Voila Hotel Rewards is a new frequent guest loyalty program built around eclectic, unique and independent four- and five-star hotels around the world. Members can earn points and redeem for awards, receive members only rates and amenities and upgrades just like any other frequent guest program. The independent hotels will be unified through a co-branded Web site where members can make online reservations and redeem awards — think of it as an alliance for hotels similar to alliances for airlines such as Star Alliance and oneworld. There are also elite-level programs for the more frequent visitors with corresponding perks. Points are earned per dollar spent at member hotels and for qualified hotel spending such as mini bar, telephone and food and beverage. Points can then be redeemed for hotel stays, transferred to frequent flyer miles and other redemption partners. Voila is expecting to have at least 1,000 member hotels and over 5 million members within the first five years. Follow the progress and learn more at http://www.vhr.com. Residents of Europe, the Middle East and Africa will be offered the program through Great Hotel Organisation’s Great Hotels Rewards at http://www.greathotelsrewards.com