Reply To: Hotels.com value compared to sticking to one brand

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The common misconception is that you need to spend a lot of nights in chain hotel to get status. You can easily buy status these days through various schemes for very little or through credit cards like Platinum. Some programmes, like Marriott run frequent double elite nights and you can usually get status for half the nights normally required. Having status in more than two chains also mean that you have more options to choose from.

However, with so many status holders, your status benefits are diluted. If you want them somewhat guaranteed, then best bet is to negotiate these in advance leveraging your status.

I used to value hotels.com when they run excellent promos for Gold Members in mid to late 2010s with 50% off at certain points in the year. I stayed at some great suites and villas for very little (Thailand, Mauritius, Seychelles, etc.). This is on top of the reward stamps, etc.

My strategy is now moving more towards independent hotels and AirBnBs simply because status means very little these days. Hotel breakfasts don’t appeal to me as I don’t like most buffets. Upgrades are really hard to get and usually you only get one category up. AirBnBs luxe categories can be a real value over hotel stays in some places. And the best part, you can negotiate late checkout at the time of booking.

The only status at the moment worth having for me is Hyatt and Accor. Hyatt because you can get suite upgrade at the time of booking in exchange for some points (you just need to be a member so not even high status). Accor has good status recognition for Golds and above because guests and hotel owners seem not have caught on that status can be bought cheaply. I have no doubt that things will change with Accor soon.

To get best deals you need to constantly change strategies.