Every year thousands of ophthalmologists head to the annual academy of ophthalmology (AAO) meetings. Additionally clinicians will travel for ASCRS, Hawaiian Eye, AIRS, Kiawah, and many more. With so many trips (not to mention private vacations), joining a hotel loyalty programs can really significantly benefit meeting goers. Although some ophthalmologists may travel very little, benefits can still be surprisingly good. At a bare minimum, most programs will allow members to convert their points into airline miles. For those that are already members, checking sites such as
www.flyertalk.com can make you aware or provide links to promotions for these hotels that provide even further benefits. Below is a list of some of the more common hotel loyalty programs which require minimum stays/nights for benefits.
Hilton:
Hilton’s HHonors program includes the Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, Doubletree, Embassy Suites, and Garden Inn, among others. The HHonors program begins its benefits with no stays at all. For just signing up for an account, enrollees will achieve Hilton Blue status. Depending on the property, this may include a free daily newspaper, late checkout, complimentary internet and/or gym access. Silver status, attained after four stays (or by carrying the no-annual fee HHonors Visa Signature Card), guarantees complimentary gym access. Physicians who spend over $40,000/year on the HHonors Surpass AMEX card receive VIP Diamond status, which translates to guaranteed room reservations, complimentary breakfast for two, an executive level room, and a room upgrade.
Starwood:
The Starwood Preferred Guest program includes popular meeting hotels such as the St. Regis, W, Westin and Sheraton. Enrollment in their program automatically gives members “Preferred Guest” status – essentially only increasing points awarded for each stay (which can be used for future stay discounts). Those physicians who carry the AMEX Platinum credit card, however, are eligible for automatic gold status, which allows members to receive enhanced rooms at check-in as well as 4PM late checkout.
Marriott:
This large brand includes the JW Marriott, Renaissance hotel, Residence Inn, Fairfield Inn, and Ritz-Carlton (it is important to note that Ritz-Carlton also provides a separate loyalty program). Consistently ranked one of the best member-rewards program, the Marriott Rewards program only begins benefits after ten nights at which point a member is given silver status.
Hyatt:
This chain includes Park Hyatt, Andaz, Grand Hyatt, and Summerfield suites. Members of the Hyatt Gold Passport program automatically receive Gold status, which can provide 2PM late check-outs. Obtaining the Hyatt credit card automatically bestows platinum status, which can include room upgrades and complimentary internet.
Omni:
Members of the Omni Select Guest Program receive benefits on the first stay which can include complimentary bottled water, shoe shine, 2 items pressed, and wifi.
Overall, there are multiple hotel loyalty programs that provide significant benefits even with minimal stays. If a higher status is obtained for one chain but the benefits are deemed to be unsatisfactory, most hotels will provide a free status match for at least several months for you to decide which program you prefer. While the list provided here are some of the most common hotel loyalty programs today, even smaller chain hotels may have connections to other programs and can be determined from a simple call to the hotel’s front desk staff. Oftentimes in these smaller hotels benefits can be even greater. For ophthalmologists who attend even one meeting a year, membership can definitely have its privileges.