Wyndham Introduces New Elite Member Levels + Award Nights Just Got More Enticing

Earlier this week, I met with Noah Brodsky, Wyndham’s Senior Vice President for Worldwide Loyalty and Customer Engagement, about the direction of the Wyndham Rewards program. In a world of constant program devaluations, it was refreshing when Wyndham changed their program for the better last year by introducing free nights with a flat 15,000 point redemption rate.With just 15,000 points, members can redeem a free night at any of the program’s more than 7,800 hotels globally with no blackout dates.

Obviously the true value of the program is redeeming at the program’s higher-end properties in expensive cities. Some great redemption locations include the newly-renovated New Yorker hotel in NYC, the Shelborne Wyndham Grand in the heart of South Beach, and even the all inclusive properties in the Caribbean.

In fact, it even made sense for me to purchase and redeem Wyndham points during the recent Daily Getaways sale when room rates in Los Angeles were through the roof. That $150 purchase for 15,000 points saved me a minimum of $75.

In addition to the revamped award chart from last year, there are more positive changes coming next week! Starting May 18, the newest enhancement to the Wyndham Rewards program brings generous and truly unique perks to all with “Member Levels”

With four elite tier levels—Blue, Gold, Platinum and Diamond- you can now take advantage of an array of new benefits that increase by level, from free Wi-Fi and rollover nights to annual point bonuses and more.

Here’s what the new elite tier benefits will look like:

• Gold status: everything at Blue level plus upgrades to preferred rooms & late checkout.
• Platinum status: everything at Gold level plus early check-in, 3,000 annual bonus points, and Avis/Budget car rental upgrades.
• Diamond status: everything at Platinum level (but 6,000 bonus points instead of 3,000), suite upgrades, a welcome amenity, & the ability to gift gold status to someone.

Now Award Nights Are Actually Better Than Paid Nights

When you redeem points for a stay in one of the program’s top 25 destinations, you’ll automatically receive an additional enhancement to your award night for no additional points, helping you take advantage of exciting local experiences near your destination, from indoor skydiving in Orlando to an authentic cooking class in Shanghai.

It’s an extra token to reward loyalty on award nights – how sweet!

Introducing go free^SM PLUS and go fast^SM PLUS

Now every time you redeem points in one of Wyndham Rewards’ top 25 global destinations, the program will enhance the redemption experience by offering special discounts and savings on fun and engaging local experiences, all curated by a Wyndham Rewards’ “Adventure Agent.†From famous attractions and food tours, to art museums and theme parks, they’ll be something special for every type of traveler.

Just like go free awards, PLUS awards come with no blackout dates or restrictions. The value of these PLUS awards ranges from $5 per award night when redeemed by members at the Blue level all the way up to free experiences valued at up to $150 per award night when redeemed by members who have earned the Diamond level.

Earning Wyndham Points

What’s even better is that there’s so many ways to earn Wyndham Rewards points, including with their co-branded credit card that offers a sign-up bonus of 45,000 points (3-free nights). I blogged about the Wyndham Rewards Credit Card last year as a credit card that I never thought I would consider but is now on my radar.

There’s also a promotion where you can earn 5,000 points per night when you use the mobile app and pay with Visa Checkout (might even be mattress-run worthy for some!).

Bottom Line

It’s always nice when a rewards program makes positive changes, especially when we’re surrounded by so many devaluations. I really like Wyndham’s addition of the elite benefits, and I absolutely love the local experiences perks.

What are your thoughts on these new enhancements? What Wyndham properties have you redeemed award-nights for?

Of course, a burning question I have is… Will Wyndham soon offer status matches?