Introduction
When it comes to loyalty programs and travel perks, an elite status holds great value for frequent travelers. It unlocks a host of exclusive benefits and privileges that can enhance your travel experience.
For instance, a Hyatt Globalist status comes with early check-ins, late checkouts, free breakfasts, club access, and much more.
But, the quest to get this esteemed status needs a game plan. And one strategy often debated among enthusiasts is the “mattress run.”
In this blog post, we’ll look at the concept of a mattress run and explore whether it’s truly worth pursuing to attain that coveted elite status.
Understanding the Mattress Run:
A mattress run is the practice of booking a hotel stay solely for the purpose of accumulating qualifying nights or stays toward elite status. Instead of staying for leisure or business purposes, individuals opt for these strategic stays to meet the requirements set by hotel loyalty programs.
It’s a calculated move to expedite your progress towards higher-tier benefits. The idea is that the cost of the stay is offset by the benefits of earning additional points.
Weighing the Pros and Cons:
Before embarking on a mattress run, it’s crucial to evaluate both the advantages and disadvantages involved. Let’s examine them:
1. Advantages of a Mattress Run:
- Accelerated Elite Status: A mattress run can help you reach a higher elite status level more quickly.
- Maximizing Benefits: If you have a specific trip in mind where elite perks would significantly enhance your stay, attaining status through a mattress run might be worthwhile.
- Milestone Achievement: For some travel enthusiasts, achieving elite status is a personal goal and a testament to their loyalty and dedication.
2. Drawbacks of a Mattress Run:
- Financial Considerations: Mattress runs can be costly, especially if you’re booking multiple nights at hotels solely for qualification purposes. The expenses involved should be weighed against the value of the benefits you’ll ultimately receive.
- Time and Effort: Planning and executing mattress runs require time and effort. It involves researching properties, booking stays, and potentially adjusting your travel plans solely to accumulate qualifying nights.
- Opportunity Cost: By focusing solely on mattress runs, you might miss out on other travel opportunities or preferred accommodations that could provide more meaningful experiences.
Making an Informed Decision:
Deciding whether a mattress run is worth it depends on your individual circumstances and priorities. Consider the following factors:
- Loyalty Program Evaluation: Study the elite benefits offered by the hotel loyalty program you’re targeting. Assess how valuable those perks are to you and whether they align with your travel patterns and preferences.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis: Calculate the expenses involved in a mattress run and compare them to the value you’ll receive from the elite status benefits. Determine if the financial investment is justified in your specific situation.
- Travel Plans and Goals: Evaluate your upcoming travel plans. If you have imminent trips where elite perks would significantly enhance your experience, a mattress run might make sense.
Final Thoughts
While a mattress run can be a strategic way to fast-track your path to elite status, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Additionally, hotel loyalty programs won’t award points or elite status credits to confirmed guests who don’t show up. Some hotel loyalty programs also require you to physically stay at a property for a stay to be elite-qualifying.
So, any time you are tempted to go on a mattress run, ask yourself these 3 questions:
1. How many nights do you need to get an elite status?
2. How many nights would you otherwise spend in the property?
3. If you get elite status, how many nights will you spend in that hotel group in the period where your status is active?
Ultimately, whether to go on a mattress run or not depends on the value you place on the benefits and the alignment with your overall travel strategy. Especially if you can convert a mattress run into an actual vacation, it may be well worth doing.
However, remember there are many other options besides mattress running. For example, you could open a new credit card that gives elite status as a perk, or you could buy or transfer points to top off your account for a lucrative redemption.
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