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Source: https://www.headforpoints.com/feed/

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  14. <description>Maximise your Avios points and frequent flyer miles</description>
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  31. <title>British Airways goes aircraft shopping &#8211; orders 44 more Boeing and Airbus planes</title>
  32. <link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/09/british-airways-goes-aircraft-shopping-orders-32-more-boeing-787-10/</link>
  33. <comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/09/british-airways-goes-aircraft-shopping-orders-32-more-boeing-787-10/#comments</comments>
  35. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Rhys Jones]]></dc:creator>
  36. <pubDate>Fri, 09 May 2025 08:51:20 +0000</pubDate>
  37. <category><![CDATA[British Airways and Avios]]></category>
  38. <category><![CDATA[one]]></category>
  39. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=782397</guid>
  40.  
  41. <description><![CDATA[Last night, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick teased a $10 billion order for Boeing planes from an unnamed &#8220;British airline&#8221;. You didn&#8217;t need a crystal ball to predict that this would be for British Airways. 18 months ago, Bloomberg reported (paywall) that British Airways and Iberia parent International Airlines Group (IAG) was in contact with [&#8230;]]]></description>
  42. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  43. <p>Last night, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick teased a $10 billion order for Boeing planes from an unnamed &#8220;British airline&#8221;.</p>
  44.  
  45.  
  46.  
  47. <p>You didn&#8217;t need a crystal ball to predict that this would be for British Airways. 18 months ago, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-10-06/iag-in-talks-with-airbus-boeing-for-potential-widebody-order" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bloomberg reported (paywall)</a> that <strong>British Airways and Iberia parent International Airlines Group (IAG) was in contact with Airbus and Boeing about further widebody aircraft purchases.</strong></p>
  48.  
  49.  
  50.  
  51. <p>I wrote an article at the time &#8211; which I will largely reproduce below &#8211; looking at why BA needed more widebody aircraft.</p>
  52.  
  53.  
  54. <div style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="wp-block-image aligncenter">
  55. <figure class="size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/British-Airways-BA-A350-in-flight.jpg"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="900" height="600" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/British-Airways-BA-A350-in-flight.jpg" alt="British Airways orders 44 more Boeing and Airbus planes" class="wp-image-231012 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/British-Airways-BA-A350-in-flight.jpg 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/British-Airways-BA-A350-in-flight-325x217.jpg 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/British-Airways-BA-A350-in-flight-400x267.jpg 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/British-Airways-BA-A350-in-flight-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/British-Airways-BA-A350-in-flight-180x120.jpg 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/British-Airways-BA-A350-in-flight-360x240.jpg 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/British-Airways-BA-A350-in-flight-350x233.jpg 350w" sizes="(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure></div>
  56.  
  57.  
  58. <p>Although it&#8217;s taken 18 months to come to fruition (which should give you an idea of how long these negotiations last &#8230;.) <strong>IAG has finally announced several new orders:</strong></p>
  59.  
  60.  
  61.  
  62. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  63. <li>32 Boeing 787-10 planes destined for British Airways, for delivery between 2028 and 2033</li>
  64.  
  65.  
  66.  
  67. <li>21 Airbus A330-900neo planes for Aer Lingus, Iberia and/or LEVEL</li>
  68.  
  69.  
  70.  
  71. <li>6 Airbus A350-900s for Iberia</li>
  72.  
  73.  
  74.  
  75. <li>6 Airbus A350-1000s for British Airways</li>
  76.  
  77.  
  78.  
  79. <li>6 Boeing 777-9X for British Airways</li>
  80. </ul>
  81.  
  82.  
  83.  
  84. <p>IAG also holds options over 10 more Boeing 787-10s and 13 more A330neos should it wish to exercise these.</p>
  85.  
  86.  
  87.  
  88. <p>In total, <strong>this means that British Airways now has 44 additional widebody aircraft in its order book</strong>.</p>
  89.  
  90.  
  91.  
  92. <p>I won&#8217;t focus too much on the A330neo order, except to say that it is a win for Airbus. The above airlines already fly the older A330 so Airbus is keeping it in the family. I believe British Airways is the only airline at IAG to operate Boeing aircraft, and it looks like that will continue, at least until the<a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2022/05/19/british-airways-parent-iag-confirms-massive-737-max-order/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> first of 50 737MAX arrive in a few years.</a></p>
  93.  
  94.  
  95.  
  96. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">BA&#8217;s fleet before and after covid</h2>
  97.  
  98.  
  99.  
  100. <p>With covid travel restrictions a thing of the past, airlines all over the world have been racking up orders for hundreds of aircraft as they try and replace the capacity they retired. <strong>With BA&#8217;s Boeing 777-200ER fleet nearing an average age of 25 years (some are turning 29 soon) it was only a matter of time.</strong></p>
  101.  
  102.  
  103.  
  104. <p>Prior to the pandemic, British Airways operated 135 long haul aircraft:</p>
  105.  
  106.  
  107.  
  108. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  109. <li>32 Boeing 747-400 (275-337 seats)</li>
  110.  
  111.  
  112.  
  113. <li>45 Boeing 777-200ER</li>
  114.  
  115.  
  116.  
  117. <li>12 Boeing 777-300ER</li>
  118.  
  119.  
  120.  
  121. <li>12 Boeing 787-8 (214 seats)</li>
  122.  
  123.  
  124.  
  125. <li>16 Boeing 787-9 (216 seats)</li>
  126.  
  127.  
  128.  
  129. <li>1 787-10 (256 seats)</li>
  130.  
  131.  
  132.  
  133. <li>12 A380 (469 seats)</li>
  134.  
  135.  
  136.  
  137. <li>5 Airbus A350-1000 (331 seats)</li>
  138. </ul>
  139.  
  140.  
  141.  
  142. <p><strong>Things changed dramatically during covid, with the <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2020/07/16/british-airways-planning-to-retire-its-entire-boeing-747-fleet/" data-type="post" data-id="164794" target="_blank" rel="noopener">retirement of all 32 Boeing 747s</a> in July 2020. </strong>This single handedly wiped out 23% of the long haul fleet and a larger percentage of its overall capacity, given that the 747s were some of their largest aircraft by seat count.</p>
  143.  
  144.  
  145. <div style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="wp-block-image aligncenter">
  146. <figure class="size-medium is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/britishairways_216861462933996.jpg"><img decoding="async" width="450" height="300" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/britishairways_216861462933996-450x300.jpg" alt="British Airways orders 44 more Boeing and Airbus planes" class="wp-image-164840 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/britishairways_216861462933996-450x300.jpg 450w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/britishairways_216861462933996-650x433.jpg 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/britishairways_216861462933996-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/britishairways_216861462933996-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/britishairways_216861462933996-180x120.jpg 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/britishairways_216861462933996-360x240.jpg 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/britishairways_216861462933996-350x233.jpg 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/britishairways_216861462933996-400x267.jpg 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/britishairways_216861462933996.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></a></figure></div>
  147.  
  148.  
  149. <p>Since then, the long haul fleet has recovered slightly with the arrival of further A350s and 787-10s. Fundamentally, however, <strong>British Airways remains a smaller airline than it was in early 2020</strong> with just 122 aircraft as of May 2025:</p>
  150.  
  151.  
  152.  
  153. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  154. <li>43 Boeing 777-200ER</li>
  155.  
  156.  
  157.  
  158. <li>16 Boeing 777-300ER</li>
  159.  
  160.  
  161.  
  162. <li>12 Boeing 787-8 (214 seats)</li>
  163.  
  164.  
  165.  
  166. <li>16 Boeing 787-9 (216 seats)</li>
  167.  
  168.  
  169.  
  170. <li>11 787-10 (256 seats)</li>
  171.  
  172.  
  173.  
  174. <li>12 A380 (469 seats)</li>
  175.  
  176.  
  177.  
  178. <li>18 Airbus A350-1000 (331 seats)</li>
  179. </ul>
  180.  
  181.  
  182.  
  183. <p>Still to arrive are seven more 787-10s (from previous orders).  Already on order are 18 Boeing 777-9X, the next generation 777, which are now due to arrive no earlier than 2027.</p>
  184.  
  185.  
  186.  
  187. <p>Once all firm orders are delivered, <strong>it would leave the long haul fleet at 153 &#8211; just shy of 20 aircraft larger than in early 2020.</strong></p>
  188.  
  189.  
  190.  
  191. <p>Of course, <strong>this does not take into account the increasing age of the Boeing 777 fleet</strong>. The earliest examples will be turning 30 next year; the youngest in the fleet will be 21 by 2030.</p>
  192.  
  193.  
  194.  
  195. <p>Whilst BA has long had an older fleet (Virgin Atlantic&#8217;s average aircraft age is half that of BA, at around seven years) it cannot fly these aircraft indefinitely. Maintenance checks will get increasingly expensive whilst fuel costs are only likely to rise.</p>
  196.  
  197.  
  198.  
  199. <p>Further on the horizon you&#8217;ll also find the retirement of the A380 fleet. The oldest of these turned ten a few years ago, so they still have a good 10-15 years in them if BA is prepared to spend on maintenance and cabin upgrades.</p>
  200.  
  201.  
  202.  
  203. <p>There&#8217;s no doubt then that BA needs some new aircraft, and preferably soonish.</p>
  204.  
  205.  
  206. <div style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="wp-block-image aligncenter">
  207. <figure class="size-medium is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/BA-Boeing-787-10-b.jpg"><img decoding="async" width="450" height="242" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/BA-Boeing-787-10-b-450x242.jpg" alt="British Airways orders 44 more Boeing and Airbus planes" class="wp-image-144543 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/BA-Boeing-787-10-b-450x242.jpg 450w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/BA-Boeing-787-10-b-650x350.jpg 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/BA-Boeing-787-10-b-120x65.jpg 120w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/BA-Boeing-787-10-b-768x414.jpg 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/BA-Boeing-787-10-b-350x189.jpg 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/BA-Boeing-787-10-b-400x215.jpg 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/BA-Boeing-787-10-b.jpg 828w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></a></figure></div>
  208.  
  209.  
  210. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What&#8217;s on the menu, British Airways?</h2>
  211.  
  212.  
  213.  
  214. <p>The original Bloomberg story from 2023 suggested IAG would order at least 20 aircraft, but it appears BA&#8217;s appetite is even larger, for 38 Boeing planes and six Airbus A350s. </p>
  215.  
  216.  
  217.  
  218. <p>T<strong>his should allow it to make a significant dent in replacing its ageing 777-200 fleet</strong> but also opens the door to potential A380 retirements down the line thanks to the larger Boeing 777-9X, now the largest commercial jet in production.</p>
  219.  
  220.  
  221.  
  222. <p>(Without a third runway at Heathrow, any expansion is challenging and there is little room for growth at this stage, apart from at Gatwick and elsewhere.)</p>
  223.  
  224.  
  225.  
  226. <p>As we saw with the <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/07/29/british-airways-orders-six-more-787-10s/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2023 top-up order for six 787-10s</a>, the latest batch comes with General Electric, rather than Rolls-Royce, engines. This is due to IAG&#8217;s dissatisfaction with the performance of the Trent 1000s from Rolls-Royce which have had high-profile problems &#8211; although they are, finally, coming to an end.</p>
  227.  
  228.  
  229.  
  230. <p>It will mean British Airways operating a split fleet, with 12 aircraft with Rolls-Royce engines and 38 with GE. That said, BA has operated split-fleets before so this is nothing new for them.</p>
  231.  
  232.  
  233.  
  234. <p>The A350-1000 order is more interesting, as many people thought British Airways might end up with an orphaned fleet of just 18.  <strong>BA&#8217;s strategy so far seems to be to use these on longer routes with no demand for First Class</strong>, which will remain exclusive to the Boeing 787-9, 787-10, 777 and A380s. Topping this up to 24 should add some fleet flexibility.</p>
  235.  
  236.  
  237.  
  238. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>
  239.  
  240.  
  241.  
  242. <p><strong>It&#8217;s good to see IAG finally announce its long-term fleet plans for British Airways</strong>.  We&#8217;ve long known that something had to be done and the latest orders will finally allow BA to retire some of its oldest aircraft.</p>
  243.  
  244.  
  245.  
  246. <p>IAG says the order for the Boeing 787-10s will arrive between 2028 and 2033, whilst the order for A350-1000s and Boeing 777Xs will arrive a bit earlier &#8211; between 2027 and 2030. The Boeing 777X will likely arrive towards the latter part of the decade given that it <em>still </em>hasn&#8217;t entered commercial service.</p>
  247. ]]></content:encoded>
  249. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/09/british-airways-goes-aircraft-shopping-orders-32-more-boeing-787-10/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  250. <slash:comments>33</slash:comments>
  253. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">782397</post-id> </item>
  254. <item>
  255. <title>Virgin Voyages finally joins Virgin Red for full earn and burn &#8230;. but is it good value?</title>
  256. <link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/09/virgin-voyages-virgin-red-earn-redeem/</link>
  257. <comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/09/virgin-voyages-virgin-red-earn-redeem/#comments</comments>
  259. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Rhys Jones]]></dc:creator>
  260. <pubDate>Fri, 09 May 2025 04:11:09 +0000</pubDate>
  261. <category><![CDATA[Virgin Atlantic and Flying Club]]></category>
  262. <category><![CDATA[one]]></category>
  263. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=782156</guid>
  264.  
  265. <description><![CDATA[One of the quirks of Virgin Red, the central portal for earning and spending Virgin Points, is that it does not cover all of the Virgin Group brands. In fact, very few Virgin Group businesses are fully integrated, with Virgin Atlantic being the &#8216;anchor&#8217; partner. This is a function of how the Virgin-branded operations are [&#8230;]]]></description>
  266. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  267. <p>One of the quirks of Virgin Red, the central portal for earning and spending Virgin Points, is that it does <em>not</em> cover all of the Virgin Group brands.</p>
  268.  
  269.  
  270.  
  271. <p>In fact, <strong>very few Virgin Group businesses are fully integrated</strong>, with Virgin Atlantic being the &#8216;anchor&#8217; partner.</p>
  272.  
  273.  
  274.  
  275. <p>This is a function of how the Virgin-branded operations are set up, with Virgin Group usually only having a minority equity stake and sometimes none at all. There has been progress (Virgin Wines, Virgin Hotels and Virgin Active have joined recently with differing levels of integration) but there are still gaps.</p>
  276.  
  277.  
  278. <div class="wp-block-image">
  279. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Voyages.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="813" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Voyages.webp" alt="Earn and spend Virgin Points with Virgin Voyages" class="wp-image-782181 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Voyages.webp 1200w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Voyages-400x271.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Voyages-500x339.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Voyages-768x520.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Voyages-350x237.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></a></figure></div>
  280.  
  281.  
  282. <p><strong>Virgin Voyages has now gone live on the scheme, offering full earn-and-burn opportunities</strong> on all of its cruises.</p>
  283.  
  284.  
  285.  
  286. <p>This is good news because, unlike Virgin Wines or Virgin Active, you are likely to be dropping serious cash on Virgin Voyages given that the cruises retail for thousands of pounds. It adds a new way of earning a lot of Virgin Points.</p>
  287.  
  288.  
  289.  
  290. <p>Or does it? </p>
  291.  
  292.  
  293.  
  294. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is the Virgin Voyages earn rate?</h2>
  295.  
  296.  
  297.  
  298. <p>Unfortunately, although you&#8217;re likely to be spending upwards of £2,500 per person per cruise, <strong>you only earn a fixed 100 Virgin Points per sailor per night</strong>.</p>
  299.  
  300.  
  301.  
  302. <p>This is not a typo. You only get 100 points per person per night. This is a paltry contribution when you consider that a £2,500 Upper Class flight on Virgin Atlantic will earn you 10,000+ Virgin Points.</p>
  303.  
  304.  
  305.  
  306. <p><strong>In contrast, a seven day Virgin Voyage for two will net you exactly 700 Virgin Points each</strong>. At our 1p valuation, these have a base value of £7 &#8211; and even that assumes you use them on premium Virgin Atlantic flights. They are only worth £3.50 if used for majority of Virgin Red redemptions.</p>
  307.  
  308.  
  309.  
  310. <p>There is even small print to restrict who qualifies for such generosity &#8211; only full-fare sailings are eligible, not discounted rates.</p>
  311.  
  312.  
  313.  
  314. <p>Even worse, <strong>the points won&#8217;t automatically drop into your Virgin Red account.</strong> You&#8217;ll be emailed a voucher at the end of your sailing which you will need to manually credit.</p>
  315.  
  316.  
  317.  
  318. <p>The <a href="https://www.virgin.com/virgin-red/earn-virgin-points/earn-points-when-you-set-sail-with-virgin-voyages-574871" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virgin Voyages earning page is on the Virgin Red website here</a> if you don&#8217;t believe me.</p>
  319.  
  320.  
  321. <div class="wp-block-image">
  322. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Voyages-Sea-Terrace.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Voyages-Sea-Terrace-500x333.webp" alt="Use Virgin Points for Virgin Voyages cruises" class="wp-image-782183 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Voyages-Sea-Terrace-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Voyages-Sea-Terrace-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Voyages-Sea-Terrace-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Voyages-Sea-Terrace-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Voyages-Sea-Terrace-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Voyages-Sea-Terrace-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Voyages-Sea-Terrace-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Voyages-Sea-Terrace.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div>
  323.  
  324.  
  325. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How many Virgin Points do you need for a Virgin Voyages cruise?</h2>
  326.  
  327.  
  328.  
  329. <p>Let&#8217;s turn to spending Virgin Points on a Virgin Voyages cruise.</p>
  330.  
  331.  
  332.  
  333. <p><strong>The days of sub-100,000 point sailings for two are long gone, sadly.</strong>  Since covid, it appears that Virgin Voyages cruises have got steadily busier and it no longer needs to offer steep discounts to attract passengers for its new ships.</p>
  334.  
  335.  
  336.  
  337. <p>(New readers to HfP should know that, when Virgin Voyages was ramping up, it was virtually giving away cruises to Virgin Red members in order to fill the ships, make them look busy and generate positive word of mouth.)</p>
  338.  
  339.  
  340.  
  341. <p>On the flip side, <strong>Virgin Red now offers Virgin Voyages for redemption year-round</strong>, albeit at dynamically priced rates. Here are some examples:</p>
  342.  
  343.  
  344.  
  345. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  346. <li>4-night Fire and Sunset Soirées from 305,000 Virgin Points&nbsp;</li>
  347.  
  348.  
  349.  
  350. <li>5-night Dominican Daze from 375,000 Virgin Points&nbsp;</li>
  351.  
  352.  
  353.  
  354. <li>7-night Portsmouth to Amsterdam and Bordeaux from 515,000 Virgin Points&nbsp;</li>
  355. </ul>
  356.  
  357.  
  358.  
  359. <p>The pricing is for two passengers and includes itineraries for multiple dates, rather than fixed sailings. They <strong>book into Central Sea Terrace cabins (photo above) </strong>rather than the cheapest Insider cabins.</p>
  360.  
  361.  
  362.  
  363. <p>You can <a href="https://www.virgin.com/virgin-red/brands/virgin-voyages?sort=low-to-high">see the full list of sailings currently available here</a> &#8211; you need to toggle the results to &#8216;Spend&#8217;.</p>
  364.  
  365.  
  366.  
  367. <p><strong>Is it good value? </strong>Let&#8217;s do a comparison.</p>
  368.  
  369.  
  370.  
  371. <p>Here are the lowest and highest cash prices for the above itineraries for the remainder of 2025 and 2026:</p>
  372.  
  373.  
  374.  
  375. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  376. <li>4-night Fire and Sunset Soirées from £1,634 to £1,943 for two</li>
  377.  
  378.  
  379.  
  380. <li>5-night Dominican Daze from £2,043 to £2,504 for two</li>
  381.  
  382.  
  383.  
  384. <li>7-night Portsmouth to Amsterdam and Bordeaux from £3,164 for two (2025 only)</li>
  385. </ul>
  386.  
  387.  
  388.  
  389. <p>The prices above include the current April/May Virgin Voyages promotion which takes 75% off a second sailor.</p>
  390.  
  391.  
  392.  
  393. <p>Using the highest cash prices available, it means you are getting:</p>
  394.  
  395.  
  396.  
  397. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  398. <li>0.53p per point on the 4-night itinerary</li>
  399.  
  400.  
  401.  
  402. <li>0.66p per point on the 5-night itinerary</li>
  403.  
  404.  
  405.  
  406. <li>0.61p per point on the 7-night itinerary</li>
  407. </ul>
  408.  
  409.  
  410. <div class="wp-block-image">
  411. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Voyages-Insider.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="800" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Voyages-Insider.webp" alt="Using Virgin Point for Virgin Voyages cruises" class="wp-image-782185 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Voyages-Insider.webp 1200w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Voyages-Insider-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Voyages-Insider-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Voyages-Insider-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Voyages-Insider-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Voyages-Insider-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Voyages-Insider-350x233.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></a></figure></div>
  412.  
  413.  
  414. <p><strong>This is not spectacular value,</strong> particularly when you factor in that I have based it on the most expensive cruise in each category &#8211; often, you&#8217;ll find the cash fares a few hundred pounds lower.</p>
  415.  
  416.  
  417.  
  418. <p>In terms of overall value, it matches the value of &#8216;base&#8217; redemptions such as wine or other partners on Virgin Red, most of which work out at 0.5p per point.  It does not offer outsize value as you can find on Virgin Atlantic on a good day.</p>
  419.  
  420.  
  421.  
  422. <p>If you&#8217;re particularly price sensitive, you can find sailings even cheaper than the examples above. The cheapest cabins (generally the windowless &#8216;Insider&#8217; cabins, pictured above) are as low as:</p>
  423.  
  424.  
  425.  
  426. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  427. <li>4-night Fire and Sunset Soirées from £916 for two</li>
  428.  
  429.  
  430.  
  431. <li>5-night Dominican Daze from £1,145 for two</li>
  432.  
  433.  
  434.  
  435. <li>7-night Portsmouth to Amsterdam and Bordeaux from £1,638 for two</li>
  436. </ul>
  437.  
  438.  
  439.  
  440. <p>If you are not bothered about having a sea view and simply want to be on the ship, using cash for an Insider cabin is a better deal than using points for a Central Sea Terrace one.</p>
  441.  
  442.  
  443.  
  444. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>
  445.  
  446.  
  447.  
  448. <p>Overall, <strong>whilst Virgin Voyages is a welcome addition to the Virgin Red family, there is definitely room to sweeten the deal.</strong></p>
  449.  
  450.  
  451.  
  452. <p>The earning rate is desperately low &#8211; just 100 Virgin Points per person per day &#8211; which doesn&#8217;t get you very far. You&#8217;d have to cruise for 45 days (!) to be able to redeem for the cheapest Virgin Wines redemption, a &#8216;<a href="https://www.virgin.com/virgin-red/spend-virgin-points/premium-prosecco-in-wooden-gift-box-19299" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Premium Prosecco in Wooden Gift Box</a>&#8216;.</p>
  453.  
  454.  
  455.  
  456. <p><strong>The redemption rate is, admittedly, competitive when compared to other non-flight redemptions across Virgin Red</strong>. However, there&#8217;s still plenty of room for Virgin Red and Virgin Voyages to improve redemption deals to drive bookings, particularly for off-peak sailings.</p>
  457. ]]></content:encoded>
  459. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/09/virgin-voyages-virgin-red-earn-redeem/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  460. <slash:comments>36</slash:comments>
  463. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">782156</post-id> </item>
  464. <item>
  465. <title>The Standard hotels join World of Hyatt this month &#8211; here&#8217;s what you need to know</title>
  466. <link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/09/standard-hotels-join-world-of-hyatt/</link>
  467. <comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/09/standard-hotels-join-world-of-hyatt/#comments</comments>
  469. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Rhys Jones]]></dc:creator>
  470. <pubDate>Fri, 09 May 2025 03:11:04 +0000</pubDate>
  471. <category><![CDATA[World of Hyatt]]></category>
  472. <category><![CDATA[two]]></category>
  473. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=782190</guid>
  474.  
  475. <description><![CDATA[Last summer, Hyatt announced it was buying The Standard hotel group. Founded by Andre Balazs, The Standard properties are generally aimed at a young, hip audience, sitting somewhere (in my view) between Marriott’s W and Accor&#8217;s The Hoxton brands. There aren’t many of them, but they are in places where you may want to be [&#8230;]]]></description>
  476. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  477. <p>Last summer, Hyatt <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/08/22/hyatt-to-buy-standard-hotel-group/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced it was buying The Standard hotel group.</a></p>
  478.  
  479.  
  480.  
  481. <p>Founded by Andre Balazs, The Standard properties are generally aimed at a young, hip audience, sitting somewhere (in my view) between Marriott’s W and Accor&#8217;s The Hoxton brands.</p>
  482.  
  483.  
  484.  
  485. <p>There aren’t many of them, but they are in places where you may want to be including London, Ibiza, Miami, Bangkok, the Maldives, Melbourne &#8230;.</p>
  486.  
  487.  
  488.  
  489. <p><strong>The Standard will add a distinctive new brand to Hyatt&#8217;s luxury and lifestyle portfolio</strong>, slotting in beside its Andaz and Thompson hotels.</p>
  490.  
  491.  
  492. <div class="wp-block-image">
  493. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Standard-Hotel-London.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="600" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Standard-Hotel-London.webp" alt="The Standard hotels join World of Hyatt" class="wp-image-661545 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Standard-Hotel-London.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Standard-Hotel-London-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Standard-Hotel-London-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Standard-Hotel-London-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Standard-Hotel-London-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Standard-Hotel-London-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Standard-Hotel-London-350x233.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure></div>
  494.  
  495.  
  496. <p>The good news is that <strong>The Standard hotels are now being integrated into World of Hyatt</strong>, with virtually all properties joining over the next few weeks.</p>
  497.  
  498.  
  499.  
  500. <p>Here is the schedule, including the number of points you&#8217;ll need for a standard room redemption (and remember that <strong>Hyatt guarantees to have reward rooms available as long as base level rooms remain on sale for cash</strong>):</p>
  501.  
  502.  
  503.  
  504. <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Already bookable:</strong></h4>
  505.  
  506.  
  507.  
  508. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  509. <li>The Standard, Ibiza (Category 6: 21,000- 29,000 points per night)</li>
  510. </ul>
  511.  
  512.  
  513.  
  514. <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>14th May</strong>:</h4>
  515.  
  516.  
  517.  
  518. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  519. <li>The Standard, London (Category 6: 21,000 &#8211; 29,000 points per night), image above</li>
  520.  
  521.  
  522.  
  523. <li>The Standard, High Line (Category 6: 21,000 &#8211; 29,000 points per night), image below</li>
  524.  
  525.  
  526.  
  527. <li>The Standard, East Village (Category 6: 21,000 &#8211; 29,000 points per night)</li>
  528. </ul>
  529.  
  530.  
  531.  
  532. <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>21st May</strong>:</h4>
  533.  
  534.  
  535.  
  536. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  537. <li>The Standard, Bangkok (Category 2: 6,500 &#8211; 9,500 points per night)</li>
  538.  
  539.  
  540.  
  541. <li>The Standard, Bangkok Riverfront (Category 2: 6,500 &#8211; 9,500 points per night)</li>
  542.  
  543.  
  544.  
  545. <li>The StandardX Melbourne (Category 3: 9,000 &#8211; 15,000 points per night)</li>
  546.  
  547.  
  548.  
  549. <li>The Standard Hua Hin (Category 3: 9,000 &#8211; 15,000 points per night)</li>
  550.  
  551.  
  552.  
  553. <li>The Standard, Maldives (Category 6: 21,000 &#8211; 29,000 points per night)</li>
  554.  
  555.  
  556.  
  557. <li>The Standard, Singapore (Category 5: 17,000 &#8211; 23,000 points per night)</li>
  558. </ul>
  559.  
  560.  
  561.  
  562. <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Opening soon:</h4>
  563.  
  564.  
  565.  
  566. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  567. <li>The Standard, Pattaya (Category 3: 9,000 &#8211; 15,000 points per night)</li>
  568.  
  569.  
  570.  
  571. <li>The Standard, Brussels (Category 4: 12,000 &#8211; 18,000 points per night)</li>
  572. </ul>
  573.  
  574.  
  575.  
  576. <p>The group&#8217;s other brand &#8211; Bunkhouse Hotels &#8211; will join at a later date.</p>
  577.  
  578.  
  579. <div class="wp-block-image">
  580. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Standard-High-Line.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Standard-High-Line-500x333.webp" alt="Standard hotels join World of Hyatt" class="wp-image-782247 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Standard-High-Line-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Standard-High-Line-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Standard-High-Line-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Standard-High-Line-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Standard-High-Line-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Standard-High-Line-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Standard-High-Line-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Standard-High-Line.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div>
  581.  
  582.  
  583. <p><strong>The value proposition is good.</strong> Taking a look at The Standard Ibiza, you can expect to pay around £439 per night in June or July this year for an entry level room, whilst a redemption will set you back 29,000 points. This is 1.5p per point, well above <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/08/28/what-are-world-of-hyatt-hotel-points-worth-3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our valuation of 1.2p per World of Hyatt point.</a></p>
  584.  
  585.  
  586.  
  587. <p><strong>Suite redemptions are also good value.</strong> In May, I found suites pricing at 40,000 to 50,000 points or £689 to £1,109 for cash which works out at 1.7p &#8211; 2.2p per point.</p>
  588.  
  589.  
  590.  
  591. <p><strong>You can also book suites as points upgrades</strong>, paying 6,000 or 9,000 points per night (depending on suite size) plus the cost of a standard room at Best Flexible Rate.  <strong>These can be outstanding value on a &#8216;pence per point&#8217; basis and you can even buy the points you need</strong> &#8211; <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/hyatt-buy-points/" data-shortcode="true">click here</a>.</p>
  592.  
  593.  
  594.  
  595. <p>(As of the time of typing, there is an IT error with suite upgrades.  The website is charging you the standard price of the suite plus points instead of the standard price of a base room plus points!)</p>
  596.  
  597.  
  598.  
  599. <p>Cash nights at The Standard hotels will count towards World of Hyatt elite status.</p>
  600.  
  601.  
  602.  
  603. <p><strong>The Standard, StandardX and Bunkhouse hotels will also <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/12/24/hyatt-brand-explorer-review/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">count towards a Brand Explorer award</a></strong>. These will all be separate brands for Brand Explorer which is handy &#8211; &#8216;Brand Explorer&#8217; gets you a voucher for a free Hyatt night for every five different brands you visit.</p>
  604.  
  605.  
  606.  
  607. <p>We are hoping to show you what you can expect from The Standard in the coming months via a review or two &#8211; stay tuned.</p>
  608. ]]></content:encoded>
  610. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/09/standard-hotels-join-world-of-hyatt/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  611. <slash:comments>13</slash:comments>
  614. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">782190</post-id> </item>
  615. <item>
  616. <title>Review: the Barclaycard Avios Mastercard credit card</title>
  617. <link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/09/review-free-barclaycard-avios-mastercard-credit-card-2/</link>
  618. <comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/09/review-free-barclaycard-avios-mastercard-credit-card-2/#comments</comments>
  620. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator>
  621. <pubDate>Fri, 09 May 2025 02:16:00 +0000</pubDate>
  622. <category><![CDATA[Barclaycard Avios Mastercard]]></category>
  623. <category><![CDATA[Credit & Charge Card Reviews]]></category>
  624. <category><![CDATA[three]]></category>
  625. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=779859</guid>
  626.  
  627. <description><![CDATA[This is our review of the new-ish (launched 2022) free Barclaycard Avios Mastercard credit card. It is part of our series of articles looking at the major UK loyalty credit cards and discussing whether or not they are worth applying for. These articles are linked to the relevant sections of the &#8216;Credit Cards&#8216; area in [&#8230;]]]></description>
  628. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  629. <p><strong>This is our review of the new-ish (launched 2022) free Barclaycard Avios Mastercard credit card.</strong></p>
  630.  
  631.  
  632.  
  633. <p>It is part of our series of articles looking at the major UK loyalty credit cards and discussing whether or not they are worth applying for. These articles are linked to the relevant sections of the &#8216;<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/best-uk-avios-airline-hotel-credit-cards/" target="_blank">Credit Cards</a>&#8216; area in the menu bar.  Our other <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/category/credit-card-reviews-series/" target="_blank">UK airline and hotel credit card reviews can be found here</a>.</p>
  634.  
  635.  
  636.  
  637. <p><strong>Key link:</strong> <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/barclaycard-avios-articles/" data-shortcode="true">Barclaycard Avios Mastercard application form</a></p>
  638.  
  639.  
  640. <div class="wp-block-image">
  641. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="794" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-credit-card.webp" alt="Review free Barclaycard Avios Mastercard credit card" class="wp-image-442142 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-credit-card.webp 1200w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-credit-card-400x265.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-credit-card-500x331.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-credit-card-768x508.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-credit-card-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-credit-card-650x430.webp 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-credit-card-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/HfP-Barclaycard-Avios-credit-card-350x232.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div>
  642.  
  643.  
  644. <p><strong>Key facts:</strong> No annual fee</p>
  645.  
  646.  
  647. <p><strong>The representative APR is 29.9% variable.</strong></p>
  648.  
  649.  
  650.  
  651. <p>Reward credit cards generally have high interest rates and are not suitable for anyone who does not pay off their full balance each month.  If you do not clear your balance, you should look for a non-rewards credit card with a low interest rate.</p>
  652.  
  653.  
  654.  
  655. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">About the Barclaycard Avios Mastercard credit card</h2>
  656.  
  657.  
  658.  
  659. <p>The <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/barclaycard-avios-articles/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Barclaycard Avios Mastercard</a> credit card is issued directly by Barclaycard.  This analysis is focused on the free version of the card &#8211; <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/06/07/review-barclaycard-avios-plus-mastercard-credit-card-3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">I review the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard credit card here</a>.</p>
  660.  
  661.  
  662.  
  663. <p><strong>You are 100% OK to apply for this card if you already have a British Airways American Express credit card</strong>. Indeed, Barclaycard knows that a lot of people &#8211; at least initially &#8211; will choose to use their Mastercard alongside a BA Amex at places where American Express is not accepted.</p>
  664.  
  665.  
  666.  
  667. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is the Barclaycard Avios Mastercard sign-up bonus?</h2>
  668.  
  669.  
  670.  
  671. <p><strong>You receive 5,000 Avios when you spend £1,000 within three months.</strong></p>
  672.  
  673.  
  674.  
  675. <p>You should note that the premium card &#8211; the <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/barclaycard-avios-plus-articles/" data-shortcode="true">Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard</a> &#8211; comes with a far larger bonus of <strong>25,000 Avios </strong>if you spend £3,000 within three months</p>
  676.  
  677.  
  678.  
  679. <p>Even if you want the free card, <strong>we strongly suggest that you <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/barclaycard-avios-plus-articles/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">apply for the Plus card</a> and then downgrade once you have triggered the 25,000 Avios sign-up bonus</strong>.  This assumes that you can hit the spending target on the Plus card of £3,000 within three months.</p>
  680.  
  681.  
  682.  
  683. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What are the rules for qualifying for the sign-up bonus?</h2>
  684.  
  685.  
  686.  
  687. <p><strong>The sign-up bonus is available to everyone</strong> unless &#8230;.</p>
  688.  
  689.  
  690.  
  691. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  692. <li>you have had either of the Barclaycard Avios credit cards in the previous 24 months (in this case, you can apply again but will not receive a bonus) or</li>
  693. </ul>
  694.  
  695.  
  696.  
  697. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  698. <li>you have had ANY Barclaycard credit card, Avios or non-Avios, including the &#8216;closed to new applicants&#8217; Hilton Honors credit card, in the previous six months (in this case, you cannot apply at all)</li>
  699. </ul>
  700.  
  701.  
  702.  
  703. <p><strong>You WILL receive the sign-up bonus if you have a British Airways American Express card</strong>, as this is nothing to do with Barclaycard.</p>
  704.  
  705.  
  706.  
  707. <p>You will definitely receive the bonus if you are only a supplementary cardholder on someone else&#8217;s Barclaycard Avios credit card.&nbsp; As far as Barclaycard is concerned, that card belongs to the primarily cardholder and does <em>not</em> make you an &#8216;existing cardholder&#8217;.</p>
  708.  
  709.  
  710. <div class="wp-block-image">
  711. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="331" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-stack-500x331.webp" alt="Review free Barclaycard Avios Mastercard credit card" class="wp-image-739548 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-stack-500x331.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-stack-400x265.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-stack-768x508.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-stack-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-stack-650x430.webp 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-stack-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-stack-350x232.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-stack.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div>
  712.  
  713.  
  714. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Any other benefits with the Barclaycard Avios Mastercard?</h2>
  715.  
  716.  
  717.  
  718. <p>When you spend £20,000 in a card year, <strong>you will receive an Avios upgrade voucher.</strong> This voucher is valid for two years.</p>
  719.  
  720.  
  721.  
  722. <p>We wrote an article here which explains <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/01/03/how-do-barclaycard-avios-mastercard-upgrade-vouchers-work-4/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how the Barclaycard Avios upgrade voucher works</a>.</p>
  723.  
  724.  
  725.  
  726. <p>Put simply &#8211; and I strongly recommend you read our full article linked above &#8211; <strong>the voucher lets you book an Avios flight paying only the Avios of the class below.</strong></p>
  727.  
  728.  
  729.  
  730. <p>Book a Club World business class flight on Avios, for example, and you only pay the Avios required for World Traveller Plus premium economy.  The usual Club World taxes and charges must be paid.</p>
  731.  
  732.  
  733.  
  734. <p>The voucher can be used to either:</p>
  735.  
  736.  
  737.  
  738. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  739. <li>upgrade a return flight for one person, making this a great product for solo travellers, or</li>
  740. </ul>
  741.  
  742.  
  743.  
  744. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  745. <li>upgrade one leg of a return flight for two people</li>
  746. </ul>
  747.  
  748.  
  749.  
  750. <p>The official rules for using the upgrade voucher are <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/british-airways-upgrade-voucher-barclays-avios-rewards/" target="_blank">on this page of ba.com</a>.</p>
  751.  
  752.  
  753.  
  754. <p>It is important to note that <strong>you cannot choose which combination of Avios and cash are used when redeeming a Barclaycard upgrade voucher</strong>. You will always be given the &#8216;most Avios, least cash&#8217; option, which is not great value on short haul. It <em>is</em> generally the best option on long haul redemptions.</p>
  755.  
  756.  
  757.  
  758. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">You can take 7,000 Avios instead of the voucher</h2>
  759.  
  760.  
  761.  
  762. <p><strong>It is possible to take a one-off bonus of 7,000 Avios instead of the upgrade voucher.</strong> You can select your choice in the Barclaycard app and it is possible to swap from year to year, or indeed during the year if your current voucher has not yet been issued.</p>
  763.  
  764.  
  765.  
  766. <p><strong>Most people will get far more than 7,000 Avios-worth of value from the upgrade voucher</strong> but you have the option of taking a lump sum instead.</p>
  767.  
  768.  
  769.  
  770. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is the annual fee?</h2>
  771.  
  772.  
  773.  
  774. <p>The basic Barclaycard Avios Mastercard credit card is free.</p>
  775.  
  776.  
  777.  
  778. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What do I earn per £1 spent on the Barclaycard Avios Mastercard?</h2>
  779.  
  780.  
  781.  
  782. <p><strong>You receive 1 Avios per £1 spent on the card.</strong></p>
  783.  
  784.  
  785.  
  786. <p>This is the same rate as you receive with the free British Airways American Express credit card, and is <em>very</em> generous compared to similar Visa or Mastercard reward credit cards.</p>
  787.  
  788.  
  789.  
  790. <p>The maximum amount of Avios you can earn per month is 4x your monthly credit limit.  This is highly unlikely to be an issue for you, since it would require spending your entire credit limit every few days and then paying it off immediately.</p>
  791.  
  792.  
  793. <div class="wp-block-image">
  794. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="344" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Barclaycard-Avios-light-500x344.jpg" alt="Review free Barclaycard Avios Mastercard credit card" class="wp-image-472805 aligncenter" style="width:350px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Barclaycard-Avios-light-500x344.jpg 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Barclaycard-Avios-light-400x275.jpg 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Barclaycard-Avios-light-768x528.jpg 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Barclaycard-Avios-light-350x241.jpg 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Barclaycard-Avios-light.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div>
  795.  
  796.  
  797. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is an Avios point worth?</h2>
  798.  
  799.  
  800.  
  801. <p>How long is a piece of string!</p>
  802.  
  803.  
  804.  
  805. <p>This article is <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/21/what-is-an-avios-point-worth-9/" data-type="URL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">my best attempt to calculate the value of an Avios point</a>.</p>
  806.  
  807.  
  808.  
  809. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Can you swap between the two Barclaycard Avios credit cards?</h2>
  810.  
  811.  
  812.  
  813. <p>If you have the free Barclaycard Avios credit card, you can upgrade to the Plus fee-paying version at any time via the Barclaycard app. However, you will not receive another sign-up bonus.</p>
  814.  
  815.  
  816.  
  817. <p>More importantly,&nbsp;<strong>any spend you have done towards the annual Avios upgrade voucher to date will NOT be carried over</strong>. It resets to nil.  It therefore makes sense to only upgrade once you have triggered the upgrade voucher in your current year.</p>
  818.  
  819.  
  820.  
  821. <p>You can also do this in reverse &#8211; if you have the Plus card, you can use the Barclaycard app to downgrade to the free card once you have triggered your Avios upgrade voucher or have banked the sign-up bonus.</p>
  822.  
  823.  
  824.  
  825. <p>It is possible to earn more than one upgrade voucher in a year if you upgrade or downgrade your card, since the spend counter resets at that point.</p>
  826.  
  827.  
  828.  
  829. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Is the Barclaycard Avios Mastercard a good card to use when travelling?</h2>
  830.  
  831.  
  832.  
  833. <p>As Barclaycard adds a 2.99% foreign exchange fee, <strong>you might want to get a separate free credit card to use abroad</strong>.</p>
  834.  
  835.  
  836.  
  837. <p>Unfortunately there are no credit cards with 0% foreign exchange fees worldwide which earn airline or hotel points.  (The <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/virgin-atlantic-reward-credit-cards-joint-home/" data-shortcode="true">Virgin Atlantic credit cards</a> have 0% FX fees in the Eurozone.)&nbsp; <strong>One <strong>option is to get a free card from Currensea. </strong></strong>Currensea is a simple but clever idea.  You pay abroad with your Currensea Mastercard debit card. Currensea translates the cost to Sterling with just a 0.5% fee (83% less than Barclaycard charges) and withdraws the money from your bank account.  <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/currensea-home/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">You can find out more about Currensea by clicking here</a>.  <strong>Currensea is free </strong>so there is no risk in giving it a try.</p>
  838.  
  839.  
  840. <div class="wp-block-image">
  841. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="331" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Barclays-Avios-500x331.webp" alt="Review free Barclaycard Avios Mastercard credit card" class="wp-image-739549 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Barclays-Avios-500x331.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Barclays-Avios-400x265.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Barclays-Avios-768x508.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Barclays-Avios-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Barclays-Avios-650x430.webp 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Barclays-Avios-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Barclays-Avios-350x232.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Barclays-Avios.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div>
  842.  
  843.  
  844. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Is this card &#8216;better&#8217; than the free British Airways American Express card?</h2>
  845.  
  846.  
  847.  
  848. <p>Yes. For most people, <strong>the Barclaycard Avios Mastercard is a better choice than the free British Airways American Express credit card.</strong></p>
  849.  
  850.  
  851.  
  852. <p>Let&#8217;s start with the obvious reason first.</p>
  853.  
  854.  
  855.  
  856. <p><strong>If you get the free British Airways American Express card, you will <em>still</em> need to get a Barclaycard Avios Mastercard to use in places where American Express is not accepted</strong>. Why not just get the free Barclaycard Avios card and use that exclusively?</p>
  857.  
  858.  
  859.  
  860. <p>Whilst the free BA Amex credit card comes with a 2-4-1 companion voucher when you spend £15,000 per year, the voucher is heavily restricted. It is only valid for Economy flights and is only valid for one year.</p>
  861.  
  862.  
  863.  
  864. <p>If you are interested in the 2-4-1 Companion Voucher, you should have <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/british-airways-premium-plus-amex/" data-shortcode="true">the paid-for British Airways Premium Plus American Express credit card</a> instead. This comes with a 2-4-1 voucher which is valid in ALL travel classes &#8211; not just Economy &#8211; and is valid for two years, not one year. It also requires an annual spend of £15,000 to trigger.</p>
  865.  
  866.  
  867.  
  868. <p>In summary:</p>
  869.  
  870.  
  871.  
  872. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  873. <li>if you&#8217;re not interested in the British Airways American Express 2-4-1 Companion Voucher, perhaps because you are a low spender, you should forget the free British Airways American Express card and focus solely on using the free &#8216;accepted everywhere&#8217; <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/barclaycard-avios-cards-joint-home/" data-shortcode="true">Barclaycard Avios Mastercard</a></li>
  874. </ul>
  875.  
  876.  
  877.  
  878. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  879. <li>if you ARE interested in the British Airways American Express 2-4-1 Companion Voucher, you should forget the free BA Amex and get the <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/british-airways-premium-plus-amex/" data-shortcode="true">British Airways American Express Premium Plus</a> credit card instead, because of the two year expiry date and the ability to use it in all travel classes</li>
  880. </ul>
  881.  
  882.  
  883.  
  884. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What other cards have large Avios sign-up bonuses?</h2>
  885.  
  886.  
  887.  
  888. <p>Don&#8217;t forget these less obvious options:</p>
  889.  
  890.  
  891.  
  892. <p>The <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-gold/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card</a> offers 20,000 Membership Rewards points for signing up and is free for the first year. These convert to 20,000 Avios points.</p>
  893.  
  894.  
  895.  
  896. <p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0da04bc68c0c0016a572d1ba1ef5a64c"><strong>SPECIAL OFFER:  Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the &#8216;free for a year&#8217; American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points.  Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes.  Some people may see even higher personalised offers.  </strong><strong><u><a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-gold/" data-shortcode="true">Click here to apply</a></u>.</strong></p>
  897.  
  898.  
  899. <div id="summarybox-block_e34604918365ca262bc09446179b0b17" class="hfp-cpm summary-box-cmp">
  900. <div class="summarybox">
  901. <div class="summarybox--card">
  902. <figure>
  903. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Amex-Gold-new-card-2023-400x253.jpg" alt="" />
  904. </figure>
  905. <div>
  906. <h3>American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card</h3>
  907. <p>Your best beginner&#8217;s card &#8211; 30,000 points, FREE for a year &#038; four airport lounge passes   <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/05/25/review-american-express-preferred-rewards-gold-amex-gold-credit-card-3/">Read our full review</a></p>
  908. </div>
  909. </div>
  910. </div>
  911. </div>
  913.  
  914.  
  915.  
  916.  
  917. <p>The <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-platinum/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Platinum Card from American Express</a> offers 50,000 Membership Rewards points for signing up. These convert to 50,000 Avios points. It has a £650 fee, refunded pro-rata if you cancel.</p>
  918.  
  919.  
  920.  
  921. <p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-028495c99030193652635fc06164e5fe"><strong>SPECIAL OFFER:  Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points.  Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes.  Some people may see even higher personalised offers.  </strong><strong><u><a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-platinum/" data-shortcode="true">Click here to apply</a></u>.</strong></p>
  922.  
  923.  
  924. <div id="summarybox-block_da66a86fa7b3e9ecbc86776d2ca908e4" class="hfp-cpm summary-box-cmp">
  925. <div class="summarybox">
  926. <div class="summarybox--card">
  927. <figure>
  928. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/American-Express-Amex-Platinum-card-webp-400x252.webp" alt="" />
  929. </figure>
  930. <div>
  931. <h3>The Platinum Card from American Express</h3>
  932. <p>80,000 bonus points and great travel benefits &#8211; for a large fee <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/05/26/review-american-express-platinum-credit-card-amex-platinum/">Read our full review</a></p>
  933. </div>
  934. </div>
  935. </div>
  936. </div>
  938.  
  939.  
  940.  
  941.  
  942. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>
  943.  
  944.  
  945.  
  946. <p><strong>5,000 Avios for getting the Barclaycard Avios Mastercard credit card is a good bonus for a free credit card.</strong></p>
  947.  
  948.  
  949.  
  950. <p>Before you apply, you should seriously consider whether the paid-for version of the Barclaycard Avios Mastercard &#8211; <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/barclaycard-avios-plus-articles/" data-shortcode="true">Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard</a> &#8211; is a better deal, at least in the short term, given <strong>the 25,000 Avios sign-up bonus</strong>.</p>
  951.  
  952.  
  953.  
  954. <p>The application form for the free Barclaycard Avios Mastercard credit card <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/barclaycard-avios-articles/" data-shortcode="true">can be found here</a>.</p>
  955.  
  956.  
  957.  
  958. <p>The application form for the £20 per month Avios Plus Mastercard, which we believe is a better deal due to the 25,000 Avios bonus if you are happy to downgrade later, <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/barclaycard-avios-articles/">can be found here</a>.</p>
  959.  
  960.  
  961.  
  962. <div style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  id="cta-button-block_543698459e1f78919f6a3acb4fe16c20" class="hfp-cpm cta-button-cmp aligncenter">
  963. <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/barclaycard-avios-articles/" target="_blank">Click here to apply for the Barclaycard Avios Mastercard</a>
  964. </div>
  965.  
  966.  
  967.  
  968.  
  969. <div style="height:20px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>
  970.  
  971.  
  972.  
  973. <p><em>(<strong>Want to earn more miles and points from credit cards?  </strong>Click here to </em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/best-uk-avios-airline-hotel-credit-cards" target="_blank"><em>visit our dedicated airline and hotel travel credit cards page</em></a><em> or use the &#8216;Credit Cards&#8217; link in the menu bar at the top of the page.)</em></p>
  974.  
  975.  
  976.  
  977. <p><em>Disclaimer: Head for Points is a journalistic website. Nothing here should be construed as financial advice, and it is your own responsibility to ensure that any product is right for your circumstances. Recommendations are based primarily on the ability to earn miles and points. The site discusses products offered by lenders but is not a lender itself.  Robert Burgess, trading as Head for Points, is regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as an independent credit broker.</em></p>
  978. ]]></content:encoded>
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  990. <pubDate>Fri, 09 May 2025 01:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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  1007. <item>
  1008. <title>Review: the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 4</title>
  1009. <link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/08/review-qatar-airways-premium-lounge-london-heathrow-terminal-4/</link>
  1010. <comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/08/review-qatar-airways-premium-lounge-london-heathrow-terminal-4/#comments</comments>
  1012. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Rhys Jones]]></dc:creator>
  1013. <pubDate>Thu, 08 May 2025 04:11:00 +0000</pubDate>
  1014. <category><![CDATA[Airport Lounge Reviews (UK)]]></category>
  1015. <category><![CDATA[Qatar Airways and Privilege Club]]></category>
  1016. <category><![CDATA[one]]></category>
  1017. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=779450</guid>
  1018.  
  1019. <description><![CDATA[This is my review of&#160;the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 4. If you have been following along you know that Rob and I visited Doha two weeks ago to visit Qatar Airways management and try out the (genuinely gamechanging) new Starlink wifi service. As it has been six years since we last reviewed [&#8230;]]]></description>
  1020. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  1021. <p><strong>This is my review of&nbsp;the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 4.</strong></p>
  1022.  
  1023.  
  1024.  
  1025. <p>If you have been following along you know that Rob and I visited Doha two weeks ago to visit Qatar Airways management and <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/28/review-qatar-airways-starlink-wifi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">try out the (genuinely gamechanging) new Starlink wifi service</a>.</p>
  1026.  
  1027.  
  1028.  
  1029. <p>As it has been six years since we last reviewed the Premium Lounge at Heathrow T4 we thought it was high time for an update.  We arrived a little earlier than usual to check it out.</p>
  1030.  
  1031.  
  1032. <div class="wp-block-image">
  1033. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7280.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="900" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7280.webp" alt="Review: the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 4" class="wp-image-779550 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7280.webp 1200w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7280-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7280-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7280-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7280-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></a></figure></div>
  1034.  
  1035.  
  1036. <p>Just like the Al Mourjan lounges in Doha, <strong>the Qatar Airways Premium lounge at Heathrow operates at a level closer to First Class than business class</strong> thanks to a la carte dining and table service.  It&#8217;s a classy operation.</p>
  1037.  
  1038.  
  1039. <div class="wp-block-image">
  1040. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7262.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7262-500x375.webp" alt="Review: the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 4" class="wp-image-779543 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7262-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7262-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7262-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7262-350x263.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7262.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div>
  1041.  
  1042.  
  1043. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where is the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at Heathrow?</h2>
  1044.  
  1045.  
  1046.  
  1047. <p>The lounges at Heathrow are well sign-posted. You want to turn left when leaving security and head towards the single-digit gates.</p>
  1048.  
  1049.  
  1050.  
  1051. <p>Qatar Airways now has two lounges in Terminal 4.</p>
  1052.  
  1053.  
  1054.  
  1055. <p><strong>Both the Premium Lounge and Frequent Flyer lounge share the same entrance, which is by Gate 1.</strong> There is only one check in desk, with the staff directing you either to the right – to enter the Premium lounge – or towards the stairs or lift if you are heading to the Frequent Flyer lounge.</p>
  1056.  
  1057.  
  1058. <div class="wp-block-image">
  1059. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7263.webp"><img style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7263-500x375.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-779544 aligncenter" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7263-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7263-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7263-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7263-350x263.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7263.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div>
  1060.  
  1061.  
  1062. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Qatar Airways Premium Lounge access requirements</h2>
  1063.  
  1064.  
  1065.  
  1066. <p><strong>Access to the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge is strictly for those on a business class or First Class ticket.</strong>  Note that Qatar Airways now also sells &#8216;Business Lite&#8217; fares which do not come with lounge access &#8211; be careful when you book.</p>
  1067.  
  1068.  
  1069.  
  1070. <p><strong>You can also use the Premium Lounge if you are flying on another oneworld airline in business or First,</strong> such as Malaysia Airlines.  That said, most other oneworld airlines operate from Terminals 3 or 5.</p>
  1071.  
  1072.  
  1073.  
  1074. <p>Anyone travelling on Qatar Airways or another oneworld airline on an economy ticket but with oneworld status can <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/12/review-qatar-airways-frequent-flyer-lounge-heathrow-terminal-4/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">use the neighbouring Qatar Airways Frequent Flyer lounge.</a> This is also an impressive space.</p>
  1075.  
  1076.  
  1077. <div class="wp-block-image">
  1078. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7290.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7290-500x375.webp" alt="Review: the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 4" class="wp-image-779555 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7290-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7290-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7290-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7290-350x263.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7290.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div>
  1079.  
  1080.  
  1081. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Inside the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at Heathrow</h2>
  1082.  
  1083.  
  1084.  
  1085. <p><strong>With eight flights per day the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge is never quiet</strong>, although with departures relatively well spaced out it is never packed, either. We arrived around 7am for our 9am departure, with an 8am departure inbetween, and it did clear out after the earlier flight boarded.  There was always space to sit.</p>
  1086.  
  1087.  
  1088.  
  1089. <p>The lounge benefits from a huge expanse of windows which allow a lot of light in, not dissimilar to <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/05/20/review-emirates-lounge-london-heathrow-terminal-3/" data-type="post" data-id="633635" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Emirates lounge at Terminal 3.</a> The lounge is is broadly split into two areas with a service area in between, in a horseshoe shape, and has seats for 127 people across 711 square metres.</p>
  1090.  
  1091.  
  1092.  
  1093. <p>Purple orchids and a chandelier of candles makes for a statement welcome:</p>
  1094.  
  1095.  
  1096. <div class="wp-block-image">
  1097. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7274.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7274-500x375.webp" alt="Review: the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 4" class="wp-image-779548 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7274-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7274-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7274-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7274-350x263.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7274.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div>
  1098.  
  1099.  
  1100. <p>Beyond this is the &#8216;lounging&#8217; part of the lounge with a variety of seating areas and easy access to soft drinks including tea, coffee as well as wines and champagne (Joseph Perrier NV and Joseph Perrier Rosé NV):</p>
  1101.  
  1102.  
  1103. <div class="wp-block-image">
  1104. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7273.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7273-500x375.webp" alt="Review: the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 4" class="wp-image-779547 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7273-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7273-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7273-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7273-350x263.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7273.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div>
  1105.  
  1106.  
  1107. <p>and</p>
  1108.  
  1109.  
  1110. <div class="wp-block-image">
  1111. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7277.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7277-500x375.webp" alt="Review: the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 4" class="wp-image-779549 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7277-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7277-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7277-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7277-350x263.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7277.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div>
  1112.  
  1113.  
  1114. <p>Turn right and you walk down a narrower area with window-side seating towards the bar, buffet and dining area:</p>
  1115.  
  1116.  
  1117. <div class="wp-block-image">
  1118. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7268.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7268-500x375.webp" alt="Review: the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 4" class="wp-image-779545 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7268-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7268-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7268-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7268-350x263.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7268.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div>
  1119.  
  1120.  
  1121. <p>There&#8217;s a big circular bar in the centre with casual dining around it:</p>
  1122.  
  1123.  
  1124. <div class="wp-block-image">
  1125. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7288.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7288-500x375.webp" alt="Review: the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 4" class="wp-image-779554 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7288-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7288-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7288-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7288-350x263.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7288.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div>
  1126.  
  1127.  
  1128. <p>&#8230;. followed by another dining area at the rear in a moody, windowless space with formal white tablecloths.</p>
  1129.  
  1130.  
  1131. <div class="wp-block-image">
  1132. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7284.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7284-500x375.webp" alt="Review: the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 4" class="wp-image-779552 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7284-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7284-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7284-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7284-350x263.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7284.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div>
  1133.  
  1134.  
  1135. <p>There are some smart details here, including a repetition of the candle chandelier:</p>
  1136.  
  1137.  
  1138. <div class="wp-block-image">
  1139. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7287.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7287-500x375.webp" alt="Review: the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 4" class="wp-image-779553 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7287-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7287-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7287-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7287-350x263.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Heathrow-lounge-IMG_7287.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div>
  1140.  
  1141.  
  1142. <p>(Interestingly, the First Class Al Safwa lounge in Doha does not feature white tableclothes, so this is arguably fancier.)</p>
  1143.  
  1144.  
  1145.  
  1146. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dining in the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge</h2>
  1147.  
  1148.  
  1149.  
  1150. <p>As with its Doha lounges, the buffet is relatively small but this is complimented by an extensive <a href="https://www.qatarairways.com/content/dam/hia/pdf/qr-london-premium-lounge-en.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a la carte menu which you can find here.</a></p>
  1151.  
  1152.  
  1153.  
  1154. <p>There is a separate breakfast service which I assume transitions to the lunch / dinner service around 10 or 11am. There is also an afternoon tea service around 3pm.</p>
  1155.  
  1156.  
  1157.  
  1158. <p>The breakfast includes</p>
  1159.  
  1160.  
  1161.  
  1162. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  1163. <li>Indian vegetarian breakfast with plain paratha, aloo sabzi, chickpea curry and mint yoghurt</li>
  1164.  
  1165.  
  1166.  
  1167. <li>Egg white omelette with spring onions and king oyster mushrooms</li>
  1168.  
  1169.  
  1170.  
  1171. <li>Eggs Benedict</li>
  1172.  
  1173.  
  1174.  
  1175. <li>Filled omelette with spinach, tomato, cheese and mushrooms</li>
  1176.  
  1177.  
  1178.  
  1179. <li>Foul medames, chopped tomato, parsley, olive oil, cumin powder and chopped onions</li>
  1180.  
  1181.  
  1182.  
  1183. <li>Porridge with toppings: coconut flakes and berries</li>
  1184.  
  1185.  
  1186.  
  1187. <li>Sweet Belgian waffles</li>
  1188.  
  1189.  
  1190.  
  1191. <li>Dark Russian rye bread with avocado, pomegranate seeds and poached egg</li>
  1192. </ul>
  1193.  
  1194.  
  1195.  
  1196. <p>I didn&#8217;t eat but Rob tried to go off-piste and get an Eggs Royale (poached eggs with salmon) which they weren&#8217;t able to do. Instead he had the Eggs Benedict which, frankly, could have done with a slightly more generous portion of (I assume non-pork) bacon &#8211; or a smaller piece of bread!</p>
  1197.  
  1198.  
  1199. <div class="wp-block-image">
  1200. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Premium-Lounge-food.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="351" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Premium-Lounge-food-500x351.webp" alt="Review: the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 4" class="wp-image-779663 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Premium-Lounge-food-500x351.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Premium-Lounge-food-400x281.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Premium-Lounge-food-768x539.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Premium-Lounge-food-350x246.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Premium-Lounge-food.webp 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div>
  1201.  
  1202.  
  1203. <p>The lunch and dinner menu features items such as:</p>
  1204.  
  1205.  
  1206.  
  1207. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  1208. <li>Seared beef steak served with braising jus, sweet corn, jalapeño gratin and seasonal vegetables</li>
  1209.  
  1210.  
  1211.  
  1212. <li>Teriyaki salmon with sushi rice and vegetables</li>
  1213.  
  1214.  
  1215.  
  1216. <li>Lamb burger with mint sauce, potato wedges and sumac coleslaw</li>
  1217.  
  1218.  
  1219.  
  1220. <li>Herbed chicken supreme on pappardelle with lobster sauce</li>
  1221.  
  1222.  
  1223.  
  1224. <li>Oriental vegan noodles</li>
  1225.  
  1226.  
  1227.  
  1228. <li>Superfood salad with fennel</li>
  1229. </ul>
  1230.  
  1231.  
  1232.  
  1233. <p>&#8230;. as well as a selection of sushi.</p>
  1234.  
  1235.  
  1236.  
  1237. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>
  1238.  
  1239.  
  1240.  
  1241. <p>The Qatar Airways Premium Lounge just works, and with ample natural light and views outside you may even prefer it to the airline&#8217;s lounges in Doha. &nbsp;</p>
  1242.  
  1243.  
  1244.  
  1245. <p>It is <strong>one of the few business class lounges to offer a la carte dining for business class passengers at Heathrow</strong>; the other two are the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, which is a very different vibe, and the Qantas London Lounge, but only at certain times. This alone puts it a step ahead of the competition.</p>
  1246.  
  1247.  
  1248.  
  1249. <p><strong>The Qatar Airways Premium Lounge is the complete opposite to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse in Terminal 3 which is general regarded as the best &#8216;fun palace&#8217; lounge in the world</strong>. &nbsp;It is a high quality, restrained, adult environment where you can pass your time eating decent food and drinking good quality beverages.</p>
  1250.  
  1251.  
  1252.  
  1253. <p>And when it is time to board, it is just a 30 second walk across to the Qatar Airways gates &#8230;.</p>
  1254. ]]></content:encoded>
  1256. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/08/review-qatar-airways-premium-lounge-london-heathrow-terminal-4/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  1257. <slash:comments>51</slash:comments>
  1260. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">779450</post-id> </item>
  1261. <item>
  1262. <title>Get a 50% bonus when you transfer Avios to Accor Live Limitless hotel points</title>
  1263. <link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/08/bonus-transfer-avios-to-accor-live-limitless/</link>
  1264. <comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/08/bonus-transfer-avios-to-accor-live-limitless/#comments</comments>
  1266. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator>
  1267. <pubDate>Thu, 08 May 2025 03:11:00 +0000</pubDate>
  1268. <category><![CDATA[Accor Live Limitless]]></category>
  1269. <category><![CDATA[Finnair and Finnair Plus]]></category>
  1270. <category><![CDATA[Qatar Airways and Privilege Club]]></category>
  1271. <category><![CDATA[two]]></category>
  1272. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=781462</guid>
  1273.  
  1274. <description><![CDATA[Accor Live Limitless, the loyalty programme for Novotel, Pullman, Mercure, Raffles, Sofitel, ibis etc, has launched a transfer bonus with Avios, via Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Finnair Plus. Click for details. When you convert Avios into Accor Live Limitless hotel points by 20th May, you will receive a 50% bonus. In order to do [&#8230;]]]></description>
  1275. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  1276. <p>Accor Live Limitless, the loyalty programme for Novotel, Pullman, Mercure, Raffles, Sofitel, ibis etc, has launched <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/accor-avios-transfer-bonus-20-may/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a transfer bonus with Avios, via Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Finnair Plus</a>. Click for details.</p>
  1277.  
  1278.  
  1279.  
  1280. <p><strong>When you convert Avios into Accor Live Limitless hotel points by 20th May, you will receive a 50% bonus.</strong></p>
  1281.  
  1282.  
  1283.  
  1284. <p>In order to do this via Qatar Airways, which is the most likely route for HfP readers, your Accor Live Limitless account needs to be connected to your Qatar Airways Privilege Club Avios account.</p>
  1285.  
  1286.  
  1287.  
  1288. <p><strong>You should have already done this</strong> because anyone who does so receives Avios on all of their Accor hotel stays &#8211; ON TOP of their usual Accor Live Limitless points.</p>
  1289.  
  1290.  
  1291. <div class="wp-block-image">
  1292. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="794" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-4.webp" alt="50% bonus on Avios transfers to Accor points" class="wp-image-739536 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-4.webp 1200w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-4-400x265.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-4-500x331.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-4-768x508.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-4-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-4-650x430.webp 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-4-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-4-350x232.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div>
  1293.  
  1294.  
  1295. <p>It is a complex scheme and I don&#8217;t want to run over it again here. If you want to learn more about it, <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/19/earn-avios-on-accor-hotel-stays/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">read this HfP article on the Qatar Airways Privilege Club Avios / Accor Live Limitless partnership</a>.</p>
  1296.  
  1297.  
  1298.  
  1299. <p>You can <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2022/03/23/how-to-link-qatar-privilege-club-and-ba-executive-club-accounts/" data-type="post" data-id="328485" target="_blank" rel="noopener">transfer Avios from British Airways to Qatar Airways Privilege Club using the instructions here</a> &#8211; it&#8217;s instant, free and reversible.</p>
  1300.  
  1301.  
  1302.  
  1303. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What&#8217;s the bonus worth?</h2>
  1304.  
  1305.  
  1306.  
  1307. <p>Until 20th May, <strong>you will receive 1,500 Accor Live Limitless points (usually 1,000) for every 4,500 Avios you convert from your Qatar Airways Privilege Club account.</strong></p>
  1308.  
  1309.  
  1310.  
  1311. <p>(The rate for converting via Finnair Plus is slightly worse at 750 ALL points for 2,300 Avios.  This is another reason why you are likely to be converting by moving your British Airways Club Avios to Qatar Airways Privilege Club.)</p>
  1312.  
  1313.  
  1314.  
  1315. <p>Don’t get too excited about this.&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>Accor points have a fixed value of 2 Eurocents each</strong>.&nbsp; There is no ‘reward chart’ – the points cost for a night is simply the cash price in Euro multiplied by 50.</p>
  1316.  
  1317.  
  1318.  
  1319. <p>This means that<strong>&nbsp;you are swapping 4,500 Avios in Qatar Airways Privilege Club for a €30 (£25.50) Accor hotel discount.</strong>&nbsp; This is just 0.57p per Avios, which is poor, albeit better than cashing out via Nectar or using your points for BA seat selection fees, via Avios Hotels etc when you will normally get 0.5p.</p>
  1320.  
  1321.  
  1322.  
  1323. <p>There are two reasons why I think you might want to do this:</p>
  1324.  
  1325.  
  1326.  
  1327. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  1328. <li>Accor Live Limitless points expire after 12 months with no account activity.  <strong>Making an Avios transfer into Accor will reset your expiry date</strong> and you might as well do it whilst there is a bonus on.</li>
  1329. </ul>
  1330.  
  1331.  
  1332.  
  1333. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  1334. <li>You may have been interested in some of the recent &#8216;Limitless Experiences&#8217; VIP Accor redemptions &#8211; such as <a data-type="post" data-id="752730" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/02/12/review-all-terrace-ovo-arena-wembley/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the ALL Terrace at OVO Arena Wembley</a> &#8211; and want to get some Accor points to redeem for future events. The acts currently bookable are Jeff Dunham (4,500 ALL points for two), Lara Fabian (9,000 ALL points for two) and Billy Idol (7,000 ALL points for two).</li>
  1335. </ul>
  1336.  
  1337.  
  1338.  
  1339. <p>You can find out more about the Accor / Avios transfer bonus on <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/accor-avios-transfer-bonus-20-may/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this page of the Accor Live Limitless website</a>.</p>
  1340.  
  1341.  
  1342.  
  1343. <p>Our two-part&nbsp;<a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/01/18/review-accor-live-limitless-hotel-loyalty-scheme/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HfP guide to Accor Live Limitless starts here</a>.</p>
  1344. ]]></content:encoded>
  1346. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/08/bonus-transfer-avios-to-accor-live-limitless/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  1347. <slash:comments>8</slash:comments>
  1350. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">781462</post-id> </item>
  1351. <item>
  1352. <title>British Airways extends Tel Aviv cancellations, allows EL AL rebooking</title>
  1353. <link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/08/british-airways-extends-tel-aviv-cancellations/</link>
  1354. <comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/08/british-airways-extends-tel-aviv-cancellations/#comments</comments>
  1356. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator>
  1357. <pubDate>Thu, 08 May 2025 01:11:00 +0000</pubDate>
  1358. <category><![CDATA[British Airways and Avios]]></category>
  1359. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=782122</guid>
  1360.  
  1361. <description><![CDATA[British Airways has announced that flights to Tel Aviv will remain suspended until 14th June. As we covered last week, Virgin Atlantic has permanently cancelled its Tel Aviv route so this is not available as a rebooking option. British Airways has, however, agreed a comprehensive deal with EL AL. If you have a BA ticket [&#8230;]]]></description>
  1362. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  1363. <p>British Airways has announced that <strong>flights to Tel Aviv will remain suspended until 14th June</strong>.</p>
  1364.  
  1365.  
  1366.  
  1367. <p>As we covered last week, <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/30/virgin-atlantic-cancels-tel-aviv-flights/" data-type="post" data-id="742253" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virgin Atlantic has permanently cancelled its Tel Aviv route</a> so this is not available as a rebooking option.</p>
  1368.  
  1369.  
  1370.  
  1371. <p>British Airways has, however, agreed a comprehensive deal with EL AL.</p>
  1372.  
  1373.  
  1374. <div class="wp-block-image">
  1375. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="848" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Tel-Aviv-unsplash.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-400487 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Tel-Aviv-unsplash.jpg 1280w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Tel-Aviv-unsplash-400x265.jpg 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Tel-Aviv-unsplash-500x331.jpg 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Tel-Aviv-unsplash-768x509.jpg 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Tel-Aviv-unsplash-325x215.jpg 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Tel-Aviv-unsplash-650x430.jpg 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Tel-Aviv-unsplash-180x120.jpg 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Tel-Aviv-unsplash-360x240.jpg 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Tel-Aviv-unsplash-350x232.jpg 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure></div>
  1376.  
  1377.  
  1378. <p>If you have a BA ticket to Tel Aviv for travel up to 15th June, <strong>you can ask to switch to an EL AL service from Heathrow.</strong>  This includes redemption tickets.</p>
  1379.  
  1380.  
  1381.  
  1382. <p>If this is not convenient or there is no availability on your chosen date, there is an alternative. You can be rebooked on British Airways to various cities in Europe and then switch to a connecting EL AL flight.</p>
  1383.  
  1384.  
  1385.  
  1386. <p>Options include Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Larnaca, Madrid, Milan and Paris.</p>
  1387.  
  1388.  
  1389.  
  1390. <p>You can, of course, also request a full refund if your British Airways flight has been cancelled.</p>
  1391.  
  1392.  
  1393.  
  1394. <p>Further details can be found <a href="https://www.britishairways.com/travel-partner-connect/en/us/disruptions/2025/customer-guidelines--rebook-onto-el-al--ly--#latest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on the BA trade website here</a>.</p>
  1395. ]]></content:encoded>
  1397. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/08/british-airways-extends-tel-aviv-cancellations/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  1398. <slash:comments>20</slash:comments>
  1401. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">782122</post-id> </item>
  1402. <item>
  1403. <title>(SOLD OUT) Get tickets for a rooftop Kooks gig for 7,500 Virgin Points</title>
  1404. <link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/07/virgin-red-kooks-rooftop-concert/</link>
  1405. <comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/07/virgin-red-kooks-rooftop-concert/#comments</comments>
  1407. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator>
  1408. <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 10:10:00 +0000</pubDate>
  1409. <category><![CDATA[Virgin Atlantic and Flying Club]]></category>
  1410. <category><![CDATA[three]]></category>
  1411. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=781874</guid>
  1412.  
  1413. <description><![CDATA[If you&#8217;re a fan of The Kooks, Virgin Red has an allocation of tickets for an exclusive rooftop gig on Friday 16th May. It takes place at the News Building at London Bridge, better known as &#8216;Baby Shard&#8217;. Tickets are 7,500 Virgin Points per person (over 18s only). This is effectively £75 if you value [&#8230;]]]></description>
  1414. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  1415. <p>If you&#8217;re a fan of The Kooks, <strong>Virgin Red has an allocation of tickets for an exclusive rooftop gig on Friday 16th May.</strong></p>
  1416.  
  1417.  
  1418.  
  1419. <p>It takes place at the News Building at London Bridge, better known as &#8216;Baby Shard&#8217;.</p>
  1420.  
  1421.  
  1422.  
  1423. <p><strong>Tickets are 7,500 Virgin Points per person</strong> (over 18s only).  This is effectively £75 if you value Virgin Points at 1p, but with only 250 guests it will be a unique experience.</p>
  1424.  
  1425.  
  1426.  
  1427. <p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3ea51a23bdf8ada5ec5cb1a72a354710"><strong>EDIT: This event is now sold out</strong></p>
  1428.  
  1429.  
  1430. <div class="wp-block-image">
  1431. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1620" height="1080" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Kooks.webp" alt="Get tickets for an exclusive rooftop Kooks gig for 7,500 Virgin Points" class="wp-image-781875 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Kooks.webp 1620w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Kooks-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Kooks-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Kooks-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Kooks-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Kooks-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Kooks-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Kooks-350x233.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1620px) 100vw, 1620px" /></figure></div>
  1432.  
  1433.  
  1434. <p>(For comparison, Virgin Red also has tickets for their concert at The O2 in October for 50,000 points for two.  You&#8217;ll be half a mile from the stage there and sharing the night with 20,000 people, not 250.)</p>
  1435.  
  1436.  
  1437.  
  1438. <p>To quote:</p>
  1439.  
  1440.  
  1441.  
  1442. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
  1443. <p>Formed in Brighton in 2004, The Kooks climbed to success after signing with Virgin Records and releasing their certified five-times platinum debut album&nbsp;<em>Inside In/Inside Out.&nbsp;</em>Their success carried on as they won Best UK &amp; Ireland Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2006, followed by a nomination at The Brit Awards. Continuing to produce music that resonates with fans around the world, The Kooks are a must-see this summer!</p>
  1444.  
  1445.  
  1446.  
  1447. <p>You’ll get up close and personal as they perform right in front of you from the exclusive 250-person audience. And if you can manage to take your eyes off the superstar (difficult, we know), you’ll have the stunning views of London’s skyline to gawk over too. Not only that, while the sun goes down and the tunes are turned up, you’ll be treated to a drink and some nibbles from your Virgin Red host.</p>
  1448.  
  1449.  
  1450.  
  1451. <p>These tickets are exclusively for Virgin Red members &#8211; yep, you’ll be a Virgin Red VIP. And because exclusive experiences like this are much better shared (someone needs to take all the snaps, right?), multiple tickets can be bought with your points but each redemption must be made individually. Make sure to get in quick because there’s only a limited number of tickets to get your hands on. ​</p>
  1452.  
  1453.  
  1454.  
  1455. <p>What’s included:</p>
  1456.  
  1457.  
  1458.  
  1459. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  1460. <li><em>Sunset Session experience – an intimate live gig with a crowd of just 250 people</em></li>
  1461.  
  1462.  
  1463.  
  1464. <li><em>VIP access – a dedicated cloakroom, and a front-of-crowd area reserved for Virgin Red members</em></li>
  1465.  
  1466.  
  1467.  
  1468. <li><em>Welcome drink &amp; nibbles – 1x welcome drink per guest, plus snacks included. A paid bar will be available for additional drinks (card only)</em></li>
  1469. </ul>
  1470. </blockquote>
  1471.  
  1472.  
  1473.  
  1474. <p>If you&#8217;re interested, you can find out more <a href="https://www.virgin.com/virgin-red/spend-virgin-points/virgin-radio-sunset-sessions-the-kooks-19762" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on the Virgin Red website here</a> or in the app.</p>
  1475.  
  1476.  
  1477.  
  1478. <p>If your Virgin Flying Club account is not linked to Virgin Red yet, you will need to download the Virgin Red app and follow the instructions.  Your Flying Club points balance will immediately be available for spending.</p>
  1479.  
  1480.  
  1481.  
  1482. <p>If you don&#8217;t have any Virgin Points, American Express Membership Rewards transfers are usually instant, although a first-time transfer may be delayed for an hour or so for security checks.</p>
  1483. ]]></content:encoded>
  1485. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/07/virgin-red-kooks-rooftop-concert/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  1486. <slash:comments>15</slash:comments>
  1489. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">781874</post-id> </item>
  1490. <item>
  1491. <title>REGISTER NOW: IHG One Rewards launches its new summer bonus points offer</title>
  1492. <link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/07/ihg-one-rewards-summer-2025-promotion/</link>
  1493. <comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/07/ihg-one-rewards-summer-2025-promotion/#comments</comments>
  1495. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator>
  1496. <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 04:11:00 +0000</pubDate>
  1497. <category><![CDATA[IHG One Rewards]]></category>
  1498. <category><![CDATA[one]]></category>
  1499. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=781782</guid>
  1500.  
  1501. <description><![CDATA[IHG One Rewards has announced a new global promotion following a fallow few weeks. You need to register here. A bit of thinking is involved because you need to choose between TWO different options. IHG One Rewards is the loyalty scheme covering InterContinental, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Crowne Plaza and Hotel Indigo among other [&#8230;]]]></description>
  1502. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  1503. <p><strong>IHG One Rewards has announced a new global promotion</strong> following a fallow few weeks.</p>
  1504.  
  1505.  
  1506.  
  1507. <p>You <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/ihg-summer-promo-31-august-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">need to register here</a>. A bit of thinking is involved because you need to choose between TWO different options.</p>
  1508.  
  1509.  
  1510.  
  1511. <p>IHG One Rewards is the loyalty scheme covering InterContinental, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Crowne Plaza and Hotel Indigo among other brands.</p>
  1512.  
  1513.  
  1514. <div class="wp-block-image">
  1515. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/ihg-summer-promo-31-august-2/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="597" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IHG-promo.webp" alt="IHG One Rewards summer promotion" class="wp-image-781784 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IHG-promo.webp 1200w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IHG-promo-400x199.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IHG-promo-500x249.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IHG-promo-768x382.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IHG-promo-350x174.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></a></figure></div>
  1516.  
  1517.  
  1518. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How does IHG&#8217;s new bonus points promotion work?</h2>
  1519.  
  1520.  
  1521.  
  1522. <p><strong>The offer runs from 20th May to 31st August 2025.</strong></p>
  1523.  
  1524.  
  1525.  
  1526. <p>You must <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/ihg-summer-promo-31-august-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">register in advance via this link</a>. Registration is now open.</p>
  1527.  
  1528.  
  1529.  
  1530. <p>You can <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/02/01/review-ihg-one-rewards/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">learn more about IHG One Rewards in our overview article here</a>.</p>
  1531.  
  1532.  
  1533.  
  1534. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What will you earn?</h2>
  1535.  
  1536.  
  1537.  
  1538. <p>It&#8217;s up to you, interestingly.  You can choose from two options:</p>
  1539.  
  1540.  
  1541.  
  1542. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  1543. <li>2,000 bonus points for every two cash nights or</li>
  1544. </ul>
  1545.  
  1546.  
  1547.  
  1548. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  1549. <li>8,000 bonus points for every four cash nights</li>
  1550. </ul>
  1551.  
  1552.  
  1553.  
  1554. <p><strong>Once you&#8217;ve made your decision, you cannot change it.</strong></p>
  1555.  
  1556.  
  1557.  
  1558. <p>Reward stays do not count.</p>
  1559.  
  1560.  
  1561.  
  1562. <p>Existing bookings DO count so there is no need to rebook anything.&nbsp; Only one room per stay counts towards the offer, so if you are booking multiple rooms you should put each in a different name.</p>
  1563.  
  1564.  
  1565. <div class="wp-block-image">
  1566. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="342" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/InterContinental-Los-Angeles-Downtown-500x342.webp" alt="IHG One Rewards Summer promotion" class="wp-image-403197 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/InterContinental-Los-Angeles-Downtown-500x342.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/InterContinental-Los-Angeles-Downtown-400x273.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/InterContinental-Los-Angeles-Downtown-768x525.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/InterContinental-Los-Angeles-Downtown-410x280.webp 410w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/InterContinental-Los-Angeles-Downtown-820x560.webp 820w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/InterContinental-Los-Angeles-Downtown-350x239.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/InterContinental-Los-Angeles-Downtown.webp 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div>
  1567.  
  1568.  
  1569. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Which option is best?</h2>
  1570.  
  1571.  
  1572.  
  1573. <p>For those who do a lot of hotel stays, this isn&#8217;t a tricky choice. <strong>You are better off with &#8216;8,000 points for every four nights&#8217; rather than &#8216;2,000 points for every two nights&#8217;.</strong></p>
  1574.  
  1575.  
  1576.  
  1577. <p>(Interestingly, last time this offer ran, the alternative was 10,000 points for every four nights.)</p>
  1578.  
  1579.  
  1580.  
  1581. <p>Let&#8217;s say you ended up with seven nights, and on 31st August you were kicking yourself for not triggering the 8th night. You would still be better off than if you&#8217;d chosen &#8216;2,000 points for two nights&#8217;, as seven nights earns 6,000 points under the first option and 8,000 points under the 2nd.</p>
  1582.  
  1583.  
  1584.  
  1585. <p><strong>The <em>only</em> people who should choose &#8216;2,000 points for every two nights&#8217; are those who are fairly confident they will only complete two or three paid nights </strong>during the period from 20th May to 31st August.</p>
  1586.  
  1587.  
  1588.  
  1589. <p>Even then &#8230;. if you were confident of doing three nights, you might be tempted to register for &#8216;8,000 points every four nights&#8217; on the basis that something is likely to come up. You are only gambling 2,000 points and could potentially gain an extra 4,000.</p>
  1590.  
  1591.  
  1592.  
  1593. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is the bonus worth?</h2>
  1594.  
  1595.  
  1596.  
  1597. <p>The standard earning rate in IHG One Rewards is 10 points per US$1 (80p) excluding taxes.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/08/25/what-are-ihg-one-rewards-hotel-points-worth-3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>I value an IHG One Rewards point at 0.4p</strong></a>&nbsp;although you can often do better, which means your base return is 4p per 80p spent, ie 5.0%.</p>
  1598.  
  1599.  
  1600.  
  1601. <p>Of course, most HfP readers will have some sort of IHG One Rewards status.&nbsp; This comes with a status bonus (applies to base points only):</p>
  1602.  
  1603.  
  1604.  
  1605. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  1606. <li>20% bonus for Silver Elite</li>
  1607.  
  1608.  
  1609.  
  1610. <li>40% bonus for Gold Elite</li>
  1611.  
  1612.  
  1613.  
  1614. <li>60% bonus for Platinum Elite</li>
  1615.  
  1616.  
  1617.  
  1618. <li>100% bonus for Diamond Elite</li>
  1619. </ul>
  1620.  
  1621.  
  1622. <div style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="wp-block-image aligncenter">
  1623. <figure class="size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/ihg-summer-promo-31-august/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="353" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/InterContinental-New-York-Barclay-500x353.jpg" alt="IHG One Rewards Summer promotion" class="wp-image-403200 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/InterContinental-New-York-Barclay-500x353.jpg 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/InterContinental-New-York-Barclay-400x283.jpg 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/InterContinental-New-York-Barclay-350x247.jpg 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/InterContinental-New-York-Barclay.jpg 645w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div>
  1624.  
  1625.  
  1626. <p>Under this offer, and assuming you do an exact multiple of two or four nights:</p>
  1627.  
  1628.  
  1629.  
  1630. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  1631. <li>you get an extra 1,000 points (£4) per night with the &#8216;2,000 points for every two nights&#8217; offer</li>
  1632. </ul>
  1633.  
  1634.  
  1635.  
  1636. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  1637. <li>you get an extra 2,000 points (£8) per night with the &#8216;8,000 points for every four nights&#8217; offer</li>
  1638. </ul>
  1639.  
  1640.  
  1641.  
  1642. <p>This means that <strong>the offer is heavily geared towards people doing low value stays</strong> at, say, Holiday Inn Express-style hotels.  There isn&#8217;t much here for anyone planning a week at <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/intercontinental-maldives-maamunagau-resort/" data-shortcode="true">InterContinental Maldives</a>.</p>
  1643.  
  1644.  
  1645.  
  1646. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>
  1647.  
  1648.  
  1649.  
  1650. <p>If you can do four nights, or a multiple of four, over the 13 weeks that this promotion is running, you will do OK.<strong>  Bonus points worth £8 per night are not to be sniffed at</strong>, especially on low cost stays.</p>
  1651.  
  1652.  
  1653.  
  1654. <p>Click here to <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/ihg-summer-promo-31-august-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">register for IHG&#8217;s new bonus points promotion</a>.&nbsp; It kicks in for stays from 20th May but you can register today.</p>
  1655. ]]></content:encoded>
  1657. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/07/ihg-one-rewards-summer-2025-promotion/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  1658. <slash:comments>30</slash:comments>
  1661. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">781782</post-id> </item>
  1662. <item>
  1663. <title>Win 500,000 Avios with Flora at Sainsbury&#8217;s!</title>
  1664. <link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/07/win-500000-avios-with-flora-at-sainsburys/</link>
  1665. <comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/07/win-500000-avios-with-flora-at-sainsburys/#comments</comments>
  1667. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator>
  1668. <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 03:11:45 +0000</pubDate>
  1669. <category><![CDATA[British Airways and Avios]]></category>
  1670. <category><![CDATA[Sainsbury's and Nectar]]></category>
  1671. <category><![CDATA[two]]></category>
  1672. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=781347</guid>
  1673.  
  1674. <description><![CDATA[If you were an Avios collector when British Airways was a Tesco Clubcard partner, you&#8217;ll know that there were weird and wonderful ways of picking up points for buying obscure products. The genius with the Clubcard scheme, especially Tesco Direct offers, was that the item you were buying often cost less than the value of [&#8230;]]]></description>
  1675. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  1676. <p>If you were an Avios collector when British Airways was a Tesco Clubcard partner, you&#8217;ll know that there were weird and wonderful ways of picking up points for buying obscure products.</p>
  1677.  
  1678.  
  1679.  
  1680. <p>The genius with the Clubcard scheme, especially Tesco Direct offers, was that the item you were buying often cost less than the value of the points. You effectively got the item for free, ready to ship off to eBay.  <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2015/11/29/6105-avios-for-44-and-a-free-colour-printer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here, for example, for a deal where £44 got you a colour printer with 6,100 Avios on top</a>!</p>
  1681.  
  1682.  
  1683.  
  1684. <p>In the spirit of those weird days, and not necessarily because it&#8217;s worth bothering with,<strong> I introduce you to the great Sainsbury&#8217;s / Flora competition.</strong></p>
  1685.  
  1686.  
  1687. <div class="wp-block-image">
  1688. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="402" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot-Flora-500x402.webp" alt="Flora Avios Sainsburys competition" class="wp-image-781350 aligncenter" style="width:350px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot-Flora-500x402.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot-Flora-400x322.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot-Flora-768x618.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot-Flora-350x281.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot-Flora.webp 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div>
  1689.  
  1690.  
  1691. <p>Flora has, for some odd reason, donated 1.8 million Avios to fund a Sainsbury&#8217;s competition.</p>
  1692.  
  1693.  
  1694.  
  1695. <p><strong>Two people will bag 500,000 Avios</strong> whilst 20 will pick up 40,000 points.</p>
  1696.  
  1697.  
  1698.  
  1699. <p>This is what you need to do:</p>
  1700.  
  1701.  
  1702.  
  1703. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  1704. <li>Have your British Airways Club account linked to your Nectar account (you don&#8217;t need to have ever transferred points, just linked the accounts)</li>
  1705. </ul>
  1706.  
  1707.  
  1708.  
  1709. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  1710. <li>Buy any Flora-branded product at Sainsbury&#8217;s, online or in-store, by 13th May</li>
  1711. </ul>
  1712.  
  1713.  
  1714.  
  1715. <p>It is limited to one entry per person, so there&#8217;s no need to buy a lifetime supply of Flora Buttery or whatever you prefer.</p>
  1716.  
  1717.  
  1718.  
  1719. <p>There are two interesting bits of small print which are not made clear upfront. <strong> If you don&#8217;t have a telephone number in your Nectar profile, you will lose your prize and it will be redrawn</strong>. <strong>If you do not answer the telephone call from Nectar to say that you have won, you will lose your prize </strong>after the 2nd attempt and it will be redrawn.</p>
  1720.  
  1721.  
  1722.  
  1723. <p>This seems a bit petty &#8211; 40,000 Avios is not exactly life-changing, assuming that the runners-up are subject to this rule as well as the two main winners &#8211; but the rules are the rules.</p>
  1724.  
  1725.  
  1726.  
  1727. <p>Full details should be under the &#8216;Partners&#8217; section in your Nectar app. No registration is required and the competition is not targetted.</p>
  1728. ]]></content:encoded>
  1730. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/07/win-500000-avios-with-flora-at-sainsburys/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  1731. <slash:comments>52</slash:comments>
  1734. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">781347</post-id> </item>
  1735. <item>
  1736. <title>Club Eurostar has launched a big reward seat sale &#8211; worth an Amex transfer?</title>
  1737. <link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/07/club-eurostar-reward-seat-sale/</link>
  1738. <comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/07/club-eurostar-reward-seat-sale/#comments</comments>
  1740. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator>
  1741. <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 02:11:00 +0000</pubDate>
  1742. <category><![CDATA[Club Eurostar]]></category>
  1743. <category><![CDATA[three]]></category>
  1744. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=781447</guid>
  1745.  
  1746. <description><![CDATA[Eurostar has launched a big Club Eurostar redemption sale. All reward seats are discounted by 20%. This isn&#8217;t as generous as the 40% offer which ran in February 2024, but: 20% is a generous discount given the lack of small print and it may be worth considering an Amex points transfer. When is the sale [&#8230;]]]></description>
  1747. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  1748. <p><strong>Eurostar has launched a big Club Eurostar redemption sale</strong>.</p>
  1749.  
  1750.  
  1751.  
  1752. <p>All reward seats are discounted by 20%.  This isn&#8217;t as generous as the 40% offer which ran in February 2024, but:</p>
  1753.  
  1754.  
  1755.  
  1756. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  1757. <li>that offer was partly done, I think, to placate members upset by <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/10/04/new-club-eurostar-programme/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the devaluation in late 2023</a></li>
  1758. </ul>
  1759.  
  1760.  
  1761.  
  1762. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  1763. <li>American Express Membership Rewards transfers to Club Eurostar were not available during that promotion, but are today</li>
  1764. </ul>
  1765.  
  1766.  
  1767. <div class="wp-block-image">
  1768. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="753" height="502" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Eurostar-Thalys.webp" alt="Club Eurostar has launched a big reward seat sale" class="wp-image-775093 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Eurostar-Thalys.webp 753w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Eurostar-Thalys-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Eurostar-Thalys-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Eurostar-Thalys-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Eurostar-Thalys-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Eurostar-Thalys-350x233.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 753px) 100vw, 753px" /></figure></div>
  1769.  
  1770.  
  1771. <p><strong>20% is a generous discount given the lack of small print</strong> and it may be worth considering an Amex points transfer.</p>
  1772.  
  1773.  
  1774.  
  1775. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">When is the sale and when can you travel?</h2>
  1776.  
  1777.  
  1778.  
  1779. <p>Here are the sale rules:</p>
  1780.  
  1781.  
  1782.  
  1783. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  1784. <li>you can book until 4pm on Thursday 15th May</li>
  1785. </ul>
  1786.  
  1787.  
  1788.  
  1789. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  1790. <li>you can travel until 13th December</li>
  1791. </ul>
  1792.  
  1793.  
  1794.  
  1795. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  1796. <li><strong>there are no blackouts of any sort </strong>&#8211; all ticket classes, all dates are discounted</li>
  1797. </ul>
  1798.  
  1799.  
  1800.  
  1801. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  1802. <li>you can also book for travel on ex-Thalys services in Europe</li>
  1803. </ul>
  1804.  
  1805.  
  1806.  
  1807. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How many points do you need in the sale?</h2>
  1808.  
  1809.  
  1810.  
  1811. <p>20% off is a handy discount, especially as<strong> you can redeem on EVERY train on every day, with no blackouts, as long as cash seats are bookable</strong>.</p>
  1812.  
  1813.  
  1814.  
  1815. <p>The reduced pricing shows clearly when you book a reward seat:</p>
  1816.  
  1817.  
  1818. <div class="wp-block-image">
  1819. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screenshot-Eurostar.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="639" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screenshot-Eurostar.webp" alt="Eurostar reward seat sale" class="wp-image-781455 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screenshot-Eurostar.webp 1024w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screenshot-Eurostar-400x250.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screenshot-Eurostar-500x312.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screenshot-Eurostar-768x479.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screenshot-Eurostar-350x218.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure></div>
  1820.  
  1821.  
  1822. <p>The full pricing is:</p>
  1823.  
  1824.  
  1825.  
  1826. <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Eurostar Standard</strong></h4>
  1827.  
  1828.  
  1829.  
  1830. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  1831. <li>800 Club Eurostar points each way (usually 1,000 points)</li>
  1832. </ul>
  1833.  
  1834.  
  1835.  
  1836. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  1837. <li>1,200 Club Eurostar points each way (usually 1,500 points) for trains where the allocation of regular priced reward seats has run out</li>
  1838. </ul>
  1839.  
  1840.  
  1841.  
  1842. <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Eurostar Plus</strong></h4>
  1843.  
  1844.  
  1845.  
  1846. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  1847. <li>1,600 Club Eurostar points each way (usually 2,000 points)</li>
  1848. </ul>
  1849.  
  1850.  
  1851.  
  1852. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  1853. <li>2,000 Club Eurostar points each way (usually 2,500 points) for trains where the allocation of regular priced reward seats has run out</li>
  1854. </ul>
  1855.  
  1856.  
  1857.  
  1858. <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Eurostar Premier</strong></h4>
  1859.  
  1860.  
  1861.  
  1862. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  1863. <li>2,400 Club Eurostar points each way (usually 3,000 points) &#8211; this pricing applies to all services</li>
  1864. </ul>
  1865.  
  1866.  
  1867.  
  1868. <p>We looked at <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/12/23/difference-between-eurostar-plus-eurostar-premier/" data-type="post" data-id="730076" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the differences between Eurostar Plus and Eurostar Premier in this article</a>.</p>
  1869.  
  1870.  
  1871.  
  1872. <p>Fundamentally, both have the same seat but Eurostar Premier comes with lounge access, a higher quality meal and fast track security.  Lounge access, of course, is <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/04/review-american-express-platinum-credit-card-2/" data-type="post" data-id="779854" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a benefit of The Platinum Card from American Express as our card review explains</a>.</p>
  1873.  
  1874.  
  1875.  
  1876. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Are upgrades discounted?</h2>
  1877.  
  1878.  
  1879.  
  1880. <p>It seems not.</p>
  1881.  
  1882.  
  1883.  
  1884. <p>Upgrades on cash tickets from Eurostar Standard to Eurostar Plus remain at 600 Club Eurostar points each way.</p>
  1885.  
  1886.  
  1887. <div class="wp-block-image">
  1888. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Eurostar-500x333.webp" alt="Club Eurostar has launched a big reward seat sale" class="wp-image-547349 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Eurostar-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Eurostar-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Eurostar-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Eurostar-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Eurostar-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Eurostar-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Eurostar-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Eurostar.webp 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div>
  1889.  
  1890.  
  1891. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is the American Express Membership Rewards transfer rate?</h2>
  1892.  
  1893.  
  1894.  
  1895. <p><strong>American Express Membership Rewards points transfer to Club Eurostar at 15:1.</strong></p>
  1896.  
  1897.  
  1898.  
  1899. <p>This means that a <strong>return</strong> Eurostar Standard ticket from London to Paris / Brussels / Lille / Amsterdam / Rotterdam would cost (800 each way x 2 x 15) 24,000 Membership Rewards points.</p>
  1900.  
  1901.  
  1902.  
  1903. <p>If standard reward availability was not there, an &#8216;anytime&#8217; reward would be (1,000 each way x 2 x 15) 30,000 Membership Rewards points.</p>
  1904.  
  1905.  
  1906.  
  1907. <p>For a relatively short notice booking, you should be getting close to 1p per Membership Rewards point.</p>
  1908.  
  1909.  
  1910.  
  1911. <p>There are two issues to bear in mind:</p>
  1912.  
  1913.  
  1914.  
  1915. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  1916. <li><strong>American Express says that transfers to Club Eurostar take five days.  <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/24/american-express-membership-rewards-points-transfer-times-3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader experience is that they only take one day</a> </strong>BUT note the guidelines say five days.  You have until 15th May to book under this offer.</li>
  1917. </ul>
  1918.  
  1919.  
  1920.  
  1921. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  1922. <li>If the seat you want is currently priced at (for example) 800 Club Eurostar points in one or both directions, you run a small risk that it jumps to 1,000 points by the time the transfer arrives</li>
  1923. </ul>
  1924.  
  1925.  
  1926.  
  1927. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Are there any special terms and conditions?</h2>
  1928.  
  1929.  
  1930.  
  1931. <p>It seems not.</p>
  1932.  
  1933.  
  1934.  
  1935. <p>The only thing to remember is that <strong>you cannot cancel a Club Eurostar redemption</strong>.  You can change the date but not cancel it.  It&#8217;s not clear if the redemption would reprice at the normal rate if you change the date after the offer has ended.</p>
  1936.  
  1937.  
  1938.  
  1939. <p>The Club Eurostar &#8216;20% off redemptions&#8217; sale runs until 4pm on Thursday 15th May.</p>
  1940. ]]></content:encoded>
  1942. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/07/club-eurostar-reward-seat-sale/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  1943. <slash:comments>5</slash:comments>
  1946. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">781447</post-id> </item>
  1947. <item>
  1948. <title>&#8216;Soft landings&#8217; are definitely staying at British Airways Club, as 30th April proved</title>
  1949. <link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/06/soft-landing-british-airways-club/</link>
  1950. <comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/06/soft-landing-british-airways-club/#comments</comments>
  1952. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator>
  1953. <pubDate>Tue, 06 May 2025 04:11:00 +0000</pubDate>
  1954. <category><![CDATA[British Airways and Avios]]></category>
  1955. <category><![CDATA[one]]></category>
  1956. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=780063</guid>
  1957.  
  1958. <description><![CDATA[One of the hot topics during the transition from British Airways Executive Club to The British Airways Club was the issue of &#8216;soft landings&#8217;. A &#8216;soft landing&#8217; occurs when you only drop one status tier if you fail to requalify for the next membership period. It was a long-standing features of the Executive Club. Hit [&#8230;]]]></description>
  1959. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  1960. <p>One of the hot topics during the transition from British Airways Executive Club to The British Airways Club was the issue of &#8216;soft landings&#8217;.</p>
  1961.  
  1962.  
  1963.  
  1964. <p>A &#8216;soft landing&#8217; occurs when <strong>you only drop one status tier if you fail to requalify for the next membership period</strong>.</p>
  1965.  
  1966.  
  1967.  
  1968. <p><strong>It was a long-standing features of the Executive Club.</strong>  Hit Gold one year and you could get almost three years of lounge access out of it &#8211; the rest of your current year as Gold, all of the following year as Gold and all of the year after that as Silver. You&#8217;d then get a year of Bronze (free seat selection within seven days of departure) as a further sweetener.</p>
  1969.  
  1970.  
  1971. <div class="wp-block-image">
  1972. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/British-Airways-Club-Gold-Silver-Bronze-card-500x333.webp" alt="'Soft landings' are definitely staying at British Airways Club" class="wp-image-768863 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/British-Airways-Club-Gold-Silver-Bronze-card-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/British-Airways-Club-Gold-Silver-Bronze-card-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/British-Airways-Club-Gold-Silver-Bronze-card-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/British-Airways-Club-Gold-Silver-Bronze-card-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/British-Airways-Club-Gold-Silver-Bronze-card-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/British-Airways-Club-Gold-Silver-Bronze-card-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/British-Airways-Club-Gold-Silver-Bronze-card-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/British-Airways-Club-Gold-Silver-Bronze-card.webp 1215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div>
  1973.  
  1974.  
  1975. <p><strong>&#8216;Soft landings&#8217; were never an official part of Executive Club. </strong> They were never mentioned on the website and they were not covered in the Terms &amp; Conditions. They just happened.</p>
  1976.  
  1977.  
  1978.  
  1979. <p>A BA employee told me that soft landings were NOT meant to continue with British Airways Club.</p>
  1980.  
  1981.  
  1982.  
  1983. <p><strong>It goes against the &#8216;money is all that matters&#8217; approach to the new programme. </strong> Don&#8217;t spend enough in the year after you earned status? You&#8217;re a loser and you will be sent straight back to Blue.</p>
  1984.  
  1985.  
  1986.  
  1987. <p>As the protests against the British Airways Club changes gained force, BA changed its mind. At the same time as segment qualification for status was brought back, so were soft landings. It couldn&#8217;t be announced, of course, because they had never officially existed, but I am told that the decision was made.</p>
  1988.  
  1989.  
  1990.  
  1991. <p>(The other change was to <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/05/british-airways-status-extension/" data-type="post" data-id="770185" target="_blank" rel="noopener">give some, but not all, members with mid-year expiry dates a status extension to 30th April 2026</a>.)</p>
  1992.  
  1993.  
  1994.  
  1995. <p>The only way to be certain soft landings were happening, however, was to wait until 30th April.</p>
  1996.  
  1997.  
  1998.  
  1999. <p>30th April was when the first cohort of people would lose status since the 1st April launch of British Airways Club.</p>
  2000.  
  2001.  
  2002.  
  2003. <p>What we have seen, with zero evidence to the contrary, is that <strong>soft landing are remaining</strong>. Everyone I know who was due to drop down last week only dropped by one level.</p>
  2004.  
  2005.  
  2006.  
  2007. <p>A Gold dropped to Silver for a year, a Silver dropped to Bronze.</p>
  2008.  
  2009.  
  2010.  
  2011. <p><strong>If you already have status, this knowledge may impact how you treat British Airways bookings for the rest of 2025/26. </strong> If you are Gold, you know you will get a year of Silver so you don&#8217;t necessarily need to start building up status in a programme outside The British Airways Club.</p>
  2012.  
  2013.  
  2014.  
  2015. <p>It&#8217;s slightly different for a current Silver, since Bronze is not much of a consolation prize.  You may still want to build up status with another oneworld programme or even another airline alliance.</p>
  2016.  
  2017.  
  2018.  
  2019. <p><strong>It is also a factor to consider if you are deciding whether to earn status in BAC or look elsewhere in oneworld</strong>. British Airways Gold will continue to give you up to three years of lounge access (up to two years as Gold, depending on how quickly after 1st April you earn it, plus a year of Silver). Many other programmes do not offer this.</p>
  2020.  
  2021.  
  2022.  
  2023. <p>Of course, if it&#8217;s impossible for you to spend £20,000 net with BA to earn Gold in the first place it&#8217;s not up for debate &#8230;.</p>
  2024. ]]></content:encoded>
  2026. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/06/soft-landing-british-airways-club/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  2027. <slash:comments>140</slash:comments>
  2030. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">780063</post-id> </item>
  2031. <item>
  2032. <title>Bits: new Virgin LA lounge joins Priority Pass, Radisson sale, our survey prize winner</title>
  2033. <link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/06/virgin-los-angeles-lounge-priority-pass/</link>
  2034. <comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/06/virgin-los-angeles-lounge-priority-pass/#comments</comments>
  2036. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator>
  2037. <pubDate>Tue, 06 May 2025 03:11:48 +0000</pubDate>
  2038. <category><![CDATA[Radisson Rewards]]></category>
  2039. <category><![CDATA[Virgin Atlantic and Flying Club]]></category>
  2040. <category><![CDATA[two]]></category>
  2041. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=778678</guid>
  2042.  
  2043. <description><![CDATA[News in brief: Virgin Atlantic&#8217;s new LA lounge joins Priority Pass Last month Rhys flew out to Los Angeles to take a look at the brand new Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse. Situated in the Tom Bradley International Terminal, it is the first entirely new Clubhouse to open since 2015 &#8230;. when the original Los Angeles Clubhouse [&#8230;]]]></description>
  2044. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  2045. <p>News in brief:</p>
  2046.  
  2047.  
  2048.  
  2049. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Virgin Atlantic&#8217;s new LA lounge joins Priority Pass</h2>
  2050.  
  2051.  
  2052.  
  2053. <p>Last month <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/06/review-virgin-atlantic-clubhouse-los-angeles-international-airport/" data-type="post" data-id="770259" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rhys flew out to Los Angeles to take a look at the brand new Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse</a>.</p>
  2054.  
  2055.  
  2056.  
  2057. <p>Situated in the Tom Bradley International Terminal, it is the first entirely new Clubhouse to open since 2015 &#8230;. when the original Los Angeles Clubhouse opened!</p>
  2058.  
  2059.  
  2060.  
  2061. <p>In an interesting move, <strong>the lounge has joined Priority Pass</strong>.</p>
  2062.  
  2063.  
  2064.  
  2065. <p>The bad news is that <strong>there is a $35 fee payable on top of your Priority Pass swipe</strong>. This is similar to how Clubrooms lounges in the UK work, where there is a £15 top-up payment.</p>
  2066.  
  2067.  
  2068.  
  2069. <p><strong>Priority Pass is also blocked around the time of the evening Virgin Atlantic flights.</strong></p>
  2070.  
  2071.  
  2072.  
  2073. <p>Priority Pass access is allowed between 08:00 &#8211; 17:00 and 20:00 &#8211; 23:00.</p>
  2074.  
  2075.  
  2076.  
  2077. <p>For comparison, the Virgin Atlantic flights depart at 15.30 (Priority Pass OK), 20.05 and 22.50.</p>
  2078.  
  2079.  
  2080.  
  2081. <p>The reason for the fee is that Virgin Atlantic does not seem to be cutting down on its offering during the times that Priority Pass cardholders get access. In the past, when Virgin Atlantic has worked with Priority Pass, it was basically ‘hiding the good stuff&#8217; in terms of food and drink.</p>
  2082.  
  2083.  
  2084.  
  2085. <p>Whilst you will now have to pay $35, you should easily be able to get your money&#8217;s worth in terms of sustenance.</p>
  2086.  
  2087.  
  2088.  
  2089. <p>You can <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/priority-pass-virgin-clubhouse-los-angeles/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">find out more on the dedicated lounge page of the Priority Pass website here</a>.</p>
  2090.  
  2091.  
  2092. <div class="wp-block-image">
  2093. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Virgin-LA-Clubhouse-5.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="900" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Virgin-LA-Clubhouse-5.webp" alt="Priority Pass Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Los Angeles International Airport" class="wp-image-770325 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Virgin-LA-Clubhouse-5.webp 1200w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Virgin-LA-Clubhouse-5-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Virgin-LA-Clubhouse-5-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Virgin-LA-Clubhouse-5-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Virgin-LA-Clubhouse-5-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></a></figure></div>
  2094.  
  2095.  
  2096. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Get 3,000 bonus Radisson Rewards hotel points on sale bookings</h2>
  2097.  
  2098.  
  2099.  
  2100. <p><strong>Radisson has launched a sale </strong>covering 600 hotels in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/radisson-sale-21-may/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Full details are here</a>.</p>
  2101.  
  2102.  
  2103.  
  2104. <p><strong>It is worth a look if you currently have top-tier VIP status <a data-type="post" data-id="737827" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/01/06/great-results-great-results-radisson-vip-status-offer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">via the Club Avolta promotion</a></strong>. This is working out VERY well for readers (<a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/forums/topic/radisson-reviews/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">see this HfP forum thread</a>) because VIP members get the best available room in the hotel at check-in, with some hotels including suites as well.</p>
  2105.  
  2106.  
  2107.  
  2108. <p><strong>The sale is launching with a discount of up to 35% off Best Flexible Rate with Breakfast</strong>, albeit sale rooms are non-flexible and must be prepaid. You must be a member of Radisson Rewards (<a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/radisson-rewards-sign-up-page/" data-shortcode="true">join here for free</a>) to book.</p>
  2109.  
  2110.  
  2111.  
  2112. <p>You must book by 21st May for <strong>stays from 1st July to 10th September.</strong></p>
  2113.  
  2114.  
  2115.  
  2116. <p>(Don&#8217;t be confused by the website showing the sale ending today. This was the pre-sale event and it rolls over tonight.)</p>
  2117.  
  2118.  
  2119.  
  2120. <p><strong>Radisson Rewards members will earn an extra 3,000 points per stay</strong> although <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2022/10/18/radisson-rewards-devaluation-2/" data-type="post" data-id="412474" target="_blank" rel="noopener">since the scheme was gutted</a> these are only worth around £5.</p>
  2121.  
  2122.  
  2123.  
  2124. <p>Remember that&nbsp;<strong>if you have ‘Premium’ status in Radisson Rewards, which is what you get if you are an&nbsp;<a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-platinum/">American Express Platinum</a>&nbsp;cardholder, you can activate something called ‘Discount Booster’</strong>. This gets you an extra 10% or so off your booking IF you agree to earn points at a lower rate. I’m not sure how well this factors in with sale rates.</p>
  2125.  
  2126.  
  2127.  
  2128. <p>Since the points are worth so little these days,&nbsp;using ‘Discount Booster’ is a no-brainer if you have ‘Premium’ status and you are spending your own money.</p>
  2129.  
  2130.  
  2131.  
  2132. <p>If you are looking for ideas, recent openings which have raised our interest include:</p>
  2133.  
  2134.  
  2135.  
  2136. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2137. <li><a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/radisson-palazzo-nani-venice/">Palazzo Nani Venice, a Radisson Collection hotel</a>&nbsp;(<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2021/04/05/radisson-collection-palazzo-nani-venice/" target="_blank">article here</a>)</li>
  2138.  
  2139.  
  2140.  
  2141. <li><a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/radisson-blu-zaffron-santorini/">Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort, Santorini</a>&nbsp;(<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2021/08/22/radisson-zaffron-resort-santorini-now-open/" target="_blank">article here</a>)</li>
  2142.  
  2143.  
  2144.  
  2145. <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/radisson-blu-resort-maldives/" target="_blank">Radisson Blu Resort Maldives</a>&nbsp;(<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2020/08/17/radisson-blu-rewards-using-points/" target="_blank">article here</a>)</li>
  2146.  
  2147.  
  2148.  
  2149. <li><a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/radisson-red-liverpool/" data-shortcode="true">Radisson RED Liverpool</a> (<a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/05/31/review-radisson-red-liverpool-hotel/" data-type="post" data-id="495262" target="_blank" rel="noopener">review here</a>)</li>
  2150.  
  2151.  
  2152.  
  2153. <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/radisson-heathrow/" target="_blank">Radisson Heathrow</a> (<a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2020/11/15/review-radisson-hotel-heathrow/" data-type="post" data-id="213133" target="_blank" rel="noopener">review here</a>)</li>
  2154.  
  2155.  
  2156.  
  2157. <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/radisson-red-heathrow/" target="_blank">Radisson RED Heathrow</a> (<a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2020/10/02/review-radisson-red-london-heathrow-hotel/" data-type="post" data-id="191331" target="_blank" rel="noopener">review here</a>)</li>
  2158. </ul>
  2159.  
  2160.  
  2161.  
  2162. <p>You can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/02/15/review-radisson-rewards/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">learn more about Radisson Rewards in our review of the scheme here</a>.</p>
  2163.  
  2164.  
  2165.  
  2166. <p>You can <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/radisson-sale-21-may/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">find out more about the sale on the Radisson website here</a>.</p>
  2167.  
  2168.  
  2169. <div class="wp-block-image">
  2170. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Radisson-Red-Liverpool-2296-500x375.jpg" alt="Radisson hotels sale" class="wp-image-497246 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Radisson-Red-Liverpool-2296-500x375.jpg 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Radisson-Red-Liverpool-2296-400x300.jpg 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Radisson-Red-Liverpool-2296-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Radisson-Red-Liverpool-2296-350x263.jpg 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Radisson-Red-Liverpool-2296.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div>
  2171.  
  2172.  
  2173. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who won 10,000 Avios in our recent competition?</h2>
  2174.  
  2175.  
  2176.  
  2177. <p><strong>Over 9,000 HfP readers completed the short survey we ran a few weeks ago</strong> for a partner keen to understand the card usage behaviour of our audience of affluent frequent fliers.</p>
  2178.  
  2179.  
  2180.  
  2181. <p>Thank you to everyone who took part.</p>
  2182.  
  2183.  
  2184.  
  2185. <p>We have now awarded 10,000 Avios to a lucky winner selected at random &#8211; well done Jo from London who was pleased to accept the prize.</p>
  2186.  
  2187.  
  2188.  
  2189. <p>If you work for a business who may be interested in working with HfP for market research, either via an online survey or a face to face event, please get in touch with Sinead &#8211; sinead@headforpoints.com.</p>
  2190. ]]></content:encoded>
  2192. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/06/virgin-los-angeles-lounge-priority-pass/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  2193. <slash:comments>24</slash:comments>
  2196. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">778678</post-id> </item>
  2197. <item>
  2198. <title>Work in loyalty? Join us at Mega Event in Dublin on 21st May</title>
  2199. <link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/06/work-in-loyalty-join-us-at-mega-event-in-dublin-on-21st-may/</link>
  2200. <comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/06/work-in-loyalty-join-us-at-mega-event-in-dublin-on-21st-may/#comments</comments>
  2202. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator>
  2203. <pubDate>Tue, 06 May 2025 02:11:00 +0000</pubDate>
  2204. <category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
  2205. <category><![CDATA[three]]></category>
  2206. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=780265</guid>
  2207.  
  2208. <description><![CDATA[If you work in travel or loyalty, you are probably familiar with Airline Information&#8217;s conferences and events. Mega Event is its biggest event of the year, pulling together its different specialities (loyalty, airline payments, airline ancillary retailing, loyalty security) into one day. This year Mega Event is in Europe and will be held in Dublin [&#8230;]]]></description>
  2209. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  2210. <p>If you work in travel or loyalty, you are probably familiar with Airline Information&#8217;s conferences and events.</p>
  2211.  
  2212.  
  2213.  
  2214. <p>Mega Event is its biggest event of the year, pulling together its different specialities (loyalty, airline payments, airline ancillary retailing, loyalty security) into one day.</p>
  2215.  
  2216.  
  2217.  
  2218. <p><strong>This year Mega Event is in Europe and will be held in Dublin (at Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport) on 21st May</strong>, with some events on 20th May for those who arrive early.</p>
  2219.  
  2220.  
  2221.  
  2222. <p><strong><em>Head for Points</em> is the Media Partner for Mega Event 2025</strong> and Sinead will be speaking on a panel. I will also be present but trying to keep off the stage unless press-ganged at short notice!</p>
  2223.  
  2224.  
  2225. <div class="wp-block-image">
  2226. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="797" height="531" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AI-Events-logo.webp" alt="Join us at Mega Event in Dublin on 21st May" class="wp-image-780270 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AI-Events-logo.webp 797w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AI-Events-logo-400x266.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AI-Events-logo-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AI-Events-logo-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AI-Events-logo-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AI-Events-logo-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AI-Events-logo-350x233.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 797px) 100vw, 797px" /></figure></div>
  2227.  
  2228.  
  2229. <p>You can <a href="https://www.aiconnects.us/mega-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">see the full agenda for Mega Event 2025 here</a>.</p>
  2230.  
  2231.  
  2232.  
  2233. <p>Early bird events on the afternoon of 20th May include:</p>
  2234.  
  2235.  
  2236.  
  2237. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2238. <li>ChatGPT, AI, Machine Learning And Big Data &#8211; Everything you need to know for airlines &amp; travel</li>
  2239. </ul>
  2240.  
  2241.  
  2242.  
  2243. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2244. <li>What the cloud is and how it can benefit your business</li>
  2245. </ul>
  2246.  
  2247.  
  2248.  
  2249. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2250. <li>Loyalty, Ancillaries, Payments and Fraud &#8211; Implications of these topics converging</li>
  2251. </ul>
  2252.  
  2253.  
  2254.  
  2255. <p>This is followed by <strong>the annual Airline Information Lions’ Den competition</strong>, where loyalty and airline payments start-ups can show off their latest ideas.</p>
  2256.  
  2257.  
  2258.  
  2259. <p>A two-hour welcome party concludes the early bird sessions.</p>
  2260.  
  2261.  
  2262.  
  2263. <p><strong>The main event is on 21st May.</strong></p>
  2264.  
  2265.  
  2266.  
  2267. <p>The morning starts with three sessions in the main room:</p>
  2268.  
  2269.  
  2270.  
  2271. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2272. <li>Case Study:&nbsp; Using AI to maximise ancillary revenue</li>
  2273. </ul>
  2274.  
  2275.  
  2276.  
  2277. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2278. <li>Who’s getting it right in airline retail and ancillary revenue?</li>
  2279. </ul>
  2280.  
  2281.  
  2282.  
  2283. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2284. <li>A Loyalty Call to Action:&nbsp; Trends in program member attitudes &amp; behaviours</li>
  2285. </ul>
  2286.  
  2287.  
  2288.  
  2289. <p>&#8230;. before attendees split into either a loyalty or ancillary track.</p>
  2290.  
  2291.  
  2292. <div class="wp-block-image">
  2293. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Dublin-unsplash-500x333.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-780266 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Dublin-unsplash-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Dublin-unsplash-400x266.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Dublin-unsplash-768x511.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Dublin-unsplash-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Dublin-unsplash-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Dublin-unsplash-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Dublin-unsplash-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Dublin-unsplash.webp 1000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div>
  2294.  
  2295.  
  2296. <p>The loyalty track will cover the following sessions:</p>
  2297.  
  2298.  
  2299.  
  2300. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2301. <li>Seamless Redemption: Optimising&nbsp;the order process to boost loyalty program satisfaction</li>
  2302. </ul>
  2303.  
  2304.  
  2305.  
  2306. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2307. <li>Innovation Session:&nbsp; How United is driving uptake and spend across its co-brand portfolio</li>
  2308. </ul>
  2309.  
  2310.  
  2311.  
  2312. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2313. <li>Mobile-First Loyalty: Engaging travellers on-the-go for maximum revenue impact</li>
  2314. </ul>
  2315.  
  2316.  
  2317.  
  2318. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2319. <li>Loyalty Points as Currency: Revolutionising payment strategies for enhanced customer retention</li>
  2320. </ul>
  2321.  
  2322.  
  2323.  
  2324. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2325. <li>Key Drivers of Loyalty Program Revenue Generation</li>
  2326. </ul>
  2327.  
  2328.  
  2329.  
  2330. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2331. <li>Panel Session:&nbsp; Balancing member engagement with short term program profitability</li>
  2332. </ul>
  2333.  
  2334.  
  2335.  
  2336. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What does it cost to attend?</h2>
  2337.  
  2338.  
  2339.  
  2340. <p><strong>Registration for Mega Event 2025, if you work for an airline or loyalty company, is only $299 </strong>which includes all sessions, two networking receptions and lunch on Thursday.</p>
  2341.  
  2342.  
  2343.  
  2344. <p>If you are classed as a &#8216;vendor&#8217; (loosely defined, but if you think the other attendees are people who could buy what you sell, you&#8217;ll be seen as a &#8216;vendor&#8217;) you will pay $1,699.</p>
  2345.  
  2346.  
  2347.  
  2348. <p>You can <a href="https://www.aiconnects.us/mega-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">find out more, and register, on the Mega Event 2025 website here</a>.</p>
  2349.  
  2350.  
  2351.  
  2352. <p>Sinead and I look forward to seeing you in Dublin!</p>
  2353. ]]></content:encoded>
  2355. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/06/work-in-loyalty-join-us-at-mega-event-in-dublin-on-21st-may/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  2356. <slash:comments>10</slash:comments>
  2359. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">780265</post-id> </item>
  2360. <item>
  2361. <title>Get 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points with a ‘Homes &#038; Villas’ booking</title>
  2362. <link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/06/40000-marriott-bonvoy-points-with-homes-villas-booking/</link>
  2363. <comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/06/40000-marriott-bonvoy-points-with-homes-villas-booking/#comments</comments>
  2365. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator>
  2366. <pubDate>Tue, 06 May 2025 01:21:00 +0000</pubDate>
  2367. <category><![CDATA[Marriott Bonvoy]]></category>
  2368. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=781251</guid>
  2369.  
  2370. <description><![CDATA[Marriott is offering 40,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points if you book a home or villa rental through its &#8216;Homes &#38; Villas&#8217; platform. This is on top of your base points of 5 per $1 spent plus any elite bonus. We&#160;value 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points at £200 so it is a decent return. Until 11th May [&#8230;]]]></description>
  2371. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  2372. <p><strong>Marriott is offering 40,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points if you book a home or villa rental through its &#8216;Homes &amp; Villas&#8217; platform</strong>.</p>
  2373.  
  2374.  
  2375.  
  2376. <p>This is on top of your base points of 5 per $1 spent plus any elite bonus.</p>
  2377.  
  2378.  
  2379.  
  2380. <p>We&nbsp;<a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/08/26/what-are-marriott-bonvoy-hotel-points-worth-3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">value 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points at £200</a> so it is a decent return.</p>
  2381.  
  2382.  
  2383.  
  2384. <p>Until 11th May <strong>you must have elite status in Marriott Bonvoy &#8211; Silver or above &#8211; to take part</strong>.  If you do not have elite status, a general offer &#8211; we don&#8217;t know if the bonus will remain at 40,000 points or not &#8211; will run from 12th May.  </p>
  2385.  
  2386.  
  2387. <div class="wp-block-image">
  2388. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="228" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Homes-Villas-Marriott-logo-500x228.jpg" alt="Get 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points with a ‘Homes &amp; Villas’ booking - elite members only" class="wp-image-457970 aligncenter" style="width:350px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Homes-Villas-Marriott-logo-500x228.jpg 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Homes-Villas-Marriott-logo-400x182.jpg 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Homes-Villas-Marriott-logo-350x159.jpg 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Homes-Villas-Marriott-logo.jpg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div>
  2389.  
  2390.  
  2391. <p>There is a bit of small print:</p>
  2392.  
  2393.  
  2394.  
  2395. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2396. <li><strong>registration is required before booking.</strong></li>
  2397. </ul>
  2398.  
  2399.  
  2400.  
  2401. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2402. <li>there is <strong>a minimum spend requirement of $1,500</strong> before taxes, deposits and cleaning fees</li>
  2403. </ul>
  2404.  
  2405.  
  2406.  
  2407. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2408. <li>there is a two night minimum stay</li>
  2409. </ul>
  2410.  
  2411.  
  2412.  
  2413. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2414. <li>you need to book by 11th May and hold Silver or higher status in Marriott Bonvoy</li>
  2415. </ul>
  2416.  
  2417.  
  2418.  
  2419. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2420. <li>you need to stay between 1st June 2025 and 4th January 2026</li>
  2421. </ul>
  2422.  
  2423.  
  2424.  
  2425. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2426. <li>stays have to be paid 100% in cash &#8211; full or part payment with Marriott Bonvoy points will disqualify you</li>
  2427. </ul>
  2428.  
  2429.  
  2430.  
  2431. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How many points do you earn with Homes &amp; Villas?</h2>
  2432.  
  2433.  
  2434.  
  2435. <p>On top of the 5 base points per $1, elite members of Marriott Bonvoy will earn a status bonus:</p>
  2436.  
  2437.  
  2438.  
  2439. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2440. <li>Silver Elite: 5 base points per eligible $1 plus 10% bonus</li>
  2441.  
  2442.  
  2443.  
  2444. <li>Gold Elite: 5 base points per eligible $1 plus 25% bonus</li>
  2445.  
  2446.  
  2447.  
  2448. <li>Platinum Elite: 5 base points per eligible $1 plus 50% bonus</li>
  2449.  
  2450.  
  2451.  
  2452. <li>Titanium Elite: 5 base points per eligible $1 plus 75% bonus</li>
  2453.  
  2454.  
  2455.  
  2456. <li>Ambassador: 5 base points per eligible $1 plus 75% bonus</li>
  2457. </ul>
  2458.  
  2459.  
  2460.  
  2461. <p>…. and Gold and above receive additional points as a welcome gift:</p>
  2462.  
  2463.  
  2464.  
  2465. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2466. <li>Ambassador Elite, Titanium Elite, Platinum Elite: 1,000 points</li>
  2467.  
  2468.  
  2469.  
  2470. <li>Gold Elite: 500 points</li>
  2471. </ul>
  2472.  
  2473.  
  2474.  
  2475. <p>The 40,000 bonus points for this promotion (assuming your stay qualifies) is on top of these bonuses.</p>
  2476.  
  2477.  
  2478.  
  2479. <p>As well as earning Marriott Bonvoy points,<strong> your stay also earns elite night credits towards Marriott Bonvoy status</strong>. They are not meant to count towards lifetime Bonvoy status but this is not always the case, looking at reader reports.</p>
  2480.  
  2481.  
  2482.  
  2483. <p>If you want to learn more about the programme,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/02/08/review-marriott-bonvoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our full review of Marriott Bonvoy is here</a>.</p>
  2484.  
  2485.  
  2486.  
  2487. <p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/marriott-homes-villas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Homes &amp; Villas by Marriott home page is here</a>.  Click the banner on that page to be taken to a page with the registration link.</p>
  2488. ]]></content:encoded>
  2490. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/06/40000-marriott-bonvoy-points-with-homes-villas-booking/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  2491. <slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
  2494. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">781251</post-id> </item>
  2495. <item>
  2496. <title>Review: Qatar Airways Platinum &#038; Gold Lounge North (for BA Gold &#038; Silver) at Hamad Airport</title>
  2497. <link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/05/review-qatar-airways-gold-platinum-lounge-north-doha-hamad-airport/</link>
  2498. <comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/05/review-qatar-airways-gold-platinum-lounge-north-doha-hamad-airport/#comments</comments>
  2500. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator>
  2501. <pubDate>Mon, 05 May 2025 04:11:57 +0000</pubDate>
  2502. <category><![CDATA[British Airways and Avios]]></category>
  2503. <category><![CDATA[Qatar Airways and Privilege Club]]></category>
  2504. <category><![CDATA[one]]></category>
  2505. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=779177</guid>
  2506.  
  2507. <description><![CDATA[This is our review of the new-ish Qatar Airways Platinum &#38; Gold Lounge North at Doha&#8217;s Hamad Airport, which is where you may end up if you are flying in Economy with a British Airways Gold or Silver card. The last two to three years have seen Qatar Airways aggressively expand its lounge footprint at [&#8230;]]]></description>
  2508. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  2509. <p><strong>This is our review of the new-ish Qatar Airways Platinum &amp; Gold Lounge North at Doha&#8217;s Hamad Airport</strong>, which is <strong>where you may end up if you are flying in Economy with a British Airways Gold or Silver card.</strong></p>
  2510.  
  2511.  
  2512.  
  2513. <p><strong>The last two to three years have seen Qatar Airways aggressively expand its lounge footprint</strong> at its home airport in Doha thanks to expansion of the terminal. The final part of the puzzle, the opening of Piers D and E, opened this year.</p>
  2514.  
  2515.  
  2516.  
  2517. <p>Qatar Airways operates slightly differently to most oneworld airlines in that <strong>it offers two tiers of lounges</strong>.</p>
  2518.  
  2519.  
  2520. <div class="wp-block-image">
  2521. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7446.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="900" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7446.webp" alt="Review: the Qatar Airways Platinum &amp; Gold Lounge North" class="wp-image-779229 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7446.webp 1200w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7446-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7446-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7446-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7446-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></a></figure></div>
  2522.  
  2523.  
  2524. <p>At the top end you have its Al Mourjan business class lounges, which are for passengers flying on business class tickets, either with Qatar Airways or one of its oneworld partners. Elite status alone does NOT get you in.</p>
  2525.  
  2526.  
  2527.  
  2528. <p>If you are passing through Hamad on a business class ticket with Qatar Airways or a oneworld partner, take a look at our reviews:</p>
  2529.  
  2530.  
  2531.  
  2532. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2533. <li><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/11/23/review-qatar-airways-al-mourjan-business-lounge-garden-orchard-doha/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Qatar Airways Al Mourjan The Garden Lounge review</a></li>
  2534.  
  2535.  
  2536.  
  2537. <li><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2022/06/05/review-al-mourjan-business-lounge-qatar-airways-doha-hamad-international-airport/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge review</a></li>
  2538. </ul>
  2539.  
  2540.  
  2541.  
  2542. <p>If you are lucky enough to be flying in First Class, you can go here:</p>
  2543.  
  2544.  
  2545.  
  2546. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2547. <li><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/30/review-al-safwa-first-class-lounge-at-hamad-airport-doha/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Lounge review</a></li>
  2548. </ul>
  2549.  
  2550.  
  2551.  
  2552. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">If you&#8217;re not flying in business class but have status?</h2>
  2553.  
  2554.  
  2555.  
  2556. <p><strong>Underneath these in the pecking order sit Qatar Airways&#8217;s status lounges.</strong></p>
  2557.  
  2558.  
  2559.  
  2560. <p>These are offered at Privilege Club Silver, Privilege Club Gold (oneworld Sapphire so BA Silver) and Privilege Club Platinum (oneworld Emerald so BA Gold) levels and are <strong>open to passengers with status who are not flying in business class.</strong></p>
  2561.  
  2562.  
  2563.  
  2564. <p>(Yes, Qatar operates a lounge for its Silver members, something virtually unheard of in the industry. Unfortunately it is NOT open to oneworld Ruby members, which means no entry to British Airways Bronze cardholders.)</p>
  2565.  
  2566.  
  2567.  
  2568. <p>These lounges can be used by elites who are flying Qatar Airways or another oneworld airline in Economy or on a &#8216;no lounge access&#8217; Business Light cash ticket.</p>
  2569.  
  2570.  
  2571.  
  2572. <p>Whilst we have previously reviewed two of them:</p>
  2573.  
  2574.  
  2575.  
  2576. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2577. <li><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/03/28/review-qatar-airways-platinum-lounge-doha-hamad-airport/" data-type="post" data-id="470999">Qatar Airways Platinum L</a><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/03/28/review-qatar-airways-platinum-lounge-doha-hamad-airport/" data-type="post" data-id="470999" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ounge review</a></li>
  2578.  
  2579.  
  2580.  
  2581. <li><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/04/04/review-qatar-airways-gold-lounge-doha-hamad-airport/" data-type="post" data-id="471030" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Qatar Airways Gold Lounge review</a></li>
  2582. </ul>
  2583.  
  2584.  
  2585.  
  2586. <p>&#8230;. <strong>a fourth lounge has since opened</strong>, near The Orchard and Piers C, D and E in the Northern part of the terminal.</p>
  2587.  
  2588.  
  2589.  
  2590. <p>It is called the Platinum &amp; Gold Lounge North.</p>
  2591.  
  2592.  
  2593.  
  2594. <p>Unlike the other three,<strong> this one features a shared space for oneworld Sapphire (BA Silver) and Emerald (BA Gold) members</strong>. It is also visually distinct, more similar to the open-air concept of the Al Mourjan lounges than the more typical rooms of the other status lounges.</p>
  2595.  
  2596.  
  2597.  
  2598. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Qatar Airways Platinum &amp; Gold Lounge North access requirements</h2>
  2599.  
  2600.  
  2601.  
  2602. <p>As mentioned above, the Qatar Airways Platinum &amp; Gold Lounge North is for passengers who are <em>not </em>travelling in business class but are:</p>
  2603.  
  2604.  
  2605.  
  2606. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2607. <li>oneworld Sapphire or</li>
  2608.  
  2609.  
  2610.  
  2611. <li>oneworld Emerald</li>
  2612. </ul>
  2613.  
  2614.  
  2615.  
  2616. <p>That includes Qatar Airways Platinum &amp; Gold members and British Airways Club Gold and Silver members.<strong> You must be flying on a oneworld airline and you can bring one guest with you.</strong></p>
  2617.  
  2618.  
  2619.  
  2620. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where is the Qatar Airways Platinum &amp; Gold Lounge North?</h2>
  2621.  
  2622.  
  2623.  
  2624. <p>The Platinum &amp; Gold Lounge North is located at the other end of the terminal from where you come out of security if you are transiting or departing from Doha.</p>
  2625.  
  2626.  
  2627.  
  2628. <p>You have two options to get to it: either take the terminal train or you can walk, which takes about 10 minutes on the moving walkways.</p>
  2629.  
  2630.  
  2631.  
  2632. <p><strong>You&#8217;ll want to follow directions for The Orchard or Gates C, D and E</strong>. Once you reach the end of the terminal trunk you should see signs for the lounge, followed by a set of escalators up.</p>
  2633.  
  2634.  
  2635.  
  2636. <p><strong>The lounge is open 24 hours a day </strong>and is busiest overnight, when the majority of Qatar Airways&#8217; flights depart.</p>
  2637.  
  2638.  
  2639.  
  2640. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Inside the Qatar Airways Platinum &amp; Gold Lounge North</h2>
  2641.  
  2642.  
  2643.  
  2644. <p>Rob and I spent about ten minutes in the lounge as part of our tour of all the Qatar Airways lounges at Doha, so this is by no means a full review.  We were also there during the day when it is quieter.  It should give you a good idea of what to expect, however.</p>
  2645.  
  2646.  
  2647.  
  2648. <p>As I mentioned, <strong>the Platinum &amp; Gold Lounge North is totally different to the three other status lounges in the airport</strong>. This is because it was previously used as an overflow Al Mourjan lounge before Al Mourjan &#8211; The Garden opened.</p>
  2649.  
  2650.  
  2651.  
  2652. <p>Technically both lounges are on the same floor but the Al Mourjan lounge faces The Orchard tropical garden whilst this lounge faces the departure gates / terminal. It&#8217;s not quite as scenic but still retains that sense of scale and openness that both Al Mourjan lounges have as a result of being open to the rest of the terminal.</p>
  2653.  
  2654.  
  2655. <div class="wp-block-image">
  2656. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7448.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7448-500x375.webp" alt="Review: the Qatar Airways Platinum &amp; Gold Lounge North" class="wp-image-779230 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7448-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7448-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7448-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7448-350x263.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7448.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div>
  2657.  
  2658.  
  2659. <p>The lounge is slightly curved and features a range of seating. On the left hand side is a small light deli area whilst on the far right hand side you have the main buffet area.</p>
  2660.  
  2661.  
  2662.  
  2663. <p>Throughout the lounge you&#8217;ll find a range of seating, from restaurant-style seating near the dining areas to sofas, armchairs and loungers in between:</p>
  2664.  
  2665.  
  2666. <div class="wp-block-image">
  2667. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7465.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7465-500x375.webp" alt="Review: the Qatar Airways Platinum &amp; Gold Lounge North" class="wp-image-779238 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7465-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7465-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7465-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7465-350x263.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7465.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div>
  2668.  
  2669.  
  2670. <p>and</p>
  2671.  
  2672.  
  2673. <div class="wp-block-image">
  2674. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7455.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7455-500x375.webp" alt="Review: the Qatar Airways Platinum &amp; Gold Lounge North" class="wp-image-779234 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7455-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7455-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7455-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7455-350x263.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7455.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div>
  2675.  
  2676.  
  2677. <p>If you&#8217;re part of a bigger group then there are clusters of sofas arranged together:</p>
  2678.  
  2679.  
  2680. <div class="wp-block-image">
  2681. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7454.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7454-500x375.webp" alt="Review: the Qatar Airways Platinum &amp; Gold Lounge North" class="wp-image-779233 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7454-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7454-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7454-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7454-350x263.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7454.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div>
  2682.  
  2683.  
  2684. <p><strong>There&#8217;s a staffed bar in the centre of the lounge from which you can order alcoholic drinks. </strong>There&#8217;s no champagne but they do serve Veuve Ambal Blanc de Blancs Brut and various other wines and basic spirits such as Smirnoff vodka and Johnnie Walker Red Label whisky.</p>
  2685.  
  2686.  
  2687. <div class="wp-block-image">
  2688. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7452.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7452-500x375.webp" alt="Review: the Qatar Airways Platinum &amp; Gold Lounge North" class="wp-image-779232 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7452-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7452-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7452-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7452-350x263.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7452.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div>
  2689.  
  2690.  
  2691. <p>The food offering is relatively basic, I&#8217;d say. We were there in the morning during breakfast service.<strong> I was impressed by the proper omelettes</strong>, rather than a vat of powdered scramble eggs, which come with chicken sausages and a mushroom sauce:</p>
  2692.  
  2693.  
  2694. <div class="wp-block-image">
  2695. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7457.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7457-500x375.webp" alt="Review: the Qatar Airways Platinum &amp; Gold Lounge North" class="wp-image-779235 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7457-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7457-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7457-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7457-350x263.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7457.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div>
  2696.  
  2697.  
  2698. <p>Foul medames and congee were also available in the hot section. This was accompanied by a continental breakfast with pastries and a small selection of fruit and cold cuts:</p>
  2699.  
  2700.  
  2701. <div class="wp-block-image">
  2702. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7462.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7462-500x375.webp" alt="Review: the Qatar Airways Platinum &amp; Gold Lounge North" class="wp-image-779237 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7462-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7462-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7462-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7462-350x263.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7462.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div>
  2703.  
  2704.  
  2705. <p>There were also three a la carte options:</p>
  2706.  
  2707.  
  2708.  
  2709. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2710. <li>Chicken kabsa with tomato sauce</li>
  2711.  
  2712.  
  2713.  
  2714. <li>Smoked salmon tartare on toasted sourdough</li>
  2715.  
  2716.  
  2717.  
  2718. <li>Onion pulao with aloo gobi matar masala</li>
  2719. </ul>
  2720.  
  2721.  
  2722.  
  2723. <p>You can <a href="https://www.qatarairways.com/content/dam/hia/pdf/platinum-gold-north-en.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">see the full menu here.</a></p>
  2724.  
  2725.  
  2726.  
  2727. <p>I&#8217;m not sure if there&#8217;s a larger selection of food in the buffet later in the day and overnight, when Qatar Airways has its three main flight banks (5pm, 1am and 8am). There were only a handful of people during our visit so it probably doesn&#8217;t make sense for them to go all-out on the buffet during the morning.</p>
  2728.  
  2729.  
  2730. <div class="wp-block-image">
  2731. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7459.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7459-500x375.webp" alt="Review: the Qatar Airways Platinum &amp; Gold Lounge North" class="wp-image-779236 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7459-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7459-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7459-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7459-350x263.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-Gold-Platinum-lounge-north-IMG_7459.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a></figure></div>
  2732.  
  2733.  
  2734. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>
  2735.  
  2736.  
  2737.  
  2738. <p>Obviously this lounge is a step below the Al Mourjan business class lounges. That&#8217;s the entire reason for its existence.</p>
  2739.  
  2740.  
  2741.  
  2742. <p>What is interesting is that, <strong>in terms of style, it sits somewhere between the other Platinum Lounge Qatar operates and Al Mourjan</strong>, thanks to the lack of a ceiling and the sweeping terminal roof line. It is an even bigger step up from the (still excellent) Qatar Gold / oneworld Sapphire lounge.</p>
  2743.  
  2744.  
  2745.  
  2746. <p>The bottom line is that if you don’t have access to the ‘official’ Qatar Airways business class lounges due to your cash ticket being too cheap (all Avios business class tickets DO get you into the ‘official’ Al Mourjan lounge) or if you are flying in economy with British Airways Club status, this is a more than adequate replacement.</p>
  2747. ]]></content:encoded>
  2749. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/05/review-qatar-airways-gold-platinum-lounge-north-doha-hamad-airport/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  2750. <slash:comments>33</slash:comments>
  2753. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">779177</post-id> </item>
  2754. <item>
  2755. <title>Why you shouldn&#8217;t use Avios on Club Europe redemptions from London City Airport</title>
  2756. <link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/05/using-avios-in-club-europe-from-london-city-airport/</link>
  2757. <comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/05/using-avios-in-club-europe-from-london-city-airport/#comments</comments>
  2759. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator>
  2760. <pubDate>Mon, 05 May 2025 03:07:00 +0000</pubDate>
  2761. <category><![CDATA[British Airways and Avios]]></category>
  2762. <category><![CDATA[two]]></category>
  2763. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=765658</guid>
  2764.  
  2765. <description><![CDATA[If you are a newcomer to the world of Avios (and this is an article aimed at newcomers),&#160;I generally recommend that you&#160;try Club Europe business class on short-haul redemptions from Heathrow or Gatwick. I know that this view is not universally shared. But, if you aren&#8217;t used to premium class travel, it opens your eyes [&#8230;]]]></description>
  2766. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  2767. <p>If you are a newcomer to the world of Avios (and this is an article aimed at newcomers),&nbsp;<strong>I generally recommend that you&nbsp;try Club Europe business class on short-haul redemptions from Heathrow or Gatwick.</strong></p>
  2768.  
  2769.  
  2770.  
  2771. <p>I know that this view is not universally shared.</p>
  2772.  
  2773.  
  2774.  
  2775. <p><strong>But, if you aren&#8217;t used to premium class travel, it opens your eyes to what you are missing</strong>.&nbsp; For a relatively modest extra number of Avios &#8211; assuming you are flying to a country near the UK like Germany, the Netherlands or France on an off-peak date &#8211; you would get:</p>
  2776.  
  2777.  
  2778. <div class="wp-block-image">
  2779. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Club-Europe-webp-2-500x333.webp" alt="Club Europe redemptions from London City Airport" class="wp-image-635950 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Club-Europe-webp-2-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Club-Europe-webp-2-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Club-Europe-webp-2-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Club-Europe-webp-2-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Club-Europe-webp-2-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Club-Europe-webp-2-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Club-Europe-webp-2.webp 759w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div>
  2780.  
  2781.  
  2782. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2783. <li>Lounge access (I am generally positive about the BA Heathrow lounges, especially <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/08/01/review-british-airways-lounge-heathrow-terminal-5b-satellite/" data-type="post" data-id="520504" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the refurbished one in the 5B satellite</a>, and <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2022/03/30/review-british-airways-lounges-gatwick-airport-south-terminal/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Gatwick lounges are universally liked</a>)</li>
  2784. </ul>
  2785.  
  2786.  
  2787.  
  2788. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2789. <li>Dedicated check-in desks if you have luggage</li>
  2790. </ul>
  2791.  
  2792.  
  2793.  
  2794. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2795. <li>Fast track security</li>
  2796. </ul>
  2797.  
  2798.  
  2799.  
  2800. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2801. <li>Priority boarding</li>
  2802. </ul>
  2803.  
  2804.  
  2805.  
  2806. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2807. <li>Seat at the front of the plane &#8211; and therefore also the first off, which speeds up immigration</li>
  2808. </ul>
  2809.  
  2810.  
  2811.  
  2812. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2813. <li>Empty middle seat</li>
  2814. </ul>
  2815.  
  2816.  
  2817.  
  2818. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2819. <li>Extra baggage allowance</li>
  2820. </ul>
  2821.  
  2822.  
  2823.  
  2824. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2825. <li>A meal (and they are pretty good these days in the evenings) and premium drinks including champagne</li>
  2826. </ul>
  2827.  
  2828.  
  2829.  
  2830. <p><strong>I think that is EASILY worth an extra few Avios &#8211; usually £30-£50 worth</strong>, although the exact number depends on route and which &#8216;Avios and cash&#8217; combination you choose.&nbsp; It is an especially good deal if you don&#8217;t have British Airways status.</p>
  2831.  
  2832.  
  2833.  
  2834. <p><strong>Coming back, it might not be such a good deal</strong> &#8211; you may or may not get fast track security and you may or may not find the lounge is good.&nbsp; A handful of short haul airports don&#8217;t even have a lounge, or British Airways won&#8217;t pay for it. Outbound, though, I definitely recommend it.</p>
  2835.  
  2836.  
  2837.  
  2838. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Except &#8230;. if you are flying from London City Airport</h2>
  2839.  
  2840.  
  2841.  
  2842. <p>I originally wrote this article in response to an email from a reader who had spent his Avios on Club Europe from London City on a flight to Spain.&nbsp; Because Spain is further from London, the Club Europe premium for Avios is higher than it would be to, say, Amsterdam.</p>
  2843.  
  2844.  
  2845. <div style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="wp-block-image aligncenter">
  2846. <figure class="size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="400" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/BA-Cityflyer-E190-embraer.jpg" alt="Why you shouldn't use Avios on Club Europe redemptions from London City Airport" class="wp-image-366742 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/BA-Cityflyer-E190-embraer.jpg 600w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/BA-Cityflyer-E190-embraer-400x267.jpg 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/BA-Cityflyer-E190-embraer-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/BA-Cityflyer-E190-embraer-180x120.jpg 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/BA-Cityflyer-E190-embraer-360x240.jpg 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/BA-Cityflyer-E190-embraer-350x233.jpg 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure></div>
  2847.  
  2848.  
  2849. <p>This is what you DON&#8217;T get if you redeem for Club Europe from London City:</p>
  2850.  
  2851.  
  2852.  
  2853. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2854. <li>A lounge &#8211; City Airport has no lounges, and the &#8216;be driven to your plane&#8217; pay-to-use lounge in the Private Jet Centre did not reopen post-covid</li>
  2855. </ul>
  2856.  
  2857.  
  2858.  
  2859. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2860. <li>An empty middle seat &#8211; the Embraer 190 fleet, as pictured above, has 2 x 2 seating</li>
  2861. </ul>
  2862.  
  2863.  
  2864.  
  2865. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  2866. <li>Priority boarding &#8211; it exists in theory, but the high percentage of status card holders flying out of City means that virtually every passenger on peak business routes qualifies for it</li>
  2867. </ul>
  2868.  
  2869.  
  2870.  
  2871. <p><strong>You DO get to sit at the front and you DO get better food. </strong>&nbsp;Historically the food served from London City was substantially better than that served from Heathrow of Gatwick &#8211; because there is no other point of difference between the two travel classes &#8211; but <strong>I honestly feel that Heathrow and Gatwick have now closed the gap.</strong></p>
  2872.  
  2873.  
  2874.  
  2875. <p>On the other hand, <strong>Economy passengers still get free snacks and free drinks out of London City.</strong></p>
  2876.  
  2877.  
  2878.  
  2879. <p><strong>You WILL get more legroom</strong>.  Since two additional rows of seats were added to the E190 fleet in 2024, the seat pitch behind the exit row doors is noticeably tighter.  Unless Club Europe goes right back to the exit row, however, you can get the same legroom in Euro Traveller by choosing to sit in front of the emergency exit seats.</p>
  2880.  
  2881.  
  2882.  
  2883. <p>The potential reason to redeem for Club Europe, if you don&#8217;t have unlimited Avios to spend, is <strong>if you need the additional Club Europe baggage allowance.</strong>  If you&#8217;re flying into an airport which is known for bad post-Brexit passport delays for UK passport holders, you may also value sitting at the front and being first off.</p>
  2884.  
  2885.  
  2886.  
  2887. <p>So, in summary &#8211; <strong>I do recommend that you redeem Avios in Club Europe for short haul redemptions if you can, especially outbound from London and especially if you don&#8217;t have British Airways status.&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong></p>
  2888.  
  2889.  
  2890.  
  2891. <p><strong>Just don&#8217;t do it from London City &#8230;. </strong>unless there are no other seats available or you have a lot of luggage.</p>
  2892. ]]></content:encoded>
  2894. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/05/using-avios-in-club-europe-from-london-city-airport/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  2895. <slash:comments>39</slash:comments>
  2898. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">765658</post-id> </item>
  2899. <item>
  2900. <title>Review: The American Express Rewards Credit Card</title>
  2901. <link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/05/review-american-express-rewards-credit-card-6/</link>
  2902. <comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/05/review-american-express-rewards-credit-card-6/#comments</comments>
  2904. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator>
  2905. <pubDate>Mon, 05 May 2025 02:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
  2906. <category><![CDATA[Amex Rewards Credit Card]]></category>
  2907. <category><![CDATA[Credit & Charge Card Reviews]]></category>
  2908. <category><![CDATA[three]]></category>
  2909. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=779856</guid>
  2910.  
  2911. <description><![CDATA[This is our review of The American Express Rewards Credit Card. It is part of our series of articles looking at the major UK loyalty credit cards and discussing whether or not they are worth applying for. These articles are linked to the relevant sections of the &#8216;Credit Cards&#8216; area in the menu bar. Our [&#8230;]]]></description>
  2912. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  2913. <p><strong>This is our review of The American Express Rewards Credit Card</strong>.</p>
  2914.  
  2915.  
  2916.  
  2917. <p>It is part of our series of articles looking at the major UK loyalty credit cards and discussing whether or not they are worth applying for. These articles are linked to the relevant sections of the &#8216;<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/best-uk-avios-airline-hotel-credit-cards/" target="_blank">Credit Cards</a>&#8216; area in the menu bar.  Our other <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/category/credit-card-reviews-series/" target="_blank">UK airline and hotel credit card reviews can be found here</a>.</p>
  2918.  
  2919.  
  2920.  
  2921. <p><strong>Key link:&nbsp; </strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/american-express-gold-credit-card-10000-points/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">The American Express Rewards Credit Card application page</a></p>
  2922.  
  2923.  
  2924. <div class="wp-block-image">
  2925. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="595" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/HfP-ARCC-Amex-Rewards-credit-card-webp.webp" alt="American Express Rewards credit card review" class="wp-image-589958 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/HfP-ARCC-Amex-Rewards-credit-card-webp.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/HfP-ARCC-Amex-Rewards-credit-card-webp-400x264.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/HfP-ARCC-Amex-Rewards-credit-card-webp-500x331.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/HfP-ARCC-Amex-Rewards-credit-card-webp-768x508.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/HfP-ARCC-Amex-Rewards-credit-card-webp-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/HfP-ARCC-Amex-Rewards-credit-card-webp-650x430.webp 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/HfP-ARCC-Amex-Rewards-credit-card-webp-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/HfP-ARCC-Amex-Rewards-credit-card-webp-350x231.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div>
  2926.  
  2927.  
  2928. <p><strong>Key facts:</strong> No annual fee</p>
  2929.  
  2930.  
  2931. <p><strong>The representative APR is 30.0% variable.</strong></p>
  2932.  
  2933.  
  2934.  
  2935. <p>Reward credit cards generally have high interest rates and are not suitable for anyone who does not pay off their full balance each month.  If you do not clear your balance, you should look for a non-rewards credit card with a low interest rate.</p>
  2936.  
  2937.  
  2938.  
  2939. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">About The American Express Rewards Credit Card</h2>
  2940.  
  2941.  
  2942.  
  2943. <p>The American Express Rewards Credit Card is free &#8211; <strong>not just free in the first year, but permanently free.</strong></p>
  2944.  
  2945.  
  2946.  
  2947. <p><b>You earn Membership Rewards points on your spending.</b></p>
  2948.  
  2949.  
  2950.  
  2951. <p>This is<strong> an excellent card for anyone who currently has an American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card or The Platinum Card and is thinking of cancelling it</strong> due to the annual fee. Whilst you wouldn&#8217;t qualify for a sign-up bonus, getting the free American Express Rewards Credit Card would keep your Membership Rewards points balance active.</p>
  2952.  
  2953.  
  2954.  
  2955. <p>If you don&#8217;t do this, you would need to spend or transfer all of your Membership Rewards points before closing your American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card or The Platinum Card.</p>
  2956.  
  2957.  
  2958.  
  2959. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is The American Express Rewards Credit Card sign-up bonus?</h2>
  2960.  
  2961.  
  2962.  
  2963. <p>The American Express Rewards Credit Card <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/american-express-gold-credit-card-10000-points/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">offers a sign-up bonus of 10,000 Membership Rewards points</a> when you spend £2,000 within three months.</p>
  2964.  
  2965.  
  2966.  
  2967. <p>Membership Rewards points can be converted 1 to 1 into Avios.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/02/07/uses-for-american-express-membership-rewards-points/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here for our article on what other reward programmes are Membership Rewards transfer partners</a>.</p>
  2968.  
  2969.  
  2970.  
  2971. <p>This means that <strong>you can receive 10,000 Avios points for free by applying, spending enough to trigger the sign-up bonus and then transferring the points to British Airways</strong>.</p>
  2972.  
  2973.  
  2974.  
  2975. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What are the rules for qualifying for the sign-up bonus?</h2>
  2976.  
  2977.  
  2978.  
  2979. <p>The bonus is only available to customers who have not held a personal American Express card in the previous 24 months.</p>
  2980.  
  2981.  
  2982.  
  2983. <p>You WILL receive the sign-up bonus if you have a Corporate or Business American Express card via your job and you receive Membership Rewards points from it. &nbsp;Amex is only looking at any personal cards you own or have recently owned.</p>
  2984.  
  2985.  
  2986.  
  2987. <p>You will definitely receive the bonus if you are only a supplementary cardholder on someone else&#8217;s American Express card. As far as Amex is concerned, that card belongs to the primarily cardholder and does <em>not</em> make you an &#8216;existing cardholder&#8217;.</p>
  2988.  
  2989.  
  2990.  
  2991. <p><strong>If you do not qualify for the bonus, you can still apply for the card.</strong></p>
  2992.  
  2993.  
  2994. <div class="wp-block-image">
  2995. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-500x333.webp" alt="Review American Express Rewards Credit Card" class="wp-image-562798 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp.webp 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div>
  2996.  
  2997.  
  2998. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Are there any other card benefits?</h2>
  2999.  
  3000.  
  3001.  
  3002. <p>No.</p>
  3003.  
  3004.  
  3005.  
  3006. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is The American Express Rewards Credit Card annual fee?</h2>
  3007.  
  3008.  
  3009.  
  3010. <p>There is no fee for the ARCC card.</p>
  3011.  
  3012.  
  3013.  
  3014. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What do I earn per £1 spent on the ARCC card?</h2>
  3015.  
  3016.  
  3017.  
  3018. <p><strong>You receive 1 Membership Rewards point per £1 spent on the card.</strong></p>
  3019.  
  3020.  
  3021.  
  3022. <p>Unlike the <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-gold/" data-shortcode="true">American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card</a>, there is no bonus for foreign spend or airline spend.</p>
  3023.  
  3024.  
  3025.  
  3026. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is a Membership Rewards point worth?</h2>
  3027.  
  3028.  
  3029.  
  3030. <p>Anything from &#8216;quite a bit&#8217; to &#8216;a lot&#8217; is the answer.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/10/01/what-is-the-best-use-of-amex-membership-rewards-points/" data-type="post" target="_blank" rel="noopener">I wrote this lengthy article on what American Express Membership Rewards points are worth</a>.</p>
  3031.  
  3032.  
  3033.  
  3034. <p>I value airline miles at 0.75p &#8211; 1p each (this is conservative) so that is your valuation if you transfer to an airline programme.</p>
  3035.  
  3036.  
  3037.  
  3038. <p><strong>Some of the hotel programmes also offer good value</strong>.  You can choose from Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy and Radisson Rewards.</p>
  3039.  
  3040.  
  3041.  
  3042. <p><a title="Membership Rewards airline partners" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/membership-rewards-airline-partners/" target="_blank">You can take a look at the full list of Membership Rewards options here</a>.</p>
  3043.  
  3044.  
  3045. <div class="wp-block-image">
  3046. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="317" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ARCC-American-Express-Rewards-Credit-Card-500x317.jpg" alt="Review American Express Rewards Credit Card" class="wp-image-584180 aligncenter" style="width:350px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ARCC-American-Express-Rewards-Credit-Card-500x317.jpg 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ARCC-American-Express-Rewards-Credit-Card-400x253.jpg 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ARCC-American-Express-Rewards-Credit-Card-768x486.jpg 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ARCC-American-Express-Rewards-Credit-Card-350x222.jpg 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ARCC-American-Express-Rewards-Credit-Card.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div>
  3047.  
  3048.  
  3049. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Is ARCC a good card to use when travelling?</h2>
  3050.  
  3051.  
  3052.  
  3053. <p>As Amex adds a 2.99% foreign exchange fee, <strong>you might want to get a separate free credit card to use abroad</strong>.</p>
  3054.  
  3055.  
  3056.  
  3057. <p>Unfortunately there are no credit cards with 0% foreign exchange fees worldwide which earn airline or hotel points.  (The <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/virgin-atlantic-reward-credit-cards-joint-home/" data-shortcode="true">Virgin Atlantic credit cards</a> have 0% FX fees in the Eurozone.)&nbsp; <strong>One <strong>option is to get a free card from Currensea. </strong></strong>Currensea is a simple but clever idea.  You pay abroad with your Currensea Mastercard debit card. Currensea translates the cost to Sterling with just a 0.5% fee (83% less than Amex charges) and withdraws the money from your bank account.  <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/currensea-home/" target="_blank">You can find out more about Currensea by clicking here</a>.  <strong>Currensea is free </strong>so there is no risk in giving it a try.</p>
  3058.  
  3059.  
  3060.  
  3061. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other points to note</h2>
  3062.  
  3063.  
  3064.  
  3065. <p>You can apply for the card with a minimum personal income of just £20,000.</p>
  3066.  
  3067.  
  3068.  
  3069. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>
  3070.  
  3071.  
  3072.  
  3073. <p>The American Express Rewards Credit Card is, in itself, a decent deal.</p>
  3074.  
  3075.  
  3076.  
  3077. <p>However, for one year, it would make more sense to take out the <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-gold/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card</a>:</p>
  3078.  
  3079.  
  3080.  
  3081. <p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0da04bc68c0c0016a572d1ba1ef5a64c"><strong>SPECIAL OFFER:  Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the &#8216;free for a year&#8217; American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points.  Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes.  Some people may see even higher personalised offers.  </strong><strong><u><a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-gold/" data-shortcode="true">Click here to apply</a></u>.</strong></p>
  3082.  
  3083.  
  3084. <div id="summarybox-block_9b7895a298237cb2d58a86fbb09a6995" class="hfp-cpm summary-box-cmp">
  3085. <div class="summarybox">
  3086. <div class="summarybox--card">
  3087. <figure>
  3088. <img decoding="async" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Amex-Gold-new-card-2023-400x253.jpg" alt="" />
  3089. </figure>
  3090. <div>
  3091. <h3>American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card</h3>
  3092. <p>Your best beginner&#8217;s card &#8211; 30,000 points, FREE for a year &#038; four airport lounge passes   <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/05/25/review-american-express-preferred-rewards-gold-amex-gold-credit-card-3/">Read our full review</a></p>
  3093. </div>
  3094. </div>
  3095. </div>
  3096. </div>
  3098.  
  3099.  
  3100.  
  3101.  
  3102. <p>This has a far bigger<strong> sign-up bonus of 20,000 Membership Rewards points which is the most generous incentive available on a free UK charge or credit card.&nbsp; </strong>You also receive <strong>four</strong> FREE airport lounge passes.&nbsp;&nbsp;When your free year is up, you could switch to The American Express Rewards Credit Card.</p>
  3103.  
  3104.  
  3105.  
  3106. <p>For day to day spending on a free card, 1 point per £1 is a good return &#8211; although Preferred Rewards Gold beats it due to double points on foreign and airline spend, and the annual spend bonus of up to 12,500 points.</p>
  3107.  
  3108.  
  3109.  
  3110. <p><strong>The best reason for getting the ARCC card is to protect your Membership Rewards points if you are planning to cancel the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card or The Platinum Card.</strong></p>
  3111.  
  3112.  
  3113.  
  3114. <p>The application form for the free American Express Rewards credit card can be found <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/american-express-gold-credit-card-10000-points/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">here</a>.</p>
  3115.  
  3116.  
  3117.  
  3118. <div style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  id="cta-button-block_20a2ee3a9b908309f66b559d0e9fa462" class="hfp-cpm cta-button-cmp aligncenter">
  3119. <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/american-express-gold-credit-card-10000-points/" target="_blank">Click here to apply for The American Express Rewards Credit Card</a>
  3120. </div>
  3121.  
  3122.  
  3123.  
  3124.  
  3125. <div style="height:20px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>
  3126.  
  3127.  
  3128.  
  3129. <p><em>(<strong>Want to earn more miles and points from credit cards?  </strong>Click here to </em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/best-uk-avios-airline-hotel-credit-cards" target="_blank"><em>visit our dedicated airline and hotel travel credit cards page</em></a><em> or use the &#8216;Credit Cards&#8217; link in the menu bar at the top of the page.)</em></p>
  3130.  
  3131.  
  3132.  
  3133. <p><em>Disclaimer: Head for Points is a journalistic website. Nothing here should be construed as financial advice, and it is your own responsibility to ensure that any product is right for your circumstances. Recommendations are based primarily on the ability to earn miles and points. The site discusses products offered by lenders but is not a lender itself.  Robert Burgess, trading as Head for Points, is regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as an independent credit broker.</em></p>
  3134. ]]></content:encoded>
  3136. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/05/review-american-express-rewards-credit-card-6/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  3137. <slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
  3140. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">779856</post-id> </item>
  3141. <item>
  3142. <title>&#8216;The Travel Brief&#8217;, the weekly Head for Points travel trade newsletter</title>
  3143. <link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/05/business-travel-news-132/</link>
  3144. <comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/05/business-travel-news-132/#respond</comments>
  3146. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator>
  3147. <pubDate>Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  3148. <category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
  3149. <category><![CDATA[The Travel Brief]]></category>
  3150. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=780169</guid>
  3151.  
  3152. <description><![CDATA[Welcome to The Travel Brief, your weekly trade round-up of UK business travel and travel loyalty news as well as the latest reviews and features from the Head for Points team. If you are not a subscriber, you can sign up here to receive this free newsletter in your inbox every Monday. Please forward it [&#8230;]]]></description>
  3153. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  3154. <p class="has-text-align-left">Welcome to <em>The Travel Brief</em>, <strong>your weekly trade round-up of UK business travel and travel loyalty news</strong> as well as <strong>the latest reviews and features</strong> from the <em>Head for Points</em> team.</p>
  3155.  
  3156.  
  3157.  
  3158. <p class="has-text-align-left">If you are not a subscriber, <a href="https://eepurl.com/iaRCsT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">you can sign up here</a> to receive this free newsletter in your inbox every Monday. <strong>Please forward it to any colleagues&nbsp;who you think may be interested.</strong></p>
  3159.  
  3160.  
  3161. <div class="wp-block-image">
  3162. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/citizenM-logo-light-500x375.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-405260 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/citizenM-logo-light-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/citizenM-logo-light-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/citizenM-logo-light-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/citizenM-logo-light-350x263.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/citizenM-logo-light.webp 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div>
  3163.  
  3164.  
  3165. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">This week&#8217;s top travel news stories:</h2>
  3166.  
  3167.  
  3168.  
  3169. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/28/marriott-to-buy-citizenm-brand/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Marriott buys citizenM hotels (now 37 brands, but who’s counting?)</strong></a></p>
  3170.  
  3171.  
  3172.  
  3173. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/02/british-airways-first-class-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>KLM launches flights to Barbados</strong></a></p>
  3174.  
  3175.  
  3176.  
  3177. <p><strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/30/virgin-atlantic-cancels-tel-aviv-flights/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virgin Atlantic permanently cancels Tel Aviv route amid ongoing uncertainty</a></strong></p>
  3178.  
  3179.  
  3180.  
  3181. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/29/saudia-opens-new-airline-lounge-at-heathrow-in-the-old-skyteam-lounge/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Saudia opens a new airline lounge at Heathrow Terminal 4</strong></a></p>
  3182.  
  3183.  
  3184.  
  3185. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/01/virgin-hotels-london-shoreditch-launched/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Virgin Hotels London Shoreditch is officially launched – and I’m impressed so far</strong></a></p>
  3186.  
  3187.  
  3188.  
  3189. <p><strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/30/oman-air-oneworld-alliance-joining-date/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oman Air confirms its oneworld entry date</a></strong></p>
  3190.  
  3191.  
  3192.  
  3193. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/02/hilton-summer-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SALE: Save up to 20% on UK &amp; Ireland hotels in the Hilton Summer Sale</strong></a></p>
  3194.  
  3195.  
  3196.  
  3197. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/02/british-airways-first-class-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Good First Class fares on BA to the US East Coast for the autumn and winter</strong></a></p>
  3198.  
  3199.  
  3200.  
  3201. <p><strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/30/oman-air-oneworld-alliance-joining-date/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bristol Airport confirms the opening date for its brand new lounge</a></strong></p>
  3202.  
  3203.  
  3204.  
  3205. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/01/oneworld-emerald-benefits-on-british-airways/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>What does British Airways Gold status give you that other oneworld Emerald cards don’t?</strong></a></p>
  3206.  
  3207.  
  3208.  
  3209. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stories we recommend from other sites:</h3>
  3210.  
  3211.  
  3212.  
  3213. <p><a href="https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2025/05/03/heathrow-opens-birdwatching-tower/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Heathrow opens birdwatching tower</a>  (<em>Business Traveller</em>)</p>
  3214.  
  3215.  
  3216.  
  3217. <p><a href="https://travelweekly.co.uk/news/gatwick-faces-double-strike-disruption-threat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gatwick faces double strike disruption threat</a>  (<em>Travel Weekly</em>)</p>
  3218.  
  3219.  
  3220.  
  3221. <p><a href="https://ukaviation.news/aer-lingus-regional-restarts-newquay-to-dublin-service/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aer Lingus Regional restarts Newquay to Dublin service</a>  (<em>UK Aviation News</em>)</p>
  3222.  
  3223.  
  3224.  
  3225. <p><a href="https://simpleflying.com/how-british-airways-became-speedbird/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How British Airways became &#8216;Speedbird&#8217;</a>  (<em>Simple Flying</em>)</p>
  3226.  
  3227.  
  3228.  
  3229. <p><a href="https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2025/05/02/edinburgh-airport-completes-installation-of-new-security-scanners/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Edinburgh Airport completes installation of new security scanners</a>  (<em>Business Traveller</em>)</p>
  3230.  
  3231.  
  3232. <div class="wp-block-image">
  3233. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Qatar-Airways-Starlink-7330-500x375.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-777584 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Qatar-Airways-Starlink-7330-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Qatar-Airways-Starlink-7330-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Qatar-Airways-Starlink-7330-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Qatar-Airways-Starlink-7330-350x263.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Qatar-Airways-Starlink-7330.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div>
  3234.  
  3235.  
  3236. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Our latest reviews:</h2>
  3237.  
  3238.  
  3239.  
  3240. <p>Rob and Rhys were in Doha last week and checked out the latest developments from Qatar Airways:</p>
  3241.  
  3242.  
  3243.  
  3244. <p><strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/28/review-qatar-airways-starlink-wifi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">We try out Qatar Airways’ new Starlink wifi – a genuine game-changer</a></strong>. Gate to gate wifi at speeds beyond your home or office. Image above.</p>
  3245.  
  3246.  
  3247.  
  3248. <p><strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/30/review-al-safwa-first-class-lounge-at-hamad-airport-doha/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Review: the Al Safwa First Lounge at Hamad Airport, Doha</a></strong> &#8211; find out why this is the most architectually stunning airport lounge in the world.  Image below.</p>
  3249.  
  3250.  
  3251.  
  3252. <p>On a totally different tack &#8230;.</p>
  3253.  
  3254.  
  3255.  
  3256. <p>Conny heads to Gibraltar and <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/03/review-sunborn-gibraltar-yacht-hotel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>tries out the Sunborn Gibraltar yacht hotel</strong></a> &#8211; walkable from the airport with amazing runway views (although not many flights to see!)</p>
  3257.  
  3258.  
  3259. <div class="wp-block-image">
  3260. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Qatar-Al-Safwa-lounge-7410-500x375.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-777674 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Qatar-Al-Safwa-lounge-7410-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Qatar-Al-Safwa-lounge-7410-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Qatar-Al-Safwa-lounge-7410-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Qatar-Al-Safwa-lounge-7410-350x263.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Qatar-Al-Safwa-lounge-7410.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div>
  3261.  
  3262.  
  3263. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The latest UK travel loyalty news:</h2>
  3264.  
  3265.  
  3266.  
  3267. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/02/hilton-summer-2025-bonus-points-offer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>REGISTER NOW: Hilton launches its new bonus points promotion for June to mid-August stays</strong></a></p>
  3268.  
  3269.  
  3270.  
  3271. <p><strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/02/hsbc-transfer-bonus-to-avios/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Get a 30% bonus on HSBC Premier credit card points conversions to (Qatar) Avios</a></strong></p>
  3272.  
  3273.  
  3274.  
  3275. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/03/get-a-30-bonus-on-hotel-points-transfers-to-avios-but-is-it-a-good-deal/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Get a 30% bonus on hotel points transfers to Avios – but is it a good deal?</strong></a></p>
  3276.  
  3277.  
  3278.  
  3279. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/27/using-virgin-atlantic-credit-card-vouchers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Is this the sweet spot for using Virgin Atlantic credit card vouchers?</strong></a></p>
  3280.  
  3281.  
  3282.  
  3283. <p><strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/01/wine-flyer-may-offer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NEW: Get 6,000 Avios for £149 of wine by combining two (or three) The Wine Flyer deals</a></strong></p>
  3284.  
  3285.  
  3286.  
  3287. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/28/lufthansa-miles-and-more-british-airways-status-match/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>STILL ON: British Airways Silver and Gold members can get a rare Lufthansa status match</strong></a></p>
  3288.  
  3289.  
  3290.  
  3291. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/28/rotana-rewards-status-match/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>A cunning plan to get free, valuable, top-tier GHA hotel status for 2026</strong></a></p>
  3292.  
  3293.  
  3294.  
  3295. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/27/hilton-accor-wembley-redemptions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hilton and Accor add new football and concert experiences for your hotel points</strong></a></p>
  3296.  
  3297.  
  3298.  
  3299. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/29/hotel-mobile-checkin/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Got a pre-paid hotel room you can’t use? Do mobile check-in anyway ….</strong></a></p>
  3300.  
  3301.  
  3302.  
  3303. <p>We update our <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/03/review-american-express-preferred-rewards-gold-amex-gold-credit-card-4/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>annual review of</strong> <strong>the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card</strong></a>.  Is it still our preferred choice for the miles and points newcomer?</p>
  3304.  
  3305.  
  3306. <div class="wp-block-image">
  3307. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="331" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-500x331.webp" alt="Get a 80,000 points bonus (converts to 80,000 Avios) with Amex Platinum" class="wp-image-414434 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-500x331.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-400x265.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-768x508.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-650x430.webp 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-350x232.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div>
  3308.  
  3309.  
  3310. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">ENDS SOON: Get a 80,000 points bonus (converts to 80,000 Avios) with Amex Platinum</h2>
  3311.  
  3312.  
  3313.  
  3314. <p>American Express is running a special sign-up bonus on the <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-platinum/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Platinum Card from American Express</a> &#8211; apply <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-platinum/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. <strong>The bonus is increased from 50,000 to 80,000 Membership Rewards points</strong> which converts to:</p>
  3315.  
  3316.  
  3317.  
  3318. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  3319. <li>80,000 Avios</li>
  3320.  
  3321.  
  3322.  
  3323. <li>80,000 Virgin Points</li>
  3324.  
  3325.  
  3326.  
  3327. <li>80,000 Etihad, Flying Blue, Asia Miles, Delta, Qantas or SAS miles</li>
  3328.  
  3329.  
  3330.  
  3331. <li>60,000 Emirates miles</li>
  3332.  
  3333.  
  3334.  
  3335. <li>53,333 Singapore Airlines miles</li>
  3336.  
  3337.  
  3338.  
  3339. <li>160,000 Hilton Honors points</li>
  3340.  
  3341.  
  3342.  
  3343. <li>120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points</li>
  3344.  
  3345.  
  3346.  
  3347. <li>240,000 Radisson Rewards points</li>
  3348.  
  3349.  
  3350.  
  3351. <li>5,332 Club Eurostar points</li>
  3352. </ul>
  3353.  
  3354.  
  3355.  
  3356. <p>…. and many other non-travel rewards.</p>
  3357.  
  3358.  
  3359.  
  3360. <p><strong>You receive 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending £10,000 in six months.</strong></p>
  3361.  
  3362.  
  3363.  
  3364. <p>The card has an annual fee of £650.<strong>  You will receive a pro-rata refund</strong> if you cancel the card mid-year.</p>
  3365.  
  3366.  
  3367.  
  3368. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/20/still-on-get-80000-points-converts-to-80000-avios-with-american-express-platinum/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Our main article on the 80,000 points bonus is here</a>. Make sure you read the bit about whether or not you qualify for the bonus.</p>
  3369.  
  3370.  
  3371.  
  3372. <p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-43def908463e23b6c59a952b832f438c"><strong>You DO qualify for the 80,000 points even if you have a British Airways American Express card</strong>.</p>
  3373.  
  3374.  
  3375.  
  3376. <p>You can apply for the American Express Platinum Card with the special bonus <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-platinum/" data-shortcode="true">on this page of the Amex website</a>.  <strong>You may even see a bonus higher than 80,000 points</strong> as Amex is targeting some people with a different offer.</p>
  3377.  
  3378.  
  3379.  
  3380. <p><strong>The special offer ends on 27th May.</strong></p>
  3381.  
  3382.  
  3383. <p><strong>The representative APR is 694.9% variable, including the annual fee.  The representative APR on purchases is 30.0% variable.</strong></p>
  3384.  
  3385.  
  3386.  
  3387. <p><em>Head for Points</em> receives a commission if you apply via our link &#8211; thank you.</p>
  3388.  
  3389.  
  3390.  
  3391. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you for reading</h2>
  3392.  
  3393.  
  3394.  
  3395. <p>Please drop me a note at rob@headforpoints.com with any feedback.</p>
  3396.  
  3397.  
  3398.  
  3399. <p>If you are booking a hotel this week, <strong><a data-type="post" data-id="757923" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/best-uk-hotel-points-promotions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here to read our summary of the best bonus points offers for May from the big chains</a>.</strong></p>
  3400.  
  3401.  
  3402.  
  3403. <p>See you next Monday,</p>
  3404.  
  3405.  
  3406.  
  3407. <p>Rob, Rhys, Sinead and Katie @ Head for Points</p>
  3408.  
  3409.  
  3410.  
  3411. <p>PS. If you were forwarded &#8216;The Travel Brief&#8217; by a colleague, you can sign up for a free email subscription by <a href="https://eepurl.com/iaRCsT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">filling in the form here</a>.</p>
  3412. ]]></content:encoded>
  3414. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/05/business-travel-news-132/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  3415. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  3418. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">780169</post-id> </item>
  3419. <item>
  3420. <title>Review: Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula, Granada (Marriott&#8217;s Autograph Collection)</title>
  3421. <link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/04/review-palacio-de-santa-paula-hotel-granada/</link>
  3422. <comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/04/review-palacio-de-santa-paula-hotel-granada/#comments</comments>
  3424. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Conny Urban]]></dc:creator>
  3425. <pubDate>Sun, 04 May 2025 04:11:00 +0000</pubDate>
  3426. <category><![CDATA[Marriott Bonvoy]]></category>
  3427. <category><![CDATA[Hotel reviews]]></category>
  3428. <category><![CDATA[one]]></category>
  3429. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=779260</guid>
  3430.  
  3431. <description><![CDATA[This is our review of Marriott&#8217;s Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula in Granada, Spain. Following our stay at the Sunborn Gibraltar yacht hotel, we arrived by train in Granada for the second leg of our Andalusian Easter trip. Palacio de Santa Paula is a heritage hotel in Granada&#8217;s city centre converted from a former convent. [&#8230;]]]></description>
  3432. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  3433. <p><strong>This is our review of Marriott&#8217;s Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula in Granada, Spain.</strong></p>
  3434.  
  3435.  
  3436.  
  3437. <p>Following <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/03/review-sunborn-gibraltar-yacht-hotel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our stay at the Sunborn Gibraltar yacht hotel</a>, we arrived by train in Granada for the second leg of our Andalusian Easter trip.</p>
  3438.  
  3439.  
  3440.  
  3441. <p><strong>Palacio de Santa Paula is a heritage hotel in Granada&#8217;s city centre converted from a former convent.</strong> The complex dates back to the 16th century with remains of the original Arab houses even older.</p>
  3442.  
  3443.  
  3444. <div class="wp-block-image">
  3445. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4825.webp" alt="Palacio de Santa Paula" class="wp-image-779272 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4825.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4825-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4825-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4825-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4825-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div>
  3446.  
  3447.  
  3448. <p>The hotel is located on the wide and leafy Gran Vía de Colón lined with one architectural beauty after another. It is the perfect starting point to explore the city with the cathedral virtually next door.</p>
  3449.  
  3450.  
  3451.  
  3452. <p>I love historic hotels and was excited to stay here, although it didn&#8217;t quite live up to expectations. We paid cash and the hotel did not know I would be reviewing it.</p>
  3453.  
  3454.  
  3455.  
  3456. <p>You can <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/autograph-palacio-de-santa-paula-granada/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">find out more on the hotel website here</a>.</p>
  3457.  
  3458.  
  3459.  
  3460. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The lobby</h2>
  3461.  
  3462.  
  3463.  
  3464. <p>First impressions here are great, even when you realise that the ceiling design is actually wallpaper!</p>
  3465.  
  3466.  
  3467.  
  3468. <p><strong>The conversion from a convent left lots of original features exposed </strong>and integrated in the design, although it is noticeable that the conversion was some time ago (the hotel opened in 2001) and little seems to have been done since.</p>
  3469.  
  3470.  
  3471.  
  3472. <p>The reception staff were very friendly and helpful, especially when our Alhambra ticket supplier cancelled our booking and we needed to secure replacements.</p>
  3473.  
  3474.  
  3475. <div class="wp-block-image">
  3476. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4807.webp" alt="Palacio de Santa Paula reception" class="wp-image-779270 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4807.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4807-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4807-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4807-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4807-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div>
  3477.  
  3478.  
  3479. <p>The seating area below is part of the lobby. The wall paintings are original and combined with red velvet-covered benches made for a special atmosphere.</p>
  3480.  
  3481.  
  3482. <div class="wp-block-image">
  3483. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4804.webp" alt="Palacio de Santa Paula lobby" class="wp-image-779269 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4804.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4804-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4804-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4804-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4804-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div>
  3484.  
  3485.  
  3486. <p>Figurines from the former convent were decorating the walls:</p>
  3487.  
  3488.  
  3489. <div class="wp-block-image">
  3490. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4997.webp" alt="Palacio de Santa Paula lobby 1" class="wp-image-779282 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4997.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4997-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4997-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4997-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4997-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div>
  3491.  
  3492.  
  3493. <p><strong>The large cobbled inner courtyard looks amazing. </strong>There are even a few gravestones left between the cobblestones.</p>
  3494.  
  3495.  
  3496.  
  3497. <p>On the ground floor are the restaurant and bar with outside seating in the cloister or the courtyard. It was a shame that it was too chilly for us to sit outside but in the summer months this must be lovely and cool.</p>
  3498.  
  3499.  
  3500.  
  3501. <p>There is a large function room which is used for conferences and events and was well used during our stay.</p>
  3502.  
  3503.  
  3504.  
  3505. <p>The courtyard is a tranquil oasis and a stark contrast from the buzzy streets outside.</p>
  3506.  
  3507.  
  3508. <div class="wp-block-image">
  3509. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4788.webp" alt="Palacio de Santa Paula courtyard" class="wp-image-779265 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4788.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4788-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4788-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4788-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4788-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div>
  3510.  
  3511.  
  3512. <p>Some rooms are in the front of the building, overlooking the street. Others, like mine, are on the first floor leading off the cloister. It was great to walk out of our room to this view every morning.</p>
  3513.  
  3514.  
  3515. <div class="wp-block-image">
  3516. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4790.webp" alt="Palacio de Santa Paula courtyard first floor" class="wp-image-779266 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4790.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4790-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4790-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4790-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4790-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div>
  3517.  
  3518.  
  3519. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Our rooms at Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula</h2>
  3520.  
  3521.  
  3522.  
  3523. <p>We had two rooms for the family in different parts of the hotel.</p>
  3524.  
  3525.  
  3526.  
  3527. <p><strong>I was in a Premium Deluxe room overlooking the courtyard</strong>.  It was spacious and comfortable with a large twin bed.</p>
  3528.  
  3529.  
  3530.  
  3531. <p>It wasn&#8217;t perfectly set up. As there was no desk we used the small round table between the armchairs to work. There was only one light switch, which meant hopping out of bed every time!</p>
  3532.  
  3533.  
  3534.  
  3535. <p>In order to provide privacy from passing hotel guests the windows had shutters and our room was relatively dark. Maybe at the height of summer this is a cool respite but on a rainy day it felt a bit gloomy inside.</p>
  3536.  
  3537.  
  3538. <div class="wp-block-image">
  3539. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4766.webp" alt="Palacio de Santa Paula premium deluxe room" class="wp-image-779263 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4766.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4766-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4766-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4766-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4766-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div>
  3540.  
  3541.  
  3542. <p>The bathroom is tiled in terracotta and beige with large floor tiles in keeping with the colours of the former convent.</p>
  3543.  
  3544.  
  3545.  
  3546. <p>Unfortunately our shampoo (toiletries are from Nuxe, Paris) ran out on the first day and was not refilled until we specifically requested it. The shower temperature swung from boiling to freezing and was difficult to calibrate. On the upside, we had double sinks and the bathroom included a bidet.</p>
  3547.  
  3548.  
  3549. <div class="wp-block-image">
  3550. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4768.webp" alt="Palacio de Santa Paula premium deluxe bathroom" class="wp-image-779264 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4768.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4768-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4768-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4768-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4768-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div>
  3551.  
  3552.  
  3553. <p>Below is the second and smaller courtyard which is accessed via a small passageway from the main one above. It is a lush and green open space.</p>
  3554.  
  3555.  
  3556.  
  3557. <p>Our second room was leading off from here on the first floor.</p>
  3558.  
  3559.  
  3560. <div class="wp-block-image">
  3561. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4950.webp" alt="Palacio de Santa Paula small courtyard" class="wp-image-779278 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4950.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4950-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4950-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4950-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4950-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div>
  3562.  
  3563.  
  3564. <p><strong>Here we had a Junior Suite</strong>. From the entrance there were a few steps down to the sitting room area.</p>
  3565.  
  3566.  
  3567. <div class="wp-block-image">
  3568. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_9783.webp" alt="Palacio de Santa Paula junior suite living room" class="wp-image-779283 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_9783.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_9783-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_9783-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_9783-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_9783-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div>
  3569.  
  3570.  
  3571. <p>One window in the bedroom overlooked a very narrow street in the old town. The bathroom was identical to the Premium Deluxe room.</p>
  3572.  
  3573.  
  3574. <div class="wp-block-image">
  3575. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_9786.webp" alt="Palacio de Santa Paula junior suite bedroom" class="wp-image-779284 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_9786.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_9786-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_9786-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_9786-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_9786-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div>
  3576.  
  3577.  
  3578. <p>The Junior Suite had a special feature &#8211; a small private terrace. It was partly covered which meant the chairs remained dry in the rain and would be shaded in the summer months.</p>
  3579.  
  3580.  
  3581. <div class="wp-block-image">
  3582. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_9803.webp" alt="Palacio de Santa Paula junior suite terrace" class="wp-image-779285 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_9803.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_9803-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_9803-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_9803-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_9803-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div>
  3583.  
  3584.  
  3585. <p>Unfortunately we had some issues with this room too.  The air conditioning refused to heat the room (it was chilly despite being April) and on the first night sprung a leak, creating a pool of water on the floor.  Even when fixed we couldn&#8217;t get the room warm.</p>
  3586.  
  3587.  
  3588.  
  3589. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Breakfast</h2>
  3590.  
  3591.  
  3592.  
  3593. <p><strong>Breakfast is served in El Claustro restaurant.</strong> In the evening this is a well regarded fine dining spot offering Spanish cuisine although we did not eat here.</p>
  3594.  
  3595.  
  3596.  
  3597. <p>It is in one of the larger historic rooms and very beautiful.</p>
  3598.  
  3599.  
  3600. <div class="wp-block-image">
  3601. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4795.webp" alt="Palacio de Santa Paula El Claustro Restaurant" class="wp-image-779267 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4795.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4795-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4795-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4795-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4795-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div>
  3602.  
  3603.  
  3604. <p>Here are outside tables in the cloister:</p>
  3605.  
  3606.  
  3607. <div class="wp-block-image">
  3608. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4960.webp" alt="Palacio de Santa Paula cloister" class="wp-image-779280 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4960.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4960-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4960-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4960-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4960-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div>
  3609.  
  3610.  
  3611. <p>The breakfast is a combination of a small buffet and a la carte. The buffet included local specialities like Jamon Ibérico and Iberian cheeses which made my day. There was also a large honeycomb.</p>
  3612.  
  3613.  
  3614. <div class="wp-block-image">
  3615. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4811.webp" alt="Palacio de Santa Paula breakfast buffet" class="wp-image-779271 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4811.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4811-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4811-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4811-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4811-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div>
  3616.  
  3617.  
  3618. <p>Here is a selection of local pastries:</p>
  3619.  
  3620.  
  3621. <div class="wp-block-image">
  3622. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4905.webp" alt="Palacio de Santa Paula breakfast buffet" class="wp-image-779274 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4905.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4905-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4905-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4905-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4905-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div>
  3623.  
  3624.  
  3625. <p>Here is an example of the cooked items &#8211; poached eggs on brioche toast. The poached egg seemed to have lost its egg white but the taste was good.</p>
  3626.  
  3627.  
  3628. <div class="wp-block-image">
  3629. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4907.webp" alt="Palacio de Santa Paula breakfast poached eggs" class="wp-image-779275 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4907.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4907-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4907-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4907-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4907-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div>
  3630.  
  3631.  
  3632. <p><strong>La Barra El Claustro is the bar of the hotel.</strong> It has a great atmosphere with the altar behind the bar and excellent service.</p>
  3633.  
  3634.  
  3635.  
  3636. <p>Live music plays on Fridays and Saturdays. During our stay an Irish band was playing one night and a jazz combo the next. It varies from week to week and April would see flamenco and other Spanish guitar music on the following weekends.</p>
  3637.  
  3638.  
  3639. <div class="wp-block-image">
  3640. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4798.webp" alt="Palacio de Santa Paula El Barra El Claustro" class="wp-image-779268 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4798.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4798-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4798-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4798-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4798-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div>
  3641.  
  3642.  
  3643. <p>Between the large and small courtyards is a cobbled vault to hang out.</p>
  3644.  
  3645.  
  3646. <div class="wp-block-image">
  3647. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4948.webp" alt="Palacio de Santa Paula vault space" class="wp-image-779277 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4948.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4948-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4948-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4948-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4948-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div>
  3648.  
  3649.  
  3650. <p>The gym is very small and there is also a sauna for guests.</p>
  3651.  
  3652.  
  3653. <div class="wp-block-image">
  3654. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4954.webp" alt="Palacio de Santa Paula gym" class="wp-image-779279 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4954.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4954-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4954-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4954-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4954-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div>
  3655.  
  3656.  
  3657. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>
  3658.  
  3659.  
  3660.  
  3661. <p>The Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula occupies a great location on an attractive wide street, very close to the major sights in Granada.</p>
  3662.  
  3663.  
  3664.  
  3665. <p>The history of the building is fascinating and beautiful in equal measure. The public rooms provide a great atmosphere and the cloisters and courtyards are stunning. Whilst I will be eternally grateful to the staff for saving us from our cancelled Alhambra booking, I did feel the hotel had a general lack of attention to detail.</p>
  3666.  
  3667.  
  3668.  
  3669. <p>In terms of pricing, rooms start at around €300 per night for a street view with an extra 10% or so to overlook the internal courtyard and an extra €100 or so for the Junior Suite. Marriott Bonvoy rates are around 40,000 points per night so decent value. Rates are lower in July and August due to the heat.</p>
  3670.  
  3671.  
  3672.  
  3673. <p>You can <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/autograph-palacio-de-santa-paula-granada/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">find out more, and book, on the Marriott website here</a>.</p>
  3674.  
  3675.  
  3676.  
  3677. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What did we do in Granada?</h2>
  3678.  
  3679.  
  3680.  
  3681. <p>We had two full days planned for Granada with some extra time on the days we arrived and left.</p>
  3682.  
  3683.  
  3684.  
  3685. <p><strong>One day was blocked out for the Alhambra</strong>, walkable from the hotel in about 25 minutes. Booking tickets is difficult due to restricted numbers (many people find an available date and then build their trip around that) and, as we found, getting around this by booking an &#8216;organised tour&#8217; on Viator is a recipe for disaster. The secret is the Granada Card (€49) which allows you into the Alhambra and other attractions and is usually still available when Alhambra tickets are sold out.</p>
  3686.  
  3687.  
  3688.  
  3689. <p><strong>We wanted a day trip to the Sierra Nevada</strong> but preferred not to hire a car. The tourist information office suggested that we take bus 390 to the small town of Güéjar Sierra. From there a lovely path leads along the river and we had an excellent lunch at the charming Restaurante La Fabriquilla (I had goat!).</p>
  3690.  
  3691.  
  3692.  
  3693. <p>We decided at short notice to visit a flamenco show and picked the small Palacio Flamenco near our hotel. We were worried that it would be a dubious tourist trap (and the venue has a DIY feel to it) but the performance was exceptional &#8211; so intense that we felt quite rattled afterwards!</p>
  3694.  
  3695.  
  3696.  
  3697. <p>From Granada we took the train to Seville, arriving on Palm Sunday. It was the start of a week dominated by brotherhood parades which was a captivating spectacle. We stayed at <a data-type="post" data-id="548498" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/10/16/review-hotel-alfonso-xiii-seville/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Hotel Alfonso XIII which Rob reviewed last year (see here, also Marriott Bonvoy)</a> so I won&#8217;t cover it again, although the glitches Rob experienced did not reoccur. On our one day out of town we booked a private tour with a guide from &#8216;Not Just A Tourist&#8217; to the white villages and stunning Ronda, including breakfast at a local village social club. We flew back to London from Seville on British Airways, where we had the entire Club Europe cabin to ourselves!</p>
  3698. ]]></content:encoded>
  3700. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/04/review-palacio-de-santa-paula-hotel-granada/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  3701. <slash:comments>18</slash:comments>
  3704. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">779260</post-id> </item>
  3705. <item>
  3706. <title>Review: The Platinum Card from American Express (Amex Platinum)</title>
  3707. <link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/04/review-american-express-platinum-credit-card-2/</link>
  3708. <comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/04/review-american-express-platinum-credit-card-2/#comments</comments>
  3710. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator>
  3711. <pubDate>Sun, 04 May 2025 03:11:00 +0000</pubDate>
  3712. <category><![CDATA[American Express Platinum card]]></category>
  3713. <category><![CDATA[Credit & Charge Card Reviews]]></category>
  3714. <category><![CDATA[American Express® Credit Cards]]></category>
  3715. <category><![CDATA[The Platinum Card®]]></category>
  3716. <category><![CDATA[two]]></category>
  3717. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=779854</guid>
  3718.  
  3719. <description><![CDATA[This is our review of The Platinum Card from American Express, which for the sake of simplicity we will sometimes refer to as Amex Platinum. Is The Platinum Card worth the £650 fee? We look at the card benefits below to help you decide &#8211; and remember that you can get a pro-rata fee refund [&#8230;]]]></description>
  3720. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  3721. <p><strong>This is our review of The Platinum Card from American Express</strong>, which for the sake of simplicity we will sometimes refer to as Amex Platinum.</p>
  3722.  
  3723.  
  3724.  
  3725. <p><strong>Is The Platinum Card worth the £650 fee?</strong> We look at the card benefits below to help you decide &#8211; and remember that you can get a pro-rata fee refund at any time if you choose to cancel.</p>
  3726.  
  3727.  
  3728.  
  3729. <p>This review is part of our series of articles looking at the major UK loyalty credit cards and discussing whether or not they are worth applying for. These articles are linked to the relevant sections of the &#8216;<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/best-uk-avios-airline-hotel-credit-cards/" target="_blank">Credit Cards</a>&#8216; area of the menu bar.  Our other <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/category/credit-card-reviews-series/" target="_blank">UK airline and hotel credit card reviews can be found here</a>.</p>
  3730.  
  3731.  
  3732.  
  3733. <p><strong>Key link:</strong> <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-platinum/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">The Platinum Card from American Express application page</a></p>
  3734.  
  3735.  
  3736. <div class="wp-block-image">
  3737. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="794" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum.webp" alt="Review American Express Platinum credit card" class="wp-image-414434 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum.webp 1200w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-400x265.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-500x331.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-768x508.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-650x430.webp 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-350x232.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div>
  3738.  
  3739.  
  3740. <p><strong>Key facts:</strong> £650 annual fee</p>
  3741.  
  3742.  
  3743. <p><strong>The representative APR is 694.9% variable, including the annual fee.  The representative APR on purchases is 30.0% variable.</strong></p>
  3744.  
  3745.  
  3746.  
  3747. <p>Reward credit cards generally have high interest rates and are not suitable for anyone who does not pay off their full balance each month.  If you do not clear your balance, you should look for a non-rewards credit card with a low interest rate.</p>
  3748.  
  3749.  
  3750.  
  3751. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">About The Platinum Card</h2>
  3752.  
  3753.  
  3754.  
  3755. <p>The <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-platinum/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Platinum Card</a> is issued directly by American Express.  It is not a co-brand.</p>
  3756.  
  3757.  
  3758.  
  3759. <p>Note that The Platinum Card is no longer a charge card. In August 2022, after many decades, it swapped to being a standard credit card. This means that you no longer have to pay off your balance in full at the end of each month, although you will pay interest if you don&#8217;t.</p>
  3760.  
  3761.  
  3762.  
  3763. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is The Platinum Card sign-up bonus?</h2>
  3764.  
  3765.  
  3766.  
  3767. <p>You receive <strong>50,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend £6,000 within three months.</strong></p>
  3768.  
  3769.  
  3770.  
  3771. <p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ab34558b2a8154f2e30f269b409dcb53"><strong>SPECIAL OFFER:  Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points.  A different spend requirement &#8211; £10,000 within six months &#8211; applies.  Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes.  Some people may see even higher personalised offers. T&amp;C apply, 18+, subject to status.</strong></p>
  3772.  
  3773.  
  3774.  
  3775. <p>Membership Rewards points can be converted 1 to 1 into Avios, so <strong>you would receive 50,000 Avios points</strong>.</p>
  3776.  
  3777.  
  3778.  
  3779. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/02/07/uses-for-american-express-membership-rewards-points/" data-type="URL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here to see what other reward programmes are Membership Rewards transfer partners</a>.</p>
  3780.  
  3781.  
  3782.  
  3783. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What are the rules for qualifying for the sign-up bonus?</h2>
  3784.  
  3785.  
  3786.  
  3787. <p>The bonus is only available to customers who have not held a personal American Express card which issues Membership Rewards points in the previous 24 months.&nbsp; This would include Green, Gold, Platinum and the American Express Rewards credit card.</p>
  3788.  
  3789.  
  3790.  
  3791. <p><strong>You are OK if you currently or recently only had a British Airways, Marriott or Nectar American Express card</strong>.&nbsp; All that matters is that you have not held a card offering Membership Rewards points.</p>
  3792.  
  3793.  
  3794.  
  3795. <p>Let me repeat this &#8211; <strong>if you have a British Airways American Express card, you WOULD still qualify for the sign-up bonus on The Platinum Card</strong> as long as you met the other criteria.</p>
  3796.  
  3797.  
  3798.  
  3799. <p>You <em>will</em> receive the sign-up bonus if you have a Corporate or Business American Express card via your job and you receive Membership Rewards points from it.</p>
  3800.  
  3801.  
  3802.  
  3803. <p>You will definitely receive the bonus if you are only a supplementary cardholder on someone else&#8217;s American Express card. As far as Amex is concerned, that card belongs to the primary cardholder and does <em>not</em> make you an &#8216;existing cardholder&#8217;.</p>
  3804.  
  3805.  
  3806.  
  3807. <p><strong>If you do not qualify for the bonus, you can still apply.</strong>&nbsp; You still receive the other card benefits, which are substantial.</p>
  3808.  
  3809.  
  3810. <div class="wp-block-image">
  3811. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-500x333.webp" alt="Review The Platinum Card from American Express UK" class="wp-image-562798 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp.webp 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div>
  3812.  
  3813.  
  3814. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What are the benefits of The Platinum Card?</h2>
  3815.  
  3816.  
  3817.  
  3818. <p>Amex Platinum has <em>substantial</em> benefits &#8211; easily the best package of any UK travel rewards credit card.</p>
  3819.  
  3820.  
  3821.  
  3822. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  3823. <li><strong>You receive travel insurance for yourself and your family</strong>. You can insure one other family group by giving the head of that household the free supplementary card on your account. Some benefits require you to pay for your trip with an American Express card, but the core medical benefit is automatic. There is an age limit of 70 on the travel insurance and you should check the list of acceptable pre-existing conditions.&nbsp; For legal reasons, you need to opt-in to the travel insurance benefit by ticking the relevant box on the application form.</li>
  3824. </ul>
  3825.  
  3826.  
  3827.  
  3828. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  3829. <li>You receive<strong> full car hire insurance</strong>, with no requirement to pay with your Platinum card</li>
  3830. </ul>
  3831.  
  3832.  
  3833.  
  3834. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  3835. <li><strong>You and your supplementary cardholder will each receive a <a title="Priority Pass" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/priority-pass/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Priority Pass</a> card</strong>. This gets the cardholder plus a guest into 1,400 airport lounges across the world for free, including <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2021/06/21/review-club-aspire-lounge-london-heathrow-terminal-5/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Aspire lounge in Heathrow Terminal 5 reviewed here</a> and <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/plaza-premium-heathrow-lounges/">the pleasant Plaza Premium Lounge in Heathrow Terminal 5</a>. As you get two Priority Pass cards, each of which allows a free guest, <strong>you can get a family of four into a lounge</strong> &#8211; as I do on a regular basis.</li>
  3836. </ul>
  3837.  
  3838.  
  3839.  
  3840. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  3841. <li>You can also get into Amex&#8217;s own network of high quality &#8216;Centurion&#8217; airport lounges for free.  <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/05/05/review-american-express-centurion-lounge-heathrow-terminal-3/" data-type="post" data-id="287953" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The first European &#8216;Centurion&#8217; lounge opened at Heathrow Terminal 3 in 2021 and is reviewed here</a>.</li>
  3842. </ul>
  3843.  
  3844.  
  3845.  
  3846. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  3847. <li>You will receive <strong>status in various hotel schemes</strong> for as long as you keep the card:</li>
  3848. </ul>
  3849.  
  3850.  
  3851.  
  3852. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  3853. <li>Gold in Marriott Bonvoy</li>
  3854.  
  3855.  
  3856.  
  3857. <li>Premium in Radisson Rewards</li>
  3858.  
  3859.  
  3860.  
  3861. <li>Gold in Hilton Honors</li>
  3862.  
  3863.  
  3864.  
  3865. <li>Gold in MeliaRewards</li>
  3866. </ul>
  3867.  
  3868.  
  3869.  
  3870. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  3871. <li>Other lounge benefits include <strong>Eurostar lounge access in London, Brussels and Paris</strong> as long as you are on a Channel Tunnel service. You receive lounge access when flying with Delta. You receive <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/01/23/use-lufthansa-airport-lounges-with-american-express-platinum/" data-type="post" data-id="744515" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lounge access at selected airports, including Heathrow, when flying with Lufthansa, Austrian and SWISS</a>.</li>
  3872. </ul>
  3873.  
  3874.  
  3875.  
  3876. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  3877. <li><strong>You receive £200 per year to spend in over <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-platinum-300-dining-credit-restaurants/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">170 UK restaurants</a>.</strong> The spend can be cumulative and spread across different restaurants.  The credit is made available in two half yearly chunks of £100 and does not roll over.</li>
  3878. </ul>
  3879.  
  3880.  
  3881.  
  3882. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  3883. <li><strong>You receive £200 per year to spend in over <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-platinum-300-dining-credit-restaurants/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1,800 international restaurants</a>.</strong> The spend can be cumulative and spread across different restaurants. The credit is made available in two half yearly chunks of £100 and does not roll over.</li>
  3884. </ul>
  3885.  
  3886.  
  3887.  
  3888. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  3889. <li><strong>You receive £50 of Harvey Nichols credit to spend by 30th June 2025.</strong>  It is valid online or instore. There is no minimum spend &#8211; if you buy just £50 of items, you will not pay a penny.</li>
  3890. </ul>
  3891.  
  3892.  
  3893.  
  3894. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  3895. <li><strong>There is an exclusive hotel booking scheme called &#8216;Fine Hotels &amp; Resorts&#8217;</strong> which offers valuable additional benefits on your stays. If you are a regular visitor at five star hotels then you can recoup your entire membership fee via FHR bookings. <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/07/01/why-fine-hotels-resorts-is-one-of-the-best-american-express-platinum-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">I wrote more about Fine Hotels &amp; Resorts here</a> &#8211; for me, the <em>guaranteed</em> 4pm check-out on every stay is invaluable, especially for weekend breaks.</li>
  3896. </ul>
  3897.  
  3898.  
  3899.  
  3900. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is the annual fee on Amex Platinum?</h2>
  3901.  
  3902.  
  3903.  
  3904. <p>£650.</p>
  3905.  
  3906.  
  3907.  
  3908. <p><strong>You can claim a pro-rata refund on the annual fee at any time if you cancel. </strong> American Express was planning to remove this option in 2024 but the plans were dropped and no changes were made.</p>
  3909.  
  3910.  
  3911.  
  3912. <p>The <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/priority-pass/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Priority Pass</a> airport lounge card is cancelled immediately if you close your Platinum card. However, the hotel status cards will continue to work until they expire naturally.</p>
  3913.  
  3914.  
  3915.  
  3916. <p>If you are self employed, remember that you can offset the card fee against tax as long as you use it exclusively for business-related expenses.</p>
  3917.  
  3918.  
  3919. <div class="wp-block-image">
  3920. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Amex-American-Express-Platinum-webp-500x333.webp" alt="American Express Amex Platinum card review" class="wp-image-392444 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Amex-American-Express-Platinum-webp-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Amex-American-Express-Platinum-webp-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Amex-American-Express-Platinum-webp-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Amex-American-Express-Platinum-webp-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Amex-American-Express-Platinum-webp-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Amex-American-Express-Platinum-webp-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Amex-American-Express-Platinum-webp-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Amex-American-Express-Platinum-webp.webp 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div>
  3921.  
  3922.  
  3923. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What do I earn per £1 spent on the card?</h2>
  3924.  
  3925.  
  3926.  
  3927. <p>You receive 1 Membership Rewards point per £1 spent on the card. This is equivalent to 1 Avios or other airline mile per £1 if you choose to transfer them.</p>
  3928.  
  3929.  
  3930.  
  3931. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is a Membership Rewards point worth?</h2>
  3932.  
  3933.  
  3934.  
  3935. <p>Anything from &#8216;quite a bit&#8217; to &#8216;a lot&#8217; is the answer! &nbsp;<a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/02/07/uses-for-american-express-membership-rewards-points/" data-type="post" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This article looks at the best use of American Express Membership Rewards points and what they are worth</a>.</p>
  3936.  
  3937.  
  3938.  
  3939. <p><strong>I value airline miles at 0.75p &#8211; 1p each</strong> (this is conservative) so that is your valuation if you transfer to an airline programme.</p>
  3940.  
  3941.  
  3942.  
  3943. <p><strong>Some of the hotel programmes also offer good value</strong>.  You can choose from Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy and Radisson Rewards.</p>
  3944.  
  3945.  
  3946.  
  3947. <p>Historically there were occasional transfer bonuses of 20%-30% to various airlines, including British Airways and Virgin Flying Club, but these are rarely seen these days. That said, <strong>Virgin Flying Club ran a 30% transfer bonus in November 2024</strong>.&nbsp; If you see reports of American Express transfer bonuses to Avios, they are almost certainly discussing cards issued outside the UK.</p>
  3948.  
  3949.  
  3950.  
  3951. <p><a title="Membership Rewards airline partners" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/membership-rewards-airline-partners/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">You can take a look at the full list of Membership Rewards options here</a>.</p>
  3952.  
  3953.  
  3954.  
  3955. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Is The Platinum Card a good card to use when travelling?</h2>
  3956.  
  3957.  
  3958.  
  3959. <p>As Amex adds a 2.99% foreign exchange fee, <strong>you might want to get a separate free credit card to use abroad</strong>.</p>
  3960.  
  3961.  
  3962.  
  3963. <p>Unfortunately there are no credit cards with 0% foreign exchange fees worldwide which earn airline or hotel points. (The&nbsp;<a rel="noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/virgin-atlantic-reward-credit-cards-joint-home/">Virgin Atlantic credit cards</a>&nbsp;have 0% FX fees in the Eurozone.)&nbsp; <strong>One&nbsp;<strong>option is to get a </strong>free card from Currensea.  </strong>Currensea is a simple but clever idea.  You pay abroad with your Currensea Mastercard debit card.  Currensea translates the cost to Sterling with just a 0.5% fee (83% less than Amex charges) and withdraws the money from your bank account.  <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/currensea-home/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/currensea-home/" target="_blank">You can find out more about Currensea by clicking here</a>.  Currensea is free so there is no risk in giving it a try.</p>
  3964.  
  3965.  
  3966.  
  3967. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Is there a minimum income for The Platinum Card?</h2>
  3968.  
  3969.  
  3970.  
  3971. <p>You can apply for the card with a minimum personal income of just £35,000.</p>
  3972.  
  3973.  
  3974.  
  3975. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion: Is The Platinum Card worth the £650 annual fee?</h2>
  3976.  
  3977.  
  3978.  
  3979. <p>Whether or not the Amex Platinum fee represents value for money long-term depends on how many of the card benefits you will use. I have had a Platinum card since 1999 and can justify the cost based on how we use the travel benefits, especially the travel insurance, car hire insurance and the Fine Hotels &amp; Resorts programme.</p>
  3980.  
  3981.  
  3982.  
  3983. <p>It is very easy to give the card a trial for a year to see if it works for you. <strong>The sign-up bonus of 50,000 Membership Rewards points plus £400 of annual dining credit means that you can&#8217;t help but come out on top for the first year.</strong></p>
  3984.  
  3985.  
  3986.  
  3987. <p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3989f1d521104e6b13fdd9ceff5f76f7"><strong>SPECIAL OFFER:  Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points.  <strong>A different spend requirement &#8211; £10,000 within six months &#8211; applies.  </strong>Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes.  Some people may see even higher personalised offers.</strong>  <strong>T&amp;C apply, 18+, subject to status.</strong></p>
  3988.  
  3989.  
  3990.  
  3991. <p>Remember that the sign-up bonus of <strong>50,000 Membership Rewards points is the largest bonus of any personal points card on the market</strong>. It would convert into 50,000 Avios or Virgin Points for example. If you converted the Avios points into Nectar points, you would have £250-worth.</p>
  3992.  
  3993.  
  3994.  
  3995. <p>For on-going spending, 1 point per £1 is not outstanding. <strong>A lot of Amex Platinum cardholders keep the card for its benefits but put their spending on other cards.</strong></p>
  3996.  
  3997.  
  3998.  
  3999. <p>The application form for The Platinum Card <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-platinum/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">can be found here</a>.</p>
  4000.  
  4001.  
  4002.  
  4003. <div style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  id="cta-button-block_c0aa9c3da95bb2519fd3aacc93bced30" class="hfp-cpm cta-button-cmp aligncenter">
  4004. <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-platinum/" target="_blank">Click here to apply for The Platinum Card</a>
  4005. </div>
  4006.  
  4007.  
  4008.  
  4009.  
  4010. <div style="height:20px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>
  4011.  
  4012.  
  4013.  
  4014. <p><em>(<strong>Want to earn more miles and points from credit cards?  </strong>Click here to </em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/best-uk-avios-airline-hotel-credit-cards" target="_blank"><em>visit our dedicated airline and hotel travel credit cards page</em></a><em> or use the &#8216;Credit Cards&#8217; link in the menu bar at the top of the page.)</em></p>
  4015.  
  4016.  
  4017.  
  4018. <p><em>Disclaimer: Head for Points is a journalistic website. Nothing here should be construed as financial advice, and it is your own responsibility to ensure that any product is right for your circumstances. Recommendations are based primarily on the ability to earn miles and points. The site discusses products offered by lenders but is not a lender itself.  Robert Burgess, trading as Head for Points, is regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as an independent credit broker.</em></p>
  4019. ]]></content:encoded>
  4021. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/04/review-american-express-platinum-credit-card-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  4022. <slash:comments>38</slash:comments>
  4025. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">779854</post-id> </item>
  4026. <item>
  4027. <title>What are the best hotel promos for May 2025?</title>
  4028. <link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/04/best-hotel-promos-may-2025/</link>
  4029. <comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/04/best-hotel-promos-may-2025/#comments</comments>
  4031. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator>
  4032. <pubDate>Sun, 04 May 2025 02:11:00 +0000</pubDate>
  4033. <category><![CDATA[Accor Live Limitless]]></category>
  4034. <category><![CDATA[Hilton Honors]]></category>
  4035. <category><![CDATA[IHG One Rewards]]></category>
  4036. <category><![CDATA[Marriott Bonvoy]]></category>
  4037. <category><![CDATA[Radisson Rewards]]></category>
  4038. <category><![CDATA[World of Hyatt]]></category>
  4039. <category><![CDATA[three]]></category>
  4040. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=779610</guid>
  4041.  
  4042. <description><![CDATA[Welcome to&#160;our regular round-up of the best hotel promotions currently running. (Quick summary: there aren&#8217;t any!) All of the information in this article can also be found on our &#8216;Hotel Offers&#8217; page which contains details of all of the current offers, together with links to our major articles on each hotel scheme. &#160;However, a positive [&#8230;]]]></description>
  4043. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  4044. <p>Welcome to<strong>&nbsp;our regular round-up of the best hotel promotions currently running</strong>.</p>
  4045.  
  4046.  
  4047.  
  4048. <p>(Quick summary: there aren&#8217;t any!)</p>
  4049.  
  4050.  
  4051.  
  4052. <p>All of the information in this article can also be found on <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/best-uk-hotel-points-promotions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our &#8216;Hotel Offers&#8217; page</a> which contains details of all of the current offers, together with links to our major articles on each hotel scheme. &nbsp;However, a positive response from readers &#8211; especially our 20,000 email subscribers &#8211; means we run this monthly article as a handy summary.</p>
  4053.  
  4054.  
  4055.  
  4056. <p>However, we have a problem. <strong>For the first time, in all the years we have been doing this, none of the major chains is running a global promotion</strong>. Hilton&#8217;s new offer will not start until 1st June.</p>
  4057.  
  4058.  
  4059. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4060. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="334" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Hotel-logo-unsplash-webp-500x334.webp" alt="best hotel bonus point promotions" class="wp-image-547355 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Hotel-logo-unsplash-webp-500x334.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Hotel-logo-unsplash-webp-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Hotel-logo-unsplash-webp-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Hotel-logo-unsplash-webp-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Hotel-logo-unsplash-webp-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Hotel-logo-unsplash-webp-350x234.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Hotel-logo-unsplash-webp.webp 1280w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div>
  4061.  
  4062.  
  4063. <p>Why? No idea. Has everyone gone back to drawing the board in the face of a US travel slowdown? We will see. Hilton&#8217;s decision to leave a one month gap is almost as surprising as seeing how weak their June to mid August promo is.</p>
  4064.  
  4065.  
  4066.  
  4067. <p>In the meantime, we have still pushed this article out because <strong>it contains details of all of the American Express cashback deals currently running &#8211; and there are a LOT of them</strong>!</p>
  4068.  
  4069.  
  4070.  
  4071. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Current offers for buying hotel points</h2>
  4072.  
  4073.  
  4074.  
  4075. <p>Here are the &#8216;buy points&#8217; offers running at the moment:</p>
  4076.  
  4077.  
  4078. <div id="summarybox-block_85961dda15b398e5b9d6d659bd82c100" class="hfp-cpm summary-box-cmp">
  4079. <div class="summarybox">
  4080. <div class="summarybox--hotel">
  4081. <div>
  4083. <h3>Hilton Honors</h3>
  4084. <p><em><b>Hilton Honors </b>is offering a 100% bonus when you buy points by 29th May.  The annual purchase cap is increased to 240,000 points pre-bonus.</em></p>
  4086. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/hilton-buy-points/" target="_blank">Buy Hilton Honors points here</a></p>
  4087. </div>
  4088. </div>
  4089. </div>
  4090. </div>
  4092.  
  4093.  
  4094.  
  4095.  
  4096. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Current American Express cashback offers</h2>
  4097.  
  4098.  
  4099.  
  4100. <p>It&#8217;s worth noting <strong>the current American Express cashback offers with the big chains</strong>.  These may be showing on one or more of your cards and may influence which hotels you book this month.</p>
  4101.  
  4102.  
  4103.  
  4104. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Offers with hotel groups:</h3>
  4105.  
  4106.  
  4107.  
  4108. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4109. <li><strong>Get £100 back on a £500 spend with selected Marriott Bonvoy hotels</strong> across Europe (expires 18th June, <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/marriott/" data-shortcode="true">book here</a>)</li>
  4110. </ul>
  4111.  
  4112.  
  4113.  
  4114. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4115. <li><strong>Get £75 back on a £200 spend with selected Marriott Bonvoy hotels</strong> across Europe (expires 18th June, exclusive to <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/starwood-amex/" data-shortcode="true">Marriott Bonvoy American Express</a> cardholders, <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/marriott/" data-shortcode="true">book here</a>)</li>
  4116. </ul>
  4117.  
  4118.  
  4119.  
  4120. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4121. <li><strong>Get £75 back on a £300 spend with selected Hilton Honors hotels</strong> across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, plus a handful in the USA (expires 4th July, <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/hilton/" data-shortcode="true">book here</a>)</li>
  4122. </ul>
  4123.  
  4124.  
  4125.  
  4126. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4127. <li><strong>Get £75 back on a £300 spend (or, for some, £100 back on a £250 spend) with selected World of Hyatt hotels </strong>across Europe and the Middle East (expires 11th July, <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/hyatt/" data-shortcode="true">book here</a>)</li>
  4128. </ul>
  4129.  
  4130.  
  4131.  
  4132. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4133. <li><strong>Get £75 back on a £300 spend with selected IHG One Rewards hotels</strong> across Europe (expires 30th June, <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/ihg/" data-shortcode="true">book here</a>)</li>
  4134. </ul>
  4135.  
  4136.  
  4137.  
  4138. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4139. <li><strong>Get £100 back on a £600 spend with selected Luxury Hotels of the World properties</strong> (expires 14th July, <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/virtuoso-agent-london/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">book via our partner for extra benefits</a>)</li>
  4140. </ul>
  4141.  
  4142.  
  4143.  
  4144. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4145. <li><strong>Get either £150 back on a £750 spend or £200 back on a £900 spend with selected Four Seasons hotels</strong> (expires 7th July, <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/virtuoso-agent-london/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">book via our partner for extra benefits</a>)</li>
  4146. </ul>
  4147.  
  4148.  
  4149.  
  4150. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4151. <li><strong>Get 30% back on spending with selected WorldHotels</strong>, capped at £100 total, across the world (expires 15th October, <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/18/get-american-express-cashback-with-worldhotels/" data-type="post" data-id="774443" target="_blank" rel="noopener">read more here</a>)</li>
  4152. </ul>
  4153.  
  4154.  
  4155.  
  4156. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4157. <li><strong>Get £75 back on a £300 spend with 25hours hotels</strong> (expires 6th May, <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/25hours-home/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">book here</a>)</li>
  4158. </ul>
  4159.  
  4160.  
  4161.  
  4162. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4163. <li><strong>Get £100 back on a £300 spend with selected Pullman, Movenpick and Swissotel hotels </strong>(expires 6th May, <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/accor/" data-shortcode="true">book here</a>)</li>
  4164. </ul>
  4165.  
  4166.  
  4167.  
  4168. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4169. <li><strong>Get £150 back on a £500 spend with selected Delano and SO/ hotels </strong>(expires 14th May, <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/accor/" data-shortcode="true">book here</a>)</li>
  4170. </ul>
  4171.  
  4172.  
  4173.  
  4174. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4175. <li><strong>Get £75 back on a £300 spend in one transaction with Amex Stays</strong>, covered selected hotels in the UK and Europe but primarily London (expires 1st June, <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/09/amex-stays-hotel-cashback-2/" data-type="post" data-id="771222" target="_blank" rel="noopener">read more here</a>)</li>
  4176. </ul>
  4177.  
  4178.  
  4179.  
  4180. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Offers with specific London hotels:</h3>
  4181.  
  4182.  
  4183.  
  4184. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4185. <li><strong>Get £100 back on a £400 spend at The Standard in London</strong> (expires 16th June, bookable soon via hyatt.com)</li>
  4186. </ul>
  4187.  
  4188.  
  4189.  
  4190. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where should you credit your stays for June 2025?</h2>
  4191.  
  4192.  
  4193.  
  4194. <p>(Yes, June 2025, not May 2025, because there is nothing happening in May!)</p>
  4195.  
  4196.  
  4197.  
  4198. <p>Remember that, irrespective of the offers below, <strong>there is never a single &#8216;best&#8217; offer</strong>.</p>
  4199.  
  4200.  
  4201.  
  4202. <p>Some offers require multiple stays to maximise the bonus, which you might not do.  Some require stays to be a minimum number of nights before a bonus is earned.</p>
  4203.  
  4204.  
  4205.  
  4206. <p>You need to factor in any elite status you have, which will earn you additional status bonuses.</p>
  4207.  
  4208.  
  4209.  
  4210. <p>More importantly, <strong>you need to be able to use the points. </strong> There is no value in earning a large bonus in a scheme where you will never go on to earn enough points to get a free night.</p>
  4211.  
  4212.  
  4213.  
  4214. <p>Here is your only option announced so far:</p>
  4215.  
  4216.  
  4217. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4218. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="650" height="266" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Hilton_Honors_Logo_K-e1503513273896-1-650x266.jpg" alt="best hotel bonus point promotions" class="wp-image-72633 aligncenter" style="width:350px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Hilton_Honors_Logo_K-e1503513273896-1-650x266.jpg 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Hilton_Honors_Logo_K-e1503513273896-1-450x184.jpg 450w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Hilton_Honors_Logo_K-e1503513273896-1-120x49.jpg 120w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Hilton_Honors_Logo_K-e1503513273896-1-768x314.jpg 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Hilton_Honors_Logo_K-e1503513273896-1-350x143.jpg 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Hilton_Honors_Logo_K-e1503513273896-1-400x164.jpg 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Hilton_Honors_Logo_K-e1503513273896-1.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px" /></figure></div>
  4219.  
  4220.  
  4221. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><span style="color: #000080;">Hilton (Hampton, Conrad, Waldorf-Astoria etc)</span></strong></h3>
  4222.  
  4223.  
  4224.  
  4225. <p><strong>Hilton</strong> will be running a promotion called &#8216;Points Plus&#8217; for stays from 1st June.</p>
  4226.  
  4227.  
  4228.  
  4229. <p>You can <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/hilton-promo-30-september/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">register here</a>.&nbsp; Our <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/02/hilton-summer-2025-bonus-points-offer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">full article is here</a>. It runs until 15th August.</p>
  4230.  
  4231.  
  4232.  
  4233. <p>You will earn <strong>a flat 1,000 bonus points on all stays</strong>, cash or reward, during the promotional period. We value these at £3.33.  Note that it is per stay and not per night.</p>
  4234.  
  4235.  
  4236.  
  4237. <p>You need to register in advance of your first stay during the period <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/hilton-promo-30-september/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">via the Hilton website here</a>.<strong>&nbsp; </strong>Existing bookings count and all Hilton Honors hotels are taking part.</p>
  4238.  
  4239.  
  4240.  
  4241. <p>The Hilton booking page <a title="Hilton home" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/hilton/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">is here</a>.</p>
  4242.  
  4243.  
  4244.  
  4245. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">And finally &#8230;.</h2>
  4246.  
  4247.  
  4248.  
  4249. <p>If you booking a luxury hotel, remember that <strong>we can offer you exclusive additional benefits at Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Peninsula and similar hotels</strong>. &nbsp;</p>
  4250.  
  4251.  
  4252.  
  4253. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/virtuoso-agent-london/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here for details of our luxury hotel booking service</a> in association with Bon Vivant / Virtuoso. &nbsp;Feedback from readers who have used this service so far has been excellent and we have booked over £2 million of rooms so far.</p>
  4254. ]]></content:encoded>
  4256. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/04/best-hotel-promos-may-2025/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  4257. <slash:comments>12</slash:comments>
  4260. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">779610</post-id> </item>
  4261. <item>
  4262. <title>Good &#8216;airport parking and hotel stay&#8217; deals via little-known IHG link</title>
  4263. <link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/04/ihg-park-and-stay-airport-hotel-deals/</link>
  4264. <comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/04/ihg-park-and-stay-airport-hotel-deals/#comments</comments>
  4266. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator>
  4267. <pubDate>Sun, 04 May 2025 01:11:00 +0000</pubDate>
  4268. <category><![CDATA[IHG One Rewards]]></category>
  4269. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=774722</guid>
  4270.  
  4271. <description><![CDATA[Most people are aware that &#8211; if you need airport parking whilst you are on holiday &#8211; it is often cheaper to book a nearby hotel which offers a &#8216;free parking&#8217; package and stay there the night before.&#160; Companies such as Holiday Extras specialise in arranging these. IHG, the Holiday Inn / Crowne Plaza group, [&#8230;]]]></description>
  4272. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  4273. <p>Most people are aware that &#8211; if you need airport parking whilst you are on holiday &#8211; it is often cheaper to book a nearby hotel which offers a &#8216;free parking&#8217; package and stay there the night before.&nbsp; Companies such as <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/holiday-extras-home/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Holiday Extras</a> specialise in arranging these.</p>
  4274.  
  4275.  
  4276.  
  4277. <p><strong>IHG, the Holiday Inn / Crowne Plaza group, also has a UK&nbsp;&#8216;Park, Stay &amp; Go&#8217; offer.&nbsp; </strong>It does not always come up when you search local hotels from the main IHG website.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/ihg-park-stay-go/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">You can book via this dedicated link</a>.</p>
  4278.  
  4279.  
  4280.  
  4281. <p><strong>The offer covers pretty much every major airport</strong> &#8211; this is not a London-centric deal&nbsp;by any means.</p>
  4282.  
  4283.  
  4284. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4285. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="593" height="400" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Edinburgh-Airport.jpg" alt="Good 'airport parking and hotel stay' deals" class="wp-image-256344 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Edinburgh-Airport.jpg 593w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Edinburgh-Airport-325x219.jpg 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Edinburgh-Airport-400x270.jpg 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Edinburgh-Airport-180x120.jpg 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Edinburgh-Airport-350x236.jpg 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 593px) 100vw, 593px" /></figure></div>
  4286.  
  4287.  
  4288. <p class="has-text-align-left">As a test, I looked at Edinburgh Airport.  I was looking for a hotel stay for one night on Friday 18th July 2025 <strong>with up to eight days of car parking</strong> included.</p>
  4289.  
  4290.  
  4291.  
  4292. <p>The <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/holiday-inn-express-edinburgh-airport/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Airport</a> (<a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/holiday-inn-express-edinburgh-airport/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website here</a>) was offering this deal.&nbsp; The prices were:</p>
  4293.  
  4294.  
  4295.  
  4296. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4297. <li>Room-only for 18th July: £217, assuming you are an IHG One Rewards member</li>
  4298. </ul>
  4299.  
  4300.  
  4301.  
  4302. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4303. <li>Room with eight days of parking: £294</li>
  4304. </ul>
  4305.  
  4306.  
  4307.  
  4308. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4309. <li>Room with 15 days of parking: £344</li>
  4310. </ul>
  4311.  
  4312.  
  4313.  
  4314. <p>The room-only rate is refundable for a fair comparison, because the parking deals are all refundable.</p>
  4315.  
  4316.  
  4317.  
  4318. <p>With the Holiday Inn Express 15 day package, <strong>your parking effectively costs you £8.50 per day over and above the standard cost of the hotel.</strong></p>
  4319.  
  4320.  
  4321.  
  4322. <p>Some of these packages are also available via the main <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/ihg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ihg.com</a> website. &nbsp;If you are specifically looking for hotels which offer parking packages, however, it is more convenient to check <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/ihg-park-stay-go/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the &#8216;Park, Stay &amp; Go&#8217; site</a> here.</p>
  4323.  
  4324.  
  4325.  
  4326. <p>Check how your car is stored before booking.  Some hotels will leave your vehicle in their own car park, whilst others might have a deal with a nearby independent parking company to move your vehicle to their site and return it on the day you fly back.</p>
  4327.  
  4328.  
  4329.  
  4330. <p>PS.&nbsp; <strong>It is also worth looking at <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/just-park-home/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JustPark</a> and <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/your-parking-space-home/" data-shortcode="true">Your Parking Space</a> for sneaky parking options near major airports, </strong>often on private drives or nearby office or hotel car parks</p>
  4331. ]]></content:encoded>
  4333. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/04/ihg-park-and-stay-airport-hotel-deals/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  4334. <slash:comments>20</slash:comments>
  4337. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">774722</post-id> </item>
  4338. <item>
  4339. <title>Review: we re-visit the Sunborn Gibraltar yacht hotel</title>
  4340. <link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/03/review-sunborn-gibraltar-yacht-hotel/</link>
  4341. <comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/03/review-sunborn-gibraltar-yacht-hotel/#comments</comments>
  4343. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Conny Urban]]></dc:creator>
  4344. <pubDate>Sat, 03 May 2025 04:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
  4345. <category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
  4346. <category><![CDATA[Hotel reviews]]></category>
  4347. <category><![CDATA[one]]></category>
  4348. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=778658</guid>
  4349.  
  4350. <description><![CDATA[This is our review of the Sunborn Gibraltar yacht hotel. Over Easter we took the family on a circular tour by train, starting in Gibraltar (there is a station just over the border) then on to Granada and finally Seville. In June 2021 Rob had an enjoyable covid-era stay at the Sunborn when Gibraltar was [&#8230;]]]></description>
  4351. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  4352. <p><strong>This is our review of the Sunborn Gibraltar yacht hotel.</strong></p>
  4353.  
  4354.  
  4355.  
  4356. <p>Over Easter we took the family on a circular tour by train, starting in Gibraltar (there is a station just over the border) then on to Granada and finally Seville. In June 2021 Rob had an enjoyable covid-era stay at the Sunborn when Gibraltar was one of the few places you could visit.  Four years later we decided to give the hotel a fresh look.</p>
  4357.  
  4358.  
  4359.  
  4360. <p><strong>There is no miles or points angle to this hotel</strong> but as it is a) the best option in Gibraltar and b) a novelty, it is worth knowing about.  The <a href="https://www.sunborngibraltar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website is here</a>.</p>
  4361.  
  4362.  
  4363.  
  4364. <p>We paid cash for our visit and the hotel did not know that I would be reviewing it.</p>
  4365.  
  4366.  
  4367. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4368. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4605-1.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="622" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4605-1.webp" alt="Sunborn Yacht Hotel bird view" class="wp-image-779220 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4605-1.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4605-1-400x276.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4605-1-500x346.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4605-1-768x531.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4605-1-350x242.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure></div>
  4369.  
  4370.  
  4371. <p><strong>Sunborn Gibraltar is a floating hotel built as a small cruise ship</strong> and permanently moored at the Ocean Village marina.  The vessel has never sailed and was transported on a heavy-lift transporter ship from Malaysia to Gibraltar. There is a sister floating hotel by ExCeL in east London.</p>
  4372.  
  4373.  
  4374.  
  4375. <p>Our BA flight had an amazing approach to Gibraltar airport circling the rock first and landing from the west. The airport would be at the left of this photo and Sunborn is roughly 100 metres parallel to the landing strip, surrounded by the marina and promenade.</p>
  4376.  
  4377.  
  4378.  
  4379. <p>Here&#8217;s a map showing how close you are:</p>
  4380.  
  4381.  
  4382. <div class="wp-block-image is-resized">
  4383. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Sunborn-Yacht-Hotel-Gibraltar-5.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1000" height="750" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Sunborn-Yacht-Hotel-Gibraltar-5.jpg" alt="Sunborn Yacht Hotel Gibraltar map review" class="wp-image-276197 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Sunborn-Yacht-Hotel-Gibraltar-5.jpg 1000w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Sunborn-Yacht-Hotel-Gibraltar-5-325x244.jpg 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Sunborn-Yacht-Hotel-Gibraltar-5-400x300.jpg 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Sunborn-Yacht-Hotel-Gibraltar-5-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Sunborn-Yacht-Hotel-Gibraltar-5-350x263.jpg 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a></figure></div>
  4384.  
  4385.  
  4386. <p><strong>The close proximity to the airport makes it possible to transfer on foot</strong>, with the added novelty of walking across an active runway. It took us roughly 20 minutes.</p>
  4387.  
  4388.  
  4389.  
  4390. <p>The entrance is port side (left), slightly hidden behind the bars and restaurants. If you book a room on this side you will face a motor yacht marina, high rising residential buildings and the promenade.  Directly in front of you will be an Irish pub with a big screen outdoor TV.</p>
  4391.  
  4392.  
  4393. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4394. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-92.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-92.webp" alt="Sunborn Yacht Hotel frontview" class="wp-image-775731 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-92.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-92-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-92-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-92-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-92-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure></div>
  4395.  
  4396.  
  4397. <p><strong>Rooms on starboard side (right) face the marina and the airport runway.</strong> It is definitely preferable to book a room on this side as the views are lovely, far reaching and with the occasional aircraft taxiing across your field of vision!</p>
  4398.  
  4399.  
  4400. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4401. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-94.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-94.webp" alt="Sunborn Yacht Hotel frontview 1" class="wp-image-775732 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-94.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-94-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-94-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-94-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-94-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure></div>
  4402.  
  4403.  
  4404. <p>Although not an ocean-going vessel the interior is very &#8216;cruise ship&#8217; &#8211; blingy and shiny. Here is the very wide reception desk! The staff were welcoming and checked us in to our starboard side rooms.</p>
  4405.  
  4406.  
  4407. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4408. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-95.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-95.webp" alt="Sunborn Yacht Hotel reception desk" class="wp-image-775733 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-95.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-95-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-95-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-95-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-95-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure></div>
  4409.  
  4410.  
  4411. <p>From the ceiling of the lobby a giant blue globe sets the scene:</p>
  4412.  
  4413.  
  4414. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4415. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-97.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-97.webp" alt="Sunborn Yacht Hotel lobby" class="wp-image-775735 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-97.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-97-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-97-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-97-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-97-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure></div>
  4416.  
  4417.  
  4418. <p>Our rooms were on the fifth floor. Rooms are on both sides of a central corridor and all have windows, unlike large cruise ships these days! <strong>Hidden speakers provide a permanent background sound of waves crashing onshore</strong> which was fun and a reminder that you are on a ship rather than in a normal hotel.</p>
  4419.  
  4420.  
  4421. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4422. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-96.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-96.webp" alt="Sunborn Yacht Hotel corridor" class="wp-image-775734 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-96.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-96-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-96-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-96-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-96-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure></div>
  4423.  
  4424.  
  4425. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Our room at Sunborn Gibraltar</h2>
  4426.  
  4427.  
  4428.  
  4429. <p>We had a Superyacht Superior room which faced the marina and airport runway. The room was light and very spacious and I especially appreciated the generous desk space on the right. It was convenient to work here on a laptop in the evenings.</p>
  4430.  
  4431.  
  4432. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4433. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-2.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-2.webp" alt="Sunborn Yacht Hotel room" class="wp-image-775720 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-2.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-2-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-2-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-2-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-2-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure></div>
  4434.  
  4435.  
  4436. <p>The bathroom is equally spacious with a large shower and one sink (no bathtub).</p>
  4437.  
  4438.  
  4439. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4440. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-1.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-1.webp" alt="Sunborn Yacht Hotel bathroom" class="wp-image-775724 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-1.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-1-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-1-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-1-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-1-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure></div>
  4441.  
  4442.  
  4443. <p><strong>The design definitely has cruise ship vibes with lots of chrome</strong>. The toiletries came from Rituals but unfortunately didn&#8217;t include conditioner which was unexpected. I have long stopped taking shampoo and conditioner with me when I go to hotels of a certain level, expecting some to be supplied.</p>
  4444.  
  4445.  
  4446. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4447. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-5.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-5.webp" alt="Sunborn Yacht Hotel shower" class="wp-image-775727 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-5.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-5-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-5-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-5-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-5-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure></div>
  4448.  
  4449.  
  4450. <p>A small red leather cupoard houses the minibar and tea and coffee facilities.</p>
  4451.  
  4452.  
  4453. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4454. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-3.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-3.webp" alt="Sunborn Yacht Hotel mini bar" class="wp-image-775725 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-3.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-3-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-3-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-3-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-3-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure></div>
  4455.  
  4456.  
  4457. <p><strong>The highlight of our room was the view from the Juliet balcony towards the runway and further on to Spain.</strong> You can just make the runway out behind the sailing yachts in the photo below. During April there are only three or four flights per day so I couldn&#8217;t get a picture with an aircraft! There is no major noise disturbance.</p>
  4458.  
  4459.  
  4460. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4461. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-4.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-4.webp" alt="Sunborn Yacht Hotel room view" class="wp-image-775726 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-4.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-4-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-4-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-4-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-4-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure></div>
  4462.  
  4463.  
  4464. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Food and drink at Sunborn Gibraltar</h2>
  4465.  
  4466.  
  4467.  
  4468. <p>Breakfast is served at the Barbary restaurant on the top floor:</p>
  4469.  
  4470.  
  4471. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4472. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-6.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-6.webp" alt="Sunborn Yacht Hotel Barbary restaurant" class="wp-image-775721 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-6.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-6-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-6-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-6-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-6-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure></div>
  4473.  
  4474.  
  4475. <p>It is very light and spacious with windows on both sides. The hotel was fairly full with a few tour groups but, whilst it got busy, getting a table wasn&#8217;t a problem.</p>
  4476.  
  4477.  
  4478. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4479. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-991.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-991.webp" alt="Sunborn Yacht Hotel Barbary restaurant 1" class="wp-image-775738 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-991.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-991-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-991-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-991-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-991-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure></div>
  4480.  
  4481.  
  4482. <p>Breakfast is mainly served from the large buffet. To be honest the offering wasn&#8217;t particular exciting but it was decent quality. On offer were a wide range of warm dishes with omelettes made to order.</p>
  4483.  
  4484.  
  4485. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4486. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-7.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-7.webp" alt="Sunborn Yacht Hotel breakfast" class="wp-image-775728 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-7.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-7-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-7-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-7-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-7-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure></div>
  4487.  
  4488.  
  4489. <p>There were five dishes on the a la carte breakfast menu with full english, continental, Barbary Coast (basically yoghurt with granola etc), eggs royale and a vegan breakfast.</p>
  4490.  
  4491.  
  4492.  
  4493. <p>It was a slightly odd set-up. On our first day we didn&#8217;t even know there were cooked options with no menu card on our table. On the second day we had a menu card but no-one ever asked if we wanted anything &#8211; not that we did.</p>
  4494.  
  4495.  
  4496. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4497. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-9.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-9.webp" alt="Sunborn Yacht Hotel breakfast 3" class="wp-image-775730 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-9.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-9-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-9-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-9-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-9-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure></div>
  4498.  
  4499.  
  4500. <p>There are chairs and tables outside if you want to have a coffee or a bite during the day.</p>
  4501.  
  4502.  
  4503.  
  4504. <p>The pool is located at the stern (back) at the far end of this terrace. It was still closed at Easter and it is very small &#8211; more plunge than swimming pool.</p>
  4505.  
  4506.  
  4507. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4508. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-99.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-99.webp" alt="Sunborn Yacht Hotel breakfast 4" class="wp-image-775737 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-99.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-99-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-99-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-99-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-99-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure></div>
  4509.  
  4510.  
  4511. <p>The hotel also has a sun terrace at the bow (front) with some sun loungers just in front of the (empty) bridge.</p>
  4512.  
  4513.  
  4514. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4515. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-98.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-98.webp" alt="Sunborn Yacht Hotel breakfast 5" class="wp-image-775736 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-98.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-98-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-98-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-98-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-98-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure></div>
  4516.  
  4517.  
  4518. <p>The &#8216;gym with a view&#8217; is quite impressive and was well attended. There is also a spa providing a standard range of treatments.</p>
  4519.  
  4520.  
  4521. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4522. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-992.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-992.webp" alt="Sunborn Yacht Hotel breakfast 6" class="wp-image-775739 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-992.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-992-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-992-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-992-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-992-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure></div>
  4523.  
  4524.  
  4525. <p>Besides breakfast we didn&#8217;t have a meal in the hotel.  At the stern of the ship is the Gastrobar which can also be directly accessed from the pier and is open to all.</p>
  4526.  
  4527.  
  4528. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4529. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-93.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-93.webp" alt="Sunborn Yacht Hotel stern" class="wp-image-775723 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-93.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-93-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-93-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-93-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-93-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure></div>
  4530.  
  4531.  
  4532. <p>It is a good space and looks smart with tables inside, as well as large sofa areas for anyone who just wants to have a drink. There are a handful of outdoor tables and chairs on the small terrace.</p>
  4533.  
  4534.  
  4535. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4536. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-993.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-993.webp" alt="Sunborn Yacht Hotel Gastrobar" class="wp-image-775740 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-993.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-993-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-993-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-993-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-993-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure></div>
  4537.  
  4538.  
  4539. <p>The Sapphire bar is located above the reception and is all open plan. A group was having dinner here.</p>
  4540.  
  4541.  
  4542. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4543. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-994.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="675" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-994.webp" alt="Sunborn Yacht Hotel Sapphire Bar" class="wp-image-775741 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-994.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-994-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-994-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-994-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sunborn-Gibraltar-994-350x263.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure></div>
  4544.  
  4545.  
  4546. <p>If you don&#8217;t want to have dinner in the hotel there are multiple options at your doorstep around the pier and promenade. We had one dinner at a small Japanese restaurant around the corner which was good.</p>
  4547.  
  4548.  
  4549.  
  4550. <p>Ocean Village has branches of Pizza Express, Wagamama and Las Iguanos built on piers which extend into the water.  Don&#8217;t knock it &#8211; there aren&#8217;t that many other good family options!</p>
  4551.  
  4552.  
  4553.  
  4554. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>
  4555.  
  4556.  
  4557.  
  4558. <p>You can&#8217;t escape the sea in Gibraltar, and <strong>staying on a yacht &#8211; albeit one sat on concrete pillars in a dock &#8211; definitely adds something to your stay</strong>. The location and close proximity to the airport are excellent. Grand Casamates Square and the main shopping street (called, erm, Main Street) are under five minutes walk away.</p>
  4559.  
  4560.  
  4561.  
  4562. <p>Our room on the starboard side was light and spacious with an outstanding view. The only disappointments were the lack of conditioner in an otherwise good bathroom and the breakfast, which was ok but not impressive in comparison to the rest of the hotel.</p>
  4563.  
  4564.  
  4565.  
  4566. <p>You can <a href="https://www.sunborngibraltar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">find out more about Sunborn Gibraltar on its website here</a>.  Pricing starts at around £200 per night for much of the year although there is the occasional spike.  A Superyacht Superior room like ours, larger than an entry level room and facing the water and runway, is roughly £50 more.</p>
  4567.  
  4568.  
  4569.  
  4570. <p>If you want other options, <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2022/02/06/review-the-rock-hotel-gibraltar/" data-type="post" data-id="312993">Rhys did a 2022 review of the art deco The Rock Hotel</a>, where we stopped for lunch, and Rob wrote <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2021/06/26/what-is-the-best-hotel-in-gibraltar/" data-type="post" data-id="276742" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a 2021 summary of the other options, including a Holiday Inn Express if you want to use hotel points</a>. Construction of a new Hilton, on the lesser visited east side of the rock, seems to be going slowly although the old hotel on the site has now been demolished.</p>
  4571.  
  4572.  
  4573.  
  4574. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What did we do in Gibraltar?</h2>
  4575.  
  4576.  
  4577.  
  4578. <p><strong>We only had one full day in Gibraltar which was enough to see the key sites</strong>. We took the cable car up the mountain and then zig-zagged down on foot, stopping at places of interest including former military bases and <a href="https://www.stmichaelscave.com/the-awakening" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a huge cave which comes with its own lightshow</a>. The monkeys, of course, are fun &#8211; totally domesticated and liking nothing more than sitting motionless on the walls, staring at you &#8230;.</p>
  4579.  
  4580.  
  4581.  
  4582. <p>The views from the top of the rock are breathtaking, and my Marine Traffic app went into overdrive with all of the cargo ships at anchor. Gibraltar is a hub for commercial vessels to bunker and change crew.</p>
  4583.  
  4584.  
  4585.  
  4586. <p>From afar I saw the ferry going over to Tangier which intrigued me &#8211; maybe next time &#8230;.</p>
  4587.  
  4588.  
  4589.  
  4590. <p>If you walk down you are not far from The Rock Hotel for a quick break and the small botanical garden in front of it.</p>
  4591.  
  4592.  
  4593.  
  4594. <p>If you&#8217;ve never been to Gibraltar then it is definitely worth a short visit. If I&#8217;m honest, I underestimated how interesting it would be. After two nights we took a taxi from the airport to the nearest train station, San Roque &#8211; La Linea, to catch the (slow) train to Granada.  <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/04/review-palacio-de-santa-paula-hotel-granada/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here for my review of Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula, Granada, which is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection</a>.</p>
  4595. ]]></content:encoded>
  4597. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/03/review-sunborn-gibraltar-yacht-hotel/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  4598. <slash:comments>50</slash:comments>
  4601. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">778658</post-id> </item>
  4602. <item>
  4603. <title>Get a 30% bonus on hotel points transfers to (Qatar) Avios &#8211; but is it a good deal?</title>
  4604. <link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/03/get-a-30-bonus-on-hotel-points-transfers-to-avios-but-is-it-a-good-deal/</link>
  4605. <comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/03/get-a-30-bonus-on-hotel-points-transfers-to-avios-but-is-it-a-good-deal/#respond</comments>
  4607. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator>
  4608. <pubDate>Sat, 03 May 2025 03:11:00 +0000</pubDate>
  4609. <category><![CDATA[Accor Live Limitless]]></category>
  4610. <category><![CDATA[Qatar Airways and Privilege Club]]></category>
  4611. <category><![CDATA[Shangri-La Circle]]></category>
  4612. <category><![CDATA[World of Hyatt]]></category>
  4613. <category><![CDATA[two]]></category>
  4614. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=779946</guid>
  4615.  
  4616. <description><![CDATA[Until 2022, The British Airways Club would run regular (every 18 months or so) transfer bonuses from hotel loyalty schemes into Avios. We haven&#8217;t seen one for the last three years. However, Qatar Airways Privilege Club has stepped into the breach. You will receive a 30% bonus when you transfer points from three hotel schemes [&#8230;]]]></description>
  4617. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  4618. <p>Until 2022, The British Airways Club would run regular (every 18 months or so) transfer bonuses from hotel loyalty schemes into Avios.</p>
  4619.  
  4620.  
  4621.  
  4622. <p>We haven&#8217;t seen one for the last three years. However, Qatar Airways Privilege Club has stepped into the breach.</p>
  4623.  
  4624.  
  4625.  
  4626. <p><strong>You will receive a 30% bonus when you transfer points from three hotel schemes into Avios by 31st May.</strong></p>
  4627.  
  4628.  
  4629.  
  4630. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/qatar-conversion-bonus-31-may/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Qatar Airways page for the offer can be found here</a>.</p>
  4631.  
  4632.  
  4633. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4634. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="592" height="395" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-bonus-Avios.webp" alt="30% bonus on hotel points transfers to Avios" class="wp-image-779956 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-bonus-Avios.webp 592w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-bonus-Avios-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-bonus-Avios-500x334.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-bonus-Avios-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-bonus-Avios-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-bonus-Avios-350x234.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 592px) 100vw, 592px" /></figure></div>
  4635.  
  4636.  
  4637. <p>There are a&nbsp;few simple rules you must follow:</p>
  4638.  
  4639.  
  4640.  
  4641. <p><strong>Rule 1</strong>: You must convert your hotel points to Qatar Airways Privilege Club Avios by 31st May.&nbsp; This is the date by which the points must leave your hotel account, not arrive at <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/qatar-airways/" data-shortcode="true">qatarairways.com</a> (&#8220;Bonus Avios will be credited as per the transaction date notified by the relevant Participating Partner to Qatar Airways Privilege Club&#8221;)</p>
  4642.  
  4643.  
  4644.  
  4645. <p><strong>Rule 2</strong>: Only transfers from the following hotel programmes count:</p>
  4646.  
  4647.  
  4648.  
  4649. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4650. <li>Accor Live Limitless</li>
  4651.  
  4652.  
  4653.  
  4654. <li>Shangri-La Circle</li>
  4655.  
  4656.  
  4657.  
  4658. <li>World of Hyatt</li>
  4659. </ul>
  4660.  
  4661.  
  4662.  
  4663. <p><strong>Rule 3</strong>: There are no minimum transfer requirements beyond whatever the usual minimum is for moving out of these schemes</p>
  4664.  
  4665.  
  4666.  
  4667. <p><strong>Rule 4:</strong> Bonus points will arrive by 30th June 2025 &#8211; it implies that they are not added immediately</p>
  4668.  
  4669.  
  4670.  
  4671. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Is this a good deal or not?</h2>
  4672.  
  4673.  
  4674.  
  4675. <p><strong>In general, hotel points are best redeemed for hotel stays</strong>.</p>
  4676.  
  4677.  
  4678.  
  4679. <p>Let’s look at the points needed for a high category room redemption worth £250 a night.  The Avios conversion does <strong>not</strong> include the 30 per cent bonus.</p>
  4680.  
  4681.  
  4682.  
  4683. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4684. <li><a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/accor-live-limitless/" data-shortcode="true">Accor Live Limitless</a> &#8211; 15,000 ALL points = 7,500 Avios (2 : 1) or a €300 (£250) room based on €1 = 50 ALL points</li>
  4685. </ul>
  4686.  
  4687.  
  4688.  
  4689. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4690. <li><a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/shangri-la-circle/" data-shortcode="true">Shangri-La Circle</a> &#8211; 4,950 Circle points = 4,950 Avios (1 : 1) or a $330 (£250) room based on $1 = 15 Circle points</li>
  4691. </ul>
  4692.  
  4693.  
  4694.  
  4695. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  4696. <li><a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/hyatt/" data-shortcode="true">World of Hyatt</a> &#8211; 25,000 to 35,000 Hyatt points (Cat 7) = 10,000 to 14,000 Avios (2.5 : 1) or a room usually worth around £250</li>
  4697. </ul>
  4698.  
  4699.  
  4700. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4701. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="331" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-12-500x331.webp" alt="Avios transfer bonus from hotel schemes" class="wp-image-739544 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-12-500x331.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-12-400x265.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-12-768x508.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-12-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-12-650x430.webp 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-12-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-12-350x232.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Avios-wing-12.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div>
  4702.  
  4703.  
  4704. <p>The World of Hyatt numbers are slightly better if you convert in chunks of 50,000 World of Hyatt points because you receive a bonus equivalent to 5,000 World of Hyatt points.</p>
  4705.  
  4706.  
  4707.  
  4708. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Is it worth converting with the 30% bonus?</h2>
  4709.  
  4710.  
  4711.  
  4712. <p>Looking at these numbers, <strong>you</strong> <strong>are probably better leaving large stashes of Accor Live Limitless, Shangri-La Circle or World of Hyatt hotel points where they are</strong>.</p>
  4713.  
  4714.  
  4715.  
  4716. <p>Shangri-La Circle is the most extreme case where you should probably take the free room.  I&#8217;d far rather have a $330 hotel night for 4,950 Circle points than take (4,950 + 30%) 6,435 Avios.</p>
  4717.  
  4718.  
  4719.  
  4720. <p>In general,<strong> Marriott Bonvoy is the only hotel programme where it can make sense to transfer points to Avios or other airline miles</strong>.  Marriott is not part of this offer though!</p>
  4721.  
  4722.  
  4723.  
  4724. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">For a small amount of points it is a different decision</h2>
  4725.  
  4726.  
  4727.  
  4728. <p>A few years ago I tidied up some of my small hotel balances by converting to Avios, often topping up first from American Express&nbsp;Membership Rewards, and didn’t regret it. If you will never earn enough for a free room, you might as well convert them and a 30% bonus is a good excuse.</p>
  4729.  
  4730.  
  4731.  
  4732. <p>The other thing to remember is that <strong>the hotel chains convert to many airline programmes, often over 20</strong>.&nbsp; You will get a 30% bonus via Avios, but perhaps topping off another account may be more useful?</p>
  4733.  
  4734.  
  4735.  
  4736. <p>If you had a very large pile of hotel points, you may be able to get enough points from scratch in a different airline to redeem with a different alliance, giving you extra flexibility.&nbsp; Avios is not always the answer.</p>
  4737.  
  4738.  
  4739.  
  4740. <p><strong>This offer runs until 31st May </strong>so you have a few weeks to decide.</p>
  4741.  
  4742.  
  4743.  
  4744. <p>Remember that you must convert into a Qatar Airways Privilege Club account and later <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/02/01/move-avios-from-british-airways-executive-club-to-qatar-airways-privilege-club/" data-type="post" data-id="617260" target="_blank" rel="noopener">move the Avios from Qatar Airways to British Airways following the instructions here</a>.</p>
  4745.  
  4746.  
  4747.  
  4748. <p>You can find full details of the offer <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/qatar-conversion-bonus-31-may/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on qatarairways.com here</a>.</p>
  4749. ]]></content:encoded>
  4751. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/03/get-a-30-bonus-on-hotel-points-transfers-to-avios-but-is-it-a-good-deal/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  4752. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  4755. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">779946</post-id> </item>
  4756. <item>
  4757. <title>Review: the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card (Amex Gold)</title>
  4758. <link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/03/review-american-express-preferred-rewards-gold-amex-gold-credit-card-4/</link>
  4759. <comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/03/review-american-express-preferred-rewards-gold-amex-gold-credit-card-4/#comments</comments>
  4761. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator>
  4762. <pubDate>Sat, 03 May 2025 02:31:00 +0000</pubDate>
  4763. <category><![CDATA[American Express Gold card]]></category>
  4764. <category><![CDATA[Credit & Charge Card Reviews]]></category>
  4765. <category><![CDATA[American Express® Credit Cards]]></category>
  4766. <category><![CDATA[American Express® Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card]]></category>
  4767. <category><![CDATA[three]]></category>
  4768. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=779852</guid>
  4769.  
  4770. <description><![CDATA[This is our review of the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold (Amex Gold) Credit Card. This review is part of our series of articles looking at the major UK loyalty credit cards and discussing whether or not they are worth applying for. These articles are linked to the relevant sections of the &#8216;Credit Cards&#8216; area [&#8230;]]]></description>
  4771. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  4772. <p><strong>This is our review of the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold (Amex Gold) Credit Card.</strong></p>
  4773.  
  4774.  
  4775.  
  4776. <p>This review is part of our series of articles looking at the major UK loyalty credit cards and discussing whether or not they are worth applying for. These articles are linked to the relevant sections of the &#8216;<a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/best-uk-avios-airline-hotel-credit-cards/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Credit Cards</a>&#8216; area in the menu bar.  Our other <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/category/credit-card-reviews-series/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UK airline and hotel credit card reviews can be found here</a>.</p>
  4777.  
  4778.  
  4779.  
  4780. <p><strong>Key link:</strong> <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-gold/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card application page</a></p>
  4781.  
  4782.  
  4783.  
  4784. <p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a07a03cf1e234888e123734bcfeb36f1"><strong>SPECIAL OFFER:  Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the &#8216;free for a year&#8217; American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points.  Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes.  Some people may see even higher personalised offers.  T&amp;C apply, 18+, subject to status.</strong></p>
  4785.  
  4786.  
  4787. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4788. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="595" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/HfP-Amex-Gold-2023-light-webp.webp" alt="Review American Express Preferred Rewards Gold (Amex Gold) credit card" class="wp-image-509126 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/HfP-Amex-Gold-2023-light-webp.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/HfP-Amex-Gold-2023-light-webp-400x264.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/HfP-Amex-Gold-2023-light-webp-500x331.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/HfP-Amex-Gold-2023-light-webp-768x508.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/HfP-Amex-Gold-2023-light-webp-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/HfP-Amex-Gold-2023-light-webp-650x430.webp 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/HfP-Amex-Gold-2023-light-webp-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/HfP-Amex-Gold-2023-light-webp-350x231.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div>
  4789.  
  4790.  
  4791. <p><strong>Key facts:</strong> No annual fee in year 1 and £195 thereafter. You can cancel at any point.</p>
  4792.  
  4793.  
  4794. <p><strong>The representative APR is 87.3% variable, including the annual fee.  The representative APR on purchases, and in the first year which has no fee, is 30.0% variable.</strong></p>
  4795.  
  4796.  
  4797.  
  4798. <p>Reward credit cards generally have high interest rates and are not suitable for anyone who does not pay off their full balance each month.  If you do not clear your balance, you should look for a non-rewards credit card with a low interest rate instead.</p>
  4799.  
  4800.  
  4801.  
  4802. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is the Amex Gold sign-up bonus?</h2>
  4803.  
  4804.  
  4805.  
  4806. <p><strong>American Express Preferred Rewards Gold offers 20,000 Membership Rewards points</strong> when you spend £3,000 within three months.</p>
  4807.  
  4808.  
  4809.  
  4810. <p><strong>This is the most generous sign-up bonus available on any free UK loyalty credit card </strong>&#8211; albeit that Preferred Rewards Gold is only free for the first year.</p>
  4811.  
  4812.  
  4813.  
  4814. <p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a07a03cf1e234888e123734bcfeb36f1"><strong>SPECIAL OFFER:  Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the &#8216;free for a year&#8217; American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points.  Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes.  Some people may see even higher personalised offers.  T&amp;C apply, 18+, subject to status.</strong></p>
  4815.  
  4816.  
  4817.  
  4818. <p>Membership Rewards points can be converted 1 to 1 into Avios. <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/02/07/uses-for-american-express-membership-rewards-points/" data-type="URL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here to see what other airline and hotel programmes are Membership Rewards transfer partners</a>.</p>
  4819.  
  4820.  
  4821.  
  4822. <p>This means that <strong>you can receive 20,000 Avios points for free by applying for this card, spending enough to trigger the sign-up bonus and then transferring the points to British Airways</strong>.</p>
  4823.  
  4824.  
  4825.  
  4826. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What are the rules for qualifying for the sign-up bonus?</h2>
  4827.  
  4828.  
  4829.  
  4830. <p>The bonus is only available to customers who have not held a personal American Express card in the previous 24 months.&nbsp;</p>
  4831.  
  4832.  
  4833.  
  4834. <p>You <em>will</em> receive the sign-up bonus if you have a Corporate or Business American Express card via your job and you receive Membership Rewards points from it.</p>
  4835.  
  4836.  
  4837.  
  4838. <p>You will definitely receive the bonus if you are only a supplementary cardholder on someone else&#8217;s American Express card. As far as Amex is concerned, that card belongs to the primarily cardholder and does <em>not</em> make you an &#8216;existing cardholder&#8217;.</p>
  4839.  
  4840.  
  4841.  
  4842. <p><strong>If you do not qualify for the bonus, you can still apply.</strong>&nbsp; You still receive the other card benefits outlined below, including the four free airport lounge passes, £120 of Deliveroo credit and &#8216;no fee in the first year&#8217;.</p>
  4843.  
  4844.  
  4845. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4846. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="400" height="261" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Amex-Gold-CF-Frost-400x261.jpg" alt="American Express Preferred Rewards Gold UK credit card review" class="wp-image-267248 aligncenter" style="width:350px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Amex-Gold-CF-Frost-400x261.jpg 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Amex-Gold-CF-Frost-325x212.jpg 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Amex-Gold-CF-Frost-350x229.jpg 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Amex-Gold-CF-Frost.jpg 612w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></figure></div>
  4847.  
  4848.  
  4849. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What are the other benefits of Amex Gold?</h2>
  4850.  
  4851.  
  4852.  
  4853. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Four airport lounge passes:</h3>
  4854.  
  4855.  
  4856.  
  4857. <p><strong>You receive four free airport lounge passes</strong>, valid at any airport lounge <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/priority-pass/" data-shortcode="true">in the Priority Pass network</a>.  You receive four additional free passes each year when you renew your card.</p>
  4858.  
  4859.  
  4860.  
  4861. <p>Heathrow (including the Aspire and Plaza Premium lounges in Terminal 5), Gatwick, Luton and Stansted &#8211; amongst many others &#8211; have participating lounges as do most major airports worldwide. After your four free visits, you can make further lounge visits at a discounted rate of £24.</p>
  4862.  
  4863.  
  4864.  
  4865. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">£120 of Deliveroo credit:</h3>
  4866.  
  4867.  
  4868.  
  4869. <p><strong>You receive £120 of Deliveroo credit each year.</strong></p>
  4870.  
  4871.  
  4872.  
  4873. <p>This arrives in the form of 2 x £5 credits each month. You receive £5 cashback each time a Deliveroo order for £5+ is charged to your Preferred Rewards Gold card, up to £10 of credit per month.</p>
  4874.  
  4875.  
  4876.  
  4877. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Up to 12,500 bonus points each year:</h3>
  4878.  
  4879.  
  4880.  
  4881. <p><strong>You will receive up to 12,500 bonus Membership Rewards points each membership year based on your total spending.</strong>  The first 2,500 points arrive after £5,000 of spending and a further 2,500 points are earned after each incremental £5,000, up to a total of 12,500 points.</p>
  4882.  
  4883.  
  4884.  
  4885. <p>This means that you are averaging 1.5 Membership Rewards points per £1 on your first £25,000 of annual spending, which is an excellent earn rate.</p>
  4886.  
  4887.  
  4888.  
  4889. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Other benefits:</h3>
  4890.  
  4891.  
  4892.  
  4893. <p>You will receive a 10% discount and free additional driver on Hertz bookings. You will receive Preferred Plus status in the Avis car rental programme. <a data-type="post" data-id="607878" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/21/hertz-car-rental-benefit-for-amex-gold-cardholders-3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">We looked at the Hertz benefit in more detail in this article</a>.</p>
  4894.  
  4895.  
  4896.  
  4897. <p>There are <strong>1,000 4-5 star hotels worldwide which offer a $100 in-hotel credit </strong>and an upgrade if available when booked by an Amex Gold cardholder for 2+ nights. Full details are <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-uk-hotel-collection/" data-shortcode="true">on the Amex Travel website here</a>.</p>
  4898.  
  4899.  
  4900. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4901. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amex-Gold-white-webp-500x333.webp" alt="Review American Express Preferred Rewards Gold (Amex Gold) credit card" class="wp-image-543303 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amex-Gold-white-webp-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amex-Gold-white-webp-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amex-Gold-white-webp-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amex-Gold-white-webp-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amex-Gold-white-webp-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amex-Gold-white-webp-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amex-Gold-white-webp-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amex-Gold-white-webp.webp 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div>
  4902.  
  4903.  
  4904. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is the Amex Gold annual fee?</h2>
  4905.  
  4906.  
  4907.  
  4908. <p>There is <strong>no fee</strong> for your first year of Preferred Rewards Gold.</p>
  4909.  
  4910.  
  4911.  
  4912. <p>For future years, there is a fee of £195. I would personally struggle to justify the fee in light of the benefits unless I was making heavy use of the $100 hotel credits, the airport lounge passes and the Deliveroo credit.</p>
  4913.  
  4914.  
  4915.  
  4916. <p>You can apply for the card with a minimum personal income of just £20,000.</p>
  4917.  
  4918.  
  4919.  
  4920. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What do I earn per £1 spent on the card?</h2>
  4921.  
  4922.  
  4923.  
  4924. <p>You receive 1 Membership Rewards point per £1 spent on the card.</p>
  4925.  
  4926.  
  4927.  
  4928. <p>Foreign currency transactions and <strong>flight tickets bought directly from an airline earn 2 points per £1</strong>. This is a valuable extra benefit for anyone who buys a lot of flights.</p>
  4929.  
  4930.  
  4931.  
  4932. <p>Much of the time, but not always, airline transactions which are paid for in a foreign currency earn 3 points per £1 as the offers double up.</p>
  4933.  
  4934.  
  4935.  
  4936. <p>Travel bookings made via the American Express Travel website, and paid for online, earn an impressive 3 points per £1.</p>
  4937.  
  4938.  
  4939.  
  4940. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is a Membership Rewards point worth?</h2>
  4941.  
  4942.  
  4943.  
  4944. <p>Anything from &#8216;quite a bit&#8217; to &#8216;a lot&#8217; is the answer. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/02/07/uses-for-american-express-membership-rewards-points/" data-type="post" target="_blank" rel="noopener">I wrote this lengthy article on what American Express Membership Rewards points are worth</a>.</p>
  4945.  
  4946.  
  4947.  
  4948. <p>I tend to value airline miles at 0.75p &#8211; 1p each (this is conservative) so that is your valuation if you transfer to an airline programme.</p>
  4949.  
  4950.  
  4951.  
  4952. <p><strong>Both Avios and Virgin Flying Club are Membership Rewards transfer partners at a 1:1 rate.</strong> The sign-up bonus of 20,000 Membership Rewards points would convert into 20,000 Avios. You can also transfer to Emirates, Etihad, Singapore Airlines and Delta amongst others.</p>
  4953.  
  4954.  
  4955.  
  4956. <p><strong>Some of the hotel programmes also offer good value</strong>. Your options are Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy and Radisson Rewards. Club Eurostar is a decent deal given that Eurostar ticket prices have risen sharply since the pandemic.</p>
  4957.  
  4958.  
  4959.  
  4960. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/membership-rewards-airline-partners/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">You can take a look at the full list of Membership Rewards options here</a>. If you are strategic you should be able to get 1p per point of value when you use them.</p>
  4961.  
  4962.  
  4963. <div class="wp-block-image">
  4964. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-500x333.webp" alt="Review Amex Gold credit card" class="wp-image-562798 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/American-Express-webp.webp 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div>
  4965.  
  4966.  
  4967. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Is Amex Gold a good card to use when travelling?</h2>
  4968.  
  4969.  
  4970.  
  4971. <p>Yes, to the extent that <strong>you receive double Membership Rewards points when using the card abroad</strong>.</p>
  4972.  
  4973.  
  4974.  
  4975. <p>However, because Amex adds a 2.99% foreign exchange fee, you might want to get a separate free credit card to use abroad.&nbsp;</p>
  4976.  
  4977.  
  4978.  
  4979. <p>Unfortunately there are no credit cards with 0% foreign exchange fees worldwide which earn airline or hotel points.  (The <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/virgin-atlantic-reward-credit-cards-joint-home/" data-shortcode="true">Virgin Atlantic credit cards</a> have 0% FX fees in the Eurozone.)&nbsp; <strong>One <strong>option is to get a free card from Currensea. </strong></strong>Currensea is a simple but clever idea.  You pay abroad with your Currensea Mastercard debit card. Currensea translates the cost to Sterling with just a 0.5% fee (83% less than Amex charges) and withdraws the money from your bank account.  <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/currensea-home/" target="_blank">You can find out more about Currensea by clicking here</a>.  <strong>Currensea is free </strong>so there is no risk in giving it a try.</p>
  4980.  
  4981.  
  4982.  
  4983. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion &#8211; is Amex Gold worth it?</h2>
  4984.  
  4985.  
  4986.  
  4987. <p>The American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card is our recommended &#8216;first&#8217; miles and points card for someone who is new to all this.</p>
  4988.  
  4989.  
  4990.  
  4991. <p><strong>The sign-up bonus of 20,000 Membership Rewards points is EASILY the most generous incentive available on a free UK loyalty credit card.</strong></p>
  4992.  
  4993.  
  4994.  
  4995. <p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a07a03cf1e234888e123734bcfeb36f1"><strong>SPECIAL OFFER:  Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the &#8216;free for a year&#8217; American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points.  Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes.  Some people may see even higher personalised offers.  T&amp;C apply, 18+, subject to status.</strong></p>
  4996.  
  4997.  
  4998.  
  4999. <p><strong>I recommend signing up and giving the card a try</strong>, if only for the first free year.</p>
  5000.  
  5001.  
  5002.  
  5003. <p>As well as the bonus, the <strong>four</strong> free airport lounge passes and £120 of Deliveroo credit are well worth having.</p>
  5004.  
  5005.  
  5006.  
  5007. <p>For day to day spending, 1 point per £1 is middling, although the 12,500 bonus points you can earn each year based on your spending increase your average &#8216;points per pound&#8217; rate sharply.</p>
  5008.  
  5009.  
  5010.  
  5011. <p>Because American Express Membership Rewards points can be transferred to so many partners, including Avios, you have time to learn more about which airline and hotel programmes would work best for you.</p>
  5012.  
  5013.  
  5014.  
  5015. <p>In time you might move on to a dedicated airline or hotel credit card, but Amex Gold is a good place to start.</p>
  5016.  
  5017.  
  5018.  
  5019. <p>The application form for the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-gold/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">can be found here</a>.</p>
  5020.  
  5021.  
  5022.  
  5023. <div style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  id="cta-button-block_b769979c12223ce63744647d6a934854" class="hfp-cpm cta-button-cmp aligncenter">
  5024. <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-gold/" target="_blank">Click here to apply for the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card</a>
  5025. </div>
  5026.  
  5027.  
  5028.  
  5029.  
  5030. <div style="height:20px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>
  5031.  
  5032.  
  5033.  
  5034. <p><em>(<strong>Want to earn more miles and points from credit cards?  </strong>Click here to </em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/best-uk-avios-airline-hotel-credit-cards" target="_blank"><em>visit our dedicated airline and hotel travel credit cards page</em></a><em> or use the &#8216;Credit Cards&#8217; link in the menu bar at the top of the page.)</em></p>
  5035.  
  5036.  
  5037.  
  5038. <p><em>Disclaimer: Head for Points is a journalistic website. Nothing here should be construed as financial advice, and it is your own responsibility to ensure that any product is right for your circumstances. Recommendations are based primarily on the ability to earn miles and points. The site discusses products offered by lenders but is not a lender itself.  Robert Burgess, trading as Head for Points, is regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as an independent credit broker.</em></p>
  5039. ]]></content:encoded>
  5041. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/03/review-american-express-preferred-rewards-gold-amex-gold-credit-card-4/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  5042. <slash:comments>30</slash:comments>
  5045. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">779852</post-id> </item>
  5046. <item>
  5047. <title>What you missed on Head for Points last week</title>
  5048. <link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/03/what-you-missed-on-head-for-points-last-week-243/</link>
  5049. <comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/03/what-you-missed-on-head-for-points-last-week-243/#comments</comments>
  5051. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator>
  5052. <pubDate>Sat, 03 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  5053. <category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
  5054. <category><![CDATA[Weekly Summary]]></category>
  5055. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=780158</guid>
  5056.  
  5057. <description><![CDATA[Welcome to the Head for Points weekly newsletter, full of the latest Avios, travel loyalty and travel credit card news, hints and tips. If you are not a subscriber, you can sign up to this free Saturday newsletter by filling in the form here. Please forward it to any friends or family who you think may want to join our 45,000 subscribers and improve how they travel. The newsletter also runs on the Head for Points website every Saturday.]]></description>
  5058. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  5059. <p>Welcome to the <em>Head for Points</em> weekly newsletter, full of the latest Avios, travel loyalty and travel credit card news, hints and tips.</p>
  5060.  
  5061.  
  5062.  
  5063. <p>If you are not a subscriber, you can sign up to this free Saturday newsletter <a href="https://eepurl.com/g93c1z" target="_blank" rel="noopener">by filling in the form here</a>. <strong>Please forward it to any friends or family</strong> who you think may want to join our 48,000 subscribers and improve how they travel. The newsletter also runs on the <em>Head for Points</em> website every Saturday.</p>
  5064.  
  5065.  
  5066.  
  5067. <p>(We also offer daily emails.  You would receive each article in full on the day of release, so you won&#8217;t miss any short-notice deals or offers.  If you want to switch, create a fresh subscription to the daily emails <a href="https://eepurl.com/gx74EP" target="_blank" rel="noopener">via this form</a>. You will then need to unsubscribe from the weekly email by clicking the &#8216;Unsubscribe&#8217; link at the bottom of this newsletter.)</p>
  5068.  
  5069.  
  5070. <div class="wp-block-image">
  5071. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="331" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-500x331.webp" alt="Get a 80,000 points bonus (converts to 80,000 Avios) with Amex Platinum" class="wp-image-414434 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-500x331.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-400x265.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-768x508.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-650x430.webp 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum-350x232.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HfP-American-Express-Amex-Platinum.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div>
  5072.  
  5073.  
  5074. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">ENDS SOON: Get a 80,000 points bonus (converts to 80,000 Avios) with Amex Platinum</h2>
  5075.  
  5076.  
  5077.  
  5078. <p>American Express is running a special sign-up bonus on the <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-platinum/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Platinum Card from American Express</a> &#8211; apply <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-platinum/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. <strong>The bonus is increased from 50,000 to 80,000 Membership Rewards points</strong> which converts to:</p>
  5079.  
  5080.  
  5081.  
  5082. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  5083. <li>80,000 Avios</li>
  5084.  
  5085.  
  5086.  
  5087. <li>80,000 Virgin Points</li>
  5088.  
  5089.  
  5090.  
  5091. <li>80,000 Etihad, Flying Blue, Asia Miles, Delta, Qantas or SAS miles</li>
  5092.  
  5093.  
  5094.  
  5095. <li>60,000 Emirates miles</li>
  5096.  
  5097.  
  5098.  
  5099. <li>53,333 Singapore Airlines miles</li>
  5100.  
  5101.  
  5102.  
  5103. <li>160,000 Hilton Honors points</li>
  5104.  
  5105.  
  5106.  
  5107. <li>120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points</li>
  5108.  
  5109.  
  5110.  
  5111. <li>240,000 Radisson Rewards points</li>
  5112.  
  5113.  
  5114.  
  5115. <li>5,332 Club Eurostar points</li>
  5116. </ul>
  5117.  
  5118.  
  5119.  
  5120. <p>…. and many other non-travel rewards.</p>
  5121.  
  5122.  
  5123.  
  5124. <p><strong>You receive 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending £10,000 in six months.</strong></p>
  5125.  
  5126.  
  5127.  
  5128. <p>The card has an annual fee of £650.<strong>  You will receive a pro-rata refund</strong> if you cancel the card mid-year.</p>
  5129.  
  5130.  
  5131.  
  5132. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/20/still-on-get-80000-points-converts-to-80000-avios-with-american-express-platinum/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Our main article on the 80,000 points bonus is here</a>. Make sure you read the bit about whether or not you qualify for the bonus.</p>
  5133.  
  5134.  
  5135.  
  5136. <p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-43def908463e23b6c59a952b832f438c"><strong>You DO qualify for the 80,000 points even if you have a British Airways American Express card</strong>.</p>
  5137.  
  5138.  
  5139.  
  5140. <p>You can apply for the American Express Platinum Card with the special bonus <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/amex-platinum/" data-shortcode="true">on this page of the Amex website</a>.  <strong>You may even see a bonus higher than 80,000 points</strong> as Amex is targeting some people with a different offer.</p>
  5141.  
  5142.  
  5143.  
  5144. <p><strong>The special offer ends on 27th May.</strong></p>
  5145.  
  5146.  
  5147. <p><strong>The representative APR is 694.9% variable, including the annual fee.  The representative APR on purchases is 30.0% variable.</strong></p>
  5148.  
  5149.  
  5150.  
  5151. <p>In other news &#8230;.</p>
  5152.  
  5153.  
  5154. <div class="wp-block-image">
  5155. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="334" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Hilton-Honors-logo-500x334.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-721214 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Hilton-Honors-logo-500x334.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Hilton-Honors-logo-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Hilton-Honors-logo-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Hilton-Honors-logo-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Hilton-Honors-logo-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Hilton-Honors-logo.jpg 751w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div>
  5156.  
  5157.  
  5158. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hilton launches a sale and its new points promotion:</h2>
  5159.  
  5160.  
  5161.  
  5162. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/02/hilton-summer-2025-bonus-points-offer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>REGISTER NOW: Hilton launches its new bonus points promotion for June to mid-August stays</strong></a></p>
  5163.  
  5164.  
  5165.  
  5166. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/02/hilton-summer-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SALE: Save up to 20% on UK &amp; Ireland hotels in the Hilton Summer Sale</strong></a></p>
  5167.  
  5168.  
  5169.  
  5170. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">This week&#8217;s top travel news stories:</h2>
  5171.  
  5172.  
  5173.  
  5174. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/02/british-airways-first-class-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>KLM launches flights to Barbados</strong></a></p>
  5175.  
  5176.  
  5177.  
  5178. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/28/marriott-to-buy-citizenm-brand/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Marriott buys citizenM hotels (now 37 brands, but who’s counting?)</strong></a></p>
  5179.  
  5180.  
  5181.  
  5182. <p><strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/30/virgin-atlantic-cancels-tel-aviv-flights/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virgin Atlantic permanently cancels Tel Aviv route amid ongoing uncertainty</a></strong></p>
  5183.  
  5184.  
  5185.  
  5186. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/29/saudia-opens-new-airline-lounge-at-heathrow-in-the-old-skyteam-lounge/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Saudia opens a new airline lounge at Heathrow Terminal 4</strong></a></p>
  5187.  
  5188.  
  5189.  
  5190. <p><strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/30/oman-air-oneworld-alliance-joining-date/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oman Air confirms its oneworld entry date</a></strong></p>
  5191.  
  5192.  
  5193.  
  5194. <p><strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/30/oman-air-oneworld-alliance-joining-date/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bristol Airport confirms the opening date for its brand new lounge</a></strong></p>
  5195.  
  5196.  
  5197.  
  5198. <p><strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/26/bits-united-adds-at-edinburgh-ihg-hotel-sale-hotels-com-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Airlines expands at Edinburgh</a></strong></p>
  5199.  
  5200.  
  5201.  
  5202. <p><strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/26/bits-united-adds-at-edinburgh-ihg-hotel-sale-hotels-com-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IHG launches a new hotel sale</a></strong></p>
  5203.  
  5204.  
  5205. <div class="wp-block-image">
  5206. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="334" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-bonus-Avios-500x334.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-779956 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-bonus-Avios-500x334.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-bonus-Avios-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-bonus-Avios-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-bonus-Avios-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-bonus-Avios-350x234.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Qatar-bonus-Avios.webp 592w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div>
  5207.  
  5208.  
  5209. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Credit card news:</h2>
  5210.  
  5211.  
  5212.  
  5213. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/02/hsbc-transfer-bonus-to-avios/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Get a 30% bonus on HSBC Premier credit card points conversions to (Qatar) Avios</strong></a>.  Accor, Hyatt and Shangri-La hotel points are also included in this transfer bonus.</p>
  5214.  
  5215.  
  5216.  
  5217. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/27/using-virgin-atlantic-credit-card-vouchers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Is this the sweet spot for using Virgin Atlantic credit card vouchers?</strong></a></p>
  5218.  
  5219.  
  5220.  
  5221. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">British Airways and Avios news:</h2>
  5222.  
  5223.  
  5224.  
  5225. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/01/wine-flyer-may-offer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NEW: Get 6,000 Avios for £149 of wine by combining two (or three) The Wine Flyer deals</strong></a></p>
  5226.  
  5227.  
  5228.  
  5229. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/02/british-airways-first-class-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Good First Class fares on BA to the US East Coast for the autumn and winter</strong></a></p>
  5230.  
  5231.  
  5232.  
  5233. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/28/lufthansa-miles-and-more-british-airways-status-match/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>STILL ON: British Airways Silver and Gold members can get a rare Lufthansa status match</strong></a></p>
  5234.  
  5235.  
  5236.  
  5237. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/26/is-aer-lingus-blocking-avios-redemption-flights-within-60-days-of-departure-again/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Is Aer Lingus blocking Avios redemption flights within 60 days of departure (again)?</strong></a></p>
  5238.  
  5239.  
  5240. <div class="wp-block-image">
  5241. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Qatar-Airways-Starlink-7330-500x375.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-777584 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Qatar-Airways-Starlink-7330-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Qatar-Airways-Starlink-7330-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Qatar-Airways-Starlink-7330-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Qatar-Airways-Starlink-7330-350x263.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Qatar-Airways-Starlink-7330.webp 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div>
  5242.  
  5243.  
  5244. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Reviews:</h2>
  5245.  
  5246.  
  5247.  
  5248. <p>Rob and Rhys were in Doha last week and checked out the latest developments from Qatar Airways:</p>
  5249.  
  5250.  
  5251.  
  5252. <p><strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/28/review-qatar-airways-starlink-wifi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">We try out Qatar Airways’ new Starlink wifi – a genuine game-changer</a></strong>. Gate to gate wifi at speeds beyond your home or office. Image above.</p>
  5253.  
  5254.  
  5255.  
  5256. <p><strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/30/review-al-safwa-first-class-lounge-at-hamad-airport-doha/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Review: the Al Safwa First Lounge at Hamad Airport, Doha</a></strong> &#8211; find out why this is the most architectually stunning airport lounge in the world</p>
  5257.  
  5258.  
  5259. <div class="wp-block-image">
  5260. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Hotels-London-2-500x375.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-779446 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Hotels-London-2-500x375.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Hotels-London-2-400x300.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Hotels-London-2-768x576.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Hotels-London-2-350x263.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Virgin-Hotels-London-2.webp 900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div>
  5261.  
  5262.  
  5263. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hotel news:</h2>
  5264.  
  5265.  
  5266.  
  5267. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/01/virgin-hotels-london-shoreditch-launched/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Virgin Hotels London Shoreditch is officially launched – and I’m impressed so far</strong></a>.  Image above.</p>
  5268.  
  5269.  
  5270.  
  5271. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/28/rotana-rewards-status-match/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>A cunning plan to get free, valuable, top-tier GHA hotel status for 2026</strong></a></p>
  5272.  
  5273.  
  5274.  
  5275. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/27/hilton-accor-wembley-redemptions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hilton and Accor add new football and concert experiences for your hotel points</strong></a></p>
  5276.  
  5277.  
  5278.  
  5279. <p><strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/26/bits-united-adds-at-edinburgh-ihg-hotel-sale-hotels-com-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Get 50% bonus OneKeyCash with Hotels.com</a></strong></p>
  5280.  
  5281.  
  5282.  
  5283. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other stories:</h2>
  5284.  
  5285.  
  5286.  
  5287. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/01/oneworld-emerald-benefits-on-british-airways/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>What does British Airways Gold status give you that other oneworld Emerald cards don’t?</strong></a></p>
  5288.  
  5289.  
  5290.  
  5291. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/26/how-do-ihg-confirmable-suite-upgrades-work/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>How do IHG ‘Confirmable Suite Upgrade’ vouchers work?</strong></a></p>
  5292.  
  5293.  
  5294.  
  5295. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/29/hotel-mobile-checkin/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Got a pre-paid hotel room you can’t use? Do mobile check-in anyway ….</strong></a></p>
  5296.  
  5297.  
  5298.  
  5299. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">That&#8217;s all, folks</h2>
  5300.  
  5301.  
  5302.  
  5303. <p><strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/04/27/important-dates-for-your-diary-offers-about-to-close-which-you-shouldnt-miss-173/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Our latest round-up of miles and points offers closing soon is here</a></strong>.</p>
  5304.  
  5305.  
  5306.  
  5307. <p>If you are booking a hotel this weekend, <strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/best-uk-hotel-points-promotions/" data-type="post" data-id="757923" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here to read our summary of the best bonus points offers for May from the big chains</a>.</strong></p>
  5308.  
  5309.  
  5310.  
  5311. <p>Don&#8217;t forget to<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/forums/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>visit our forum if you have any questions</strong> relating to frequent flyer or hotel loyalty programmes or loyalty credit cards</a>.</p>
  5312.  
  5313.  
  5314.  
  5315. <p>See you next Saturday,</p>
  5316.  
  5317.  
  5318.  
  5319. <p>Rob, Rhys, Sinead and Katie @ Head for Points</p>
  5320. ]]></content:encoded>
  5322. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/03/what-you-missed-on-head-for-points-last-week-243/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  5323. <slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
  5326. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">780158</post-id> </item>
  5327. <item>
  5328. <title>SALE: Save up to 20% on UK &#038; Ireland hotels in the Hilton Summer Sale</title>
  5329. <link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/02/hilton-summer-sale/</link>
  5330. <comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/02/hilton-summer-sale/#comments</comments>
  5332. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Katie Ridgers]]></dc:creator>
  5333. <pubDate>Fri, 02 May 2025 04:11:00 +0000</pubDate>
  5334. <category><![CDATA[Hilton Honors]]></category>
  5335. <category><![CDATA[one]]></category>
  5336. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=776993</guid>
  5337.  
  5338. <description><![CDATA[Hilton has launched its latest sale for hotels in the UK and Ireland. You can get up to 20% off participating properties for weekend stays between 2nd May and 7th September 2025.  You must book by 2nd September 2025. You can see full details on the Hilton website here.]]></description>
  5339. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  5340. <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>This article is sponsored by Hilton Hotels</em></p>
  5341.  
  5342.  
  5343.  
  5344. <p>Hilton has launched its latest sale for hotels in the UK and Ireland.</p>
  5345.  
  5346.  
  5347.  
  5348. <p><strong>You can get up to 20%* off&nbsp;participating properties for weekend stays between 2nd May and 7th September 2025.&nbsp;</strong> You must book by 2nd September 2025.</p>
  5349.  
  5350.  
  5351.  
  5352. <p>You can <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/week-18-sponsored-article-hilton-sale/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/week-18-sponsored-article-hilton-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">see full details on the Hilton website here</a>.</p>
  5353.  
  5354.  
  5355. <div class="wp-block-image">
  5356. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="595" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The_Caledonian_Edinburgh.webp" alt="The Caledonian Edinburgh Hilton" class="wp-image-778603 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The_Caledonian_Edinburgh.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The_Caledonian_Edinburgh-400x264.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The_Caledonian_Edinburgh-500x331.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The_Caledonian_Edinburgh-768x508.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The_Caledonian_Edinburgh-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The_Caledonian_Edinburgh-650x430.webp 650w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The_Caledonian_Edinburgh-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The_Caledonian_Edinburgh-350x231.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div>
  5357.  
  5358.  
  5359. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where could you stay in Hilton&#8217;s summer sale?</h2>
  5360.  
  5361.  
  5362.  
  5363. <p>Starting in the north, Hilton has Scottish properties in Aberdeen, Dundee and Dunblane and is very well represented in Glasgow and Edinburgh.</p>
  5364.  
  5365.  
  5366.  
  5367. <p>A hotel has stood on the site of <strong><a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/waldorf-astoria-the-caledonian/" data-shortcode="true">The Caledonian Edinburgh</a>, Curio Collection by Hilton </strong>since 1903.</p>
  5368.  
  5369.  
  5370.  
  5371. <p>This landmark hotel, <strong>situated at the top of Princes Street, with great views over the castle and a ten minute stroll from the Royal Mile and Old Town</strong>, joined Hilton in 2000. Originally a Hilton and then a Waldorf Astoria, it became a Curio Collection by Hilton hotel last year following refurbishment.</p>
  5372.  
  5373.  
  5374.  
  5375. <p>The hotel&#8217;s spa includes a two floor fitness centre, indoor pool, whirlpool, steam room and sauna. Spa treatments are available at the weekend.</p>
  5376.  
  5377.  
  5378. <div class="wp-block-image">
  5379. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/cwlhi-swimming-pool.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="586" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/cwlhi-swimming-pool.webp" alt="Cardiff Hilton Indoor Swimming Pool " class="wp-image-778607 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/cwlhi-swimming-pool.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/cwlhi-swimming-pool-400x260.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/cwlhi-swimming-pool-500x326.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/cwlhi-swimming-pool-768x500.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/cwlhi-swimming-pool-350x228.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure></div>
  5380.  
  5381.  
  5382. <p>You may also want to take a look at <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/hilton-edinburgh-carlton/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the <strong>Hilton Edinburgh Carlton</strong> hotel</a> which has just emerged from a &#8216;top to toe&#8217; refurbishment.</p>
  5383.  
  5384.  
  5385.  
  5386. <p>Turning to Wales, you could stay at <strong>the recently refurbished <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/hilton-cardiff/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hilton Cardiff</a></strong>. Close to the city centre and &#8216;over the road&#8217; from the castle, the hotel is ideally located for the Principality Stadium (within half a mile) and three miles from Cardiff Bay.</p>
  5387.  
  5388.  
  5389.  
  5390. <p>The health club at the hotel has just completed a full revamp and includes a heated pool (pictured above), sauna and fitness suite. The Graze Bar and Restaurant is also newly renovated and offers a wide menu with food as locally sourced as possible.</p>
  5391.  
  5392.  
  5393. <div class="wp-block-image">
  5394. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Hilton-Belfast-2448.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="900" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Hilton-Belfast-2448.jpg" alt="Hilton Belfast room" class="wp-image-498204 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Hilton-Belfast-2448.jpg 1200w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Hilton-Belfast-2448-400x300.jpg 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Hilton-Belfast-2448-500x375.jpg 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Hilton-Belfast-2448-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Hilton-Belfast-2448-350x263.jpg 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></a></figure></div>
  5395.  
  5396.  
  5397. <p>Moving across the water to Ireland, Rhys reviewed the <strong><a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/hilton-belfast/" data-shortcode="true">Hilton Belfast</a></strong> (<a data-type="link" data-id="https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/06/08/review-hilton-belfast-hotel/" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/06/08/review-hilton-belfast-hotel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">review here</a>) in 2023 following its refurbishment, and you can see his one bedroom suite above.</p>
  5398.  
  5399.  
  5400. <div class="wp-block-image">
  5401. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="504" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/rsz_the_morrison.jpg" alt="The Morrison Dublin, Curio Collection by Hilton" class="wp-image-724313 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/rsz_the_morrison.jpg 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/rsz_the_morrison-400x224.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/rsz_the_morrison-500x280.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/rsz_the_morrison-768x430.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/rsz_the_morrison-350x196.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div>
  5402.  
  5403.  
  5404. <p>In Dublin, another newly revamped addition to the Hilton family which is worth a visit is <strong><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/curio-morrison-dublin/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Morrison Dublin, Curio Collection</a></strong> (pictured above) on the banks of the Liffey.</p>
  5405.  
  5406.  
  5407.  
  5408. <p>This is the first (and so far only) Curio Collection hotel in Ireland. It&#8217;s easily accessible being right by the Jervis Luas light rail stop, and a kilometre from Temple Bar. Look out for Sinead&#8217;s review of this hotel coming soon.</p>
  5409.  
  5410.  
  5411. <div class="wp-block-image">
  5412. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="647" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/rsz_the_westminster__london_curio_collection_by_hilton___landing_1.jpg" alt="Westminster Curio Collection by Hilton" class="wp-image-649325 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/rsz_the_westminster__london_curio_collection_by_hilton___landing_1.jpg 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/rsz_the_westminster__london_curio_collection_by_hilton___landing_1-400x288.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/rsz_the_westminster__london_curio_collection_by_hilton___landing_1-500x359.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/rsz_the_westminster__london_curio_collection_by_hilton___landing_1-768x552.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/rsz_the_westminster__london_curio_collection_by_hilton___landing_1-350x252.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure></div>
  5413.  
  5414.  
  5415. <p>Finally to the south, <strong>London is home to many fine Hilton hotels</strong> and we have reviewed a fair few on HfP.</p>
  5416.  
  5417.  
  5418.  
  5419. <p>For starters, take a look at Rhys&#8217;s reviews of all the Curio Collection by Hilton hotels in London for inspiration for your summer staycation</p>
  5420.  
  5421.  
  5422.  
  5423. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  5424. <li><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/02/16/review-100-queens-gate-kensington-london-hotel/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/02/16/review-100-queens-gate-kensington-london-hotel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">100 Queen&#8217;s Gate Hotel, South Kensington</a></li>
  5425.  
  5426.  
  5427.  
  5428. <li><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/12/29/review-trafalgar-st-james-hotel-hilton-curio-collection/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/12/29/review-trafalgar-st-james-hotel-hilton-curio-collection/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Trafalgar St James Hotel</a></li>
  5429.  
  5430.  
  5431.  
  5432. <li><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/06/11/review-the-gantry-hotel-stratford-london-hilton-curio-collection/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/06/11/review-the-gantry-hotel-stratford-london-hilton-curio-collection/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Gantry London, Stratford</a></li>
  5433.  
  5434.  
  5435.  
  5436. <li><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/21/review-hart-shoreditch-hilton-curio-collection/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/21/review-hart-shoreditch-hilton-curio-collection/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hart Shoreditch Hotel London</a></li>
  5437.  
  5438.  
  5439.  
  5440. <li><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/04/review-lost-property-hotel-st-pauls-london-hilton-curio-collection/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lost Property St. Paul&#8217;s London</a></li>
  5441.  
  5442.  
  5443.  
  5444. <li><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/01/11/review-lincoln-plaza-canary-wharf-hotel/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/01/11/review-lincoln-plaza-canary-wharf-hotel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lincoln Plaza London, Canary Wharf</a></li>
  5445.  
  5446.  
  5447.  
  5448. <li><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2021/07/25/review-westminster-hotel-london-hilton-curio-collection/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.headforpoints.com/2021/07/25/review-westminster-hotel-london-hilton-curio-collection/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Westminster London</a> (pictured above)</li>
  5449. </ul>
  5450.  
  5451.  
  5452.  
  5453. <p>Other recent reviews include Conny&#8217;s 2024 review of the well located <strong><a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/hilton-london-tower-bridge/" data-shortcode="true">Hilton London Tower Bridge Hotel</a></strong> (<a data-type="link" data-id="https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/07/20/review-hilton-london-tower-bridge-hotel/" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/07/20/review-hilton-london-tower-bridge-hotel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hilton London Tower Bridge Hotel review here</a>). We think this works equally well for business travellers and tourists, with both easy access to the City and excellent connections around the capital by train, tube and river.</p>
  5454.  
  5455.  
  5456. <div class="wp-block-image">
  5457. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="900" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Hilton-Bankside-48.jpg" alt="Hilton Bankside Restaurant" class="wp-image-608795 aligncenter" style="width:500px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Hilton-Bankside-48.jpg 1200w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Hilton-Bankside-48-400x300.jpg 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Hilton-Bankside-48-500x375.jpg 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Hilton-Bankside-48-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Hilton-Bankside-48-350x263.jpg 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure></div>
  5458.  
  5459.  
  5460. <p>We also reviewed the <strong><a data-type="link" data-id="https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/03/17/review-hilton-london-bankside-hotel/" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/03/17/review-hilton-london-bankside-hotel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hilton London Bankside</a> </strong>hotel (OXBO restaurant pictured above) in 2024. This is another well located property, close to Tate Modern, Millennium Bridge and the South Bank river walk. A new extension is due to open soon.</p>
  5461.  
  5462.  
  5463.  
  5464. <p>Of course <strong>this is just a snapshot of what is available to you in the Hilton&#8217;s UK &amp; Ireland summer sale</strong>, and <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/week-18-sponsored-article-hilton-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">you can see everything at Hilton&#8217;s website here</a>.</p>
  5465.  
  5466.  
  5467.  
  5468. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>
  5469.  
  5470.  
  5471.  
  5472. <p><strong>The Hilton Summer Sale is now live</strong>&nbsp;and offers savings on hotels in the UK and Ireland for a Summer 2025 staycation.</p>
  5473.  
  5474.  
  5475.  
  5476. <p>There are a few terms and conditions to note before you book:</p>
  5477.  
  5478.  
  5479.  
  5480. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  5481. <li>you must book by 2nd September 2025</li>
  5482.  
  5483.  
  5484.  
  5485. <li>your stay must be taken by 7th September 2025</li>
  5486.  
  5487.  
  5488.  
  5489. <li>full prepayment is required and rooms are not refundable</li>
  5490.  
  5491.  
  5492.  
  5493. <li><strong>sale rates are only available for weekend stays</strong> (Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights in the UK) at participating hotels</li>
  5494.  
  5495.  
  5496.  
  5497. <li>some hotels may not allow late bookings at sale rates</li>
  5498. </ul>
  5499.  
  5500.  
  5501.  
  5502. <p><strong>You will save up to 20%* off the standard Best Flexible Rate</strong>, although note that these sale rooms are not refundable whereas Best Flexible Rate rooms are.</p>
  5503.  
  5504.  
  5505.  
  5506. <p><strong>The discount is lower (up to 15%) if you are not a Hilton Honors member</strong> so if you are not already a member (perish the thought) join for free before you book. <strong>New members currently receive 3,000 bonus points on their first two stays</strong> &#8211; <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/hilton-3000-points-joining-bonus/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">see here</a>.</p>
  5507.  
  5508.  
  5509.  
  5510. <p>* Terms and conditions apply and can be found on <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/week-18-sponsored-article-hilton-sale/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/week-18-sponsored-article-hilton-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the sale page of Hilton’s website here.</a></p>
  5511. ]]></content:encoded>
  5513. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/02/hilton-summer-sale/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  5514. <slash:comments>24</slash:comments>
  5517. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">776993</post-id> </item>
  5518. <item>
  5519. <title>REGISTER NOW: Hilton launches its new bonus points promotion for June to mid-August stays</title>
  5520. <link>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/02/hilton-summer-2025-bonus-points-offer/</link>
  5521. <comments>https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/05/02/hilton-summer-2025-bonus-points-offer/#comments</comments>
  5523. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Rob Burgess]]></dc:creator>
  5524. <pubDate>Fri, 02 May 2025 03:11:00 +0000</pubDate>
  5525. <category><![CDATA[Hilton Honors]]></category>
  5526. <category><![CDATA[two]]></category>
  5527. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=779998</guid>
  5528.  
  5529. <description><![CDATA[Hilton Honors has just launched its new spring / summer promotion which is now open for registration &#8211; click here. To give Hilton credit, it is very straightforward with minimal small print: This doesn&#8217;t sound like Hilton &#8230;. I agree, it is an odd one. Firstly, Hilton has run back-to-back promotions for a few years now. [&#8230;]]]></description>
  5530. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  5531. <p><strong>Hilton Honors has just launched its new spring / summer promotion <a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/hilton-promo-30-september/" data-type="URL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">which is now open for registration &#8211; click here</a>.</strong></p>
  5532.  
  5533.  
  5534.  
  5535. <p>To give Hilton credit, it is very straightforward with minimal small print:</p>
  5536.  
  5537.  
  5538.  
  5539. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  5540. <li>you will earn 1,000 bonus Hilton Honors points for every STAY completed between 1st June and 15th August</li>
  5541. </ul>
  5542.  
  5543.  
  5544.  
  5545. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  5546. <li>that&#8217;s it!</li>
  5547. </ul>
  5548.  
  5549.  
  5550. <div class="wp-block-image">
  5551. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/hilton-promo-30-september/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="600" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-Hilton-promo.webp" alt="Hilton launches its new bonus points promotion" class="wp-image-780000 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-Hilton-promo.webp 900w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-Hilton-promo-400x267.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-Hilton-promo-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-Hilton-promo-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-Hilton-promo-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-Hilton-promo-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-Hilton-promo-350x233.webp 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></a></figure></div>
  5552.  
  5553.  
  5554. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">This doesn&#8217;t sound like Hilton &#8230;.</h2>
  5555.  
  5556.  
  5557.  
  5558. <p>I agree, it is an odd one.</p>
  5559.  
  5560.  
  5561.  
  5562. <p>Firstly, <strong>Hilton has run back-to-back promotions for a few years now</strong>. One finishes and the following day the next one starts.</p>
  5563.  
  5564.  
  5565.  
  5566. <p>This time, we have a one month gap. If you have a stay in May there is no bonus offer.</p>
  5567.  
  5568.  
  5569.  
  5570. <p>Secondly,<strong> it is a very weak offer </strong>unless you typically do low value one-night stays.  Anyone spending £10,000 on a week at <a rel="nofollow noindex, sponsored" target="_blank" href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/conrad-maldives/" data-shortcode="true">Conrad Maldives</a> isn&#8217;t going to get too excited &#8230;.</p>
  5571.  
  5572.  
  5573.  
  5574. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is your return here?</h2>
  5575.  
  5576.  
  5577.  
  5578. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/08/24/what-are-hilton-honors-hotel-points-worth-3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">I value a Hilton Honors point at around 0.33p</a> so you are getting bonus points worth a grand total of £3.33 per STAY.</p>
  5579.  
  5580.  
  5581.  
  5582. <p>Yikes.</p>
  5583.  
  5584.  
  5585.  
  5586. <p>It doesn&#8217;t really move the needle, especially on multi-night stays.  With the outlook for travel to/from the United States, where Hilton has 75% of its hotels, looking weak, I am a little surprised that it is willing to lock itself down to this offer until mid August.</p>
  5587.  
  5588.  
  5589.  
  5590. <p>The only upside is that reward stays count, so you get a small rebate on your redemption.</p>
  5591.  
  5592.  
  5593.  
  5594. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">There is no small print</h2>
  5595.  
  5596.  
  5597.  
  5598. <p>There is no small print except that&nbsp;<strong>you need to register in advance&nbsp;<a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/hilton-promo-30-september/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">via the Hilton website</a>:</strong></p>
  5599.  
  5600.  
  5601.  
  5602. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  5603. <li>there is no minimum stay requirement</li>
  5604. </ul>
  5605.  
  5606.  
  5607. <div class="wp-block-image">
  5608. <figure style=' display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;'  class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Waldorf-Astoria-Beverly-Hills-webp-500x333.webp" alt="Hilton launches its new promo for June to August stays" class="wp-image-476675 aligncenter" style="width:400px;  display: block; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;" srcset="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Waldorf-Astoria-Beverly-Hills-webp-500x333.webp 500w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Waldorf-Astoria-Beverly-Hills-webp-400x266.webp 400w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Waldorf-Astoria-Beverly-Hills-webp-768x512.webp 768w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Waldorf-Astoria-Beverly-Hills-webp-325x215.webp 325w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Waldorf-Astoria-Beverly-Hills-webp-180x120.webp 180w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Waldorf-Astoria-Beverly-Hills-webp-360x240.webp 360w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Waldorf-Astoria-Beverly-Hills-webp-350x233.webp 350w, https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Waldorf-Astoria-Beverly-Hills-webp.webp 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div>
  5609.  
  5610.  
  5611. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  5612. <li>existing bookings still count</li>
  5613. </ul>
  5614.  
  5615.  
  5616.  
  5617. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  5618. <li>there is no cap on the bonus points you can earn</li>
  5619. </ul>
  5620.  
  5621.  
  5622.  
  5623. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  5624. <li>all Hilton brands (Hilton, Hampton, Curio, Waldorf Astoria, Conrad etc) are taking part</li>
  5625. </ul>
  5626.  
  5627.  
  5628.  
  5629. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  5630. <li>reward nights count</li>
  5631. </ul>
  5632.  
  5633.  
  5634.  
  5635. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>
  5636.  
  5637.  
  5638.  
  5639. <p><strong>Hilton’s new ‘1,000 bonus points per stay’ offer is not going to excite many people, especially those doing more expensive or longer stays.</strong></p>
  5640.  
  5641.  
  5642.  
  5643. <p>Admittedly if you&#8217;re planning a £50 one night stay at your local Spark it isn&#8217;t too bad, but I would have thought Hilton would be bolder at the moment.</p>
  5644.  
  5645.  
  5646.  
  5647. <p>However, bonus points are bonus points, so you don&#8217;t want to miss out.</p>
  5648.  
  5649.  
  5650.  
  5651. <p>You should&nbsp;<a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/hilton-promo-30-september/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">make sure you register</a>&nbsp;if you have any Hilton stays coming up in the 10 weeks from the start of June to mid August.</p>
  5652.  
  5653.  
  5654.  
  5655. <p>Even if you don’t have any stays planned,&nbsp;<strong>it is still worth registering just in case</strong>&nbsp;– a lot can happen between now and the closing date of the promotion.</p>
  5656.  
  5657.  
  5658.  
  5659. <p><a href="https://www.headforpoints.com/hfp/hilton-promo-30-september/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">You can sign up for the 1,000 bonus points offer here</a>.</p>
  5660. ]]></content:encoded>
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  5663. <slash:comments>37</slash:comments>
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  2. Upload the image to your own server. (This step is important. Please do not link directly to the image on this server.)

  3. Add this HTML to your page (change the image src attribute if necessary):

If you would like to create a text link instead, here is the URL you can use:

http://www.rssboard.org/rss-validator/check.cgi?url=https%3A//www.headforpoints.com/feed/

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Software created by Sam Ruby, Mark Pilgrim, Joseph Walton and Phil Ringnalda

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