Hotels.com launches Welcome Rewards loyalty scheme
Hotels.com, the online hotel booking website has launched a reward programme offering customers one free night for every ten nights stayed.
Called Welcome Rewards, the scheme allows customers to accumulate their ten nights across chain hotels, B&Bs, self catering and independent hotels.
It is the first of its kind in the UK, but there are precedents in other markets. The launch follows the successful rollout of Welcome Rewards in the US over the past 18 months.
Across the board savings
Unlike most rewards schemes, which are usually specific to one brand, Hotels.com claims to allow customers to accumulate their ten qualifying nights across independent and chain hotels and to redeem their free night at any eligible hotel from Hotels.com’s global network. Hotels.com says there are more than 65,000 hotels around the world that can be booked under the Welcome Rewards scheme. Eligible hotels are clearly marked on the site.
The redemption element of the programme has been simplified as much as possible, with no blackout dates or complicated point systems, says Hotels.com. Customers simply stay for ten nights and get the eleventh night free (apart from taxes).
Alison Couper, Global Communications Director of Hotels.com, commented: “Welcome Rewards is far more generous than the vast majority of hotel loyalty programmes. The launch of Welcome Rewards is a significant customer friendly innovation that will benefit leisure and corporate travellers alike.”