Hotels (Reward Programs)

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My Best Points Earning Experience

ByMatt

Today, I would like to share my best, one time, points earning experience ever. This event actually occurred before Pointshogger was even created. The reason I say that is because it makes it even more impressive, in hindsight, considering I have yet to be able to top it. This one time transaction can easily be duplicated even today and it’s not even a loophole, so no harm done to anyone.

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[DISCONTINUED] MBNA Best Western MasterCard

ByMatt

This year started out strong with all-time high sign up bonuses from various credit card issuers. Unfortunately, it is starting to look like we are closing out the year on a low note. Earlier today, we published a post regarding the end of the MBNA Alaska Airlines cards. Now we are writing a separate post on one of my personal favourites, MBNA Best Western MasterCard, who is also coming to an end.

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[PROMOTION] Marriott Bonvoy – Week of Wonders

ByMatt

Marriott Bonvoy launched its “Week of Wonders” promotion where members can redeem points at off-peak rates. The stay has to be booked by October 14, 2021 for stays between October 14, 2021 to October 31, 2021 at all its 7,000+ hotels around the world.

Below is a refresher of Marriott’s Reward chart. I put in bold the off-peak rates for each category. 

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30% American Express Transfer Bonus to Hilton and Marriott

ByMatt

A few days after I wrote my comparison post regarding the U.S. and Canadian American Express Membership Rewards program, and I mentioned that we rarely see transfer bonuses in Canada as we do in the U.S., in pops a 30% hotel transfer bonus. This offer runs from September 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021. 

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[PROMOTION] Marriott Bonvoy Fall Bonus Points

ByMatt

Marriott Bonvoy is currently running bonus points opportunities that run well into the fall, but only begins a week from today. Members will need to register for this offer.

Highlights

Below are the highlights of this promotion:

Bonus points are issued for stays between September 14, 2021 and December 12, 2021

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Current Hotel Elite Status and Points Expiry Extensions

ByMatt

See also: COVID-19 Updates for our most up-to-date tracking. 

For some parts of the world, travel seems to be opening up, especially in the United States. However, in other places like Canada, travel restrictions continue, and are as strict as they have been. So many people have been unable to generate activity on some of their hotel loyalty programs to keep their accounts active.

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Fast Track to Best Western Elite Status

ByMatt

While not the flashiest hotel chain, I am still a big fan of Best Western, Where they may lack in luxury, they make it up in affordability, availability and customer service. 

In 2021, they have cut the requirements to qualify for its elite status program in half. So I thought I would take this opportunity to update our last rundown post from over 2 years ago. 

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Marriott Bonvoy’s Global Promotion

ByMatt

Current Members Double-Double Promotion

Marriott is offering a double-double promotion. Registration is required (must be done before April 13, 2021) to be eligible to earn 2x the elite night credits and 2x the points for stays of 2 consecutive nights or longer. The promotion is valid for stays between February 16, 2021 and April 27, 2021 at participating properties in Marriott Bonvoy.