Ok, since I got my Scandic card in the mail today along with the member booklet and plan to stay with both chains in the future, I thought I'd do a short comparison between the programs.

Hilton <-> Scandic

Standard earnings 10 to 15 points per USD depending on status <-> Scandic 2000 to 3000 points per night depending on status

Redemptions 7500 to 40000+ points per night <-> redemptions 10000 to 30000 points per night

Point savers <-> N/A(?)

Redemption possibilities all over the world and also special merchandise etc. <-> redemptions all over Scandinavia and the Baltic and some in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany

No blackout dates for top two tiers <-> same

Room guarantee for top tier members when reserved 48 hours in advance <-> same

Double dipping with a variety of airlines or 50% points bonus <-> double dipping with a few Scandinavian partners, with SAS a SK flight is needed in conjunction with the stay

Rolling VIP tier qualification <-> Rolling VIP tier qualification

Silver level: 10 nights or 4 stays <-> 2nd floor: 5 nights

Gold level: 36 nights or 16 stays <-> 3rd floor: 25 nights

Diamond level: 60 nights or 28 stays <-> Top floor: 45 nights

Status valid for 14 months (?) <-> Status valid for 13 months (?)

Soft landing to lower level <-> same

Spouse stays free <-> price usually per room (?)

Usually free breakfast for top two tiers <-> free breakfast for everyone staying at the hotel

Room upgrades up to the executive floor <-> N/A

Sporadic access to executive lounge <-> N/A

N/A <-> Food vouchers up to the value of a main course + drink

N/A <-> 20% restaurant discount on weekends

Welcome gift for top two tiers <-> only for highest tier

N/A <-> 50% discount on pay TV for highest tier

Free gym/sauna/pool <-> same (for everyone staying)

Late check out <-> not guaranteed?


Sorry if I forgot some benefits. And I tried to be as objective as possible.