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The hotel industry is extremely competitive, and the major chains are always eager to garner the loyalty of frequent travelers. Not only do they offer elite status to those who regularly stay at their properties (and use their co-branded credit cards), the major hotel chains will also try to lure travelers from their competitors. And their favorite tool for getting you to switch brands is called a status match.
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What Is a Status Match?
A status match is the tool hotel chains use to try to steal elite travelers from a competitor. Offering a status match can allow travelers to instantly enjoy comparable benefits with a competitor rather than be forced to forgo status for a lengthy period of time if they want to switch brands.
Status matches can also take the form of challenges. A status match challenge will offer travelers temporary elite status, which is only extended once certain requirements are met. For example, a hotel chain might offer top-tier status for three months and extend it for the rest of the year once the traveler completes ten night stays or spends $2,500 within those same three months.
Status Match Offers From the Largest Hotel Loyalty Programs
Marriott Bonvoy
With more than 7,000 properties among its 30 brands, Marriott is the largest hotel chain in the world. And while it long had a publicly available status match offer, it doesn’t officially offer one as of this writing.
Otherwise, the best way to fast track your elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program is through its numerous co-branded and affiliated credit cards. Cardholders receive automatic elite status from (enrollment required):
Platinum Elite status
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (Terms apply.)
Gold Elite status
- Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card(Terms apply)
- The Platinum Card® from American Express (Terms apply.)
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express(Terms apply.)
You also receive automatic Silver status from theMarriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card. With the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card, your status is upgraded to Gold when you spend $35,000 on purchases each account year.
Furthermore, most of the Marriott co-branded cards award 15 elite qualifying nights to cardholders each year, with the exception of the Marriott Brilliant that offers 25 elite qualifying nights each calendar year. And while most of these offers can’t be combined, you can couple elite qualifying nights earned from one of the personal Marriott cards with those from one of the business cards, for a total of 30 elite qualifying nights (or 40 with the Marriott Brilliant and a business card). Those 30 or 40 night stay credits get you within 20 to 30 night stay credits of the 50 needed to earn Platinum Elite status.
Hilton Honors
Just behind Marriott Bonvoy in size, the Hilton Honors program features more than 6,500 properties among its 18 brands. Hilton currently offers the following status match challenges:
- Match to Gold: Just stay seven nights within 90 days of status matching and receive mid-tier Gold status through March 31, 2024.
- Upgrade to Diamond: Stay a total of 12 nights within 90 days of status matching and receive top-tier status through March 31, 2024.
You’ll need to register for the match where you’ll be required to upload images showing both proof of status with another program and proof of a recent stay.
You can also receive elite status through the following cards from American Express (enrollment required):
- Hilton Honors American Express Card: Complimentary Silver elite status plus earn Gold status when you use your card to spend $20,000 in a calendar year. Terms apply.
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card*: Complimentary Gold status plus you can earn Diamond status when you use your card to spend $40,000 in a calendar year.
- Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express*: Complimentary Diamond status.
- The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Complimentary Gold status. Terms apply.
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Complimentary Gold Status.
World of Hyatt
While the Hyatt chain lacks the size of Marriott and Hilton, it makes up for it in the numerous valuable perks it bestows on guests with elite status. In fact, top-tier Globalists enjoy free breakfast, free parking and waived resort fees.
Unfortunately, Hyatt doesn’t currently offer a public status match program. Nevertheless, you can still request a status match, which is handled on a case-by-case basis. MGM Rewards is a partner of Hyatt and offers status matches from the World of Hyatt program to M Life Rewards.
Another way to earn elite status includes The World of Hyatt Credit Card from Chase. It offers entry-level Discoverist status and five-night stay credits each year towards the next level of status. You also earn another two night stay credits for each $5,000 you spend.
The new World of Hyatt Business Credit Card from Chase offers entry-level elite status for the cardholder and up to five employees. And while you don’t receive any night-stay credits automatically each year, for every $10,000 you spend in a calendar year you’ll earn five tier qualifying night credits toward Explorist or Globalist status and Milestone Rewards.
IHG One Rewards
IHG stands for Intercontinental Hotels Group and it includes not only Intercontinental but also Holiday Inn, Kimpton, Crowne Plaza and many more at every price point.
Currently, IHG is not offering any status match opportunities, but keep your eyes open as it periodically brings back a chance to fast track your way to elite status.
Otherwise, the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card* and the IHG® Rewards Premier Business Card* from Chase both offer mid-level Platinum Elite status while IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card* cardmembers can earn entry-level Gold Elite status after spending $20,000 each calendar year.
Wyndham Rewards
Wyndham is another hotel chain that occasionally offers publicly available status matches, but not at the time of this writing. As with other programs, you can visit their status match landing page to see if it’s been updated or contact them directly to request an individual status match.
Otherwise, you can earn mid-tier Gold status from the Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Card*, Platinum elite status with the Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Plus Card* or top-tier Diamond status just by having the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Card*.
Choice Privileges
Choice Hotels is a large chain best known for its budget brands such as Comfort Inn and Econo Lodge. Thankfully, it has an official status match offer. All you have to do is email Status_Match@choicehotels.com or reach out via Twitter with your name, membership number and proof of elite status in a competing hotel rewards program.
The Choice Privileges program also offers something called the Cambria Diamond Elite Status Jump. Cambria is one of Choice’s higher-end hotel chains and if you stay at a Cambria hotel while having elite status in another hotel rewards program, you can receive their top-tier Diamond Elite Status. That said, the main feature of the Choice Privileges elite-status program appears to be bonus points and some priority service. Although you won’t find high-value perks like room upgrades or free breakfasts, early check-in and late check outs are offered to all elites.
The Choice Privileges® Visa Signature® Card* also offers Gold status.
Radisson Rewards Americas
Radisson Rewards Americas is somewhat of a smaller program, however it does offer a status match but only on a case-by-case basis. To inquire, email statusmatch@radissonhotels.com with your membership number and proof of status in a competing hotel chain.
Best Western Rewards
Best Western has an ongoing status match opportunity for members. With Status Match…No Catch, members of competitor loyalty programs are eligible to match their elite status to Best Western Rewards. To submit a request for an elite status match, you can either complete the online form or send an email to StatusMatch@bestwestern.com.
You can also go the credit card route and snatch up complimentary Platinum status when you hold the Best Western Rewards® Premium Mastercard*. However, if no annual fee cards are more your style, the Best Western Rewards® Mastercard®* gives cardholders Best Western Gold status. While neither status offers outsized value, you will receive a few handy perks, such as elevated bonus points earning rates on hotel stays, complimentary water and points at check in and extended status until March 2024.
Find the Best Hotel Rewards Credit Cards Of 2022
Bottom line
If you have elite status in a hotel loyalty program, and you’re looking to switch brands, it’s never been easier. By taking advantage of a status match offer, you can try out a new brand without having to give up all the perks and benefits you’ve already earned.
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FAQs
While Marriott Bonvoy doesn't offer a status match to other hotel loyalty program elite status, it does have a RewardsPlus partnership program with United Airlines and matches United Premier Gold members (and higher) to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status.
How can I get Hilton Gold status for free? ›
Staying at Hilton properties
Make at least 14 stays or stay 28 nights within the 2022 calendar year at Hilton Honors-participating hotels to achieve Hilton Honors Gold status. This can include rollover nights from the year before. Starting in 2023, the requirements change to 20 stays or 40 nights.
Who status matches with Hyatt? ›
The most reliable method of status matching to Hyatt comes from MGM Rewards thanks to the two programs' reciprocal relationship. Along with being able to book and earn points at both programs' hotels, you can also match your elite status between the pair.
Who status matches with Wyndham? ›
Some of the hotel loyalty programs that participate in Wyndham's status match include:
- Best Western Rewards.
- Choice Privileges.
- Hilton Honors.
- IHG One Rewards.
- Marriott Bonvoy.
- Omni Select Guest.
- Radisson Rewards.
- World of Hyatt.
Use the 15/5 rule.
Employees are taught to make eye contact and smile at customers when they are within 15 feet. Employees then give a verbal greeting when customers are within 5 feet. Wonderful!
Can you lose Marriott elite status? ›
Marriott Bonvoy: Once you earn elite status, it will be valid for the rest of the calendar year in which you've earned it and an additional 14 months after that.
Can you lose Hilton Diamond status? ›
Once you earn Hilton Diamond status, you'll keep your level for the rest of the year and the following calendar year. If you do not requalify for the elite status requirements or close your credit card that grants you complimentary status, you will lose your Hilton Honors status the following year.
Is Hilton Diamond status permanent? ›
Hilton rewards its most loyal members with lifelong Diamond elite status, granting them permanent top-tier status once they've reached certain milestones: Must earn Diamond status for 10 years (these do not need to be consecutive). AND. Complete stays totaling 1,000 paid and reward nights.
Do free nights count towards Hilton status? ›
All Points & Money Rewards™ stays and nights will continue to count towards the achievement of Hilton Honors status. Base Points are earned on the money portion spent on a stay, but are not earned on Points redeemed.
Does Marriott Match Hilton Diamond status? ›
[2022 Update: Marriott No Longer Offer A Status Match]
If you have Hilton Honors Gold or Diamond status, you can now match to Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, one of Marriott's higher tier rewards levels.
The Hyatt Credit Card's credit score requirement is 700 or higher. This means applicants for the World of Hyatt Card need at least good credit for approval. Make sure to check your credit score for free on WalletHub before applying.
Is Hyatt owned by Hilton or Marriott? ›
Is Hyatt a Hilton hotel? No. Hyatt hotels are not part of the Hilton portfolio. Hyatt and Hilton are two separate hotel chains with different brands and different properties.
Can I status match Wyndham to Caesars? ›
Wyndham Rewards + Caesars Rewards®
Caesars Rewards teamed up with Wyndham Rewards so you can enjoy exciting perks at more than 50,000 Wyndham Rewards hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals. Link your Caesars Rewards account to a Wyndham Rewards account and your status will be matched.
How long does it take to status match Wyndham to Caesars? ›
After logging in, enter your Wyndham Rewards number in the appropriate box. Once you click "Request matching status," you'll see the following confirmation message. Note that the message says the match will take up to seven business days.
Does MGM match Wyndham status? ›
As with Hyatt and MGM, you can match statuses between Wyndham Rewards and Caesars Rewards online once you have either Wyndham or Caesars status.
What is 10x10 rule in hotel? ›
They refer to their customers as guests. Cast members are trained to acknowledge each guest with a smile anytime they come within 10 feet of that person.
What are the 10 rule on hospitality? ›
The 10 and 5 rule is a simple guideline that is widely used in the hospitality industry. The rule dictates that when a staff member is 10 feet from a guest, the staff smiles and makes direct eye contact, and when they are within five feet, the staff verbally greets the guest.
Can you lose Marriott lifetime status? ›
Lifetime status is based on the total number of years you've been Silver, Gold, or Platinum Elite, along with the number of nights you've earned collectively throughout your time as a member of Marriott Bonvoy. Points that never expire. Benefits you'll receive forever.
What is the fastest way to get Marriott elite status? ›
Complimentary Elite Status With Credit Cards
You may also have the opportunity to reach a higher level of elite status by spending on the Marriott Bonvoy card. Each Marriott Bonvoy-branded credit card awards 15-25 elite qualifying nights each year that can be used to expedite your path to higher elite status.
How do you become lifetime Platinum at Marriott? ›
You must earn 600 qualifying nights and 10 years as Platinum Elite or higher to achieve Lifetime Platinum Elite status. Marriott Bonvoy® would love to welcome you to the Lifetime Platinum Elite community!
Some Marriott Bonvoy members hold Lifetime Titanium Elite status. Although this status isn't available anymore, legacy SPG Lifetime Platinum members who completed 750 nights were grandfathered into Lifetime Platinum Premier, which became Lifetime Titanium during the Marriott and SPG merger.
Do Hilton Diamond members get access to Executive Lounge? ›
Space-available room upgrades. Premium Wi-Fi. 48-hour room guarantee. Executive lounge access.
How can I get Hilton Diamond status fast? ›
The quickest and easiest way would be to apply for the Hilton Status Match from an IHG Platinum member. Then, if you prove a minimum of one night stay at an IHG hotel group and stay 12 nights within 90 days at a Hilton, you will receive Diamond status until March 31, 2024.
What is the highest status with Hilton? ›
Diamond is the highest tier in the Hilton Honors program. With benefits like free breakfast or a food and beverage credit, access to executive lounges, suite upgrades, a 100% points bonus, and premium Wi-Fi, there's a lot to love about Hilton Diamond.
Can my wife use my Hilton status? ›
Can my spouse and I share one Hilton Honors account? No. As of 1 April 2004, multiple members may not share an account.
Did Hilton buy out diamond? ›
Big changes are coming to the Hilton Grand Vacations Club following the announcement of their purchase of Diamond Resorts earlier in 2021. Since Hilton's acquisition of Diamond, owners are expected to see changes to their resort selections and even points.
How long do you have to work for Hilton to get lifetime benefits? ›
To be a Lifetime Diamond Member, you must earn Hilton Diamond status for 10 (non-consecutive) years and complete 1 additional milestone: Complete stays totaling 1,000 paid and reward nights.
Do nights paid with points count towards status? ›
You may wonder whether award nights count if you're hoping to qualify for hotel elite status based on nights. While flights purchased with miles rarely count toward elite status, most major hotel loyalty programs do count award nights toward elite status.
How much is 50000 Hilton points worth? ›
According to NerdWallet's analysis, 50,000 Hilton points are worth about $300. How much are 80,000 Hilton points worth? According to NerdWallet's analysis, 80,000 Hilton points are worth about $480.
What is 5th night free? ›
One way to get a little extra satisfaction out of these redemptions is by taking advantage of a fifth-night-free perk — a benefit that awards a complimentary night on a stay of four nights or longer.
Hilton members can match their elite status from at least 8 hotel loyalty programs: Marriott Bonvoy. IHG Rewards Club.
Is Platinum or Diamond status better? ›
Diamond Medallion is the highest frequent flyer tier in the Delta SkyMiles program, above Platinum, Gold, and Silver. Requiring the most amount of money spent and the most amount of miles flown for Delta elite status, the benefits are plentiful and very beneficial.
How many blue diamond properties are joining Marriott? ›
21 properties fully integrated into Marriott's Autograph Collection and Tribute Portfolio.
Which card is easiest to get approved for? ›
What is the easiest credit card to get with bad credit?
- No Credit Check: OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card.
- No Deposit: Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit.
- Rewards Categories: U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card.
- Unlimited Cash Back: Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Why it's one of the hardest credit cards to get: The hardest credit card to get is the American Express Centurion Card. Known simply as the “Black Card,” you need an invitation to get Amex Centurion.
What is the credit limit for a Hyatt credit card? ›
The World Of Hyatt Business Credit Card credit limit is $5,000 or more. Everyone who gets approved for World Of Hyatt Business Credit Card is guaranteed a credit limit of at least $5,000, and particularly creditworthy applicants could get limits a lot higher than that.
Which is bigger Marriott or Hyatt? ›
Marriott is a much larger company than Hyatt, with far more brands and properties around the world. As a result, World of Hyatt packs on generous perks, especially for its top-tier Globalist members, to make up for its relatively smaller size.
Is Hyatt considered a luxury hotel? ›
The majority of Hyatt's portfolio is made up of luxury properties with six brands within this tier. Alila Hotels boasts 17 hotels in 7 countries, offering wellness escapes in stylish spaces and notable locations for affluent travelers.
Does Hyatt belong to Trump? ›
Donald J. Trump sold his half interest in the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York to the Pritzker family's Hyatt Corporation yesterday for $140 million, bringing to an end an often rancorous, 17-year partnership in a landmark property that marked the developer's rise to prominence.
Can you buy Diamond status at Caesars? ›
New Caesars Rewards® members, present your valid eligible VIP loyalty card from select competitors at any Caesars Rewards Center between February 1 - December 31, 2022 and we will upgrade you to Diamond status valid through January 31, 2023. It may take up to 30 days to process your upgrade request.
Why Should You Care About the Status Match Merry Go Round?
- Wyndham Diamond.
- Caesars Diamond.
- MGM Rewards Gold.
- Hyatt Explorist.
- Hard Rock Atlantic City Rock Royalty.
- Ocean Casino Prime (Atlantic City)
- Some bonus matches: South Florida and Resorts World Las Vegas, Turning Stone.
The Caesars Credit Card credit score requirement is 700 or higher. That means applicants for the Caesars Credit Card need good credit or better to get approved. Besides a credit score of at least 700, you must be a member of the Caesars Rewards Program, which requires you to be at least 21 years old.
How do you get a 2022 Wyndham diamond? ›
Diamond Member
Bottom Line: If you stay even 1 or 2 nights a year at Hotels by Wyndham, you should be a member of Wyndham Rewards. Free Wi-Fi and earning rewards points are worth it for the free membership.
How do you know if you win on Caesars? ›
Win/Loss statements are available online and through the mobile app. They are available the first week in February for the previous year. You will be able to access and print the past five year's win/loss statements.
How do you get Diamond status with Wyndham? ›
Earn Wyndham elite status by booking hotel nights
You can earn Gold, Platinum or Diamond status in Wyndham Rewards by booking a certain number of hotel nights in a calendar year. Nights must be "qualifying nights," which basically means nights booked on employee discounts or certain promotions don't count.
How much is 30000 Wyndham points worth? ›
Wyndham points are generally valued around 0.9 cents per point — if a hotel stay is worth around 0.9 cents per point, then it's likely worth it to use them.
...
How much are Wyndham points worth?
| Hotel | Wyndham Garden Chinatown in New York City |
|---|
| Price | $353.20 |
|---|
| Points | 30,000 |
|---|
| Point value (cents) | 1.2 |
|---|
10 more columns18 May 2022
If prompted, sign in to your Hyatt account and then click "Opt in." Log in to your MGM Rewards account. You'll see the following message if your match is successful. Although the message notes it may take 24 hours for MGM to update your account, some (but not all) members have seen their tier be updated immediately.
How do you get Platinum status match Marriott? ›
2. Status matching with Marriott requires a challenge — it's not automatic
- Gold elite: Members are required to stay eight qualifying paid nights in 90 days.
- Platinum elite: Members are required to stay 16 qualifying paid nights in 90 days.
Marriott offers exclusive discounts and rates for its employees, associates (past and present), their friends and their families. Its a valuable benefit, as eligible people can get up to 80% off on their stays and 50% off on F&B, when booking at a Marriott hotel.
Who can use MMF rate Marriott? ›
Available to spouses, domestic partners, parents, parents in-law, brothers, sisters and children of Marriott associates for personal travel only (1 room/night).
Yes, if you pass away, your Marriott Bonvoy points will go to your spouse. All unredeemed points can be transferred to a family member or a friend who is an active Marriott Bonvoy member at the time of the request.
How many Marriotts do you need for Platinum? ›
Achieve Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Platinum Elite status after 600 total lifetime nights and 10 years of Platinum Elite status or higher.
Can my wife use my Marriott free night certificate? ›
No, a Free Night Anniversary Award issued by Marriott Bonvoy® Partner Credit Cards cannot be transferred or gifted to another Guest, They can only be used by the Member. A Free Night Award is for the Account Holder's primary use. A Free Night Award cannot be transferred from one Member to another.
How much PTO do you get at Marriott? ›
Marriott's PTO and Vacation policy typically gives 15-20 days off a year. Paid Time Off is Marriott's most important benefit besides Healthcare when ranked by employees, with 41% of employees saying it is the most important benefit.
What is Marriott code MM4? ›
MM4 - employee-only code. This code shows you only the hotels with the discounted employee rates (a flat discount, no longer the category-linked $39, $49, $55, $59, $69, $79, $89, $94 per night) which apply during peak holiday season only - from around mid November to mid January (northern hemisphere).
What is the difference between MMP and MMF Marriott? ›
What is the difference between MMP and MMF Marriott? MMP if you qualify for the Explore rate (employees, associates and their direct family). MMF if a Marriott employee or associate is nominating you.
Does Marriott check corporate ID? ›
Corporate Identification/Proof of Eligibility is required at Check-In. Corporate Rates can only be used by the employee of the company with the Corporate Rate, this Rate cannot be used by family members of the employee.
How many Rooms can I book with MMF Marriott? ›
You can reserve up to three Rooms, with the same name and for the same Room type per Reservation. Guest Names can be provided at Check-In, if you need assistance prior please call us.
Can I give my Marriott free night for someone else? ›
Important: You can only use your Marriott Bonvoy® Points to Gift an Award Redemption Reservation to another Guest. You cannot use a Free Night Award Certificate to book a Room for another Guest.
Can two people share a Marriott Bonvoy account? ›
- Loyalty Program Terms and Conditions, for additional information. Marriott Bonvoy® Points can be shared/transferred to another Member.
Who can you combine Marriott Bonvoy points with? There's no need to be related to the person you're sharing points with, or even to share the same address. Rather you can transfer your points to any member.
