Hotels (Reward Programs)

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[INTERVIEW] Marriott Canada – Send us your Questions!

Marriott just launched their new Fall MegaBonus promotion on September 1st, 2016. For the first time, Marriott is allowing its members to choose how they earn their rewards points with the new Choose Your Path initiative. Members can choose to either earn up to 10,000 bonus points for every 10 stays or 5,000 bonus points after their second stay. With this new program, members can earn up to 50,000 points which can be can be redeemed for frequent flyer miles, concerts, sporting events and more.

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Favourite Hotel Elite Perks Listed by Loyalty Program

I was previously asked what are the best hotel elite benefits. I believe that this is a strongly personal question, because it is based on personal preferences, as well as specific travels. In other words, depending on where you want to go, you may want to take advantage of a different benefit. I would not get too caught up on very specific benefits, it is always better to remain flexible and open minded to what’s available, along with customizing to specific needs.

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List of Requirements for Attaining Hotel Elite Status (updated August 11, 2016)

A few updates to the hotel elite status programs means that this list is due for an update from last time. Some of the updates include: adding Le Club AccorHotels, changes to Best Western Rewards elite program, Delta Hotel and Resorts merger with Marriott, changes to the IHG Rewards Club program and changes to Wyndham Rewards.

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My Favourite Loyalty Programs / Looking for Topics to Write About

I was recently asked on TV what my favourite loyalty program was. I realize that I did not give a direct answer. In my About Us section, I do list a few current favourite programs, such as Aeroplan, American Express Membership Rewards, Best Western Rewards, RBC Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest.

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Minor Improvement to the American Express Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card

The American Express Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card (Canadian version) has been slightly upgraded. Originally, there was a $50 annual fee for supplementary cardholders, which now waives its first year fee. Not an earth-shattering move, but it should make it a no-brainer to at least add the supplementary cardholder at least for the first year.

Rundown of Marriott Rewards for Canadians

Marriott Rewards is one of the few hotel chains remaining that is paired up with a co-branded Canadian credit card. As a result, you can earn Marriott Rewards points without needing to stay at Marriott hotels. If you sign up for the Chase Marriott Rewards Premier Visa, you can either earn 30,000 or 50,000 sign up bonus points, depending on which link you use. The question that I am often asked is what can I do with those points?