US Airways 2011 Grand Slam Promotion - Hotel Stays [GS 2011 master thread]

If we want to keep a main post for hotel stays, I volunteer to maintain the first post for it with the latest info.

Quick look at the GS FAQ (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/2011-grand-slam-promotion/1249944-grand-slam-2011-faq-up.html) shows that there is a 200 mile minimum per stay. Here are the minimums (excluding taxes) you need per hotel stay this year to meet the 200 mile minimum, based on chain. This assumes no elite status:

Best Western (https://goldcrownclub.bestwestern.com/offers/airlinepartners.asp): Any stay earns 250 miles
Carlson (http://www.usairways.com/en-us/dividendmiles/earnmiles/hotels.html): Any stay earns 250 miles at Country Inns & Park Inn, 500 miles at Park Plaza and Radisson
Choice (http://www.choicehotels.com/en/choice-privileges/gp/airlinemiles): Any stay earns 250 miles
Hilton (http://hhonors1.hilton.com/en_US/hh/points/earningmiles.do): 500 miles per stay (fixed miles) at all except Hampton, Homewood, and Home2, which require $200 (variable miles)
Hyatt (http://www.hyatt.com/gp/en/earning/with_hyatt.jsp): Any stay earns 500 miles
IHG (http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/pc/1/en/c/2/content/dec/pc/0/en/miles/us/airline.html): $100 most brands, $200 Staybridge & Candlewood
La Quinta (http://lq.com/lq/reservations/cobrand/index.jsp?cobrand=USAIRWAYS): Any stay earns 250 miles, they might also allow points on third party website bookings such as Expedia. See note at bottom for more info.
Marriott (http://www.marriott.com/rewards/earn-points/miles.mi): $100 (Marriott brand and better), $200 (all mid-tier and lower brands)
SPG: Can't find a link, but it is $100
Wyndham (https://www.wyndhamrewards.com/trec/consumer/earnAirlines.action?variant=#us): $100, or any stay at a Wyndham Hotel or Hawthorn (these chains are 500 per stay)

"Cheap" stays for a hit: Choice Hotels lets you sort an area by price. AAA generally saves 10%. As an example, looking in areas near me showed the EconoLodge Absecon, NJ for $31/night on various weeknights. Choice seems to be the cheapest brand of the ones that offer fixed miles, although YMMV.

Staying more than six times during Grand Slam period: Look for promos that allow you to easily transfer hotel points with one or two stays. Remember you can only get one hit per hotel program with transfers. Example: Choice with their quadruple points offer (http://www.choicehotels.com/quadruple) means that a $125 stay ($250 at EconoLodge, Rodeway, Suburban, or MainStay) will get you enough points to transfer to US for a hit. See the transfers thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/2011-grand-slam-promotion/1249967-hotel-transfers-gs-2011-master-thread.html) for more discussion.

If someone with a Choice Privileges account refers you (sends you a link to sign up with), you receive 1,000 points and they receive 1,000 points after your first eligible stay (essentially a stay that would earn points/miles). If you'd like a Choice Privileges referral email, PM me.

*Note that La Quinta Returns T&C state "Reservations booked through third-party Web sites, i.e., Hotels.com, etc., may not be eligible to receive La Quinta Returns points." They do not define which rates will and will not earn points on a third party booking. On the other hand, there are reports (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/2011-grand-slam-promotion/1250843-hotel-stays-gs-2011-master-thread-2.html#post16973403) of phone agents saying that Expedia and the like WILL earn points. Book on third party sites with caution.

You cannot have more than one stay in one day, even across multiple hotels/brands, per the GS rules!

Looking at the list, the following hotel chains offer per stay mileage above the 200 threshold: Best Western, Choice, Carlson, Hyatt, and La Quinta. Hilton offers it on all except Hampton and extended stay hotels. The Intercontinental brand (not the whole chain) offers it as well.

Wyndham offers it on Wyndham and Wingate. I'm not sure if it includes Wyndham Garden. Note that Wingate shows a 2 mile per dollar rate on USair.com, while Hawthorn offers 500 miles per stay. That appears to be a mix up on US Airways behalf, as Wyndham shows the reverse.

I have a feeling that a lot of Rodeway Inns and Best Westerns are going to see mattress runs this year.

Additionally, there may be promos for some other brands that makes this a bit better. For example, IHG is running a 100 mile per night bonus (http://boardingarea.com/blogs/loyaltytraveler/2011/08/13/priority-club-up-to-2000-bonus-points-or-400-miles-per-night-sep-15-dec-31/) 9/15-12/31, which would bring the total needed per stay to $50 ($100 for extended stay brands), assuming that the bonus miles post with the stay. Does anyone know how various brands post bonus mile promotions to US (i.e. pairs stay mileage with bonus miles, or done in two separate transfers?)

I have a feeling that a lot of Rodeway Inns and Best Westerns are going to see mattress runs this year.

I'd think twice. Is it really worth to spend around 40+ $ (my guess) for a useless stay? Also mind the time you need in order to check-in (unless you have such a cheapo hotel around the corner)

That depends - there were lots of 'stays' at Super 8s last year, and while I don't foresee many making 6 mattress runs, if doing one stay can bring a person from 35 to 36 hits, that's not a bad deal by any stretch.

wrong, wrong, wrong... making six no-shows at a super 8's for below 30 $ and without actually checking-in (like last year) was perfect. cheap and not time-consuming. this opportunity has gone this year

wrong, wrong, wrong... making six no-shows at a super 8's for below 30 $ and without actually checking-in (like last year) was perfect. cheap and not time-consuming. this opportunity has gone this year

If there's a cheap hotel that gets the required mileage near wherever I'm at at the time, I'd be happy to try to check in for other folks.

wrong, wrong, wrong... making six no-shows at a super 8's for below 30 $ and without actually checking-in (like last year) was perfect. cheap and not time-consuming. this opportunity has gone this year

Please point out where I'm wrong: I NEVER said people will make six no-shows, I NEVER said that the opportunity is the same as last year. All I posted regarding this is "I have a feeling that a lot of Rodeway Inns and Best Westerns are going to see mattress runs this year." So unless you want to show me where I posted what you are claiming, YOU are the one who is wrong.

I don't foresee many making 6 mattress runs, if doing one stay can bring a person from 35 to 36 hits, that's not a bad deal by any stretch

Bummer. Wyndam is the one chain that allowed points for no shows, permitting you to search nationwide, but it wont earn the minimum this year.

Here's my experience with how SPG bonuses post when account is set to airline direct deposit:

Platinum Amenity points were bundled into the transfer to miles for the stay when the points automatically posted correctly to my account. For an award stay, having a food & beverage charge was an insurance in having that happen.

Make a Green Choice were posted separately by the property and were NOT transferred into miles. They remained Starpoints in my account.

Promotion bonus points from Rewarding Returns last year posted and remained as Starpoints.

Promotion bonus points from earn 10000 bonus points for resort stays of 4 or more nights last year posted and remained as Starpoints.

Last year's double/triple bonus points also remained as Starpoints for me.


Unfortunately I have no data points for promotions that are advertised as earning bonus miles.

SPG members are entitled to earn Starpoints (but not get stay/night credit) for no-shows, BUT they tend to not post automatically and must be called in for manual adjustment, which hasn't transferred as airline direct deposit for me.

I don't foresee many making 6 mattress runs, if doing one stay can bring a person from 35 to 36 hits, that's not a bad deal by any stretch

How is that "wrong, wrong, wrong"? I basically said that this year it isn't worth it for six stays, but to do a $4x.xx stay to get to the next tier of bonus miles (i.e. go from 35 to 36 hits), it's not a bad deal.

How is that "wrong, wrong, wrong"? I basically said that this year it isn't worth it for six stays, but to do a $4x.xx stay to get to the next tier of bonus miles (i.e. go from 35 to 36 hits), it's not a bad deal.

He's complaining because US isn't giving away the points *as cheaply* as last year. Of course, there's nothing wrong with that. This promo is intended to be profitable for US - not as a giveaway or entitlement. If we can find loopholes that make it a superb deal for us - great - but if we can't, then there's no reason or right to complain.

He's complaining because US isn't giving away the points *as cheaply* as last year. Of course, there's nothing wrong with that. This promo is intended to be profitable for US - not as a giveaway or entitlement. If we can find loopholes that make it a superb deal for us - great - but if we can't, then there's no reason or right to complain.

I see now by his complaining in another thread - I thought he was saying I was wrong about something, when he's just pissy that US has closed a cheap method of racking up miles.

Anyways, updating the above with a tip on how to find cheap stays with Choice

He's complaining because US isn't giving away the points *as cheaply* as last year. Of course, there's nothing wrong with that. This promo is intended to be profitable for US - not as a giveaway or entitlement. If we can find loopholes that make it a superb deal for us - great - but if we can't, then there's no reason or right to complain.

+1.

We have no right to complain. We are looking for ways to fully take advantage of the US program. We should be thanking them for doing it. US does not have to do any of these. =)

two options so far

4 x 61.60 $ = 246.40 $
=
4 hits, plus,
2k us miles (4 x 500)
12k us miles (30k wyndhamrewards points)
--> average cost per hit = 61.60 $, average return per hit = 3'500 miles

one hit = 70 $
=
1 hit, plus
200 us miles
--> average cost per hit = 70 $, average return per hit = 200 miles

both options easy, no hassle but too expensive

Noticed the hotel stay and hotel transfer threads were merged, does this make the most sense?

It doesn't completely make sense to me. Stays and transfers count separately and the strategies for them are different. For stays it's about ensuring that each stay counts as a hit (since there are now minimums that affect some programs), while for transfers the challenge is to accumulate enough points to be qualify for a transfer. They could even be at cross purposes, since crediting stays directly to US would hinder accumulating hotel points for a transfer.

It doesn't completely make sense to me. Stays and transfers count separately and the strategies for them are different. For stays it's about ensuring that each stay counts as a hit (since there are now minimums that affect some programs), while for transfers the challenge is to accumulate enough points to be qualify for a transfer. They could even be at cross purposes, since crediting stays directly to US would hinder accumulating hotel points for a transfer.

right has the cooking spoon (= kochlöffel), it ought to be separated again @:-)

... and that is what confused the crap out of me. If it can be split, could be alot easier to follow up. =)

Simple question but many may have that one - for hotel hits (not transfers) will it count when hotels are booked through OTAs (Expedia/ Orbitz) etc and one actually stays and checks in?

I'm also trying to figure out if a 5 night consecutive stay can be broken down in 5 separate reservations and would yield 5 'hits'?

Simple question but many may have that one - for hotel hits (not transfers) will it count when hotels are booked through OTAs (Expedia/ Orbitz) etc and one actually stays and checks in?

I'm also trying to figure out if a 5 night consecutive stay can be broken down in 5 separate reservations and would yield 5 'hits'?
Most hotel chains do not give frequent stay/flyer credit when booked through OTAs. I believe there are a few exceptions.

Consecutive days at the same hotel, e.g. check out and check back in the same day, even if reserved separately, would not count as separate stays and thus would not count as separate hits.

The 200 point minimum really messes me up, last year I used mostly $50 dines at SPG hotels to get the hits. I can't see spending $100 on a meal for 2. If I were an executive for IHG, SPG, Wyndham or Marriott I think I would be rather upset that their legitimate lower end hotels won't get hits--Four Points, HIX, Courtyards, etc. They will lose a lot of business this quarter if people in the budget travel market redirect stays to BW, Choice, etc. I understand they wanted to get rid of the phantom Wyndham stays but a 100 point minimum would still require a cash outlay of $50 and accomplish that. I have seen people mention Accor hits, it looks like Accor are no longer a partner. Also La Quinta only seems to work for stays, they don't have US as a transfer partner.

On the positive side, the toolbar gets a hit, also there are possible 2 hits for magazines-redeeming miles and paying for a subscription.

Non US residents will be messed up because in most cases we won't have the cheap car rentals and cheaper hotels like the USA. I'm lucky to at least be a citizen so I can get the credit card hits and the ones that require a SSN.

Most hotel chains do not give frequent stay/flyer credit when booked through OTAs. I believe there are a few exceptions.

Consecutive days at the same hotel, e.g. check out and check back in the same day, even if reserved separately, would not count as separate stays and thus would not count as separate hits.

Thanks for the quick response!

https://goldcrownclub.bestwestern.com/members/terms.asp

You are totally right - Best Western does not allow rewards for most OTAs:


Effective February 28, 2008, all rate programs qualify for earning points, except Leisure Club (LC), House Plan (HP), Employee/Member (E), European Employee (EE), Preferred Net (DI/D2), Priceline (PL/PN), Travelocity Promotional (D3), Orbitz Promotional (44), Expedia (FIT), Net/FIT (FI), Travel Agent Discount (TA), Tours (Group Tour Operator), Group (OF/OG), Crew and Deeply Discounted Extended Stay and Hotel Negotiated (greater than 20 percent discount), GCCI (FX), Dynamic Net Tour (X2), Dynamic Vacation Packages (WB), Amenity Packages, Unit Card (UC), Site 59 (59) and other locally negotiated hotel discount rates for crew or extended stays for longer than one week.
Points may not be earned in conjunction with points or airline rewar

Though it does not necessarily say that it will not provide US AIR Dividend Miles.

One more thing as I'm organizing a trade fair booking - if other people stay and check in (though the reservation is mine and my dividend miles account) will I get a credit?

Cheap LaQuinta stays: using Expedia BRG book the LaQuinta for $50 off. Gets 250 US Airways points for a hit. I confirmed with LaQuinta yesterday that stays booked via Expedia do count for mileage earning stay credit.

UPDATE 8/29/2011: spoke to LaQ again today, just to confirm. Rep says Expedia stays DO NOT earn stay credit :(

One more thing as I'm organizing a trade fair booking - if other people stay and check in (though the reservation is mine and my dividend miles account) will I get a credit?

I often book business guests into the local Holiday Inn using my Priority Club number. Sometimes the hotel requires that the reservation be in my name, sometimes not.

However, many hotel programs limit the number of rooms that can earn credit for one account on the same night. Where I've inquired, it has been up to 4 rooms, but it might be different with other chains.

However, many hotel programs limit the number of rooms that can earn credit for one account on the same night. Where I've inquired, it has been up to 4 rooms, but it might be different with other chains.

Up to 4 rooms - now that sounds promising. Grand Slam here I come...

Cheap LaQuinta stays: using Expedia BRG book the LaQuinta for $50 off. Gets 250 US Airways points for a hit. I confirmed with LaQuinta yesterday that stays booked via Expedia do count for mileage earning stay credit.

These are going to be the cheapest hotel stays if in fact 250 points will be awarded. BRG coupons stay in your account even when you cancel the hotel you earned it on. Only 3 per month though. Grand Slam lasts only 2 months instead of 2 1/2 like last year. Many La Quintas are under $50 so those are free hits.

Use hotelscombined.com to search for BRG opportunities. Book three of them (and cancel them) before the grand slam starts. Use the first three coupons in September. Repeat in 30 days but before the grand slam ends.

so i have a up and coming holiday at the hilton surfers paradise . Im paying $250+ per night for 8 nights. Im a HH gold and wife is HH blue (just signed up)

I have set both accounts to earn HH points and fixed miles. Here's what im thinking . I check in next day check out wife checks in and we should end up with 4 stays each and 2k DM each (500 fixed per stay).

So now we have 4 stays each in the Hilton hotel program can i use them for 4 hits each just enough to get the 10k bonus ?

Also im thinking of doing a expensive mattress run at a raddison property in syd using the F&F rate. Comes in at $100 per night.

Also im thinking of doing a expensive mattress run at a raddison property in syd using the F&F rate. Comes in at $100 per night.

Unless I'm mistaken, the Radisson F&F rate isn't eligible for points, since it's discounted. Am I wrong about that?

Simple question but many may have that one - for hotel hits (not transfers) will it count when hotels are booked through OTAs (Expedia/ Orbitz) etc and one actually stays and checks in?

I'm also trying to figure out if a 5 night consecutive stay can be broken down in 5 separate reservations and would yield 5 'hits'?

this is not called ota but 3rd party websites !!!

Unless I'm mistaken, the Radisson F&F rate isn't eligible for points, since it's discounted. Am I wrong about that?

No, you are right. No points/miles for F&F stays.

Unless I'm mistaken, the Radisson F&F rate isn't eligible for points, since it's discounted. Am I wrong about that?

Yeah your right the F&F rate doesnt earn points. BUT can i order a water and put on bill and be classified as a stay within the DM GS for a hit?

It doesnt say a stay needs to earn points to be classed as a hit does it ???

I have set both accounts to earn HH points and fixed miles. Here's what im thinking . I check in next day check out wife checks in and we should end up with 4 stays each and 2k DM each (500 fixed per stay).


Wouldn't be a problem if the hotel is flexible to give you and your wife the same room all the day (dont know why they wont).

Perhaps the receptionist will have some fun :)

The F&F rate would not get any points or stays !

The F&F rate would not get any points or stays !

But will it give me a hit with DM GS

But will it give me a hit with DM GS

Per us air t&c the hotel stay has to be at least 250 DM deposited. It would have to be a very expensive water. :)

Hi,
I'm new to the Grandslam and am very excited about it! I have 2 hotel stays already booked during the promo period but I can't tell if they will be eligible to count as hits. I had booked them before the GS was announced. Anyway, below are the details. Can anyone tell me if they will be eligible?

And do I enter my US number under the reservation or my SPG or PC numbers?

Stay #1
Holiday Inn Express Waltham, MA
Saturday, September 17-18, 2011
1 room x 1 night = $115 (booked under a special group rate)

Stay #2
Aloft Mount Laurel, NJ
Friday, November 4 - Sunday, November 6, 2011
2 rooms x 2 nights = $437.92
Rate Description: Book Now And Save. Prepayment Charged At The Time Of Booking. Reservations Are Nonchangeable And Non Refundable.. Identification Required.

Hi,
I'm new to the Grandslam and am very excited about it! I have 2 hotel stays already booked during the promo period but I can't tell if they will be eligible to count as hits. I had booked them before the GS was announced. Anyway, below are the details. Can anyone tell me if they will be eligible?

And do I enter my US number under the reservation or my SPG or PC numbers?

They should be, assuming the promo does start on 9/14 and assuming you register if registration is required before the stays.

I don't know about PC, but I assume it works the same as other programs. You reserve the hotel with your hotel account number, but you change your earning preference in your profile on the spg and pc website to US miles. I actually have a problem changing my SPG earning preference -- I have to call in -- but many can do it online. Every hotel program is a bit different in how you set your earning preference.

I don't know about PC, but I assume it works the same as other programs. You reserve the hotel with your hotel account number, but you change your earning preference in your profile on the spg and pc website to US miles. I actually have a problem changing my SPG earning preference -- I have to call in -- but many can do it online. Every hotel program is a bit different in how you set your earning preference.

That's how it works for Priority Club. You log in to PC, and then select US and enter your DM number before checking in for the stay that you want to credit to US.

register if registration is required before the stays.

This is a very, very good reminder you bring up. Everyone remember to register for GS before diving in. It'd be painful to discover mid-promo that we overlooked simple registration after the fact, nullifying all hits. Shiver. Note to self and co-GSers.

La Quinta only seems to work for stays, they don't have US as a transfer partner.

La Quinta's website is a bit disorganized -- it doesn't list US Airways as a transfer partner, but LQ reps tell me the omission is a glitch/mistake. US Airways is definitely a transfer partner (6k points = 1k miles), so I asked why it's missing online and they "don't know" and don't know when it'll be fixed. To initiate transfer we have to call in. Personally I'd prefer screen confirmation. We don't even know yet if LQ transfers are a hit by GS terms, which makes me reluctant to deposit erewards or accrue anything in LQ for GS before knowing. Other takes? Safe bet it's a transfer hit? Really hope so, because I have a trip coming up this weekend and want car-rental LQ points for GS transfer.

UPDATE: La Quinta's not part of Grand Slam.

La Quinta's website is a bit disorganized -- it doesn't list US Airways as a transfer partner, but LQ reps tell me the omission is a glitch/mistake. US Airways is definitely a transfer partner (6k points = 1k miles), so I asked why it's missing online and they "don't know" and don't know when it'll be fixed. To initiate transfer we have to call in. Personally I'd prefer screen confirmation. We don't even know yet if LQ transfers are a hit by GS terms, which makes me reluctant to deposit erewards or accrue anything in LQ for GS before knowing. Other takes? Safe bet it's a transfer hit? Really hope so, because I have a trip coming up this weekend and want car-rental LQ points for GS transfer.

They are not listed on US Air website:
http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/promotions/points_to_miles.html

The rules as of 8/23 do not list La Quinta as a stay hit, but do list WORLDHOTELS. However, the rules state that there are 11 hotel families that count for hits, but only lists 10 families.

Cheap LaQuinta stays: using Expedia BRG book the LaQuinta for $50 off. Gets 250 US Airways points for a hit. I confirmed with LaQuinta yesterday that stays booked via Expedia do count for mileage earning stay credit.

What is a BRG book? Sorry if this was already answered somewhere.

What is a BRG book? Sorry if this was already answered somewhere.

Expedia has a generous Best Rate Guarantee, see http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hotel-deals/1029933-expedia-brg-tips-results.html for more info.

How can we verify if La Quinta will work? If not, will have to go Best Western or another cheapier and stay there.

How can we verify if La Quinta will work? If not, will have to go Best Western or another cheapier and stay there.
Read the Grand Slam Rules and FAQs. Or, if you prefer, ask your Magic 8 Ball.

US has a current promo...buy a $100 Best Western gift card and get 500 miles. Assuming this promo is still available on Sept. 14, would that purchase alone generate a stay hit? If not, I may just go ahead and buy the card now and use it for a stay during the Grand Slam.

I have a stay booked at a Marriott Residence Inn, checking in on the 13th, and checking out on the 15th of September. The nightly rate is $189. Will this count as a hit?

I also have a rental car for the same period (rental period starts 9/13 and ends 9/15) with National, and I am set to receive US Air Miles, will count as well?

Very Noob question here, but how does US Airways know you stayed at a hotel? Do you have to do something to confirm it shows as a hit?

Very Noob question here, but how does US Airways know you stayed at a hotel? Do you have to do something to confirm it shows as a hit?

Switch your hotel reward scheme earnings preference to US miles before your stay.

For hotel crediting to DM miles, can I use a DM account in a name other than mine for crediting the miles? So I check in to an SPG property and use my SPG number (I want the stay credit), but provide my wife's DM number for point crediting. Is that doable?

...
I also have a rental car for the same period (rental period starts 9/13 and ends 9/15) with National, and I am set to receive US Air Miles, will count as well?
Probably not. I believe the transaction date for National car rentals is the pickup date, which in your case is 9/13 (one day before the start of the promo).

US has a current promo...buy a $100 Best Western gift card and get 500 miles. Assuming this promo is still available on Sept. 14, would that purchase alone generate a stay hit? If not, I may just go ahead and buy the card now and use it for a stay during the Grand Slam.

Promo is set to expire Aug 31, but even if it continues, I'd say it's iffy. US seemed to know, for example, whether miles were coming in last year from starwood as part of a stay or a transfer. I would think there might be something that identifies how or why these miles are coming in so that US doesn't recognize them as a stay -- especially since it's a promo that you need to register for.

500 miles isn't enough for me to buy it now, because I can get hits cheaper in my area at other chains than Best Western. But if the promo continues, I could see taking a chance and buying a card on September 14 and using it for a stay and seeing if you get 2 hits.

Promo is set to expire Aug 31, but even if it continues, I'd say it's iffy. US seemed to know, for example, whether miles were coming in last year from starwood as part of a stay or a transfer. I would think there might be something that identifies how or why these miles are coming in so that US doesn't recognize them as a stay -- especially since it's a promo that you need to register for.

500 miles isn't enough for me to buy it now, because I can get hits cheaper in my area at other chains than Best Western. But if the promo continues, I could see taking a chance and buying a card on September 14 and using it for a stay and seeing if you get 2 hits.

Thanks for that Ikar...sure would be nice to get a 2fer!

I was also wondering about the no show stays...I'm not having much luck finding reasonable rates I can actually use, so what about those "pre-paid" rates that some hotels offer. Do you get mileage credit for those? It would be great to find a few $30 and under rates to pre-pay just for the hits.

Folks,

this is the cheapest Econolodge (250 miles per stay) I found so far:

Econolodge, Akron, OH (http://www.econolodge.com/ires/en-US/html/RoomAvailability?hotel=OH541&sid=xteJvi.FIhGOg93m.13&sarea=420051&sname=Akron%2C+OH%2C+US&sstate=OH&scountry=US&sradius=80.00&slat=41.08419&slon=-81.51406&schain=E&exp=&scity=&sort=&type=&map=n&rstart=Starting+Location&rend=Ending+Location&dateFormat=mm/dd/yy&arrivalDate=10/13/11&departureDate=10/14/11&srp=RACK&nroom=1&nadult1=1&nchild1=0&nadult2=&nchild2=&nadult3=&nchild3=&nadult4=&nchild4=&nadult5=&nchild5=&sstate_country=)

It's 36.99 if you pre-pay.

Now someone needs to be first for Sept 15th and see if they accept phantom stays...

Probably not. I believe the transaction date for National car rentals is the pickup date, which in your case is 9/13 (one day before the start of the promo).

I understand this to mean that it doesn't matter if a hotel post something during the promotion period if the stay was before? No need to hope a stay ending on the 12th would post late enough then?

I understand this to mean that it doesn't matter if a hotel post something during the promotion period if the stay was before? No need to hope a stay ending on the 12th would post late enough then?
The transaction activity date (for hotels this is typically either the check-in or check-out date) is the one that must fall between Sep. 14 and Nov. 14. A hotel stay ending on Sep. 12 would not count as a hit, regardless of when it appears in your DM account.

Ok, thanks. Need to find one more hit then.

Additionally, there may be promos for some other brands that makes this a bit better. For example, IHG is running a 100 mile per night bonus (http://boardingarea.com/blogs/loyaltytraveler/2011/08/13/priority-club-up-to-2000-bonus-points-or-400-miles-per-night-sep-15-dec-31/) 9/15-12/31, which would bring the total needed per stay to $50 ($100 for extended stay brands), assuming that the bonus miles post with the stay. Does anyone know how various brands post bonus mile promotions to US (i.e. pairs stay mileage with bonus miles, or done in two separate transfers?)

Hilton (http://hhonors1.hilton.com/en_US/hh/points/earningmiles.do): 500 miles per stay (fixed miles) at all except Hampton, Homewood, and Home2, which require $200 (variable miles)Hilton also has a double miles promo (https://www.hiltonhhonors.com/PYO/DoublePointsDoubleMiles.aspx?lang=EN&cid=OM,HN,11Q03,Specials)(only thru 9/30, alas), which I haven't seen mentioned. That would put the Hampton etc. fixed-mile bonus -- 100 miles -- at the GS minimum. As noted above, how the points post is probably crucial.

Apologies if this has been answered, (I searched this thread using the query "Platinum Extra") but does anyone know how a Hyatt Platinum Extra Certificate for 1,000 airline miles would post? Does it come in as a stay, hotel transfer, or perhaps something else?

Cheap LaQuinta stays: using Expedia BRG book the LaQuinta for $50 off. Gets 250 US Airways points for a hit. I confirmed with LaQuinta yesterday that stays booked via Expedia do count for mileage earning stay credit.

Expedia BRG?!? I had no idea about this. Thanks for the tip. Just confirmed my second and on my way to the third for August.

Off topic, but does anyone know if any of the other websites (orbitz, travelocity, etc) offer BRG's where the coupons are not taken back if the hotel booking is cancelled?

Thanks.

Once again though, will La Quinta stays count for hits. It is not listed on the Rules page.

Once again though, will La Quinta stays count for hits. It is not listed on the Rules page.

it's been discussed practically every page that it won't

Just curious if there is some secret to snagging a BRG. In my experience, all of the major sites return the same rates.

I have a hotel stay scheduled for Sept. 12-14th. When hotel miles post, do they include the date the stay started (12th) or the date you checked out (14th)? This will cut it close to know if I should add my DM number for the stay.

I have a hotel stay scheduled for Sept. 12-14th. When hotel miles post, do they include the date the stay started (12th) or the date you checked out (14th)? This will cut it close to know if I should add my DM number for the stay.

If you mention the hotel chain then people might be able to answer.

If you mention the hotel chain then people might be able to answer.

As I don't have the hotel booked yet, I thought it would mostly be a general consensus. Most likely Hyatt/SPG property.

As it was, I had a vacation planned for the Upper Midwest (Minnesota and Wisconsin specifically) from Sept 9-20. I am at a timeshare until the night of the 16th, but from there, I took my next 4 nights, previously in PC properties and spread them this way....

Sept 16 - Best Western, Eagan, MN
Sept 17 - Best Western, Wisconsin Dells, WI
Sept 18 - Clarion Inn (Formerly HI City Center), Green Bay, WI
Sept 19 - Main Stay Suites, Oak Creek, WI (near MKE)

Average cost per night is about $60 all in versus the $100 or so at the PC properties.

For my last two, there is an Econo Lodge on my way to work that charges the munificent sum of $36.15 per night all in. I'll check in one afternoon and check out on my way in the next morning, maybe even grab a coffee and danish.

Hilton also has a double miles promo (https://www.hiltonhhonors.com/PYO/DoublePointsDoubleMiles.aspx?lang=EN&cid=OM,HN,11Q03,Specials)(only thru 9/30, alas), which I haven't seen mentioned. That would put the Hampton etc. fixed-mile bonus -- 100 miles -- at the GS minimum. As noted above, how the points post is probably crucial.

Does anyone have an answer for how this has been posting? Probably too much of a risk for us to try a Hampton Inn stay and only get 200 US miles and no GS credit because it posts separately as 100 + 100 (bonus) instead of 200.

Would rather take the sure 2k BMI every time.

Best Western seems to give 250pts for each 'qualified stay'. Is there anything preventing a qualified stay being had in Asia?

Would it be safe to presume that any AAA or prepaid rate presented on the BW site would be qualifying? (Sorry, I don't stay in many hotels.)

Best Western seems to give 250pts for each 'qualified stay'. Is there anything preventing a qualified stay being had in Asia?

Would it be safe to presume that any AAA or prepaid rate presented on the BW site would be qualifying? (Sorry, I don't stay in many hotels.)

Here are the NON-QUALIFYING rates from the BW website (so assume that everything else is qualifying, including AAA):

A qualifying rate is a nightly rate paid that is eligible for earning points or airline/partner rewards. All rates qualify for Best Western Rewards® points except the following:
Amenity Packages
Crew and Deeply Discounted Extended Stay and Hotel Negotiated-(greater than 20 percent discount)
Dynamic Net Tour- (X2)
Dynamic Vacation Packages- (WB)
Employee/Member- (E)
European Employee- (EE)
Expedia- (FIT)
Free Nights- (FX)
Group- (OF/OG)
House Plan- (HP)
Leisure Club- (LC)
Net/FIT- (FI)
Orbitz Promotional- (44)
Preferred Net- (DI/D2)
Priceline- (PL/PN)
Site 59- (59)
Tours- (Group Tour Operator)
Travel Agent Discount- (TA)
Travelocity Promotional- (D3)
Unit Card- (UC)

I've earned points and miles on 6 continents and many islands, never had an issue before with a major chain. Of course, YMMV :D

very confused as to how this brg thing works can someone please explain.
also i don;t see anything in the rules about a 200 mile minimum and la quinta is on the list(maybe they have changed these)

Here are the NON-QUALIFYING rates from the BW website (so assume that everything else is qualifying, including AAA):

....

I've earned points and miles on 6 continents and many islands, never had an issue before with a major chain. Of course, YMMV :D

i had seen that entry on the FAQ but just wanted to ensure i was reading it correctly. Thanks.

Here are the NON-QUALIFYING rates from the BW website (so assume that everything else is qualifying, including AAA):...

Thanks, this is very useful. Have a few BWs coming up.^

Best Western seems to give 250pts for each 'qualified stay'. Is there anything preventing a qualified stay being had in Asia?

Would it be safe to presume that any AAA or prepaid rate presented on the BW site would be qualifying? (Sorry, I don't stay in many hotels.)

I will give you my personal experience on this one. I did exactly this. I booked one of the rates that was offered on the BW web site (not AAA but some HSBC or other credit card offer). Nowhere on the page does it say that the bill must be paid with an HSBC credit card. I do not have such a credit card. I stayed at the Best Western in Thailand and they did honor the rate but I did not get the Best Western points or miles because they claimed that it was an ineligible rate. They seem to eliminate any rate that is 20% or more off the the rack rates from being eligible for miles or points. The best thing to do is to book the rate you want and then call CSR and ask if the rate you selected will get you points or miles. Obviously do not do this with the prepaid rates because these can not be cancelled, call before you book a prepaid rate to make sure.

I have to be at Marriott for 4 days for a conference in early November. If I understand this right, I should book the four nights separately, so I will have to check out/check in every day? That will give me four hits instead of just one?

I will give you my personal experience on this one. I did exactly this. I booked one of the rates that was offered on the BW web site (not AAA but some HSBC or other credit card offer). Nowhere on the page does it say that the bill must be paid with an HSBC credit card. I do not have such a credit card. I stayed at the Best Western in Thailand and they did honor the rate but I did not get the Best Western points or miles because they claimed that it was an ineligible rate. They seem to eliminate any rate that is 20% or more off the the rack rates from being eligible for miles or points. The best thing to do is to book the rate you want and then call CSR and ask if the rate you selected will get you points or miles. Obviously do not do this with the prepaid rates because these can not be cancelled, call before you book a prepaid rate to make sure.


Reasonable enough (though i did see a visa rate was mandated to be paid with a visa card).

I've tried to call reservations already and it just rang and rang. Nobody picked up. At some point I'll try again.

Thanks.

I have to be at Marriott for 4 days for a conference in early November. If I understand this right, I should book the four nights separately, so I will have to check out/check in every day? That will give me four hits instead of just one?

In general consecutive nights at the same hotel, regardless of how often you check out/check in, will only be counted as 1 stay. At least that's how I understand it.

What's the verdict on booking hotel rooms through Orbitz? Is it really better than bidding on priceline? :confused:http://rewardslink.info/flash/images/18.gif

In general consecutive nights at the same hotel, regardless of how often you check out/check in, will only be counted as 1 stay. At least that's how I understand it.

Thanks for that. I think what I may do is 4 nights at multiple different hotels (probably 2, not a different one each night!).

Does anyone know if Econo Lodge stays booked through Expedia earns points?

Does anyone know if Econo Lodge stays booked through Expedia earns points?

+1. i guess only way to know is to call them and find out.

I have 3 BRG coupons on expedia that I would love to use.

Here is what I found on Choice Hotels website. Not sure what it means for Expedia.

Choice Privileges points and Airline Rewards are earned on the following rate plans (SRPs): Best Available Rate, Corporate (SCR, CORP, LCORP), VIP (SPC), Net Preferred (SNP), Government/Military (SGM, GOVT), Travelers Discount (STD), AAA/CAA (S3A, AAA, LAAA), PSTDB (Ireland only), PSTDC (Ireland only), P2BB1D, P3BB2D, Small Organization Savings/Significant Savings (SSO), Senior Rate (SSV), Sports Rate (LSPRT), CPSA (LR7), negotiated rates (N), and select LSRPs (LAKES, LBEST, LCLUB, LDEAL, LFPLP, LFPLPX, LFSSR, LGOC, LGWAYS, LHOME, LNINE, LGDS, LPCT, LSTATE, LTFT, LGO, L5, L10, L15 and L20). The following rates are available in Europe only: LSOIR1 (France, Spain, Portugal and Belgium only), PFRANC (France, Spain, Portugal and Belgium only), SWK (France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, and Switzerland only), LSUN (Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, Switzerland and United Kingdom only) and LSNOW (Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland and the United Kingdom only). Also all other rates that are 20% or less off Best Available Rates; except LNET, LNET2, LNET3, LEXP, tour series and group rates are point eligible.The following rate is available in the Caribbean only: LGOLD.

wow... edited for readability.
Here is what I found on Choice Hotels website. Not sure what it means for Expedia.

Choice Privileges points and Airline Rewards are earned on the following rate plans (SRPs):
Best Available Rate,
Corporate (SCR, CORP, LCORP),
VIP (SPC),
Net Preferred (SNP),
Government/Military (SGM, GOVT),
Travelers Discount (STD),
AAA/CAA (S3A, AAA, LAAA),
PSTDB (Ireland only),
PSTDC (Ireland only),
P2BB1D,
P3BB2D,
Small Organization Savings/Significant Savings (SSO),
Senior Rate (SSV),
Sports Rate (LSPRT),
CPSA (LR7),
negotiated rates (N),
and select LSRPs (LAKES, LBEST, LCLUB, LDEAL, LFPLP, LFPLPX, LFSSR, LGOC, LGWAYS, LHOME, LNINE, LGDS, LPCT, LSTATE, LTFT, LGO, L5, L10, L15 and L20).

The following rates are available in Europe only:
LSOIR1 (France, Spain, Portugal and Belgium only),
PFRANC (France, Spain, Portugal and Belgium only),
SWK (France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, and Switzerland only),
LSUN (Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, Switzerland and United Kingdom only) and
LSNOW (Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland and the United Kingdom only).

Also all other rates that are 20% or less off Best Available Rates; except LNET, LNET2, LNET3, LEXP, tour series and group rates are point eligible.The following rate is available in the Caribbean only: LGOLD.

Here is what I found on Choice Hotels website. Not sure what it means for Expedia.

Choice Privileges points and Airline Rewards are earned on the following rate plans (SRPs): Best Available Rate, Corporate (SCR, CORP, LCORP), VIP (SPC), Net Preferred (SNP), Government/Military (SGM, GOVT), Travelers Discount (STD), AAA/CAA (S3A, AAA, LAAA), PSTDB (Ireland only), PSTDC (Ireland only), P2BB1D, P3BB2D, Small Organization Savings/Significant Savings (SSO), Senior Rate (SSV), Sports Rate (LSPRT), CPSA (LR7), negotiated rates (N), and select LSRPs (LAKES, LBEST, LCLUB, LDEAL, LFPLP, LFPLPX, LFSSR, LGOC, LGWAYS, LHOME, LNINE, LGDS, LPCT, LSTATE, LTFT, LGO, L5, L10, L15 and L20). The following rates are available in Europe only: LSOIR1 (France, Spain, Portugal and Belgium only), PFRANC (France, Spain, Portugal and Belgium only), SWK (France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, and Switzerland only), LSUN (Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, Switzerland and United Kingdom only) and LSNOW (Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland and the United Kingdom only). Also all other rates that are 20% or less off Best Available Rates; except LNET, LNET2, LNET3, LEXP, tour series and group rates are point eligible.The following rate is available in the Caribbean only: LGOLD.


I don't understand your question. As already told: 3rd party bookings do neither get you a hit nor points @:-)

Thanks for that. I think what I may do is 4 nights at multiple different hotels (probably 2, not a different one each night!).

Do different chains if you can, as some programs include multiple nights un geographically nearby hotels as one stay.

IHG (http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/pc/1/en/c/2/content/dec/pc/0/en/miles/us/airline.html): $100 most brands, $200 Staybridge & Candlewood

There's a PC promo for 9/15-12/31 which has a 100 mile bonus at its starting tier (which I believe is just registration). I don't know whether the miles will post as one transaction, but this might bring Holiday Inn, et. al. stays for $50 into the game.

Do different chains if you can, as some programs include multiple nights un geographically nearby hotels as one stay.

not a single chain is know for such a thing. if you change hotel you have a new stay. that's so easy

do I have to book through hotel websites to get dividened miles to qualify hit or I can book through priceline bidding? :rolleyes:

do I have to book through hotel websites to get dividened miles to qualify hit or I can book through priceline bidding? :rolleyes:

Can't do Priceline or other third-party sites for GS hits, unfortunately. What a deal that would be. Instead, book on hotel sites directly with miles-eligible discount codes for reduced rates. FT hotel threads have them.

do I have to book through hotel websites to get dividened miles to qualify hit or I can book through priceline bidding? :rolleyes:

Can't do Priceline or other third-party sites for GS hits, unfortunately. What a deal that would be. Instead, book on hotel sites directly with miles-eligible discount codes for reduced rates. FT hotel threads have them.

ecgz88's :rolleyes: = sarcasm, which made me LOL.

La Quinta is now listed as a viable hotel for stay hits.

Please amend post #1.

Can be found here (http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/grandslamrules.html).

Since the Grand Slam doesn't start till September 14, 2011, can i book a hotel stay today for September 20, 2011 stay and count it as a "hit"?

La Quinta is now listed as a viable hotel for stay hits.

Please amend post #1.

Can be found here (http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/grandslamrules.html).

Changed it, also adding this (from halfway down this webpage (http://www.lq.com/lq/returns/terms.jsp):

Reservations booked through third-party Web sites, i.e., Hotels.com, etc., may not be eligible to receive La Quinta Returns points.

It does not say third-party website bookings are not eligible, just that they MAY not be. They do not define which rates will and will not earn points on a third party booking though.

Since the Grand Slam doesn't start till September 14, 2011, can i book a hotel stay today for September 20, 2011 stay and count it as a "hit"?

Yes.

Looking through this thread, it seems to me that some may not be used to earning frequent flier miles by hotel stays and thus might not understand how exactly to get a hit for a hotel stay.

I recognize that this post is not for 90 percent or so, but maybe for 10 percent or less. I remember last year during the grand slam, people would say things like, "I showed up at Wyndham and they didn't take my US dividend miles number," or "I stayed at super 8, but I didn't get a hit," and when asked, "well, did you set your earnings preference to US" they would say, "huh"?

So, I guess I'd suggest that perhaps the initial post in the thread potentially be changed to explain the process, which is (1) book a hotel using your number for that hotel chain, and (2) set your earnings preference, before your stay, so that you are earning US miles, instead of hotel points.

As straightforward as this seems, I can already predict that it's going to be a source of confusion. Ideally, someone might want even to provide links or instructions to the various ways that one changes his or her hotel preferences. Each program is different. To get the ball rolling, here's the place you to do it for SPG: https://www.spgpromos.com/moremiles/?language=en_US&EM=VTY_MoreMiles_enUS

If there's a cheap hotel that gets the required mileage near wherever I'm at at the time, I'd be happy to try to check in for other folks.

ive been trying to do this as well.
how do you ck in for other people?

ive been trying to do this as well.
how do you ck in for other people?

Generally the other person makes a reservation in their own name with their own credit card and then either in the notes for the reservation says that you will be staying in the room too and checking in first or calling the hotel and saying that you are checking in first.

I don't understand your question. As already told: 3rd party bookings do neither get you a hit nor points @:-)

3rd party bookings at La Quinta do. US residents can get 6 free hits right there.

3rd party bookings at La Quinta do. US residents can get 6 free hits right there.

Perfect. woot woot. Just what we were waiting for.

Got 3 BRG's in expedia already. a few weeks and will get the other 3.

3rd party bookings at La Quinta do. US residents can get 6 free hits right there.

Did anyone clarify this with La Quinta? Why do people think one gets a hit with Expedia, Orbitz etc bookings?

LQs T&Cs (http://www.lq.com/lq/returns/terms.jsp) state "Reservations booked through third-party Web sites, i.e., Hotels.com, etc., may not be eligible to receive La Quinta Returns points." This is pretty clear standard language, saying the booking are ineligible, isn't it?

Did anyone clarify this with La Quinta? Why do people think one gets a hit with Expedia, Orbitz etc bookings?

LQs T&Cs (http://www.lq.com/lq/returns/terms.jsp) state "Reservations booked through third-party Web sites, i.e., Hotels.com, etc., may not be eligible to receive La Quinta Returns points." This is pretty clear standard language, saying the booking are ineligible, isn't it?

"may not be eligible" is neither clear nor means bookings are ineligible. In fact, I don't see how it can be more vague.

"may not be eligible" is neither clear nor means bookings are ineligible. In fact, I don't see how it can be more vague.

well, do you think the hotel chains have to give away something? "may not" is in reality "not". same as in other programs. sometimes i get hhonors points for expedia bookings but thats not the norm

well, do you think the hotel chains have to give away something? "may not" is in reality "not". same as in other programs. sometimes i get hhonors points for expedia bookings but thats not the norm

May not means may not. You can read into it all you want and you may not be correct. In reality it means whatever they want it to mean and could easily indicate that it's more nuanced than a simple yes or now.

EG it could mean that an opague site wouldn't count (negotiating) but expedia does.

NB: I have no idea what 'may not' actually means when dealing with La Quinta's policies.

Cheap LaQuinta stays: using Expedia BRG book the LaQuinta for $50 off. Gets 250 US Airways points for a hit. I confirmed with LaQuinta yesterday that stays booked via Expedia do count for mileage earning stay credit.


Okay, so today I called back again just to confirm this, since I now see that LaQ is indeed included. The rep I spoke to today told me stays booked via Expedia DO NOT count for stay credit. :td:

sorry if I got anyone else all excited. I was planning on doing the max "stays" there for almost free. oh well......

Okay, so today I called back again just to confirm this, since I now see that LaQ is indeed included. The rep I spoke to today told me stays booked via Expedia DO NOT count for stay credit. :td:

sorry if I got anyone else all excited. I was planning on doing the max "stays" there for almost free. oh well......

And yet, other people have spoken to agents that say they do count. What to do, what to do...

Okay, so today I called back again just to confirm this, since I now see that LaQ is indeed included. The rep I spoke to today told me stays booked via Expedia DO NOT count for stay credit. :td:

sorry if I got anyone else all excited. I was planning on doing the max "stays" there for almost free. oh well......

you called US or LQ?

Someone previously called LQ. Might as well burn a BRG coupon and find out. =P

Hmm, so we're looking for a hotel program that gives points through third-party vendors AND gives points for no shows. Let the drama begin!

Mike

Let the drama begin!

Who's in for pooling all our Vinesse wine cases for a giant cast party after all's said and done? Thinking ahead, I know. Something's gotta be done with the bottles. You see that dishwasher question that got its own thread? Heck I'll wash all your dishes by hand for a couple of GS hits.

May not means may not. You can read into it all you want and you may not be correct. In reality it means whatever they want it to mean and could easily indicate that it's more nuanced than a simple yes or now.

EG it could mean that an opague site wouldn't count (negotiating) but expedia does.

NB: I have no idea what 'may not' actually means when dealing with La Quinta's policies.

dream on dude, expedia bookings don't count. full stop. that's a matter of fact :D

Who's in for pooling all our Vinesse wine cases for a giant cast party after all's said and done? Thinking ahead, I know. Something's gotta be done with the bottles. You see that dishwasher question that got its own thread? Heck I'll wash all your dishes by hand for a couple of GS hits.

Was that the one where you could buy the little wine fold-out card for $10, or was it the other one? Alas, non-drinker here, although we have plenty of bottles of wine in our basement from when people bring them over.

Okay, back on topic to hotels... :)

Mike

dream on dude, expedia bookings don't count. full stop. that's a matter of fact :D

We do have someone who booked and stated they got miles. I am going to call and find out, and then use a BRG coupon to find out.

Not really concerned with if they count no shows, as I am sure we can go in for an hour.

As a backup plan, found a certain hotel in Las Vegas, about $30 a night AI.

dream on dude, expedia bookings don't count. full stop. that's a matter of fact :D

Dude? Excuse you?:rolleyes:

Look i don't care if Expedia stays count or not. It doesn't matter to me.

But you come in here with your attitude spouting so much knowledge of the exact meaning of English phrases and I'm here to tell you your interpretation is flat out wrong.

The term 'may not' is not a 100% meaning. If it was so clear cut why not put 'will not'. please enlighten me with your overpowering knowledge.:rolleyes:

Again, I'm not using Expedia, I'm not using La Quinta. Quite frankly I don't give a rat's a$$ whether it works or not.

Just an FYI, I called a La Quinta in Jacksonville FL, and was told for their rewards, it does not matter if it is booked on Expedia or on their website. take it for what its worth.

I don't know about La Quinta in particular, but often it's just the Expedia Special Rate offers (prepaid) or Unpublished Rates that don't earn miles. Regular rates booked through Expedia normally do.

I don't know about La Quinta in particular, but often it's just the Expedia Special Rate offers (prepaid) or Unpublished Rates that don't earn miles. Regular rates booked through Expedia normally do.

Except in this case, the Expedia Special Rate, was exactly what the rate was on la quinta's site.

Is there a pattern to how chains/hotels families date the posting of hotel say miles? ie Chain A uses checkin date and Chain B uses checkout date.

My anticipated hotel hits have me in 3 different properties likely in 3 different families over 3 consecutive nights and don't want to void a hit by having the first night use checkout and the second using checkin posting with the same date.

My stays are likely Hyatt, Choice, La Quinta.

I want to make sure that I am doing this correctly so I don't hit a foul. If I am staying at a Choice property and want a hit for the stay (as opposed to getting points for a transfer), do I first set my Choice Privilege preferences to US Airways and then make the reservations? That would seem to do it, but I want to make sure.

Thanks for helping the Choice/Grand Slam newbie.

xlax

I want to make sure that I am doing this correctly so I don't hit a foul. If I am staying at a Choice property and want a hit for the stay (as opposed to getting points for a transfer), do I first set my Choice Privilege preferences to US Airways and then make the reservations? That would seem to do it, but I want to make sure.

Thanks for helping the Choice/Grand Slam newbie.

xlax

yes

But you come in here with your attitude spouting so much knowledge of the exact meaning of English phrases and I'm here to tell you your interpretation is flat out wrong.


ZurichFlyer is, in my experience, very strident. It's part of his charm. I think "wrong" is his favorite word. ;0)

Here's the bottom line: The Swiss get pissed at being netural all the time, so they take it out on people on message boards. Cut him some slack.

If he finds a $28 hotel hit for all of us, he can be mean.

ZurichFlyer is, in my experience, very strident. It's part of his charm. I think "wrong" is his favorite word. ;0)

Here's the bottom line: The Swiss get pissed at being netural all the time, so they take it out on people on message boards. Cut him some slack.

If he finds a $28 hotel hit for all of us, he can be mean.

He's like the Marathon Man of the Grand Slam promos. ;)

I'm not sure we should set the level at $28. Let's challenge him a bit, shall we?

Mike

Wow, didnt know the bar was set.

I have a $32 ai property, Choice Hotel in a certain gambling town. =P AAA rate.

I just made a reservation for a night's stay at a Choice Hotels location, and chose the Advance Purchase rate. It requires prepayment and cannot be cancelled, but it's lower than the AAA and AARP rates. I have used this rate before; the first time, I checked the T&C to make sure it would earn miles.

Lo and behold, my confirmation said that it would not earn airline miles! Remember that it's prepaid and noncancellable.

I called Choice and a CSR told me that it does earn miles - she said the confirmation is wrong. I know that it earned miles last year, and it's only about 15% lower than rack rate, and in general rates that are no more than 20% below rack receive miles/points.

UPDATE: When the email confirmation came it said that the rate does earn miles.

ZurichFlyer is, in my experience, very strident. It's part of his charm. I think "wrong" is his favorite word. ;0)

Here's the bottom line: The Swiss get pissed at being netural all the time, so they take it out on people on message boards. Cut him some slack.

If he finds a $28 hotel hit for all of us, he can be mean.

I'll consider myself notified. ;) And thanks for the laugh.

If we want to keep a main post for hotel stays, I volunteer to maintain the first post for it with the latest info.

Quick look at the GS FAQ (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/2011-grand-slam-promotion/1249944-grand-slam-2011-faq-up.html) shows that there is a 200 mile minimum per stay. Here are the minimums (excluding taxes) you need per hotel stay this year to meet the 200 mile minimum, based on chain. This assumes no elite status:

Best Western (https://goldcrownclub.bestwestern.com/offers/airlinepartners.asp): Any stay earns 250 miles
Carlson (http://www.usairways.com/en-us/dividendmiles/earnmiles/hotels.html): Any stay earns 250 miles at Country Inns & Park Inn, 500 miles at Park Plaza and Radisson
Choice (http://www.choicehotels.com/en/choice-privileges/gp/airlinemiles): Any stay earns 250 miles
Hilton (http://hhonors1.hilton.com/en_US/hh/points/earningmiles.do): 500 miles per stay (fixed miles) at all except Hampton, Homewood, and Home2, which require $200 (variable miles)
Hyatt (http://www.hyatt.com/gp/en/earning/with_hyatt.jsp): Any stay earns 500 miles
IHG (http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/pc/1/en/c/2/content/dec/pc/0/en/miles/us/airline.html): $100 most brands, $200 Staybridge & Candlewood
La Quinta (http://lq.com/lq/reservations/cobrand/index.jsp?cobrand=USAIRWAYS): Any stay earns 250 miles, they might also allow points on third party website bookings such as Expedia. See note at bottom for more info.
Marriott (http://www.marriott.com/rewards/earn-points/miles.mi): $100 (Marriott brand and better), $200 (all mid-tier and lower brands)
SPG: Can't find a link, but it is $100
Wyndham (https://www.wyndhamrewards.com/trec/consumer/earnAirlines.action?variant=#us): $100, or any stay at a Wyndham Hotel or Wingate (these chains are 500 per stay)

"Cheap" stays for a hit: Choice Hotels lets you sort an area by price. AAA generally saves 10%. As an example, looking in areas near me showed the EconoLodge Absecon, NJ for $31/night on various weeknights. Choice seems to be the cheapest brand of the ones that offer fixed miles, although YMMV.

Staying more than six times during Grand Slam period: Look for promos that allow you to easily transfer hotel points with one or two stays. Remember you can only get one hit per hotel program with transfers. Example: Choice with their quadruple points offer (http://www.choicehotels.com/quadruple) means that a $125 stay ($250 at EconoLodge, Rodeway, Suburban, or MainStay) will get you enough points to transfer to US for a hit. See the transfers thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/2011-grand-slam-promotion/1249967-hotel-transfers-gs-2011-master-thread.html) for more discussion

*Note that La Quinta Returns T&C state "Reservations booked through third-party Web sites, i.e., Hotels.com, etc., may not be eligible to receive La Quinta Returns points." They do not define which rates will and will not earn points on a third party booking. On the other hand, there are reports (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/2011-grand-slam-promotion/1250843-hotel-stays-gs-2011-master-thread-2.html#post16973403) of phone agents saying that Expedia and the like WILL earn points. Book on third party sites with caution.

Thanks man!!!:)

Dude? Excuse you?:rolleyes:

Look i don't care if Expedia stays count or not. It doesn't matter to me.

But you come in here with your attitude spouting so much knowledge of the exact meaning of English phrases and I'm here to tell you your interpretation is flat out wrong.

The term 'may not' is not a 100% meaning. If it was so clear cut why not put 'will not'. please enlighten me with your overpowering knowledge.:rolleyes:

Again, I'm not using Expedia, I'm not using La Quinta. Quite frankly I don't give a rat's a$$ whether it works or not.


And I am telling you that you have no idea about hotel programs @:-)

I just made a reservation for a night's stay at a Choice Hotels location, and chose the Advance Purchase rate. It requires prepayment and cannot be cancelled, but it's lower than the AAA and AARP rates. I have used this rate before; the first time, I checked the T&C to make sure it would earn miles.

Lo and behold, my confirmation said that it would not earn airline miles! Remember that it's prepaid and noncancellable.

I called Choice and a CSR told me that it does earn miles - she said the confirmation is wrong. I know that it earned miles last year, and it's only about 15% lower than rack rate.



Choice is your choice if you are in the US @:-) That's certainly the cheapest option

And I am telling you that you have no idea about hotel programs @:-)

Dude (to use your vernacular):

From the reports of people gaining credit after purchasing through Expedia I'd say it is you who have neither the full knowledge of hotel programs nor the ability to decipher small nuances of English.

But again, I DON"T CARE IF IT WORKS OR NOT!!!! I DON'T CARE!

My response was solely, only, pointedly to your interpretation of the use of 'may not'. Period.

Again, thanks for playing. :rolleyes:

For those MKE folks out there the cheapest hotel hit I found was a Choice hotel near MKE airport for $44 ai

I appreciate the detailed chart crafted by the OP but have a few questions:

Am I correct that the points required, do not include Elite bonuses?

For example, iirc SPG Plats earn 3 points/$ so a $67 stay would qualify?

Many chains have Q3 promos that give 2x/3x/4x points/miles.

Would these promo pints/miles lessen the required minimum dollar for a hotel stay hit cost or has history shown that these extra points post separately & are not counted towards hits?

I appreciate the detailed chart crafted by the OP but have a few questions:

Am I correct that the points required, do not include Elite bonuses?

For example, iirc SPG Plats earn 3 points/$ so a $67 stay would qualify?

Many chains have Q3 promos that give 2x/3x/4x points/miles.

Would these promo pints/miles lessen the required minimum dollar for a hotel stay hit cost or has history shown that these extra points post separately & are not counted towards hits?

Since most of the partners offer a set number of points and it's above 200, I think you're really only talking about IHG, Wyndham, Marriott, and SPG. Wyndham doesn't have an elite program. I don't see too many 2x or 3x promos for Wyndham, but if they have one, I doubt it would apply if your profile is set to earn miles. According to Marriott's benefit terms, elites don't get the 20 to 50 percent bonus on airline miles, just membership rewards points. I've only ever set my Marriott acount to earn miles twice -- both for last year's GS promo -- and I did not get an elite bonus for either, just a straight 2 points per dollar. So, I'd say $100 is the yardstick. YMMV. For Starwood, elites do get a mileage bump. But, the utility of this is pretty low, since there aren't too many Starwood rooms less than $100 anyway. Still, it's a good point -- a plat should be able to get a hit for a nice dinner at a starwood property in the $70 range before tip and tax, and a gold can get a hit for an $89 room. I don't know about IHG.

For what it's worth, when I stayed at SPG and had my account set to miles last year, it posted to starwood as two separate entries -- one for the base and one for the elite bonus -- but when it posted on US it posted all as one.

Since most of the partners offer a set number of points and it's above 200, I think you're really only talking about IHG, Wyndham, Marriott, and SPG. Wyndham doesn't have an elite program. I don't see too many 2x or 3x promos for Wyndham, but if they have one, I doubt it would apply if your profile is set to earn miles. According to Marriott's benefit terms, elites don't get the 20 to 50 percent bonus on airline miles, just membership rewards points. I've only ever set my Marriott acount to earn miles twice -- both for last year's GS promo -- and I did not get an elite bonus for either, just a straight 2 points per dollar. So, I'd say $100 is the yardstick. YMMV. For Starwood, elites do get a mileage bump. But, the utility of this is pretty low, since there aren't too many Starwood rooms less than $100 anyway. Still, it's a good point -- a plat should be able to get a hit for a nice dinner at a starwood property in the $70 range before tip and tax, and a gold can get a hit for an $89 room. I don't know about IHG.

For what it's worth, when I stayed at SPG and had my account set to miles last year, it posted to starwood as two separate entries -- one for the base and one for the elite bonus -- but when it posted on US it posted all as one.

This worked well last year on SPG dines which included the status bonus, and transferred as one posting.

I appreciate the detailed chart crafted by the OP but have a few questions:

Am I correct that the points required, do not include Elite bonuses?

For example, iirc SPG Plats earn 3 points/$ so a $67 stay would qualify?

Many chains have Q3 promos that give 2x/3x/4x points/miles.

Would these promo pints/miles lessen the required minimum dollar for a hotel stay hit cost or has history shown that these extra points post separately & are not counted towards hits?

These do not include any elite bonus. I don't know how the elite bonus or mileage promotions are calculated, so I could not easily tell you how they post. Example, IHG's upcoming offer with 100 bonus miles per stay (with extra bonus miles at the end based on the number of brands stayed at) MAY post combined, or it may be listed as two separate transactions, making the bonus useless.

Tried to register for the new Priority Club bonus, Sep 15-Dec. 31.
1. The system would not recognize my registration, although I am a member. My promo code is not good. The reason could be that I usually live in the US, but presently am in Europe. I have had trouble registering with my computer on other sides. Can someone help me out with a 'good' promo code?
2. From reading the requirements, PC credits the bonus miles after Dec. 15; too late for GS.
3. I can possibly only swing one stay at a Holiday Inn. This would give me 500 miles plus 400 airline miles as a bonus. Is that correct? Must earn 2000 DM per hit; is that correct?
As you can see, am not quite clear on every aspect. Thanks for any help.
Hakluyt

Tried to register for the new Priority Club bonus, Sep 15-Dec. 31.
1. The system would not recognize my registration, although I am a member. My promo code is not good. The reason could be that I usually live in the US, but presently am in Europe. I have had trouble registering with my computer on other sides. Can someone help me out with a 'good' promo code?
2. From reading the requirements, PC credits the bonus miles after Dec. 15; too late for GS.
3. I can possibly only swing one stay at a Holiday Inn. This would give me 500 miles plus 400 airline miles as a bonus. Is that correct? Must earn 2000 DM per hit; is that correct?
As you can see, am not quite clear on every aspect. Thanks for any help.
Hakluyt
=>1) Which promo are you talking about ?
=>2) The actual stay has to generate 200 miles - was this what you were asking ?
=>3) No, a stay at HI gives you 2 miles per $ spent and as with 2) it's 200 DM miles per hit

La Quinta is going to be quite annoying. I found the following in the T&C:

In lieu of earning La Quinta Returns points for eligible stays, members who are also enrolled in our airline partners' frequent flyer programs may elect to earn airline miles/credits. Eligible rates to receive airline miles/credits per stay in the La Quinta Returns program are most rates available to the general public, including Best Available Rates, AAA and AARP. Members must select at time of check-in to earn airline miles/credits OR La Quinta Returns points for that stay, and must provide their airline program membership number and La Quinta Returns member number.

This year, I'm going to have three stays on my own, but I'll still need some help here.

Mike

La Quinta is going to be quite annoying. I found the following in the T&C:

...
Eligible rates to receive airline miles/credits per stay in the La Quinta Returns program are most rates available to the general public, including Best Available Rates, AAA and AARP.
...

This year, I'm going to have three stays on my own, but I'll still need some help here.

Mike
Don't see anything annoying about that.

Don't see anything annoying about that.

It seems to exclude HOMEDL code for LQ discount, which is too bad because that code's usually pretty good -- better than AAA.

Don't see anything annoying about that.

Sorry, didn't fully explain it. I've seen both the terms claiming that 3rd party bookings don't count and now this quote showing that "most rates available" count. Could end up causing confusion.

Mike

Sorry, didn't fully explain it. I've seen both the terms claiming that 3rd party bookings don't count and now this quote showing that "most rates available" count. Could end up causing confusion.

Mike

Hm... But 3rd party bookings are nowhere eligible rates, not in Marriott, not in La Quinta, not in HHonors...

Hm... But 3rd party bookings are nowhere eligible rates, not in Marriott, not in La Quinta, not in HHonors...
Why do you say that? I thought some hotel chains (e.g. Choice Hotels) gave credit for 3rd party bookings in certain circumstances.

Hm... But 3rd party bookings are nowhere eligible rates, not in Marriott, not in La Quinta, not in HHonors...

Yeah, that's what I figured, although I thought there were one or two that still did. That part about "most available rates" gave me some hope, albeit minimal.

I'm more interested in the hotels that credit for no-shows. I think there is one program that does.

Mike

Why do you say that? I thought some hotel chains (e.g. Choice Hotels) gave credit for 3rd party bookings in certain circumstances.

Choice's site says it doesn't, but I'm not familiar with the program, so there may be exceptions.

Mike

Choice's site says it doesn't, but I'm not familiar with the program, so there may be exceptions.
Where on the Choice Hotels site do you see that? My read of the Choice Privileges Program Rules and Regulations is that travel agent bookings generally earn credit (but not in some circumstances such as Hawaii hotels, wholesale packages, ...).

Where on the Choice Hotels site do you see that? My read of the Choice Privileges Program Rules and Regulations is that travel agent bookings generally earn credit (but not in some circumstances such as Hawaii hotels, wholesale packages, ...).

I actually went to the Choice forum here and found this link:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/choice-privileges/1238417-no-points-choice-stays-booked-expedia.html

But I also called Choice to get an answer, and they said that under #3 in General Program Information, "wholesale net rate plans" is third-party guys such as Expedia.


http://www.choicehotels.com/en/choice-privileges/gp/rules-regulations#gen_prog

Mike

ETA: I'm going to be away for a few days, so if that info is incorrect or needs clarification, please feel free to add it in. :)

I actually went to the Choice forum here and found this link:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/choice-privileges/1238417-no-points-choice-stays-booked-expedia.html

But I also called Choice to get an answer, and they said that under #3 in General Program Information, "wholesale net rate plans" is third-party guys such as Expedia.


http://www.choicehotels.com/en/choice-privileges/gp/rules-regulations#gen_prog

Mike

ETA: I'm going to be away for a few days, so if that info is incorrect or needs clarification, please feel free to add it in. :)
The referenced FlyerTalk thread notes that Choice credit is awarded in some circumstances for 3rd reservations (mainly a function of the room rate), but if you're not certain that your 3rd party reservation will qualify I guess you are better off reserving directly from ChoiceHotels.com.

Ok, this has already been asked but I didn't see an answer. For the HHonors promotion ending September 30th, will a stay at a Hampton Inn (normally 100 miles but doubled to 200) count as a hit? I have been crediting those stays to Southwest and notice that they post in two different 600-point credits, so I assume the same thing would hold true for DM. Any insight?

Why do you say that? I thought some hotel chains (e.g. Choice Hotels) gave credit for 3rd party bookings in certain circumstances.

Because it is how it is. Why do you guys not read the hotel programs t&c's instead of asking the same things again and again....

Yes, some hotels do indeed give you miles (I won't name any such hotel here in the forum) but this is not the standard. When it happens, take the points and enjoy it but don't count on it @:-)

Because it is how it is. Why do you guys not read the hotel programs t&c's instead of asking the same things again and again....
Well I read the program T&Cs for one program and it clearly states that some 3rd party bookings are eligible for credit. You state they never are. That is why I asked the question. @:-)

Thank you, ProfNapalm for your answer.
I do not remember the exact name of the PC promotion. I could enter the page, but not complete it.
I now know, that if my computer is outside my regular locale, registration for promotions cannot be done. So I have been told. Pity, that.
It's 200 miles/stay, that I can manage - I think. Much better than 2000 miles.
Hoping to make it for 200 miles/stay.
Thanks again.
Hakluyt

Ok, this has already been asked but I didn't see an answer. For the HHonors promotion ending September 30th, will a stay at a Hampton Inn (normally 100 miles but doubled to 200) count as a hit? I have been crediting those stays to Southwest and notice that they post in two different 600-point credits, so I assume the same thing would hold true for DM. Any insight?

I don't know the answer for a fact, but am willing to postulate here. I think if you get the double miles at a Hampton for a single stay before the end of the month that you have earned 200 miles and therefor get the hit.

However, at the beginning of this promo you had to make a choice between double Hhonors points or double airline miles. ~I~ selected double Hhonors miles for myself. Someone new to that promotion would need to be sure to register and select double airline miles.

Hope that helps.

I don't know the answer for a fact, but am willing to postulate here. I think if you get the double miles at a Hampton for a single stay before the end of the month that you have earned 200 miles and therefor get the hit.

However, at the beginning of this promo you had to make a choice between double Hhonors points or double airline miles. ~I~ selected double Hhonors miles for myself. Someone new to that promotion would need to be sure to register and select double airline miles.

Hope that helps.

Good point. I (for one) did register for double miles and have been raking in the Southwest points even at Hamptons! I sure hope you're right, as I have a bunch of Hampton stays coming up.

From past experience last year did discounted pre-paid rates count as hits? I can book a Quality Inn for $33+tax prepaid thru Quality's website, or the reg rate paid upon check-in would be $40+tax. No sense in me wasting $33 if the pre-paid rate won't qualify.

From past experience last year did discounted pre-paid rates count as hits? I can book a Quality Inn for $33+tax prepaid thru Quality's website, or the reg rate paid upon check-in would be $40+tax. No sense in me wasting $33 if the pre-paid rate won't qualify.
You can answer this for yourself. The Choice Hotels web site displays whether or not the stay will earn credit (points or miles) during the reservation process.

Do a search by providing location and dates. Hit the Check Rates button next to the hotel you want to investigate. Then hover over the desired value in the Other Rates dropdown, or over the specific rate tab(s) that appear above the Room Listings. This hover text will generally indicate whether or not the rate qualifies for credit (points or miles).

Your reservation confirmation email will also include credit eligibility info.

Do a search by providing location and dates. Hit the Check Rates button next to the hotel you want to investigate. Then hover over the desired value in the Other Rates dropdown, or over the specific rate tab(s) that appear above the Room Listings. This hover text will generally indicate whether or not the rate qualifies for credit (points or miles).

Your reservation confirmation email will also include credit eligibility info.

Thanks, nice to know. Since it's a prepay, do the points (miles) post right away or on the "stay" date?

Thanks, nice to know. Since it's a prepay, do the points (miles) post right away or on the "stay" date?

After the stay.

The Choice Hotels web site displays whether or not the stay will earn credit (points or miles) during the reservation process.

Awesome. I haven't done a dummy reservation yet, so I didn't realize it told you at check out. Thanks!

Hi, guys:

2 questions here:

1) does the SPG hotel spend still count (I know it needs to be 200 points to be transferred)? Say I spend $70 in a Sheraton for dinner, then I will get 210 spg points, as a platinum, then it is qualified as a stay, a hit?

2) I just booked a 2-night stay in JW Marriott hotel in Beijing with my reward cerfiticate, I will spend $100 for dinner or even shopping in the hotel, then it should be 200 points (US Air), right? is it qualified as a stay, a hit?

Thanks,

1) does the SPG hotel spend still count (I know it needs to be 200 points to be transferred)? Say I spend $70 in a Sheraton for dinner, then I will get 210 spg points, as a platinum, then it is qualified as a stay, a hit?


Yes.

Yes.

Minus any alcohol.

Minus any alcohol.

How puritanical.

Minus any alcohol.

Only true in some states -- CA, MA, OR I think -- which have no alcohol as rewards or in sweepstakes laws. Most states permit points on alcohol.

Minus any alcohol.That's the case only in certain states (CA, HI, MA, OR).

See http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest/1121021-no-spg-points-alcohol-california-hawaii-massachusetts-oregon-updated-2.html#post14578380

I Selected the double points option and I think fixed miles at 500 per stay with US AIR isn't that enough to earn a hit ?
What's the minimum points needed per stay . I'm also staying at a Marriott resort paying $180 surely that's enough to class as a hit.

I Selected the double points option and I think fixed miles at 500 per stay with US AIR isn't that enough to earn a hit ?


Glad to help^ See post 1@:-)

I Selected the double points option and I think fixed miles at 500 per stay with US AIR isn't that enough to earn a hit ?
What's the minimum points needed per stay . I'm also staying at a Marriott resort paying $180 surely that's enough to class as a hit.

Don't forget that hotel stays are different than hotel transfers. 500 miles for a stay will definately get a hit.

Anyone have a list of which hotels allow you to earn miles under someone elses FF account?
I know that wyndham and choice allow it.
Anyone know if Hyatt or Marriott will let me credit my GFs FF account after I hit my 6 hits?

In the first thread it quotes a stay at an ICHotel at $ 100 in order to achieve the 200miles minimum. I am planning to register at a Holiday Inn at an airport here in Germany. With just $80/night I might not reach the 200 miles minimum. Also, how can I make sure, how many miles I shall be credited? Any insights into that 'question'? There is always one requirement or other which I am missing.
Thanks for insights.
Hakluyt:(

In the first thread it quotes a stay at an ICHotel at $ 100 in order to achieve the 200miles minimum. I am planning to register at a Holiday Inn at an airport here in Germany. With just $80/night I might not reach the 200 miles minimum. Also, how can I make sure, how many miles I shall be credited? Any insights into that 'question'? There is always one requirement or other which I am missing.
Thanks for insights.
Hakluyt:(

From the intercontinental hotels webpage: "At InterContinental® Hotels and Resorts, members can earn 500 airline miles per qualifying stay."

but he's talking about a Holiday Inn, not an Intercontinental.....

I am not sure if this deserves a new thread or not. If this works, then maybe someone more experienced than me can start a new one to inform as many flyertalkers as possible..!! ;)

I saw this today!!

Earn 2000 miles per stay (up to 5 stays) in JW, Renaissance Hotels or Marriott Hotels & Resorts from now till the 26th of December. Bookings have to be made by October 31, 2011.

The confirmation e-mail states that this promo is good only for WEEKEND stays, in contrast to the terms and conditions.

http://joinmarriottrewards.com/usairways/

Wonder if the 2000 bonus miles would count towards a hit for the GS..

I am not sure if this deserves a new thread or not. If this works, then maybe someone more experienced than me can start a new one to inform as many flyertalkers as possible..!! ;)

I saw this today!!

Earn 2000 miles per stay (up to 5 stays) in JW, Renaissance Hotels or Marriott Hotels & Resorts from now till the 26th of December. Bookings have to be made by October 31, 2011.

The confirmation e-mail states that this promo is good only for WEEKEND stays, in contrast to the terms and conditions.

http://joinmarriottrewards.com/usairways/

Wonder if the 2000 bonus miles would count towards a hit for the GS..

That's brilliant!

I have a question about stays at Best Western.
My girl and I are trying to maximize the number of stays together.
Assuming we stay at the same hotel, I check in with my reservation for the first day; she check in with her reservation for the second day; I check in with my reservation for the third day.

Will the hotel count 2 stays for me and 1 stay for her even if the credit cards we used have the same number and billing address (different name) though?

Thanks for sharing your knowledge with me.

From the intercontinental hotels webpage: "At InterContinental® Hotels and Resorts, members can earn 500 airline miles per qualifying stay."

That is the rub! When and what is a qualifying stay, how do we know beforehand. I know, it is up to Intercontinental, and Holiday Inn Express is part of it.:(

That is the rub! When and what is a qualifying stay, how do we know beforehand. I know, it is up to Intercontinental, and Holiday Inn Express is part of it.:(

You seem to misunderstand, specifically at hotels branded Intercontinental (say, the Intercontinental Miami), you can earn 500 airline miles for a qualifying stay (aka, one made through IHG/Priority Club or the hotel, not a priceline stay, not a friends and family rate, etc, etc, see the IHG website for the exact definition of a qualifying stay). For hotels branded as Holiday Inn Express, you can earn 2 airline miles per $1 spend on qualifying stays, where qualifying stays are defined the same as above.

See http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/pc/1/en/c/2/content/dec/pc/0/en/miles/us/airline.html for the list of airline partners

I am not sure if this deserves a new thread or not. If this works, then maybe someone more experienced than me can start a new one to inform as many flyertalkers as possible..!! ;)

I saw this today!!

Earn 2000 miles per stay (up to 5 stays) in JW, Renaissance Hotels or Marriott Hotels & Resorts from now till the 26th of December. Bookings have to be made by October 31, 2011.

The confirmation e-mail states that this promo is good only for WEEKEND stays, in contrast to the terms and conditions.

http://joinmarriottrewards.com/usairways/

Wonder if the 2000 bonus miles would count towards a hit for the GS..

Great promotion but what means "Stay now through December 26, 2011 at select JW Marriott,® Renaissance® Hotels or Marriott® Hotels & Resorts and you will receive 2,000 bonus miles with US Airways."?

Great promotion but what means "Stay now through December 26, 2011 at select JW Marriott,® Renaissance® Hotels or Marriott® Hotels & Resorts and you will receive 2,000 bonus miles with US Airways."?

If you follow the link, you can read the T&C. I admit that the terms are not clear, but the promo is fresh, so I would expect that they will fix them in the next week.

I have started a separate threat in the MR forum, if you need more information, like the list of participating hotels!! :)

Other than that it seems to be what it is 2000 bonus miles per stay, for up to 5 stays!!

Bummer. Wyndam is the one chain that allowed points for no shows, permitting you to search nationwide, but it wont earn the minimum this year.

I think you get 500 miles per Wyndham or Wingate.

Mike

Anyone have a list of which hotels allow you to earn miles under someone elses FF account?
I know that wyndham and choice allow it.
Anyone know if Hyatt or Marriott will let me credit my GFs FF account after I hit my 6 hits?

Hyatt-yes. up to 3 rooms at a time as long as you pay for them.

I think you get 500 miles per Wyndham or Wingate.

Mike

Yup -- but it's unlikely that a Wyndham or Wingate is going to be cheap enough to justify a no-show hit. Last year, some tried to get a hit at a Las Vegas Wingate on a mistake fare, but it was a real struggle.

Sorry if this sounds ridiculous but I have a fairly expensive stay coming up at the Hyatt Vendome in Paris and would like to get a hit out of it. Do I sacrifice my Hyatt points if I give me DM # for the 500 points? Just not sure how that works...

Thanks!

Hyatt-yes. up to 3 rooms at a time as long as you pay for them.

what do you mean?
you can get pts for anyone who pays for the room even if they dont stay up to 3 rooms?

Sorry if this sounds ridiculous but I have a fairly expensive stay coming up at the Hyatt Vendome in Paris and would like to get a hit out of it. Do I sacrifice my Hyatt points if I give me DM # for the 500 points? Just not sure how that works...

Thanks!

Yes, with Hyatt your get either miles or points not both. Hilton is the only one I'm aware of where you can opt to get both.

Figuring out whether to get milers or hotel points is part of "Grand Slam Calculus". I figure it out for each stay.

Yes, with Hyatt your get either miles or points not both. Hilton is the only one I'm aware of where you can opt to get both.

Figuring out whether to get milers or hotel points is part of "Grand Slam Calculus". I figure it out for each stay.

ah i see, i think i'll stick with the hyatt points and get hits other ways. thanks for the help

what do you mean?
you can get pts for anyone who pays for the room even if they dont stay up to 3 rooms?

From the Hyatt T&C:

7. Hyatt Gold Passport members may receive Hyatt Gold Passport points for up to three rooms (member's room and two additional rooms). Member must be a registered guest, occupy at least one of the rooms and pay for all three. Only the room occupied by the member will count toward tier status, benefits and current Hyatt Gold Passport promotions. The occupant of the second or third room may not receive Hyatt Gold Passport points, airline miles or Amtrak Guest Rewards points, either at time of stay or retroactively.

Wyndham (https://www.wyndhamrewards.com/trec/consumer/earnAirlines.action?variant=#us): $100, or any stay at a Wyndham Hotel or Wingate (these chains are 500 per stay)



Wyndham offers it on Wyndham and Wingate. I'm not sure if it includes Wyndham Garden. Note that Wingate shows a 2 mile per dollar rate on USair.com, while Hawthorn offers 500 miles per stay. That appears to be a mix up on US Airways behalf, as Wyndham shows the reverse.)

BOth sites show Wingate at 2 points/$ and 500 points at Hawthorn. It looks like the Wyndham site was wrong and is now fixed

http://www.usairways.com/en-us/dividendmiles/earnmiles/hotels.html#Hawthorn Suites®

https://www.wyndhamrewards.com/trec/consumer/earnAirlines.action?variant=#us

ah i see, i think i'll stick with the hyatt points and get hits other ways. thanks for the help

This is a no-brainer considering the Hyatt you are paying for :D

I am not sure if this deserves a new thread or not. If this works, then maybe someone more experienced than me can start a new one to inform as many flyertalkers as possible..!! ;)

I saw this today!!

Earn 2000 miles per stay (up to 5 stays) in JW, Renaissance Hotels or Marriott Hotels & Resorts from now till the 26th of December. Bookings have to be made by October 31, 2011.

The confirmation e-mail states that this promo is good only for WEEKEND stays, in contrast to the terms and conditions.

http://joinmarriottrewards.com/usairways/

Wonder if the 2000 bonus miles would count towards a hit for the GS..

The 2000 points will not qualify for the GS. HOWEVER, the 2 miles per $ spent (which is what you will first get) will qualify as a hit. And remember, you can use the same hotel partner up to the category limit. So if you stayed 5 times during the GS promo, you'll get 5 hits... plus the 10,000 bonus miles!! But don't forget to set you MR earning over to US miles instead of MR points. Very important!

Unfortunately, I cannot find in the Marriott's T&C the "select" JW, Renaissance, and Marriott hotels they are referring to.

I am not sure if this deserves a new thread or not. If this works, then maybe someone more experienced than me can start a new one to inform as many flyertalkers as possible..!! ;)

I saw this today!!

Earn 2000 miles per stay (up to 5 stays) in JW, Renaissance Hotels or Marriott Hotels & Resorts from now till the 26th of December. Bookings have to be made by October 31, 2011.

The confirmation e-mail states that this promo is good only for WEEKEND stays, in contrast to the terms and conditions.

http://joinmarriottrewards.com/usairways/

Wonder if the 2000 bonus miles would count towards a hit for the GS..

The 2000 bonus miles most likely will not qualify for the GS since they're not usually credited until a few days later. HOWEVER, the 2 miles per $ spent (which is what you will first get) will qualify as a hit, as long as you pre-tax bill is $100. And remember, you can use the same hotel partner up to the category limit. So if you stayed 5 times during the GS promo, you'll get 5 hits... plus the 10,000 bonus miles!! But don't forget to set you MR earning over to US miles instead of MR points. Very important!

Unfortunately, I cannot find in the Marriott's T&C the "select" JW, Renaissance, and Marriott hotels they are referring to.

The 2000 bonus miles most likely will not qualify for the GS since they're not usually credited until a few days later. HOWEVER, the 2 miles per $ spent (which is what you will first get) will qualify as a hit, as long as you pre-tax bill is $100. And remember, you can use the same hotel partner up to the category limit. So if you stayed 5 times during the GS promo, you'll get 5 hits... plus the 10,000 bonus miles!! But don't forget to set you MR earning over to US miles instead of MR points. Very important!

Unfortunately, I cannot find in the Marriott's T&C the "select" JW, Renaissance, and Marriott hotels they are referring to.


is there any way this can be run together with the 2000points refer a friend and yourself current marriot promo?

I have the following upcoming hotel stays:

Hilton Garden Inn - 9/11-9/15
Doubletree - 9/15-9/16
Hyatt - 9/16-9/18
Doubletree - 9/18-9/19

The Hyatt stay is using two reward certificates from the Chase Hyatt promo(actually they are two separate reservations that I assume will be combined into one). It does have a $20/day resort fee and I am sure I will have some incidentals for food & drink there.

Guesses as to how many hits this will produce? I'm not sure if the first stay will produce one since the checkin is prior to the start of the promo and or whether I can earn a hit from the "free" Hyatt stay.

I don't expect any more hits this month so based on last year it looks like if I earn four I should see the bonus post as soon as the points from the last stay post.

Looks like I can collect 12 hits this year - just trying to plan how to do it.

Thanks for your help.

I have the following upcoming hotel stays:

Hilton Garden Inn - 9/11-9/15
Doubletree - 9/15-9/16
Hyatt - 9/16-9/18
Doubletree - 9/18-9/19

The Hyatt stay is using two reward certificates from the Chase Hyatt promo(actually they are two separate reservations that I assume will be combined into one). It does have a $20/day resort fee and I am sure I will have some incidentals for food & drink there.

Guesses as to how many hits this will produce? I'm not sure if the first stay will produce one since the checkin is prior to the start of the promo and or whether I can earn a hit from the "free" Hyatt stay.

I don't expect any more hits this month so based on last year it looks like if I earn four I should see the bonus post as soon as the points from the last stay post.

Looks like I can collect 12 hits this year - just trying to plan how to do it.

Thanks for your help.

1) Depends on what date Hilton uses to post miles. Choose points and fixed miles option and see what happens.
2) No problem-Choose points and fixed miles option.
3)Questionable-Hyatt gives you miles for stays paying "eligible rates". My guess is no, but I would call.
$) No problem-choose points and fix miles option.

Unfortunately, I cannot find in the Marriott's T&C the "select" JW, Renaissance, and Marriott hotels they are referring to.

You can find the list of the participating hotels, here:

http://joinmarriottrewards.com/usairways/thanks_for_registering.aspx

is there any way this can be run together with the 2000points refer a friend and yourself current marriot promo?

I guess not. Terms and conditions for the referral program state that:

"Miles earning preference is not an option with the Refer A Friend program"

The 2000 points will not qualify for the GS. HOWEVER, the 2 miles per $ spent (which is what you will first get) will qualify as a hit.

I really don't think anyone knows the answer on this for sure. There isn't much precedent from last year.

I would say, based on analagous experiences last year, it is probably the case that US will know that this is a bonus and not a stay.

I think the more interesting question is if you have a Marriott stay that does not equal $100, whether the 2,000 bonus will get you a hit nevertheless. I think it might, given how they treated SPG bonuses last year. Recall that last year, SPG was the only hotel hit that required a minimum number of points, so it's really the only thing that anyone has to go on in making predictions about how bonuses will work in conjunction with the 200 mile requirement.

It's probably all irrelevant, because most of the hotels on the list likely will be at least $100, and so will qualify as a hit regardless of the bonus, and the extra 2,000 probably will not count as an extra hit, but until we start getting in reports about hits and bonuses in early October, nobody is in position to do anything but guess.

Yes, with Hyatt your get either miles or points not both. Hilton is the only one I'm aware of where you can opt to get both.

Figuring out whether to get milers or hotel points is part of "Grand Slam Calculus". I figure it out for each stay.

With the Starwood promo running right now, a person can effectively earn both points and miles for the same stay (just like Hilton) by electing to direct deposit to US. You'll get miles for the base points earned and Starwood points for the double or triple bonus. You just need to make sure you meet the minimum mileage earning threshold to get the GS "hit".

With the Starwood promo running right now, a person can effectively earn both points and miles for the same stay (just like Hilton) by electing to direct deposit to US. You'll get miles for the base points earned and Starwood points for the double or triple bonus. You just need to make sure you meet the minimum mileage earning threshold to get the GS "hit".

Are you sure about that? Last year, I had a stay at starwood during the grand slam and I had my account set to direct deposit to miles.

It was a pretty good stay -- I quadruple dipped. I got about 700 points for the stay, 350 for elite bonus, 3x500 for the green initiative (where you get points for not taking housekeeping), 350 bonus points for the stay pursuant to a 2x promo that was running (I think for W hotels, but I can't recall), and, finally, 2,000 points for a successful best rate guarantee claim.

Every single point transferred to US pursuant to direct deposit -- even the BRG points became 2,000 miles. I was surprised. But all of it moved to US via direct deposit on the same day -- the housekeeping points, the 2x bonus, the BRG, and the elite bonus. I didn't want it to -- I would much rather have had just the base 700 points go to US for the hit, and then have all the rest in starpoints, but it happened automatically. If there had been a delay, I would have tried to change my directdeposit option after the base posted, so that I would get SPG for the rest, but there was no opportunity. I called SPG to see if they could claw back the 3500 or so points other than the base, but it was a no go. I only got one hit from US for all of it, even though it posted in chunks.

Interestingly, though, on check out day, I did a dine at the hotel, which I charged to a credit card instead of the room. A couple of weeks later, I submitted the receipt to SPG for points (again after setting my directdeposit for miles), I got the miles and it also posted as a hit even though the transaction date was the same date as my stay. YMMV on this one, though, as others last year did not have the same experience.

The 2000 points will not qualify for the GS. HOWEVER, the 2 miles per $ spent (which is what you will first get) will qualify as a hit. And remember, you can use the same hotel partner up to the category limit. So if you stayed 5 times during the GS promo, you'll get 5 hits... plus the 10,000 bonus miles!! But don't forget to set you MR earning over to US miles instead of MR points. Very important!

Unfortunately, I cannot find in the Marriott's T&C the "select" JW, Renaissance, and Marriott hotels they are referring to.

When you sign up, you get a landing page that lists the 270 properties. It's a very narrow slice of the total 3,400+ property portfolio - mainly Marriott/Renaissances in and near North America.

Fortunately for me, it works. I already do a lot of Fri/Sat stays in a city with a bunch of participating hotels with attractive rates on the weekend.

Are you sure about that? Last year, I had a stay at starwood during the grand slam and I had my account set to direct deposit to miles.

It was a pretty good stay -- I quadruple dipped. I got about 700 points for the stay, 350 for elite bonus, 3x500 for the green initiative (where you get points for not taking housekeeping), 350 bonus points for the stay pursuant to a 2x promo that was running (I think for W hotels, but I can't recall), and, finally, 2,000 points for a successful best rate guarantee claim.

Every single point transferred to US pursuant to direct deposit -- even the BRG points became 2,000 miles. I was surprised. But all of it moved to US via direct deposit on the same day -- the housekeeping points, the 2x bonus, the BRG, and the elite bonus. I didn't want it to -- I would much rather have had just the base 700 points go to US for the hit, and then have all the rest in starpoints, but it happened automatically. If there had been a delay, I would have tried to change my directdeposit option after the base posted, so that I would get SPG for the rest, but there was no opportunity. I called SPG to see if they could claw back the 3500 or so points other than the base, but it was a no go. I only got one hit from US for all of it, even though it posted in chunks.

Interestingly, though, on check out day, I did a dine at the hotel, which I charged to a credit card instead of the room. A couple of weeks later, I submitted the receipt to SPG for points (again after setting my directdeposit for miles), I got the miles and it also posted as a hit even though the transaction date was the same date as my stay. YMMV on this one, though, as others last year did not have the same experience.

I'll admit I don't have the personal experience you have from last year's promotion. However, I'm basing my comment on a recent trading of PM's with one of the Starwood reps who posts frequently on this board. (My public posting of these same questions several weeks ago seemed to have gotten lost in the shuffle of all of the people voicing their displeasure with the Starwood promo.) Maybe the rep is drawing a distinction between the immediate posting of points last year with the delay in the bonus point postings this year.

Maybe the rep is drawing a distinction between the immediate posting of points last year with the delay in the bonus point postings this year.

If they delay, then that should work -- you should be able to switch back before they post. That would be great -- I don't like using any more starpoints than I have to to get a hit.

I stay in Hilton properties mostly, and the double dip is a fabulous advantage of the Hhonors program. Most of my work stays are at Hampton Inns, which earn either 100 fixed points per stay or 1 point per dollar spent. Where I travel and the rates I get I would need three nights to break 200, and the most I ever stay is two. The 200 mile minimum for the Grand Slam is putting a damper into my fall scheduling.

I need my Hampton stays to re-qualify as a Diamond, but if I do I won't get the necessary miles for the GS. Last year I easily got my six hotel hits, right now I've got four lined up and am struggling to find two more. This and the 850 point minimum on hotel point transfers is taking a bite out of my hits.

Grrrr....:mad:

I stay in Hilton properties mostly, and the double dip is a fabulous advantage of the Hhonors program. Most of my work stays are at Hampton Inns, which earn either 100 fixed points per stay or 1 point per dollar spent. Where I travel and the rates I get I would need three nights to break 200, and the most I ever stay is two. The 200 mile minimum for the Grand Slam is putting a damper into my fall scheduling.

I need my Hampton stays to re-qualify as a Diamond, but if I do I won't get the necessary miles for the GS. Last year I easily got my six hotel hits, right now I've got four lined up and am struggling to find two more. This and the 850 point minimum on hotel point transfers is taking a bite out of my hits.

Grrrr....:mad:

Wouldn't the promo for HH allow to to reach 200 miles at Hampton locations if you selected double miles and US Air as your airline? I believe the promo ends Sept. 30th.

I've got four lined up and am struggling to find two more.

If you're in the U.S., take a look at the Marriott 2k-per-stay promo with US Airways. I'm finding lots of Marriotts with rates under or around $100 on the weekend - in cities I'm already planning to visit. That's how I'll get my six hits. (I'll make sure my pretax folio actually hits $100 as most people believe the 2k bonuses aren't hotel stay hits.)

I look at these as nearly "no cost" hits since I've found hotel I like and actually value at their rates - and I figure 2,000 US Airways miles per stay is about a wash with the 15 MR points per dollar I'd otherwise get.

This and the 850 point minimum on hotel point transfers is taking a bite out of my hits.

Agreed - none of the hotel transfers are cheap. I figure an 850-point Starwood transfer is costing me $20 or so in value loss - I'll do that one. Priority Club is costing me about $35-40 in value loss: now I have to convince myself I can really get into the 28-32 hit range to make that worth it. The rest are painful, with HH and Marriott being the worst.

Wouldn't the promo for HH allow to to reach 200 miles at Hampton locations if you selected double miles and US Air as your airline? I believe the promo ends Sept. 30th.

Sure, but back in July I selected double points, not miles. Who knew? But thanks for suggesting that - it ~was~ a good idea. ^

I stay in Hilton properties mostly, and the double dip is a fabulous advantage of the Hhonors program. Most of my work stays are at Hampton Inns, which earn either 100 fixed points per stay or 1 point per dollar spent. Where I travel and the rates I get I would need three nights to break 200, and the most I ever stay is two. The 200 mile minimum for the Grand Slam is putting a damper into my fall scheduling.
BMI (which is part of the Star Alliance) earns 1,000 miles on Hampton. With the double-miles promo that's 2,000 per night compared with 200 when credited to US.

http://hhonors1.hilton.com/en_US/hh/points/earningmiles.do

BMI (which is part of the Star Alliance) earns 1,000 miles on Hampton. With the double-miles promo that's 2,000 per night compared with 200 when credited to US.

http://hhonors1.hilton.com/en_US/hh/points/earningmiles.doThat's all well and good, except that this is the US Grand Slam hotel stay thread. Earning miles on BD is a bit off-topic, wouldn't you agree?

That's all well and good, except that this is the US Grand Slam hotel stay thread. Earning miles on BD is a bit off-topic, wouldn't you agree?

Keep fighting the good fight beltway. It's becoming a losing battle. Can't imagine what it's going to turn into in 5 days.

Maybe BMI should launch a parallel cricket-related promotion? :cool:

Are you sure about that? Last year, I had a stay at starwood during the grand slam and I had my account set to direct deposit to miles.

It was a pretty good stay -- I quadruple dipped. I got about 700 points for the stay, 350 for elite bonus, 3x500 for the green initiative (where you get points for not taking housekeeping), 350 bonus points for the stay pursuant to a 2x promo that was running (I think for W hotels, but I can't recall), and, finally, 2,000 points for a successful best rate guarantee claim.

Every single point transferred to US pursuant to direct deposit -- even the BRG points became 2,000 miles. I was surprised. But all of it moved to US via direct deposit on the same day -- the housekeeping points, the 2x bonus, the BRG, and the elite bonus. I didn't want it to -- I would much rather have had just the base 700 points go to US for the hit, and then have all the rest in starpoints, but it happened automatically. If there had been a delay, I would have tried to change my directdeposit option after the base posted, so that I would get SPG for the rest, but there was no opportunity. I called SPG to see if they could claw back the 3500 or so points other than the base, but it was a no go. I only got one hit from US for all of it, even though it posted in chunks.

Interestingly, though, on check out day, I did a dine at the hotel, which I charged to a credit card instead of the room. A couple of weeks later, I submitted the receipt to SPG for points (again after setting my directdeposit for miles), I got the miles and it also posted as a hit even though the transaction date was the same date as my stay. YMMV on this one, though, as others last year did not have the same experience.

With the Starwood promo running right now, a person can effectively earn both points and miles for the same stay (just like Hilton) by electing to direct deposit to US. You'll get miles for the base points earned and Starwood points for the double or triple bonus. You just need to make sure you meet the minimum mileage earning threshold to get the GS "hit".

Fingers crossed for the points and miles. Otherwise, a couple of weekend SPG stays are going to make my $ per hit that much more expensive.

Mike

I know this is pretty early in the game, but I have a hotel stay 11/14-11/15. Will that count? It's a Choice hotels property.

from the Best Western FAQ it says "A qualifying rate is a nightly rate paid that is eligible for earning points or airline/partner rewards. All rates qualify for Best Western Rewards® points except the following: Expedia - (FIT)"

How do you know what rate that is?? I'm assuming if you book on Expedia paying the regular rate listed on BW's site it would still earn points/miles thru BW.

Wouldn't the promo for HH allow to to reach 200 miles at Hampton locations if you selected double miles and US Air as your airline? I believe the promo ends Sept. 30th.

Sure, but back in July I selected double points, not miles. Who knew? But thanks for suggesting that - it ~was~ a good idea. ^

I ve made 3 stays under the HH double miles promo!! For all the stays my bonus (500 miles) was deposited separately from the base miles.

Thus, I doubt that a cheap stay will earn a hit due to the promotion! But never say never.. if it works for someone, plz let us know!! :)

How to setup my SPG acct to direct deposit to US DM mile?

How to setup my SPG acct to direct deposit to US DM mile?
https://www.spgpromos.com/moremiles/?language=en_US&EM=VTY_MoreMiles_enUS

How to setup my SPG acct to direct deposit to US DM mile?

https://guest.starwoodhotels.com/moremiles

I asked this before but was not very clear on the wording.

Is it possible to credit 6 hyatt stays to my DM account, and then stay another 6 times and credit a family members account.
Basically will Hyatt let you credit other peoples accounts or does the name on the FF account have to match the Hyatt GP name?

I might be able to re up my Diamond status.

I ve made 3 stays under the HH double miles promo!! For all the stays my bonus (500 miles) was deposited separately from the base miles.

Thus, I doubt that a cheap stay will earn a hit due to the promotion! But never say never.. if it works for someone, plz let us know!! :)
Not only on Hilton, but also on Virgin (my chosen partner for the stays below), the regular and bonus miles posted separately. In the case of Virgin, it was 1000 each, but for US a cheap stay at Hampton, Homewood and Home2 (variable miles) would be one mile per dollar, so I don't see any way a sub-$200 stay at one of the above would post enough miles per transaction to count as a hit:
xx Jul 2011 Stay at The Hilton xx 1000
xx Jul 2011 Hilton Hotels Double Miles Promotion 1000
xx Jul 2011 Stay at the Hilton xx 1000
xx Jul 2011 Hilton Hotels Double Miles Promotion 1000

Not only on Hilton, but also on Virgin (my chosen partner for three stays), the regular and bonus miles posted separately. In the case of Virgin, it was 1000 each, but US would be 500, so I don't see any way it would post enough miles per transaction to count as a hit:
xx Jul 2011 Stay at The Hilton xx 1000
xx Jul 2011 Hilton Hotels Double Miles Promotion 1000
xx Jul 2011 Stay at the Hilton xx 1000
xx Jul 2011 Hilton Hotels Double Miles Promotion 1000

I thought you only needed 200 DM from a stay to qualify as a hit.

I thought you only needed 200 DM from a stay to qualify as a hit.
You are absolutely correct.
I mis-typed and then corrected my post, above.
Yes, 200 is all that's needed for a hit, and a full-service Hilton would fulfill that. However, the mid-to lower tier credits less, as seen below:
# HHonors Points and Variable Miles
Earn 10 HHonors Base points + 1 airline mile per eligible U.S. dollar spent* (except 5 HHonors Base Points and up to 100 miles per stay at Home2 Suites by Hilton)
# HHonors Points and Fixed Miles
Earn 10 HHonors Base points per eligible U.S. dollar spent + 500 miles per stay (100 miles per stay at Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites and Homewood Suites by Hilton.*) (not a valid earning option with Home2 Suites by Hilton)

did we ever get to the bottom of whether 3rd party booking sites would be ok to get somes for some hotels or not?

I am not sure if this deserves a new thread or not. If this works, then maybe someone more experienced than me can start a new one to inform as many flyertalkers as possible..!! ;)

I saw this today!!

Earn 2000 miles per stay (up to 5 stays) in JW, Renaissance Hotels or Marriott Hotels & Resorts from now till the 26th of December. Bookings have to be made by October 31, 2011.

The confirmation e-mail states that this promo is good only for WEEKEND stays, in contrast to the terms and conditions.

http://joinmarriottrewards.com/usairways/

Wonder if the 2000 bonus miles would count towards a hit for the GS..


Thanks for this tip; now I'm like everyone else am trying to read up quickly to make the best DM GS-related travel plans. I have an upcoming 2 nite stay this w/e where I can easily stay at a Marriott for $69/nite qualifying for the min $100, get my first hit and pick up the 2k miles bonus. The $69 rate is cheap, but there is construction going on so I'm guessing occupancy is down.

Alternatively, I can stay at a nearby Hilton and get double points, but that would be 1k. It's been 10 mos since I stayed at a Hilton and to retain my points I have to stay before November, or use them in some way. I planned to stay at Hilton this w/e to meet the HH and GS promos.

Is there any reason (e.g. other promos) anyone can see - (other than another stay at a Hilton property which I'm fairly sure will happen shortly-) which suggests I should stay at the Hilton this w/e instead?

Please forgive if this has been addressed, and I'm new, but where is it stated a minimum of 200 miles in order to count as a hit? I thought for sure I saw it on the US Air page, but now I can't find anything about a minimum.

Can someone link me to where it shows the minimum?

"3.Earn 1 hit for every mileage-earning stay with a hotel partner (max 6 hits per member). There are 11 hotel families representing over 70 hotel brands: Best Western, Carlson Hotels (Radisson), Choice Hotels, Hilton Worldwide portfolio of brands, Hyatt, InterContinental Hotels, La Quinta Inns & Suites, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, WORLDHOTELS and Wyndham Hotels Group."

http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/grandslamrules.html

Please forgive if this has been addressed, and I'm new, but where is it stated a minimum of 200 miles in order to count as a hit? I thought for sure I saw it on the US Air page, but now I can't find anything about a minimum.

Can someone link me to where it shows the minimum?

"3.Earn 1 hit for every mileage-earning stay with a hotel partner (max 6 hits per member). There are 11 hotel families representing over 70 hotel brands: Best Western, Carlson Hotels (Radisson), Choice Hotels, Hilton Worldwide portfolio of brands, Hyatt, InterContinental Hotels, La Quinta Inns & Suites, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, WORLDHOTELS and Wyndham Hotels Group."

http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/grandslamrules.html

It's in the T&C's, not the rules. (Hooray for US clarity in promos).

http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/grandslam-tcs.html

I've done a few different google searches to no avail:

Does anyone know of a hotel booking site that lets you see the prices in calendar view instead of having to select the days and see how they price out? I'd like to do some phantom stays but want to get the best price.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give! ^

If anyone is planning on participating in AZ Restaurant Week 2011 (http://arizonarestaurantweek.com) (Sept 17-25), it might be a nice way to combine a nice three-course dinner for two + a hit (at least for gold/platinum...preferred would have to spend a bit more to get their tab up to $100).

Here are the restaurants I saw from the participating list that are at SPG properties, along with price per person.

deseo at The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa - $40 each
Sushi Roku at W Scottsdale - $30 each, includes one specialty cocktail
Ko'Sin Restaurant at The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa - $40 each
Il Terrazzo at The Phoenician - $40 each
J&G Steakhouse at the Phoenician - $30 each
Province at the Westin Phoenix Downtown - $30 each
District American Kitchen & Wine Bar at Sheraton Phoenix Downtown hotel - $30 each, includes one glass of wine

I have planned a trip to Europe and stay at BestWestern most of the time. I assume I will be able to earn a hit per stay, right? Is there anything I should pay attention to?

I have planned a trip to Europe and stay at BestWestern most of the time. I assume I will be able to earn a hit per stay, right? Is there anything I should pay attention to?

You are correct. I don't know if you've much experience with Best Western outside the US. You should just know it can take longer than expected for stay credit and the related points or miles to post from foreign properties. Choice Hotels are the worst in my experience but Best Western has been slow for me too. They will show up with the correct dates but it may take several weeks to over a month in some cases.

Brand new promotion starts today at Wyndham properties:

Get a $20 Visa gift card for every 2 stays (up to 3 cards total), AND get double points or airline miles for the first 3 stays.

Link: http://wyndhamrewards.com/cash
(If that doesn't work use https://www.wyndhamrewards.com/trec/consumer/promoReg.action?promoRuleCode=F11PROMO)

WARNING: Wyndham has, in the past, applied the 2x bonus as a separate transaction -- meaning you can't reliably count on it as helping you reach the 200 mile minimum for a hotel stay. It's nice for a little extra gravy, but you can almost bet that it will be a separate transaction -- so plan on spending at least $100 on the base room rate to hit the 200 mile minimum.

I can see this promo having more value if you need to top up your points for a points-to-miles conversion. Remember to change your earning preference in your Wyndham Rewards account BEFORE your stay(s).

I asked this before but was not very clear on the wording.

Is it possible to credit 6 hyatt stays to my DM account, and then stay another 6 times and credit a family members account.
Basically will Hyatt let you credit other peoples accounts or does the name on the FF account have to match the Hyatt GP name?

I might be able to re up my Diamond status.

You can get credit for three rooms at a time as long as you pay for all three rooms.

You can get credit for three rooms at a time as long as you pay for all three rooms.Just to be clear, regardless of the internal crediting rules within any hotel program, this isn't going to work for Grand Slam purposes: (http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/grandslam-tcs.html)
Non-qualifying partner activity
The following activities do not count as qualifying partner activity or hits:

[...]
Multiple hotel stays on the same day, whether at the same hotel or not

Just to be clear, regardless of the internal crediting rules within any hotel program, this isn't going to work for Grand Slam purposes: (http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/grandslam-tcs.html)

Good Catch.

anyone know how many miles per $ a PC plat member gets with qualified stays?

Does a ITC stay also qualify for a hit ?

ithe term and rules of US show onl

...Starwood Hotels: Aloft, Element, Four Points, Le Meridien, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, St. Regis, W Hotels, Westin Hotels & Resorts

Can someone please clarify - do I need one hit per hotel partner (mariott, Hilton, etc.) or do I need one hit per stay? Can I stay 6 separate nights at a Marriott and get 6 hits? Same question for car rentals. Thanks

Can someone please clarify - do I need one hit per hotel partner (mariott, Hilton, etc.) or do I need one hit per stay? Can I stay 6 separate nights at a Marriott and get 6 hits? Same question for car rentals. Thanks

Hotel stays and car rentals can be any combination of the brands. Just remember that you can only have one stay per day and one rental per day (i.e. you can't book six one hour rentals).

Hotel stays and car rentals can be any combination of the brands. Just remember that you can only have one stay per day and one rental per day (i.e. you can't book six one hour rentals).

Great. So I can book six one night stays with Marriotts at different locations and be fine in addition to booking six one day car rentals with Hertz in different locations?

Great. So I can book six one night stays with Marriotts at different locations and be fine in addition to booking six one day car rentals with Hertz in different locations?

Yes - they don't even need to be in different locations as long as they are each separated by a clear day.

Can I stay a day check out of the hotel and then re check in a few hours later for another stay?
I have a stay at the hilton but they have a good rate the day before so I want to switch my marriott stay to the hilton where I will be checking in the following day.

Can I stay a day check out of the hotel and then re check in a few hours later for another stay?

As long as it is at a different hotel thats fine. But if you check out and check right back into the same hotel it will only count as one stay/hit.

Can I stay a day check out of the hotel and then re check in a few hours later for another stay?
I have a stay at the hilton but they have a good rate the day before so I want to switch my marriott stay to the hilton where I will be checking in the following day.

Nope.

wyndhamrewards.com/cash

does that mean a $50-stay at super 8 qualify 200 miles?

Will hotel stays and car rentals I booked before the beginning of the promotion count for hits as long as the stays are in between the beginning and end of the promotion? Not thrilled with the idea of cancelling and re-booking all my business trips... Thanks!

Will hotel stays and car rentals I booked before the beginning of the promotion count for hits as long as the stays are in between the beginning and end of the promotion? Not thrilled with the idea of cancelling and re-booking all my business trips... Thanks!

If the points hit your account in the promo range, it should count. I flipped my Marriott earning preference to Miles but didn't cancel/rebook the stays. First one is done and the hotel confirmed that the miles will be sent. (Haven't seen 'em post yet but it's only been 2 days...)

Does a ITC stay also qualify for a hit ?

ithe term and rules of US show onl

...Starwood Hotels: Aloft, Element, Four Points, Le Meridien, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, St. Regis, W Hotels, Westin Hotels & Resorts
My guess is that if a stay there normally earns Starwood Preferred Guest Starpoints it will count as a hit (assuming of course you set up your SPG account to earn US miles instead of SPG Starpoints). To see if a particular (or all) ITC hotels earns Starpoints, I'd suggest calling or emailing SPG, or posting over in the Starwood Preferred Guest forum.

I have a trip overseas in December. Is there any way to leverage those stays for GS11?

Which hotel chain does post a hit for no show stay?

Hathrow Suites by Wyndham, does it work for a no show? Found some ones under 50 USD per night

and how is it with choice hotels?

I have a trip overseas in December. Is there any way to leverage those stays for GS11?

Nope.

very confused as to how this brg thing works can someone please explain.
also i don;t see anything in the rules about a 200 mile minimum and la quinta is on the list(maybe they have changed these)

That is my issue...there is nothing stated in the rules about the 200 miles minimum; however, it is stated in the FAQs, http://www.usairways.com/EN-US/FAQS/GRANDSLAMFAQS.HTML#9. If someones doesn't read the FAQs and booked a bunch of one-night stays (which is common for me when I travel for business) at Fairfield Inns, Courtyards, SpringHill Suites, Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inns, etc. where the room rates are under $ 200, you are NOT going to receive hits.

My issue is the LACK OF FULL DISCLOSURE about minimums (i.e. $ 200) in the RULES for this promotion. It seems like US Airways don't get about about full disclosure.

That is my issue...there is nothing stated in the rules about the 200 miles minimum; however, it is stated in the FAQs, http://www.usairways.com/EN-US/FAQS/GRANDSLAMFAQS.HTML#9. If someones doesn't read the FAQs and booked a bunch of one-night stays (which is common for me when I travel for business) at Fairfield Inns, Courtyards, etc. where the room rates are under $ 100 (Courtyards) or $ 200 (Fairfield), you are NOT going to receive hits.

My issue is the LACK OF FULL DISCLOSURE about minimums (i.e. $ 200) in the RULES for this promotion. It seems like US Airways don't get about about full disclosure.

Read the Terms and Conditions (http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/grandslam-tcs.html)

Read the Terms and Conditions (http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/grandslam-tcs.html)

You are correct that it is listed in the Terms and Conditions; however, it is NOT listed in the RULES, http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/grandslamrules.html. I am sure that some people will agrue but to me, Rules and Terms & Conditions are the same. Why can't US Airways disclose the limitations, minimums, etc. in the RULES like they did in the terms and conditions.

He's complaining because US isn't giving away the points *as cheaply* as last year. Of course, there's nothing wrong with that. This promo is intended to be profitable for US - not as a giveaway or entitlement. If we can find loopholes that make it a superb deal for us - great - but if we can't, then there's no reason or right to complain.

You are correct that US can do want they want to do; it isn't a giveaway or entitlement.

My "issues" are:

1. They fail to disclose the 200 miles minimum in the RULES. It is disclosed in the Terms & Conditions and FAQs but is not disclosed in the RULES. Shouldn't it be disclosed in the RULES, http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/grandslamrules.html?

1.Register
2.Read the rules
3.Earn up to 110,000 miles with over 130 partners
4.Watch your miles add up

It is one of the 4 things to do for this promotion.

2. Personally, I think that the 200 miles minimum is high...I think that a minimum of 100 miles is fairer. Of course, I am biased because 90% of my hotel stays are one-night and due to corproate policy, I usually stay at a Fairfield Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, SpringHill Suites, Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, etc. Even if I had a two-night stay, there is a strong probably (especially when I am staying in a smaller market) that it will be under $ 200 (excluding taxes which is not used in the calculation of hotels miles or points).