Which hotel chains offer elite status for life, and how to get it
In recent days some readers have pointed out to me that there was no article on the website devoted to explaining the [...]
Marriott
In recent days some readers have pointed out to me that. There was no article on the site devoted to explaining the "forever" status of loyalty programs, so I begin today with a piece devoted to hotel chains, and in the coming weeks I will publish a new article devoted to airline loyalty programs.
Loyalty (not) overrated
In this article:
For many, status in hotel chains is a scarcely useful benefit, much better to live by the day and book at the best price. Of course, it is a choice I respect, And I remember that by taking advantage of portals like Rocketmiles you can choose the room you want and get miles on many loyalty programs in return.
I, however, prefer to be faithful and take advantage of the benefits connected and most importantly, the more points I accumulate the more I will have the opportunity to book unique stays using the points obtained.
Nine out of 10 travelers can sleep soundly and take advantage of what American Express Platinum offers, for example: guaranteed status for life for owners in Hilton, Marriott, Meliá and Radisson programs.
Who offers lifetime status
Several loyalty programs offer "lifetime status," getting there is not easy, but once achieved it is a guarantee that no one can ever take away, and if you achieve it at a young age it will be even more useful when you are retired.
The only variable of course is that the program must survive the enrollee, because if the program fails the statuses also lapse. In the terms and conditions of ciauscun loyalty program there is an afterword that regulates these levels, a way out for the property to change the cards on the table, after it has dealt them, entirely legal.
The most popular programs offering this level are:
In contrast, there is, at present, no provision for this level in the All programs of Accor, IHG Rewards and Radisson Rewards, to name only the best known.
Easy life for Americans
Before going into details a bitter little reflection. American users, but also those in a few other lucky markets have a big advantage given by co-branded credit cards. Thanks to the many cards in the U.S. market, status is guaranteed, qualifying nights accrue without even staying, and years pass quickly.
We poor Italians, we have to earn everything on the ground, without aid or office intervention.
Hilton Honors
Hilton has only one "lifetime" level and that is the Diamond. This level is granted at the discretion of Hilton Honors Worldwide, LLC and may be terminated or modified with or without notice or compensation, at the sole discretion of Hilton Honors. Translated from legalese, if you mess up something the chain doesn't like you can be disbarred.
Requirements for Hilton Lifetime Diamond status:
- 10 years of status at the Diamond level (years need not be consecutive) e:
- 1,000 overnight stays at Hilton properties worldwide, or
- 2,000,000 base points in the Hilton Honors program
It is important to note that award nights will count toward the goal of 1,000 Hilton Lifetime Diamond nights, it is currently impossible to view your progress toward that goal online, you can write to the CC or call to be told where you are in the climb.
Marriott Bonvoy
Unlike Hilton Honors, the Bonvoy loyalty program formed from the merger of the Marriott and Starwood programs when the former bought the rival chain, Offers the three-level lifetime level, out of the 5 present in the program. It must be remembered, however, that the Silver and Gold levels have very few benefits worth fighting for.
Requirements for Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Silver status:
- 250 nights at Marriott properties around the world
- 5 years of elite status at any level
Requirements for Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Gold status:
- 400 nights at Marriott properties around the world
- 5 years of Elite status at Gold level or higher
Requirements for Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Platinum status:
- 600 nights at Marriott properties around the world
- 10 years of Elite status at Platinum level or higher
There is no "lifetime" level for the two highest rungs in the Bonvoy program, namely Titanium and Ambassador.
World of Hyatt
Just like Hilton Honors, Hyatt offers only lifetime status at its highest level the "globalist," I admit I speak little about this chain, which is present in Italy but rarely enters my reservations.
Hyatt Lifetime Globalist status requirements:
The special feature is that this is the only program that does not (any longer) have a time constraint on maintaining status, the only requirement is the accumulation of 1,000,000 Base World of Hyatt points. It doesn't matter whether obtained in 3 years or 30, the finish line ribbon is only upon reaching the points.
Given that you get one point for every $5, it means touching a "lifetime" expense of $200k. And now that the dollar is on par with the euro, it is even more difficult.
The question is "is it worth it"
The answer is obviously YES. If you have the opportunity to pursue these results, it is an incredible advantage that will translate, lifelong, into savings and benefits of all kinds.
