The Sonesta World Mastercard is out with a new offer that could be quite valuable for Sonesta fans: now earn 120,000 points after just $2,000 in purchases in the first 90 days, an additional 5,000 points after adding an authorized user within the first 90 days, and score an automatic upgrade to Sonesta Travel Pass Gold status upon approval (which is their “free breakfast” status). While Sonesta doesn’t draw much attention in the hotel space, this could nonetheless be a really good deal for someone interested in the program.
The Offer & Key Card Details
Click the card name below to go to our dedicated card page where you can find more information and a link to apply.
| Card Offer and Details |
|---|
Up to 125K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate Up to 125K points: 120K points after $2K spend in 90 days plus 5K points for adding an authorized user within first 90 days$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $75 Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: Best for those who stay often at Sonesta hotels Earning rate: 3X Sonesta ✦ 2X airfare, car rental and dining Card Info: Mastercard World issued by BOA. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: 30K bonus points with $7.5K cardmember year spend Noteworthy perks: Instant upgrade to Sonesta Travel Pass Elite (free club access or continental breakfast plus other perks) |
Quick Thoughts
I’ve personally never stayed at a Sonesta, but we’ve heard from a few readers who have had the Sonesta card and used the points to reasonably good value. We use a value of 0.75c per point to determine the first year value of the card, but a check around indicates that point value can range from just under 0.75c per point to almost 1.5c per point depending on property and season.
Sonesta used to have an award chart, but it seems that you now need to log in and search a property to see the points price displayed under the cash rate. It looks like pricing still adheres to their old award chart, they just don’t appear to be publishing that anymore. Still, it seems that most properties price between 10,000 and 30,000 points per night with just a few exceptions priced at 40K or 50K per night.
Even if you only got 0.75c per point out of the welcome offer points, this could be a pretty solid deal. Keep in mind that Sonesta took over many properties from IHG and Marriott during the pandemic, so quite a few places that used to be Kimptons, Intercontinentals, Marriotts, and even brands like Residence Inn and Candlewood suites have now become Sonesta properties. Their footprint is still far smaller than competitors, but they do have some locations that may be of interest. Greg notes a number which may be of interest in this post.
It’s worth mentioning that Sonesta revamped its elite program. Whereas they used to only have two levels, they now have 4. The credit card now grants automatic Gold status, which ordinarily requires 20 nights and is the second-highest tier (Platinum status requires 40 nights). Gold status comes with complimentary breakfast, so it’s likely to be a meaningful level of status for many. Keep in mind that Sonesta does offer to match, so if you have status with another program you may be able to match to Sonesta (see the “Will you match my status?” question in their frequently asked questions). See this chart for more details on elite status tiers.
This is certainly a niche offer, but for someone looking to collect points for a specific property and/or a location where other chains don’t have much presence, this could make sense.
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Where can I check what hotel costs how much points? I couldn’t find this on their website.
You have to create an account and login.
Which Bank?
B of A
the breakfast is only for the main person who booked or also for family staying with the main guest? the breakfast is only at certain sonesta location?
Funny thing – I matched my Hilton Gold to Sonesta Platinum in Jan/Feb last year. I don’t know their status year cycle, but my account still shows Platinum and I haven’t stayed with them during this period.