What Type of Hotel Memberships Suits You Best

For the avid traveller, a hotel membership is arguably one of the best benefits programmes to sign up for. Not only do hotel memberships unlock a plethora of exclusive privileges, but they can also enhance the experience of staying at a particular hotel.

However, different types of hotel memberships cater to different types of travellers, given how diverse the benefits and mechanics of these memberships can be. Let’s take a look at the difference between traditional and modern hotel memberships and figure out which system works best!

How do traditional hotel membership works 

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The most common hotel loyalty programmes work on a points-based system. Upon signing up, guests accrue membership points by staying at an affiliated hotel and then use those points later to unlock perks.

These often include privileges like priority check-in and check out, complimentary meals, and added flexibility to booking arrangements. Some loyalty programmes allow members to exchange their points for special discounts and room upgrades.

A multi-tier hotel membership separates members into different categories and offers different rewards - the higher the tier, the better the rewards. To advance to a higher tier, members would usually need to accumulate more points by staying frequently at a particular hotel.

Single-tier memberships are more straightforward: Simply spend more points to unlock better rewards. However, members would still need to accrue points by staying at an affiliated hotel.

Launch of modern loyalty programs 

Oasia Hotel Downtown, Singapore: Deluxe Room

While traditional hotel memberships are popular, newer loyalty programmes have also emerged in the past few years. Unlike traditional rewards programmes, modern hotel memberships don’t always rely on a points-based system to offer benefits.

An example of this is Far East Hospitality’s newly launched Far East Insiders programme. Most notably, rather than use a points and tier system to unlock certain benefits, the programme rewards each Insider with the same privileges upon signing up.

These perks include booking using the lowest online room rates (up to an additional 12% off) and priority access to limited offers and deals. Insiders are able to enjoy their membership perks immediately after signing up, which is great for last-minute travellers.

Comparing traditional and modern hotel memberships 

“What kind of hotel membership works best?”. Ultimately, it depends on individual travel style and what one looks for when staying at a particular hotel.

Traditional hotel memberships 

Traditional hotel memberships are best-suited for frequent travellers who regularly visit certain locations, such as business travellers. This is because repeat travellers often stay at the same hotel (or hotel chain), enabling them to constantly accumulate membership points with every visit, unlocking better perks along the way.

That said, it’s important to note the fine print that is often attached to these memberships. There are usually specific terms and conditions that members need to take note of in terms of the points redemption mechanics. What's more, some membership points also come with expiration dates that make maintaining the membership difficult for less frequent travellers.

While frequent travellers would likely benefit from traditional hotel memberships, loyalty in this context may also mean less flexibility. Travellers who need to frequently stay at specific hotels or chains are often unable to experience different brands or accommodation options.

Modern hotel memberships 

Instead, for those who occasionally travel for leisure, a modern hotel membership may well be the more attractive option. One of the key beneftis is that modern memberships like the Far

East Insiders programme allows Insiders to enjoy exclusive deals instantaneously, even if they aren’t regular guests.

Because there isn’t a points-based tier system, each Insider enjoys the same privileges, without needing to unlock or maintain certain milestones to enjoy certain perks. For those who enjoy the occasional holiday but don’t travel often, this type of arrangement is a more suitable option.

Another advantage of modern hotel memberships is the ease of access. There is no membership fee and becoming an Insider takes all but five minutes. One need only register on the website to start enjoying the same benefits as existing Insiders.

Find out more about the Far East Insiders programme today!

Photo by Winel Sutanto on Unsplash