The benefits provided by elite status with one or more hotel chains are often considered to be the sweetspot of the loyalty hobby. If only because, instead of being treated a bit better for the duration of your flight, hotel benefits apply 24 hours a day for the duration of your holiday!!!
But for those who don’t necessarily have the time to study each hotel chain’s loyalty program in detail, here’s a quick cheat sheet outlining the most important elite benefits. And not every benefit… but simply those that are truly worthwhile and available to each chain’s upper tier elite members.
Upgrades
What everybody wants… To spend points or pay for a standard room, and end up staying in a suite or at least a bigger room with a desirable view. Some elite members make a DYKWIA fuss to get upgraded. Others just play it cool, safe in the knowledge that well-run hotels have already upgraded their most important guests…
Hyatt Globalist
Up to standard suites… confirmed based on availability at check-in.
Globalists also can earn certificates that allow them to confirm suite upgrades in advance.
Marriott Titanium and Platinum
Up to standard suites… confirmed based on availability at check-in.
Platinum members can earn 5 Suite Night Awards that confirm five days in advance of arrival. Titanium members can choose another 5 Suite Night Awards.
Hilton Diamond and Gold
Depends on the generosity of the individual hotel. Repeat guests often receive better upgrades.
IHG Spire and Platinum
Don’t expect an upgrade you might notice, but some IHG hotels are generous.
Executive Lounge Access
Some executive lounges offer little more than a bowl of peanuts and a sometimes-working coffee machine. Others – especially overseas – offer amazing food and drink all day long.
Hyatt Globalist
Guaranteed
Marriott Titanium and Platinum
Guaranteed
Hilton Diamond
Guaranteed
Hilton Gold
Only if you are upgraded to an executive floor room. (not usually a problem when available)
IHG Spire and Platinum
Rarely. Some Crowne Plaza hotels are generous.
Breakfast
Some people prefer to grab a Starbucks and go. I’ve come to appreciate the value of a lazy morning taking my time over a nice hotel breakfast.
Hyatt Globalist
Guaranteed, although sometimes only in the executive lounge.
Marriott Titanium and Platinum
At most Marriott brands (excluding Ritz Carlton, Edition, Design Hotels, Courtyard, AC, Moxy). Sometimes only in the executive lounge…
Courtyard, AC and Moxy hotels are supposed to offer a daily room credit that would part-cover the cost of breakfast.
Hilton Diamond and Gold
Only outside of the United States.
Within the US, you will receive a voucher that won’t cover the cost of breakfast.
IHG Spire and Platinum
Not happening…
Late Check-Out
Who wouldn’t rather keep their room until a couple of hours before an evening flight…
Hyatt Globalist
4 p.m. is guaranteed.
Marriott Titanium / Platinum
4 p.m. is guaranteed everywhere except at “resorts”.
Hilton Diamond / Gold
Depends on the hotel / availability. 2 p.m. is a lot easier to negotiate than 4 p.m.
IHG Spire / Platinum
If available, many IHG hotels are willing to give elite members a late check-out.
Bonus Points
Although one always hopes for special treatment during a hotel stay, it’s also nice to see extra bonus points post to your account afterwards, helping you accumulate points for your next award stay.
Hilton
Diamond = 100% bonus + 100-1,000 point welcome amenity
Gold = 80% bonus. Sometimes you miss out on the welcome points by choosing breakfast instead.
IHG
Spire = 100% bonus + variable welcome amenity
Platinum = 50% bonus + variable welcome amenity
Marriott
Titanium = 75% bonus + 500-1,000 point welcome amenity
Platinum = 50% bonus + 500-1,000 point welcome amenity
Hyatt
Globalist = 30% bonus
The Bottom Line
Hyatt Globalist is the status that offers the best guaranteed (and soft, emotional) benefits. Marriott Titanium / Platinum status isn’t bad either, provided your hotel isn’t playing games to avoid its obligations…
