Hotel Loyalty Programs Are Changing: Here’s How to Make the Most of Them
- Posted on December 9, 2024 by Robert
- Reading time about 5 minutes
Every travel enthusiast loves to feel spoiled when they book flight tickets and accommodations. Whether it’s a complimentary room upgrade, early check-in, or late check-out, these little perks are something that every customer expects to make their trip more memorable.
A hotel loyalty program plays the perfect part in delivering the customers’ expectations. These loyalty programs are moving away from the traditional approach of “collect points, get a free stay” and inventing new experiences that make customers feel like VIPs. Not every customer can afford to spend on a luxury suite. However, hotel loyalty programs can truly bring luxurious experiences within their reach.
Let’s take a closer look at how loyalty management can take the customer experience to a new level of engagement and satisfaction.
Beyond Free Stays: The New Wave of Hotel Rewards
Free stays earned through reward points have become the most common loyalty benefit in the past few years. Customers now want something more. That’s why businesses are getting creative in designing their loyalty programs.
For instance, Hyatt Prive offers standard upgrades and early check-in rooms as loyalty benefits, but that is not all. They also add thoughtfulness to their loyalty offerings, such as private dining and curated city tours. We bet no customer can escape the charm of a sunset yacht tour or a heritage dining experience. It’s much more than a perk. It’s a story they would remember.
Hotels today strive to offer personalized experiences by understanding what truly delights their customers. Spa credits, complimentary breakfasts, access to a concierge, and much more; a well-designed hotel loyalty program can emerge as a travel genie and driver of engagement.
Small Hotels, Big Rewards
Meanwhile, loyalty programs are one step up for chains of all sizes. Even smaller boutique hotels are proving that they can play in the same league, and sometimes with more charm.
Take Tablet Hotels Plus as an example. This is ideal for the traveler who loves a unique, design-forward stay. For a small membership fee, customers get perks like upgrades, late checkouts, and exclusive rates at some seriously cool properties. Whether it’s a hidden gem in Lisbon or a quirky retreat in Kyoto, Tablet Plus makes their stay feel extra special.
Another standout is Stay Beyond, designed for those who stay longer than the weekend. Think coworking spaces, local dining credits, and even personalized recommendations for exploring the area; it’s like having a friend who happens to know all the best spots.
Booking Platforms Are Joining the Fun Too.
Booking platforms have also caught onto the loyalty trend, and they’re offering perks that go beyond just convenience.
Take Airbnb’s Experiences program. The more customers book, the more they earn credits toward things like a pasta-making class in Tuscany or a guided bike tour through Amsterdam. It’s a nice way to add some adventure to their trip without spending extra.
For digital nomads, Selina’s Nomad Pass is a game-changer. The pass gives customers access to affordable stays, coworking spaces, and a community of like-minded travelers. Plus, they sprinkle in yoga classes, local events, and wellness programs to keep things balanced.
Luxury for Less: Making High-End Travel Affordable
One of the best trends in hotel loyalty programs is how they’re making luxury more accessible. Customers no longer need to be high-rolling CEOs to enjoy five-star perks.
For example, having the right credit card can unlock all that value in a loyalty program. Premium cards like Amex Platinum come with all the free hotel perks like spa credits, room upgrades, and late checkouts. Sometimes it feels like hitting the jackpot just for booking through the right portal.
Subscription-based programs are a great way to engage customers. For a modest monthly fee, customers get discounted stays, daily breakfasts, access to premium services, local wine tastings, or free passes to exclusive events.
What Makes a Loyalty Program Great?
An engaging hotel loyalty program is one that makes everything about a stay special for the customers. It’s not about transactional benefits but making their experience memorable. A welcome drink or a personalized welcome note in the room, a surprise room upgrade or free first meal, a discounted spa session after a long journey, or a massage package; the list is endless when it comes to making a hotel loyalty program great.
Upgrade Your Loyalty Program with Loyalty Management Software
Whether you are a renowned hotel chain, an aggregator platform, or a new hotel business, you must invest in robust loyalty management software to deliver more than freebies. For every hotel business out there, there’s a personalized hotel loyalty program waiting.
Every customer looks for loyalty benefits while booking accommodation. If you don’t have the right technology employed to study customer behavior and trends, you are going to lose potential customers. An AI-powered loyalty software for hotels can truly liberate a business with real-time data analytics to get insights on customer behavior, personalized loyalty initiatives, effective tracking, and easy integration. Novus Loyalty does it all with utmost expertise and market knowledge. With extensive experience in delivering effective hotel loyalty programs, we can help your business create and implement the most personalized loyalty initiatives.
Every customer loves a little extra during their vacations. Start delivering what they want to build a loyal customer base with the help of Novus Loyalty.