Wyndham rewards launches member levels, expands award-winning program with industry’s first experience enhanced redemptions

News Hour:

The program that revolutionized hotel rewards in 2015 by simplifying free nights with a flat 15,000 point redemption rate is once again turning the loyalty landscape on its head. Now “elite” programs and special member experiences are no longer just for the rich and well-traveled. Member Levels, the newest enhancement to the award-winning Wyndham Rewards® loyalty program and its nearly 8,000 hotels, brings generous and truly unique perks to all.

Through four distinct levels—Blue, Gold, Platinum and Diamond—Wyndham Rewards members can now take advantage of a host of new benefits that increase by level, from free Wi-Fi and rollover nights to annual point bonuses and more. And, when members redeem their points for a stay in one of the program’s top 25 destinations, they now automatically receive an additional enhancement to their award night for no additional points, helping them take advantage of exciting local experiences near their destination, from indoor skydiving in Orlando to an authentic cooking class in Shanghai.

“Devaluation is too common a trend in today’s loyalty game—it reflects everything that’s wrong with industry rewards programs and continues to be the driving force behind why Wyndham Rewards is once again breaking the mold,” said Josh Lesnick, executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Wyndham Hotel Group. “While other loyalty programs find new ways to restrict their most loyal guests when they redeem, we’re doing the exact opposite and giving our members the very best: our best hotels in our best locations with the best local experiences—365 days a year for just 15,000 points.”

Introducing go free^SM PLUS and go fast^SM PLUS
Every time members redeem points in one of Wyndham Rewards’ top 25 global destinations, the program will now enhance the redemption experience by offering special discounts and savings on fun and engaging local experiences, all curated by a Wyndham Rewards’ “Adventure Agent.” From famous attractions and food tours, to art museums and theme parks, there’s something special for every type of traveler.

Just like go free awards, PLUS awards come with no blackout dates or restrictions. The value of these PLUS awards ranges from $5 per award night when redeemed by members at the Blue level all the way up to free experiences valued at up to $150 per award night when redeemed by members who have earned the Diamond level.

Start Unlocking the Magic
Complementing Member Levels’ new, industry-first, redemption benefits like go free PLUS and go fast PLUS are a host of other member perks, including free Wi-Fi, late check-out, early check-in, room upgrades, welcome amenities and more. Here’s how it works:

• Blue: Automatic status achieved at enrollment! In addition to the program’s current promise of 10 points per dollar or 1,000 points on all qualified stays and go free award nights with no blackout dates, members can receive free Wi-Fi and rollover nights toward the next member level. (Rollover nights never expire and help members who fall short of a level one year get a head start on unlocking levels the following year.) Redeeming in one of our top destinations? Celebrate with a PLUS award of $5 per award night towards a fun local experience—from theme parks and city tours to cooking classes and more.
• Gold: After just five qualifying nights, enjoy all the perks of Blue, plus preferred room upgrades, late check-out, a dedicated member services phone line, as well as $10 toward a local experience when you redeem a free night in one of our top destinations.

• Platinum: Stay 15 qualifying nights and unlock big rewards! All the perks of Gold, plus early check-in, an annual 3,000 point bonus—enough to redeem a go fast award—and exclusive Avis® and Budget® car rental upgrades.

• Diamond: Stay 40 qualifying nights and enjoy all the perks of Platinum along with an annual 6,000 point bonus, suite upgrades, a welcome amenity, the ability to gift Gold to a friend and the program’s most generous go free PLUS award. Redeem your points for a free night and receive two free tickets or passes to incredible, local experiences valued at up to $150 per award night—from gastronomic tours in Mexico to desert safaris in Dubai.