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 @traveloyaltyon 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.
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:
To enter this contest for a chance to win the prize(s) above you must: Be 18+ years of age. Have local or international identification.
• 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.
No1 : Join TL Concierge, guaranteed if you not on it you paying 2x as much to travel 2x as less with little to no perks nor insights for your worldwide trips.
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).
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.
Flying in:
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.
Accommodation:
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)
Transfers:
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.
Onwards:
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.
Earnings:
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
Note:
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.
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):
Staying Cash for 5x nights
Conrad Makkah – sleeps 4 adults
Almost 20,000 Riyals for 5x nights = Zar 98,500
vs Staying on points for 5x nights:
A free 5x nights stay at Conrad Makkah will set you back 320,000 Hilton Honors points
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:
Some targeted accounts ( esp those who have bought in previous years can buy 160k and get 160k free for $1600 )
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
thats 10,565 Riyals for 5 nights or ZAR 51,874
vs staying on points
A free 5x nights stay at Marriott Jabal Omar will set you back 234,000 Bonvoy 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:
Buy points on a sale only, Hilton regularly offers 100% bonuses and Marriott 40-50% bonuses.
Accounts are limited to buy a certain quantity of points per annum.
With elite level status 5th nights are free, and so are breakfasts and lounge access where available. This will save you many hours standing in food que’s.
When you use points you DON’T pay taxes.
Maximising Ramadhaan rarely works over night, we work with our clients 1 on 1, sometimes from July the year before to attain the goals and max all the points promos and sales that comes up.
Accounts need to open for a set duration in order to buy points.
You can buy, gift, transfer and even pool points from other accounts into yours for no fee. Do note: they can be instant, they can also take 1-2days and in some cases up to 10days.
Night by Night Rates:
1. Staying Cash
Hilton Convention:
The cash rates for MARCH 2023 at Hilton ConventionThe cash rates for APRIL 2023 at Hilton Convention
Hilton Conrad – sleeps 4 adults per room
The cash rates for MARCH 2023 at Conrad The cash rates for APRIL 2023 at Conrad
Marriott Jabal Omar
The cash rates for MARCH 2023 at Marriott
Take note all cash prices are still subject to 20% taxes and fees after.
2. Staying free on points
Hilton Convention
The points rates for MARCH 2023 at Hilton Convention The points rates for APRIL 2023 at Hilton Convention
Hilton Conrad – sleeps 4 adults per room
The points rates for MARCH 2023 at Conrad The points rates for APRIL 2023 at Conrad
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 :
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.
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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by only paying a TOTAL of R5100.00 and you can too.
Via Daily Getaways, Hilton Hhonors points will be available for purchase on Friday 23rd May 2014, 1pm Eastern Time ( Should be 7pm local time in South Africa) Access the offer here
100,000 Hhonors points will set you back a mere $550, + a additional 10% off if you pay with American Express = Total $495.
100,000 Hhonors points can buy you 20 free nights at a Category 1 Hilton Hotel at 5000 points per night.
I have a personal write up of Hilton Salalah in Oman, which is a Category 1, access the read here.
Hhonors Gold gives one a upgrade and free breakfast. TRAVELOYALTY offers this faster with immediate Silver and only 4 stays to Gold. Access our offer here (usualy you’d need to slog it out through 40 nights per year to attain Gold).
The packages are limited, total of all 3 is only 560 on the Daily Getaways site. They should sell out in the 1st few minutes so make sure you keep refreshing from a few minutes before it goes live so as not to miss out.
Use any American addy for billing and points will be shipped within 10 working days to your Hhonors account.
A link for Hilton.com here, you may find a hotel and do the math and see if points will help you score over the cash paying nightly rate.
Remember Hilton Hhonors points do not expire pending account activity once during a 12 month cycle.
Next week: IHG points on sale – Heres how Im gonna score 5 star Intercontinental and Crowne Plaza for $28 per night (and not the usual $35..)
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.
Simply the most awesome sale of buying hotel points that comes along only once a year, for five consecutive weeks each weekday holds a new bargain. I invested in heaps of specials here last year. Don’t miss out.
Hilton Hhonors and IHG up for grabs.
For Umra:
“100,000 Hilton Hhonors points will buy you 2 free nights Hilton Towers Makkah this coming Ramadhaan when rates per night is SAR2800 / USD 747.
So effectively you could be saving USD 999 that’s about 10,400 South African RAND.”
Blend the above with Saudia’s websites early July airfares of $547 return and you may have a bargain in your hands.
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.
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.
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.
Desire direct Club Carlson GOLD card? Read here . Why wait and spend 35 nights per year? Get it instantly from TRAVELOYALTY
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.
GET YOUR POINTS READY this weekend as the below list will go live Monday Afternoon South African Time
bookings from 24th March to 31st May 2014 – book HERE
– Book early, The best hotels get booked out in the first two days.
You can always cancel and have points refunded as close as date of check in.
– Book nights separately or dually that way you can delete any night/s you want to blend in with your arrival and departure (one full stay is one full cancellation).
ACCELERATE TO YOUR NEXT BREAK 3 TIMES FASTER EARN TRIPLE VOYAGER MILES WITH HILTON HHONORS
HHonors and South African Airlines are delighted to announce their Triple Miles offer. Stay at any hotel or resort in Europe, Middle East and Africa within the Hilton Worldwide portfolio from January 17, through March 31, 2014 and receive triple Voyager Miles. Simply select South African Airways as your preferred Double Dip® partner in your HHonors profile and choose Points and Miles™ as your earning style option.
Terms & Conditions • This promotion is only open to Eligible Participants. An eligible participant is a person aged 18 or over and is a South African Airways Voyager Member (membership terms and conditions apply). • To be eligible for this offer, you must be (1) be a member of HHonors; (2) select South African Airways as your preferred Double Dip® Earning Style within your HHonors profile; (4) register online at HHonors.com/SAATRIPLE prior to booking your stay; and (5) complete an eligible week night/weekend stay at any participating hotel or resort within the Europe, Middle East or Africa Hilton HHonors portfolio from January 17, 2014 through March 31, 2014 (Promotional Period). • Bonus Mileage: Earn 1 Voyager Mile per 1 USD spent per stay during the Promotional Period. In addition, earn 2 bonus Voyager Miles for any completed night during the Promotional Period. • A “stay” is defined as the total number of consecutive nights spent at the same hotel, whether or not a guest checks out and checks back in again. Specifically excluded from the definition of “stay” are the following types of ineligible stays: wholesale/tour operator packages; contracted crew rates; travel agency discount rates; stays secured utilizing Hilton Grand Vacations Club and Hilton Club timeshare programs. Hilton Grand Vacations marketing packages with a sales presentation requirement, complimentary or barter rooms; NET Group rates; Series Group or IT Group rates; third party websites bookings (irrespective of rate paid); and “opaque” channel bookings where the brand may or may not be known at the time of purchase. HHonors Points (or stay credit) may not be earned (including as a Member benefit)for or during ineligible stays, including without limitation, folio charges incurred during ineligible stays. • Allow up to six weeks after qualification, and after promotion has ended, for Voyager Miles to be credited to your account. All Voyager Club program rules apply. Hilton HHonors™ membership, earning of Points and Miles™ and redemption of points are subject to HHonors Terms and Conditions. • Bonus Voyager Miles are issued subject to the Voyager Club Terms and Conditions. • The promoter reserves the right to withdraw the promotion or amend these terms and conditions without prior notice at any time, for whatever reason and without any liability to customers for doing so.
TRAVELOYALTY offers direct upgrade to HILTON HHONORS SILVER.( normal requirement 10 nights) in our exclusive hotel packages
Etihad Guest, our loyalty programme has everything you’d expect from Etihad Airways: personalized, luxurious and always rewarding. And to fast-track your journey to fantastic benefits, we’d like to make you an offer that’s hard to resist.
If you’ve got a gold or a higher-tiered card with any other airline loyalty programme, we’ll match it with a complimentary Etihad Guest Gold card*! That means exclusive benefits like luxurious lounge access for you and a friend, 50% extra Etihad Guest Miles on flights and a host of other great rewards. With PointsPay, you can convert your miles to cash to spend at over 30 million in-store and online outlets worldwide.
To participate in this promotion, • Enroll into Etihad Guest if you are not yet a member • Send us a scanned copy of your existing gold card from another loyalty programme with your latest statement alongside your Etihad Guest number to guesttiermatch@etihad.ae
Why this sudden generosity? Because we are confident that once you are upgraded to Etihad Guest Gold, no other loyalty programme would do. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Terms and Conditions apply: Offer is valid for applications received until 22 February 2014. Only applications received will all the required documents will be considered. Applications received with illegible scans of documents will not be considered. You will receive a confirmation mail informing the status of your application within one month of your application. This offer is also open to existing members of Etihad Guest. For existing Etihad Guest members, your current Etihad Guest Miles will be carried forward at the time of upgrade. Selection of members for tier upgrade is completely the discretion of Etihad Guest.
Etihad had this promotion twice during 2013. The first time was limited to the first 500 applications and the second time limited to the first 1000 applications. There does not seem to be a limited to this offer (yet). As we all know Etihad changes their minds with regards to terms and conditions over-night so best apply NOW, don’t delay.
Etihad has been building alliances with many other airlines ifnot buying stake into the airlines as well and the benefits of a Gold status will definitely come in handy.
Utah 
Etihad Guest, our loyalty programme has everything you’d expect from Etihad Airways: personalized, luxurious and always rewarding. And to fast-track your journey to fantastic benefits, we’d like to make you an offer that’s hard to resist.
