A new loyalty program has emerged from the U.K. sister hotel brands, Guoman and Thistle. The Signature rewards program has two elite tiers and a couple of benefits for entry-level members. New members will receive a welcome bonus of a free Sunday night stay when booking a weekend stay that includes a Saturday or Monday night and a voucher for a free lunch on Sunday.
Signature Blue is offered to all members and comes with 30 minutes of free WiFi every day and 6pm late check-out on Sunday. Signature Ruby status is offered to members who stay between four and 10 nights and complete at least two separate stays in 12 months. Benefits include dedicated check-in, an hour of free WiFi every day, complimentary tea or coffee on weekends and 6pm late check-out on Sunday. Signature Gold status, offered to members staying 11 nights or more over two stays, comes with all of the benefits of the lower tiers plus unlimited complimentary room upgrades, guaranteed room with 72 hours’ notice and free unlimited WiFi access. Signature Rewards will periodically send exclusive offers and e-vouchers via email for all members to use during their stays.
Bottom line: The new Signature program is not points-based and members can’t earn points to redeem for free stays. If you’re going to be staying at one of the five Guoman or 32 Thistle hotels in the U.K., it’s worth signing up for the program, if only to check your email with the free 30 minutes of WiFi. The free Sunday night and lunch is also a nice touch to get new members on board. Elite benefits are skimpy and first level elites only receive an hour of free Internet access. All elite members receive complimentary tea and coffee but only on weekends. The best benefit is unlimited complimentary room upgrades for Gold members.