Leaking out in the past few hours: Hiltons new tier requiring $18,000 spend per annum and 80 nights. Somewhat similar to Marriott’s Ambassador level.
Around 2017 we posted that Hilton gave notice of their new Diamond + tier that never materialized, read more on that HERE
Judging from the status codes leaked it looks like Hilton is proceeding with this new tier shortly “tier code P” and the colour goes to Black which coincidentally Diamond had around the same time pre covid.
TL has not run a contest of this magnitude in 10 YEARS !
Tap HERE for our last comp a decade ago. Winner hailed from Thailand.
No purchase necessary.
To enter simply:
1/ follow @traveloyalty on Instagram and tag @3 of your friends/family/besties + share the comp post on your stories. (each set of 3 tags = 1 entry. You may enter as many times as you wish.
2/ for additional entry follow @traveloyalty on Youtube
3/ for another additional entry follow @traveloyalty on TikTok
4/ additional entry share the promo post on @facebook
Winner will be chosen on 15th September 2025 via random.org
Winner takes all Prize includes:
Hilton Honors Gold Status + Marriott Gold Status + Star Alliance Gold Status
Additional prizes may be added in the coming weeks and will be put up on Instagram stories.
Terms and conditions:
• Winner will be randomly selected from the database of entries from one of the entry options via random.org ( or similar) at management’s discretion and announced on Instagram stories on Monday, September 15, 2025 • Winner will be notified via DM• If the person selected is unable to respond in 7 (seven) days , another winner will be selected. Prize(s) includes: • Star Alliance Gold status valid 4months pending a flight to validity of 12 months• Hilton Hhonors Gold status valid until 2030 • Marriott Bonvoy Gold status valid until 2027. Addiotional prizes may be added during the contest period and will be posted on Instagram Stories. The sponsor may require the winner and the winner agrees by entering the Competition (at no cost), to be identified, photographed, filmed and the aforegoing to be published in any media and the winner’s name and image may be published on http://www.traveloyalty.co.za/ Winners may however at any time decline the use of their name, likeness or image by the sponsor.
OFFICIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS (Terms & Conditions for Contestants): No Purchase Necessary. 1. The Contest “Promotion Period” is from 12:00 a.m (GMT), 15 August, 2025 through 11.59 p.m. (GMT) September 15, 2025. 2. Eligibility: This Promotion is open worldwide except countries where it may be prohibited / restricted. The prize(s) is transferable and cannot be substituted for cash or any other equivalent. The sponsor shall not be responsible for technical, pictorial, typographical or editorial errors or omissions in any marketing materials or these rules. Sponsor reserves the right to modify, extend, suspend, or terminate the Promotion, in whole or in part, if it determines, in its sole discretion, that the Promotion is technically impaired or corrupted or that fraud or technical problems, failures or malfunctions or other unintended circumstances have impaired the integrity, administration, security, proper play and/or feasibility of the Promotion as contemplated herein. If the Promotion is terminated before the designated end date, Sponsor will (if possible) select winner in a random drawing from all eligible, non-suspect entries unaffected by the problem. Inclusion in such drawing shall be each entrant’s sole and exclusive remedy in such circumstances. By participating, you release TraveLoyalty and the other companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, employees, directors, agents, advertising agencies, from any and against any and all injury, loss or damage caused or claimed to be caused by your participation in the competition and/or the acceptance, awarding, receipt, use and/or misuse of the prize. Any information you submit online is to the Sponsor alone. All rights reserved.
So this might not be the lowest Umrah we ever scored over the years due to time variations and paying ‘full price fare’ where previously we have flown in for R880 ( yes 8 hundred).
Have a look at our 2018 trip we paid R9500 with Business class flights and 29x nights accom in December. See the full breakdown in the Youtube description of the video
This Off-Peak trip, the breakdown for what we spent can be found on this post HERE.
By far this might be one of the most blessed Umrah trips due to maximising the absent crowds that got less and less each day, the front lines especially ability to reach Hajr Aswad 14x in 8 days.
The likes of these are covered in our FREE DIY Umrah Guide from some years back and remain in effect till today.
We used Etihad basic, the sale for these April dates we needed came around the previous December. Approximately R7100 per adult and R6500 per child. (Business outbound on its own was R11,600)
We scored the Space seats, a somewhat premium economy as Gold Etihad Guests, these are the best economy seats in any airline.
The tricks with Etihad are many and require some playing around with such as utilising the stopover for 2days, sometimes we have stopped going and coming and playing with fares on the swop country of booking for forex rates. Sometimes we have used Open Jaw options into Cai and take the cheapest 1way flight into Jed on SV or Flynas or Flyadeal. However for this trip the lowest was Jnb-Jed return with a stopover on return in Auh.
We had to change and split this multiple times due to Haj visa regulations and maximise the Haramain on the quietest times of the year. The end result was Sheraton for 9days 8 nights on discounted cash rates (2500 sar for the period) this basically gave us All Inclusive, a “private executive lounge” and a upgrade to a 3 bedroom Suite worth R12000 per night As top tier members and then onwards Intercontinental for 4days 3 nights, I had to buy points to top up my balance to the tune of R2500, here again we were upgraded to a 1 bedroom suite as Diamond members, the same suite we scored in January Umrah of 2024 ( here we paid R1300 per night peak booking almost a year in advance)
Jed to Makkah cost R960 in a GMC, negotiated direct at arrivals.
Makkah to Madinah took the train on 50% discount with 2 taxis total came to R3400, it would have been cheaper to just take a Staria door to door for R2200 however time and days were the issue.
The transfer from Hotel in Madinah to Jed was R 2200 in a Staria for departure.
For a full dedicated storyline on this Umrah please click HERE.
With Etihad bookings we were given 3x rooms Free in Abu Dhabi worth R10000 for 2 nights. Highlight reel HERE
In Auh we opted to forfeit the last night and do a beach resort with wavepool, lazy river etc.
Due to the low cost of the Off Peak accom we only amassed a total of 20000 points with bonuses and for the airline we credited to SAS to offset a larger earn to the tune of 4900 miles per guest as Etihad gave peanuts approx 600miles for basic tickets. travel #theSMARTERway
Scoring Umrah has been our forte since pre 2013 when one could book Ramadhaan rooms for 24000 points a night (its now 150000 points per night) depending your pref.
Traveling #theTLway with maximising scoring can and has been used the world over from Hong Kong to Europe to Usa to Hawaii and every country in-between.
Email info@traveloyalty.co.za to get our concierge offers where we work 1 on 1 with each individuals needs from wanting to experience showering in the sky to theme parks to overwater villas in Maldives on repeat.
See the following 2 articles:
2. 16 countries you can travel to where the rand is stronger in 2024
With this in mind Traveloyalty has implemented the following offer from R39,990 per person sharing.
Keen on turning right?
Email: info@traveloyalty.co.za or just call anytime if you hooked up to the concierge.
Scoring free prime accommodation or highly discounting the accommodation is nothing new here at traveloyalty.com, infact we have published all the ways each year since the website began almost a decade back.
Here is one of the older published articles when Hilton in Makkah could have been booked for just 30,000 points (or 24,000 points on 5th night free) per night even during the last 10nights.
Link:
http://traveloyalty.co.za/how-to-lower-umra-costs-with-hilton-hilton-double-points-promo-extended/ Most readers flock to Hilton to book discounted or free Umrah stays however as with Hilton’s popularity over the years they have been loading the standard room availability very very late. This year was no exception, loading standard room redemption’s – from 70,000 points – only on the 23rd of February 2023. Last year 2022 Ramadhaan the same availability was only loaded end of February for end of March start.Marriott on the other hand has been loading standard room availability from the word go – from approx 40-50,000 points per free night.
So as per yearly usual here are the mathematics breakdown on staying 5x nights cash vs 5 nights points (redemption’s get every 5th night FREE):
Conrad Makkah – sleeps 4 adults
vs Staying on points for 5x nights:
Buying the points:
If you have not earned the points free from preferably using a Diamond status membership that yields plenty in bonuses you can buy the points:
So in essence buying the points costs $1600 or ZAR 29,650 vs paying cash rate of Zar 98,500 yielding a saving of R68,850 per 5x nights
Marriott Jabal Omar – Staying cash
vs staying on points
Buying the points:
Buying the full Bonvoy points ( may need 2x acc )will cost you $2089 or ZAR 38,715 and in turn saving you ZAR 13,159
points to note:
Hilton Convention:
Hilton Conrad – sleeps 4 adults per room
Marriott Jabal Omar
Take note all cash prices are still subject to 20% taxes and fees after.
Hilton Convention
Hilton Conrad – sleeps 4 adults per room
Marriott Jabal Omar
Hilton Buy Points (Ends March 7th): click HERE
Marriott Buy Points (ends April 3rd): click HERE
Itching to travel BIGGER and BETTER without breaking the bank, the way we have showcased for over a decade?
or just wanting to have a concierge extension?
Travel is back with such demand that many airlines, hotels and airports are struggling to cope.
Travel the TL way:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CVFbQbOAzei/
I can send you info on our elitist loyalty concierge, where you book Diy (per room not per person) at the worlds largest branded hotels, get all the amazing upgrades, free breakfast, free extra guest, complimentary lounge access, free nights ahead and best of all bulk of spend back in points to travel the world free as you may have seen on countless of our post on YouTube and Instagram (@traveloyalty),Umrah included, not forgetting how to do 1st class and Business class for pennies through the hundreds of tickets highlighted on our social media above. If this intrigues you or in your future let me know :
info@traveloyalty.co.za
January 1 – April 30, 2023, we’re giving you two ways to earn. Enjoy Double Points on every stay, plus 1,000 Bonus Points each time you stay with a different brand within the Hilton portfolio.
Access the offer HERE
MEA region, Book by 31 Dec for stays to 24 April 2023.
Access the offer online.
Ends 19 January, 2023
Access the offer HERE
Sign up everyone you know to our free newsletter, tell them about our world exclusive offers, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter + Instagram+ subscribe on Youtube and NEVER miss a great deal.
All @traveloyalty
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Jun 22
If you find yourself in North Korea anytime soon as former Chicago Bulls superstar Dennis Rodman did some time back you’ll be pleased to know they have 0$ airfares( +9$ tax) for business class and economy to all 4 of their destination’s flown.
Access it here
Sign up everyone you know to our free newsletter, tell them about our world exclusive offer, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and NEVER miss a great deal.
Jun 16
Accor Hotels, the umbrella that owns the brands of Sofitel, Pullman, Novotel, Mecure and Ibis has the following:
17June-27June2014 are the booking dates. Stay from July18-August31 2014.
The Super Sale is 40% off + complimentary breakfasts at over 2200 Hotels worldwide. (30%off for non-members) . Just register..
Rooms are from 25$ at lowest in their budget brands. Seems they have left out Sofitel brand from the sale but have included Pullman brand ( I checked, no availability at Pullman ZamZam, Makkah for the peak period)
For benefits of being a member of Le Club click here
TRAVELOYALTY initially had Le Club Accor Platinum first and foremost as part of their world exclusive offer in 2013, on website it is now known as Privileged as their top tier, although my card and my account still says Platinum:
Webpage of the sale click here
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Jun 12
Using Voyager miles approximate taxes are R306 + R790 for the return.
Read more on getting it done and how to get a 5th night free at Hilton Resort Nungwi in Zanzibar here
Sign up everyone you know to our free newsletter, tell them about our world exclusive offer, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and NEVER miss a great deal.
Jun 10
Reminder of the current hotel promotions running.
(most require registration as some offers are targeted)
Earn 10,000 points in your sleep
Earn 2000 points in your sleep
Summer sale 33% off
40% off Middle East and Africa
Asia Pacific from $49
Double HHonors points
Access them all here
Note: You can stack the promotions and earn them all on one night stays. Check all the Hilton rate options as they run so many different offers you may find some cheaper, breakfast including and double point rates.
Earn 2000 Gold Passport points
Earn 5000 Gold Passport points
Access it here
Stay 2 nights and earn 20,000 Gold points
Access it here
Note: Club Carlson emailed yesterday mentioning EXCLUSIVE deals arriving today. Please check the link above for updates.
Selected hotels from 5000 points per night – 35$ value
IHG Crowne Plaza Rosebank – Suite upgrade.
Access it here
Starwood Preferred Guest has a triple point offer.
Access it here
Buy points at the lowest rate for the year. Access it here
CONCLUSION:
Use these specials wisely and you can piece together a seriously good trip and earn a lot of points along the way bringing free nights closer for future trips and/or qualifying stays for next tier statuses.
Sign up everyone you know to our free newsletter, tell them about our world exclusive offer, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and NEVER miss a great deal.
Jun 08
and why you should too.
Read the post to get the very best out of your Voyager / Star Alliance miles with this superb award booking tool via All Nippon Airways from Japan.
Learn how to hack the tool if you don’t have any ANA miles to access.
Read it here
If you were fast enough as my previous post stipulated ( read here ), your successful FREE Etihad Gold card can yield you these latest lucks in the travel industry.
2.1) Free Swissotel Eleva status after just one night stay. Access it here
Eleva is the mid-tier loyalty in the chain and normally requires 20 nights in a calendar year. They are also partners to Fairmont Hotels and Raffles Hotels so your status will grant you the royalty benefits throughout. Read more here
2.2) Free Gulf Air Gold Falconflyer card
Gulf Air is the wings of Bahrain. All you have to do is email ffp@gulfair.com with a screen shot of your Etihad statement and a pic of your Etihad gold card and they will upgrade your new or existing Falconflyer account to gold.
Read more on the benefits here
Omni hotels belong to GHA group. Platinum normally requires 10 nights. Read the benefits here
You have to book by June 30 and stay by July 31. GHA is not the biggest of hotel groups so if you have a international trip planned the offer may be worth considering. Platinum benefits are honoured in all the above hotels of GHA.
Access the offer here
Sign up everyone you know to our free newsletter, tell them about our world exclusive offer, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and NEVER miss a great deal.
Jun 05
1) Mango Airlines R1.00 fare extends into July.
Sale continues into July (and not end of June as advertised). Month end Eid bookings?
Access it here
2) Hilton summer sale. 33% off.
Yet another consistent sale to follow up later dates to the previous 40% off sale.
Remember Silver and Gold Hhonors member’s earn 15% and 25% bonus points respectively, blend this with registering for their current double points offer and you will have closer free stays lined up in the future as points don’t expire. Read more on world exclusive offer
Access it here
3) Air Asia sale. Fares from $9.
Planing a trip to the far east for the new year?
Access it here
4) Buy IHG points for a song.
Last chance to purchase points via the cheapest way for the year.
Crowne Plaza Bankok is sold out, Salalaah in Oman and Rosebank in Johannesburg still have availability. (It wont last)
A five star room is yours for only 5000 points per night (basically 35$) on the Pointbreak special.
Access it here
Sign up everyone you know to our free newsletter, tell them about our world exclusive offer, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and NEVER miss a great deal.
Jun 02
Access the write up here
Sign up everyone you know to our free newsletter, tell them about our world exclusive offer, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and NEVER miss a great deal.
May 29
+ triple points for Asia Pacific – Ends soon.
Access the offer here
watch a short video of 90 Seconds.
Access the link here
Use any of these promo codes:
taking 3 short quizies, answers all provided.
Access it here:
Sign up everyone you know to our free newsletter, tell them about our world exclusive offer, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and NEVER miss a great deal.
May 27
The new IHG Rewards Club PointBreaks list is live, book from May 27, 2014 through July 31, 2014.
Book immediately on IHG website here
Rooms cost 5000 points per night ( basically $35 ) and most countries it includes all the taxes too. This is un-matched and Un-rivalled through all the 5* hotel chains.
Need points? buy them with this method at half the price here
or you can buy for less in limited amounts via Daily Getaways (Sale on Tuesday again once sold out) here
Conclusion:
Its sad to see the lack of Intercontinental Hotels on the list, however, there are some solid Crowne Plaza hotels available, no doubt these will fly off the list very soon. I have a trip report on the Crowne Plaza Oman from a trip in December 2013, as a IHG Platinum member they gave me a suite as an upgrade, read it here
As a reminder, IHG Rewards Club did update their PointBreaks terms and conditions earlier in the week to add the following:
Due to the limited availability, each member may only book two PointBreaks® Reward Nights reservations per hotel during the special offer time period. Offer and participating hotels are subject to change at any time, valid for booking through May 31, 2014. All other Reward Night terms and conditions apply.
Incase your flights dont work out over the next 2 months remember you may cancel reservations up to day of check in (check terms and conditions upon booking) and have all your points fully refunded. YOU CANT LOOSE.
Sign up everyone you know to our free newsletter, tell them about our world exclusive offer, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and NEVER miss a great deal.
May 24
The new IHG Rewards Club PointBreaks list will go live on Tuesday, May 27, 2014, and will be valid for stays through July 31, 2014
There will be more than 150 of them, and here’s a sampling:
As a reminder, IHG Rewards Club did update their PointBreaks terms and conditions earlier in the week to add the following:
Due to the limited availability, each member may only book two PointBreaks® Reward Nights reservations per hotel during the special offer time period. Offer and participating hotels are subject to change at any time, valid for booking through May 31, 2014. All other Reward Night terms and conditions apply. To view participating properties, simply click one of the regions below.
In the past a lot of people would just book dozens of separate reservations at a hotel and later decide which dates they wanted, now we all limited.
Remember there is a IHG points sale on Monday 26th 2014 via Daily Getaways site as well where you can score 100,000 points for a mere $567. Access it here. That’s 20 nights at a Intercontinental / Crowne Plaza / Holiday Inn for a bit over R6000.00
THATS THE LOWEST, ONCE A YEAR CHANCE TO BUY THEM.
The method of buying points half the rate hotels sell them at any time, please read here.
Please keep a lookout for the next email which should contain the full list of 150+ properties.
Sign up everyone you know to our free newsletter, tell them about our world exclusive offer, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and NEVER miss a great deal.
