Originally Posted by Expatriate

One approach to optimizing Loyalty programs, for those with flexibility in dates and locations (vs operating within a company and its employee travel handbook), consider all you programs and Promo's.

Very simply: starting Jan 1, each 2 to xx weeks, re-evaluate / re-plan / re-optimize for the next xx weeks (do this until early May and resume in autumn)

Thus, for 2026: Hilton just time-waiiting for Lifetime. Hyatt rather fed up. Radisson just use up final remainder of points. IHG to use/burn miilions. Marriotts, initally wait typical annual q1 Promo 2 for 1 nights + 1000 pts (may or may not happen)

So,
Jan 1 to "mid" Jan: stayed at Bomvoy b/c $32 + vat for largest room in hotel (called Signature Suite) with terrace spanning ~12-15mm, huge interior, 4 double opening doors

later-Jan to Feb 09: IHG to burn multi-7-digit balance....and await Marriott announcing Q1 promo

late-Jan expecting Marriott announcement of Q1 Promo from mid-Feb to end April (more than just Q1) ...waiting on this, and have a Plan B

A. If Marriott Q1 Promo is indeed 2:1 nights + 1000 points, then stay Feb 10 -28 in property at $32 + vat = $16 + vat per night during 2:1 night Promo ...super great value, go for Titanium

B. If Marriott Q! Promo is < 2:1nights, then stay shorter time at $32 or $16 + vat per night in February at Plan A property, since
1) there are other Marriotts in at least two locations i want to visit and low Points per night (won;t be 2 for 1 nights)
+ possibly only go for max 50 nights Platinum
2) stay more at IHG's where i want to burn many Points


Very broad, even with a Plan B