamas, Grand Cayman(GCM), Grenada(GND), Tortola(EIS), Fort de France(FDF), St. Kitts(NEV,SKB), Pointe A Pitre(PTP), St. Maarten(SXM) and St. Lucia(SLU, UVF) with a minimum base fare of $135 and minimum stay of 1 day.