Thoughts on best hotel program to use for *A points?
Dec 15, 2011 | 1:32 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 8
Thoughts on best hotel program to use for *A points?
Hi,
First-time poster here, long-time reader...
I'm about to make *A platinum with US DM, and I'll be flying enough next year (2012) to probably make CP (monthly trips US to Asia should make it easy). I'm trying to determine which hotel program to pair with DMs. I've used Marriott and Hilton in the past, but don't have enough points or seniority with either to make for much loyalty.
Any thoughts?
Alternatively, I often enjoy staying in some of the better (boutique?) Asian hotels, but they don't generally give me much from a FF/loyalty perspective (especially given their footprint generally doesn't extend elsewhere.
Appreciate any input. Thanks!
First-time poster here, long-time reader...
I'm about to make *A platinum with US DM, and I'll be flying enough next year (2012) to probably make CP (monthly trips US to Asia should make it easy). I'm trying to determine which hotel program to pair with DMs. I've used Marriott and Hilton in the past, but don't have enough points or seniority with either to make for much loyalty.
Any thoughts?
Alternatively, I often enjoy staying in some of the better (boutique?) Asian hotels, but they don't generally give me much from a FF/loyalty perspective (especially given their footprint generally doesn't extend elsewhere.
Appreciate any input. Thanks!
Dec 15, 2011 | 8:32 pm
#2
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: ROC
Programs: HHonors Diamond, Marriott Gold, Choice PLT, UA Gold.
Posts: 258
A lot of people really like Starwood for mileage transfers. I have my *points setup to auto transfer to US. Also, if you have the Amex Platinum ( totally recommended if you travel a bunch) you get SPG gold for free.
Dec 19, 2011 | 6:39 pm
#3
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Switzerland
Programs: Bonvoy Titanium (LTG), IHG Amb, OW Sapphire
Posts: 1,672
Since you're flying so much to Asia, I'd recommend you to take a chain with lots of options there: Starwood being the main one, to my opinion. Hyatt is good too and is easy to get status. I'm on both programs but I keep the points for redeeming free nights.
The only program I use to transfer to *A is A-Club from Accor for my occasional stays at their properties.
The only program I use to transfer to *A is A-Club from Accor for my occasional stays at their properties.
Dec 20, 2011 | 3:46 pm
#4
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 35
Shorter term solution - Marriott
Marriott now has a rediculous MegaMiles promotion during the 1st 4 mos of 2012 wherein you get 2K miles per stay (after the 2nd stay) up to 50,000 miles. That tops the 30,000 mile program I just completed in Q4. Not sure what they're thinking, but that seems far beyond any current mileage (or pts conversion) deals I've seen. I'm riding that horse til it drops.
Jan 2, 2012 | 10:22 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 8
I've nominally chosen to go with Priority Club (Intercontinental Hotel Group's loyalty program), as their Crowne Plaza hotel is the most convenient and top-rated one for the neighborhood where I'll be staying most often (long stays every month).
Right now, I'm taking points (10 per $). That seems preferred to *A miles (I think you need 5 points per mile, or 2 miles per $ spent). Thoughts?
Thanks!
Right now, I'm taking points (10 per $). That seems preferred to *A miles (I think you need 5 points per mile, or 2 miles per $ spent). Thoughts?
Thanks!