In Category: ,

Do hotel stays on Dec. 31 count toward earning status for this year or next?

New Years Eve

As December 31st draws near, many travelers ponder whether their hotel stay on this pivotal night will count toward their status for the current year or the upcoming one. This isn’t just about securing a place to celebrate New Year’s Eve; it’s a strategic decision that could significantly influence your loyalty benefits for an entire year. Let’s dive into the nuances of how different hotel loyalty programs handle this unique situation and outline strategies to ensure you’re maximizing potential rewards.

Understanding Hotel Status Dates

Different hotel loyalty programs have their own rules for how stays are credited, which can greatly affect your strategy for earning status:

  • Marriott Bonvoy: Stays that check out on or after January 1st count toward the new year. If you check out on December 31st, it counts for the current year.
  • Hyatt: Credits elite nights based on the checkout date. A January 1st checkout means your December 31st stay will count for the new year.
  • Hilton Honors: Similar to Hyatt, stays are credited to the new year based on the checkout date.
  • IHG One Rewards: Uniquely credits stays based on the check-in date, adding a layer of strategy for end-of-year bookings.

Benefits of December 31 Stays

Booking your stay on December 31st can offer numerous advantages:

  • Lock in Elite Status: For programs like Marriott Bonvoy, a December 31st stay can help secure or elevate your status for the upcoming year.
  • Count Towards Next Year: For programs like Hyatt and Hilton, checking out on January 1st or later means your stay counts towards the next year’s status, potentially giving you a head start.

Strategies for Maximizing Rewards

To make the most out of your December 31st hotel booking, consider the following strategies:

  1. Check the Program Rules: Familiarize yourself with your loyalty program’s rules to ensure you’re booking in a way that maximizes your benefits.
  2. Plan for Checkout: If your goal is to count the stay for the next year’s status, plan to check out on or after January 1st.
  3. Use Credit Cards: Leverage hotel-branded credit cards that offer elite qualifying nights or status boosts to further enhance your loyalty benefits.

Credit Card Options for Status

Selecting the right credit card can significantly enhance your hotel loyalty status:

  • Marriott Bonvoy Cards: Offer annual elite night credits, helping you reach a higher status level.
  • World of Hyatt Cards: Provide tier-qualifying nights through spending, ideal for frequent Hyatt guests.
  • Hilton Honors and IHG One Rewards Cards: Offer valuable perks and can accelerate your journey to higher status levels.

Final Thoughts on Year-End Bookings

Securing a hotel stay on December 31st can be a smart move for maximizing your travel rewards and setting the stage for your travels in the upcoming year. With careful planning and a clear understanding of your loyalty program’s rules, you can strategically enhance your status and enjoy the benefits throughout the next year. Whether you’re aiming to maintain your current status or reach new heights, the right approach to your December 31st booking can make all the difference.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter