Bits: Amex Plat getting Hilton Gold?, 19 Thistle hotels rebranded, 20% bonus Marriott to AA
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News in brief:
Free Hilton HHonors Gold coming back as an Amex Platinum benefit?
Until December 2013, American Express Platinum charge card holders received Hilton HHonors Gold status, albeit as a ‘one year only’ benefit. Then, overnight, Amex pulled it – much to the anger of Platinum cardholders who had purposely delayed applying because it was a ‘one year only’ deal.
On Monday, Hilton Gold reappeared as an Amex Platinum benefit for cardholders in the USA. There is no guarantee that the UK will follow suit, but it is definitely worth keeping an eye on. Hilton Gold offers free breakfast at all brands except Waldorf-Astoria so it does have value.
Thistle’s regional hotels rebranded
Back in July I reported on a story that Thistle Hotels had kept very quiet – 95% of their hotels outside London were leaving the chain on the same day!
The owner of these hotels, The Hotel Collection, has now announced its new franchise agreement. The hotels are being split roughly equally between Jurys Inn and Mercure – Business Traveller has the full list.
Mercure is part of Le Club Accorhotels which means that you will be able to earn Avios from your stays, either directly or by taking Accor points and converting them.
Jurys Inn does not seem to have any airline partners any more but you can take points in the Jurys Rewards scheme. This deal will take Jurys to 35 UK properties so I may spend a little time looking at the reward scheme for a future article.
20% bonus converting Marriott Rewards points to American Airlines
I discussed the current 40% bonus on Marriott transfers to Avios in another article today.
There is another option out there for non-Avios collectors. American Airlines is offering a 20% bonus when you convert Marriott Rewards points to AAdvantage.
Full details can be found on the American site here – there is no need to register. You must transfer by 31st October and you can make multiple transfers during the promotional period. ‘Hotel & Air’ package redemptions are included.
How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and status from UK credit cards (April 2024)
There are various ways of earning Marriott Bonvoy points from UK credit cards. Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.
The official Marriott Bonvoy American Express card comes with 20,000 points for signing up, 2 points for every £1 you spend and 15 elite night credits per year.
You can apply here.
Marriott Bonvoy American Express
20,000 points sign-up bonus and 15 elite night credits each year Read our full review
You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points by converting American Express Membership Rewards points at the rate of 2:3.
Do you know that holders of The Platinum Card from American Express receive FREE Marriott Bonvoy Gold status for as long as they hold the card? It also comes with Hilton Honors Gold, Radisson Rewards Premium and MeliaRewards Gold status. We reviewed American Express Platinum in detail here and you can apply here.
The Platinum Card from American Express
40,000 bonus points and a huge range of valuable benefits – for a fee Read our full review
You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points indirectly:
- American Express Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
- American Express Rewards Credit Card (10,000 bonus Amex points)
and for small business owners:
- American Express Business Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
- American Express Business Platinum (40,000 bonus Amex points)
The conversion rate from American Express to Marriott Bonvoy points is 2:3.
(Want to earn more hotel points? Click here to see our complete list of promotions from the major hotel chains or use the ‘Hotel Offers’ link in the menu bar at the top of the page.)
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