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Special Advertising Section

Hotel News:

Thanks to enhancements in frequent guest programs, earning points and perks while you sleep is now a reality. Hotel chains are making major introductions in areas like point and mile programs and technology.

Hyatt Speeds Up Status Process
In the Fast Lane
To better serve its most valued customers, Hyatt Hotels recently enhanced the benefits inherent in its Gold PassportÆ Platinum^SM tier and also reduced the eligibility requirements to achieve such status. According to Nan Moss, Hyatt Hotels' assistant vice president of global marketing alliances and programs, "Hyatt goes beyond offering its valued customers a reward program. We're also offering an extensive benefits program with superior services and recognition components. Hyatt is extremely service-oriented, and we're always looking for new ways to better accommodate our guests."

Hyatt has two upgraded tier levels -- Platinum and Diamond. Achieving Platinum status previously required 10 stays or 20 nights per calendar year; the new criteria is now 5 stays or 15 nights per calendar year. After every third stay in 1999, Platinum members can receive a certificate valid for a complimentary Regency Club or Business Plan Upgrade, or a complimentary amenity or discounted service to use on a future Hyatt stay. The amenity or service could come in the form of a $10 food/beverage or laundry credit.

On the Gold Passport front, Hyatt is re-introducing its guest profile, which notes preferences like smoking/non-smoking, bed type, high/low floor, etc.

Marriott Keeps its Guests Flying
Now More Miles Per Dollar
Marriott recently restructured its Marriott Rewards frequent guest program, significantly boosting the number of frequent flyer miles that can be earned per stay at nine participating Marriott lodging brands. No flight is required and the over 11 million Marriott Rewards members can put their miles to good use on 28 airline partners. Members still have the option of earning hotel points in lieu of miles.

"We are extremely customer-driven and many of our members have told us that the ability to earn miles is very important. Our new program enhancement is one more way that we're meeting the needs of our most loyal guests," said Ralph Giannola, Marriott International's senior vice president of consumer marketing. Under the new program, guests earn three miles per dollar on all room charges (including food) when they stay at:

MarriottÆ Hotels, Resorts and Suites
MarriottÆ Conference Centers
RenaissanceÆ Hotels and Resorts
MarriottÆ Vacation Club^SM International

Members earn one mile for each dollar spent (room rate only) when they visit:

CourtyardÆ by Marriott
SpringHill Suites™ by Marriott
Residence InnÆ by Marriott
Fairfield InnÆ by Marriott
TownePlace SuitesÆ by Marriott
Prior to this program enhancement, members earned 500 miles per stay at Marriott Hotels & Suites.

Hilton HHonorsÆ Expands Online Features
Redeeming Qualities
Hilton HHonors has expanded the Hilton HHonors section of its website at www.hilton.com by adding online services that allow members to review expanded account activity, examine bonus earnings and redeem points online to obtain reward certificates. The new online services include:

Online Reward Certificate Requests -- Redeem points online to request reward certificates.
Expanded HHonors Account History -- Review account activity, including stays, partner earnings and reward redemption history.
Bonus Earnings Summary -- Reference hotel and non-hotel bonus activity.
Member Preferences -- Check profile data including airlines, credit card and room preferences, along with address information.

Radisson Launches Customer Loyalty Program
Go for the Gold
Radisson Hotels WorldwideÆ, part of the Carlson Hospitality Worldwide network, has jumped on the customer loyalty bandwagon. Its Gold Points Rewards^SM program enables customers to earn points based on nights stayed at any of the more than 250 Radisson locations nationwide. Guests can earn 2,000 Gold Points per stay and 5,000 bonus Gold Points for every fifth stay. Or, they can opt for 500 airline miles per stay to be used on any one of 20 airline partners. Free nights are available for as little as 20,000 points, and points can be redeemed for hotel stays, travel and other merchandise.

Guests who reach Preferred Member status reap additional privileges and rewards like earning 10,000 bonus points with every fifth stay. Program partners include MCI WorldCom^SM, SkyMallÆ and Make-A-Wish FoundationsÆ. Gold Points can also be earned and redeemed at any Carlson Hospitality Worldwide establishment, including Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonÆ and T.G.I. Friday'sÆ.

Starwood Sets New Standards in Frequency Programs
A Star is Born
Guests at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. can take advantage of the Starwood Preferred Guest^SM frequency program, which boasts no blackout or expiration dates, instant rewards and online redemption.

Replacing its two previous programs (Sheraton Club International and Westin Premier), the Starwood Preferred Guest initiative enables members to earn a minimum of two Starpoints^SM for every U.S. dollar spent. Each Starpoint converts to one airline mile with most major carriers.

At any one time, you can transfer a minimum of 2,000 Starpoints -- or more. In addition to earning miles, Starpoints can be redeemed for hotel stays, gift certificates and merchandise from a variety of participating retailers. Members can participate in one of three tiers -- Preferred Guest^SM, Gold Preferred^SM and Platinum Preferred^SM, with eligibility based on number of stays per year. For example, members who qualify for Gold Preferred status get three Starpoints per eligible dollar, instant room upgrades when available and late checkout privileges.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide unites Westin Hotels & Resorts, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis, The Luxury CollectionÆ, Four PointsÆ Hotels by Sheraton, Caesars, and W Hotels^SM.

CAIS Offers New High-Tech Solutions
Getting Up to Full Speed
CAIS Internet recently acquired Atcom, Inc. (now CAIS Software Solutions) and Business Anywhere USA, Inc. The Washington, D.C.-based high-speed Internet company helps hospitality chains get "wired" for the Internet and develop interactive marketing and contest opportunities.

Essentially, CAIS helps business travelers turn guest rooms and meeting rooms into interactive online forums. Business travelers can utilize CAIS's 24/7 automated and self-operated business center services with kiosk solutions in lobbies or other common areas in hotels worldwide. CAIS Internet at www.cais.com is the standardized solution for Hilton Hotels and con also be found at many Marriott, Embassy Suites, Doubletree, Raddison, Crown Plaza, Regal and Wyndham Hotels and Resorts locations. Such chains as Hyatt and Starwood are currently testing CAIS's high speed Internet connection in designated guest and meeting rooms.