In today’s Frequent Miler on the Air podcast, we’ll look at United’s cardholder discount, Hilton’s Diamond Reserve status, and we’ll rank the perks of hotel elite benefits from Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG.
Elite Benefit Battle: Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG
Watch here:
Or listen here (or click “Follow” on the player below to select your preferred podcast app instead):
Giant Mailbag
(01:13) – “I just spent the day in Nice and Monte Carlo and I have you to blame…”
Bonvoyed
(03:30) – United increases prices for close-in award bookings
Read more about United’s increased prices for close-in award bookings here.
Awards, Points, and More
(06:08) – Bilt/Rakuten: Read more about earning Bilt points with Rakuten here.
(08:36) – Add your Passport to your Apple Wallet
(11:11) – Hilton Diamond Reserve
Read more about Hilton Diamond Reserve status here.
(19:57) – Read more about Greg’s opinion about how Hilton’s Diamond Reserve status disappoints here.
Main Event: Elite Benefit Battle: Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG
(23:52) – Free breakfast, lounge access, suite upgrade certificates, guaranteed late check-out: which program has the best benefits?
(24:20) – Primary shortcuts
(30:36) – Comparing Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott for free breakfast
| Free breakfast | Elite Tier (Nights) | Short cuts? | Benefit Description |
| Hilton | Gold (25) | Yes | U.S.: $10-$25 daily F&B credit; continental breakfast elsewhere |
| Hyatt | Globalist (60) | Yes | Daily full breakfast for up to two adults and two children |
| IHG | Diamond (40) | Yes | Daily full breakfast for member plus one guest |
| Marriott | Platinum (50) | Yes | Varies tremendously by property |
(40:21) – Comparing Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott upgrade certificates
| Suite upgrade certs | Nights | Short cuts? | Benefit Description |
| Hilton | 80, 120 | No | Confirmable at time of booking for up to 7 nights |
| Hyatt | 40, 50, 60…* | Yes | Confirmable at time of booking for up to 7 nights |
| IHG | 20, 40, 70 | No | Confirmable up to 14 days before stay for up to 5 nights |
| Marriott | 50, 75 | Yes | 5 nightly upgrades, confirmed no more than 5 days prior to stay |
(50:43) – Comparing Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott lounge access
| lounge access | Elite Tier (Nights) | Short cuts? | Benefit Description |
| Hilton | Diamond benefit (50 nights) | Yes | Diamond Reserve status required for “premium” clubs. |
| Hyatt | Milestone (20, 30 nights) & Globalist (60 nights) benefit | Yes | Milestones consist of 2 single-stay certs; Globalist benefit is unlimited. |
| IHG | Milestone (40, 70 nights) | No | Member plus 1 guest, valid for the rest of current year and all of the following calendar year. |
| Marriott | Platinum benefit (50 nights) | Yes | Lounge access limited to select brands. Does NOT include access at Ritz-Carlton properties. |
(58:05) – Comparing Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott, 4 PM Late check-out guaranteed
| Guaranteed Late Checkout | Elite Tier (Nights) | Short cuts? | Benefit Description | |
| Hilton | 4PM | Diamond Reserve (80 + $18K Hilton spend) | No | Includes resorts |
| Hyatt | 2PM | Discoverist (10 nights) | Yes | Not guaranteed at resorts |
| 4PM | Globalist (60 nights) | Yes | Not guaranteed at resorts | |
| IHG | 4PM | InterContinental Ambassador status | N/A | Paid status Intercontinentals only |
| Marriott | 2PM | Gold (25) | Yes | Not guaranteed at resorts |
| 4PM | Platinum (50 nights) | Yes | Not guaranteed at resorts | |
Question of the Week
(1:03:54) – Are there banks that let you refer to a lesser card if you have the more premium card?
Learn more about Amex multi-referrals here.
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Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder
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