So far, this fall has seen hotel offers of every stripe, ranging from double points to free nights.
Here’s Wyndham’s offer, which adds yet another wrinkle to the bonus line-up.
Offer Details
Wyndham’s fall promotion, in effect from September 15 to November 18, features two components:
- Wyndham Rewards members will receive a $20 Visa gift card after the second, fourth, and sixth qualifying stays.
- Program members will also earn double Wyndham Rewards points or airline miles for each of the first three stays.
Registration is required.
Deal or No Deal
By itself, double miles or points is a ho-hum offer. So it’s up to the promotion’s second component to make this a difference-maker.
Notwithstanding Wyndham’s promise of "cash back," the financial incentive here is in fact a gift card. Sorta’ cash-like, yes. But gift cards are simply not as usable as cash. And they’re typically burdened with fine print, as they are here:
Qualified registrants should allow 2-3 weeks after completion of stays for the notification email to be sent, must complete the VISA card online redemption form within 60 days of receipt of the notification email, and should allow an additional 3-4 weeks from completion of online redemption form to receive the VISA card in the mail. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa USA, Inc. Visa Gift Card issued by MetaBank pursuant to a license from Visa USA, Inc. Fees associated with this card: Monthly inactivity fee of $2.95 after 12 consecutive months of inactivity. Lost/stolen replacement card fee of $5.00.
The fine print on a $20 bill? "This note is legal tender for all debts, public and private."
Another negative is the promotion’s short qualification period, just over two months. By contrast, Carlson’s fall promotion gives travelers a full three months to qualify for rewards. InterContinental’s qualification period is 3.5 months. Marriott’s MegaBonus offer is in place for a full four months.
To make the most of this offer, the best strategy for most travelers would be to log two one-night stays during the promotion period, enough to earn one $20 gift card and double miles or points for both stays. For additional fall stays, there are other hotel promotions that will likely prove more rewarding.
Reader Reality Check
What’s your plan for maximizing rewards for your fall hotel stays?
Other Posts of Interest
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