Frequent Flyer

Best Western Offers Bonuses for Hotel Stays


Tim Winship
Tim Winship

    [[Best Western]] has added its name to the list of hotel chains offering bonuses for stays during the first part of 2009. The others, so far, are Hilton, [% 2792571 | | Hyatt %], InterContinental, [% 2802853 | | Marriott %], and [% 2806239 | | Starwood %]. Through February 14, members of Best Western Rewards (formerly called Gold Crown Club International) can earn double points for two nights, triple points for three nights, and quadruple points for four nights. Members earn an additional 250 bonus points when booking their stays on online. Registration is required, and qualifying stays must be charged to a MasterCard. While the bonuses are adequate, the promotion is in effect for a mere month and a half, far shorter than the three to four months' duration typical of other current hotel offers. That limits the potential value of the promotion. Another limiting factor: The maximum bonus is quadruple points after four nights, no matter how often a traveler stays. This is a decidedly tepid competitive response to more aggressive offers from other major hotel chains. Still, for Best Western customers, it's better than no response at all.