Which is the best hotel loyalty scheme - IHG or Marriott/Sheraton? - General travel news & discussion

mikeh

Friday, 09 Dec 2016, 04:14:12 pm

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mikeh

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 19 Mar 2015

Total posts 11

I'm going to be travelling increasingly frequently over the next few years and am looking to get the best benefit as far as hotel loyalty goes. I am Marriott Rewards Silver at the moment. IHG hotels seem to be more accessible though (Inter Continental/Crowne Plaza etc.). Any advice is much appreciated!

jackthomas

Friday, 09 Dec 2016, 05:35:12 pm

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jackthomas

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards Gold

Member since 04 Jul 2014

Total posts 88

Hilton has the best program for Australian domestic travellers in my opinion. The best rewards of any scheme at gold level, and then diamond even better, plus there are properties in every major city except Canberra and Hobart

markpk

Saturday, 10 Dec 2016, 07:42:12 am

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markpk

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 29 Nov 2013

Total posts 459

Originally Posted by jackthomas :

Hilton has the best program for Australian domestic travellers in my opinion. The best rewards of any scheme at gold level, and then diamond even better, plus there are properties in every major city except Canberra and Hobart

I'd put Accor well above Hilton - very good range of properties from Pullman/Sofitel, down to budget brands - their Platinum loyalty tier includes room upgrades, access to exec lounge where available, and very late checkout.

Back to the original question - which is better will depend on where you will be travelling to and the nightly budget - I'm still a Gold member with Starwood (Sheraton) and would rate it higher than IHG as their coverage in the US and Asia is pretty good (US coverage outside of the major cities).

Given Starwood and Marriott are only just starting integration of their two programs its hard to know what the outcome will be. I'm sure once they put the program in place AusBT will review it given the sheer size of the combined group.

vvbjr

Saturday, 10 Dec 2016, 01:27:12 pm

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vvbjr

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 05 Apr 2015

Total posts 23

I am a member of both (Ambassador on IHG). I travel to Asia mostly so use IHG more than Starwood/Marriott. Because of my status in IHG, I get more benefits there.

RSD

Monday, 12 Dec 2016, 09:46:12 am

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RSD

Jetstar Airways - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 12 Dec 2016

Total posts 1

I am a Hilton Diamond Member and a IHC Spire Elite,

The Hilton Membership includes a full breakfast in most locations as well as usually a Club room upgrade with Club access. IHC doesn't do this and thus the Hilton scheme offers tangible benefits. Both give a room upgrade. IHC probably has a better spread of accomodation styles such as Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn plus Intercontinental but because of the Breakfast and Club accessibility, I would say Hilton superior. Sorry can't comment on Sheraton et al however if they can't match Hilton offerings, they are inferior in my humble opinion.