Originally Posted by Giovan

I find the Golden Circle by Shangri-La Hotels to be the best loyalty program in the market for its flexibility in earn and redemption options. I believe it has the highest earn rate at 10% return on spending. You can earn and redeem at any bar, bakery, and restaurant at any Shangri-La branded property worldwide even when not staying at the hotel. For those who already have their Golden Circle membership card, (can be requested after your 1st stay) you can easily earn points or redeem points to pay your bill with just a swipe of your card, it's basically a debit card. I usually keep around 400 USD worth of points (4,000 GC points) in my account in anticipation of the reward redemption sales (discount on required amount of points to redeem free nights, anywhere from 25-50% off), which occurs at least 2 times a year.

I only redeem for hotel stays at 1,000 to 2,000 GC per night properties since the points diminish value with higher priced redemptions. Shangri-La at Shard, London for example requires 20,000 GC points (2,000 USD worth of FnB credits) for a sub 1,000 USD per night hotel, which cuts the value of your GC points by more than half.

Overall, Golden Circle is worth maintaining. The only hotel loyalty program that awards their mid-tier (Golden Circle: Jade) status members with complimentary buffet breakfast for 2 daily for just 10 stays or 20 nights. Breakfast at Shangri-La hotels tend to be the best in their locale.