In today's podcast episode Greg and Nick will talk about the things they wish Marriott would add to their program to make it a really great program. They argue these things shouldn't even have to cost Marriott that much to implement.

Read more about our Marriott Bonvoy Wishlist here.

(01:24) - Fix the Platinum Elite free breakfast benefit

Find our resource for figuring out whether or not you get free breakfast here.

(05:00) - Clear Nightly Upgrade Awards from the time of booking

(08:21) - Remove the 15K limit on free night certificate top-offs

(11:11) - Waive resort fees on free night stays

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

There are a few ways now where you can earn elite status on airlines entirely through hotel stays! This is sort of a new development that we're excited to discuss in today's podcast.

(01:32) - Whoops: Forgot United offers elite earnings on award tickets (UA flights only)

Find episode 288 here.

(04:09) - IHG Choice Benefit annual lounge membership trick worked this year

(05:58) - One reader finds a way to get an offer to upgrade back to Amex Platinum for 50K bonus points after 2K spend.

(08:03) - Alaska Biz Card 70K offer is back: 70K miles and Companion Fare™

Learn more about the Alaska Business card here.

(09:27) - Costco card goes up to 5% at Costco Gas on 1/19/25. All other gas/EV will stay at 4%

(12:32) - US Bank Altitude Go: beginning on April 15, 2025, cardholders will be limited to earning 4x on the first $2,000 in dining, takeout and restaurant delivery purchases each quarter.
Learn more about that update here

(13:45) - Sonesta credit card taking a siesta

Learn more about the Sonesta siesta here

(15:34) - Pay1040 fees up, down, all around

(21:42) - Hyatt promo: Earn double elite night credits for stays at Under Canvas properties
Read more about that Hyatt promo here

(28:21) - Marriott Choice Benefit 40K expiry

(33:30) - BA goes revenue-based (Read more about that change here

(34:45) - Daily Getaways Dead: The program has been discontinued

(36:29) - Marriott ->> United Premier Silver AND Air Canada Aeroplan 25K
Read more about that here

(40:59) - Hyatt ->> American Airlines
Read more about this option here

(50:49) - Hyatt Explorist/Globalist elite members can trade Hyatt points for status for a day

(53:33) - Not as many shortcuts with Hyatt as with Marriott
Read more about this here

(1:03:00) - Should I mattress run with Advantage Hotels the rest of my way to AA Executive Platinum status?

(1:06:14) - How do you value your time, for example when an hour of effort will save you a small chunk of change?

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

You can book Preferred Hotels with Choice Privileges points, (which has a 1:2 transfer rate from Citi Thank You points), or Preferred Hotel points (which has a 1:4 transfer rate from Citi Thank You points). There are reasons to book with one points over another, but is this worth doing? Greg's recent experience booking a Preferred Hotel with Choice points can help shed some light on the question.

(01:24) - The Seagate Hotel & Spa Delray Beach Florida

(01:48) - Different booking options...

(05:17) - Booking experience...

(12:17) - Hotel stay experience (the good and bad)

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads