{"id":73524,"date":"2021-01-13T03:55:46","date_gmt":"2021-01-13T03:55:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mytravelleader.com\/?p=73524"},"modified":"2021-01-13T03:55:46","modified_gmt":"2021-01-13T03:55:46","slug":"comparing-4-top-hotel-elite-status-levels-and-how-to-easily-earn-them-in-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mytravelleader.com\/travel\/comparing-4-top-hotel-elite-status-levels-and-how-to-easily-earn-them-in-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"Comparing 4 top hotel elite status levels \u2014 and how to easily earn them in 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\"  style=\"height: 2.4rem\" alt=\"The Points Guy logo\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/AAJvGTm.img\"><\/p>\n<p>Travel still hasn\u2019t truly restarted for most of us. But that is precisely why now may be the best time in recent history to quickly earn elite status levels that you can leverage the moment you\u2019re back out on the road.<\/p>\n<p>Right now, there are promo short-cuts to basically all the top valuable elite levels for hotel loyalty programs. These promos enable you to pocket a high level of elite status, even if you don\u2019t stay with the brand many \u2014 or in some cases, <em>any<\/em> \u2014 nights in 2021.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s a rundown of four of the best hotel elite status tiers out there \u2014 and the shorter pathways to status. Note that the status levels we discuss may not always be the absolute top-tier in some programs since you don\u2019t always need true top-tier status to reap most of the best elite perks.<\/p>\n<p>Read on to learn about four hotel elite statuses you should consider earning in 2021 and the available promos to get you there quickly.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Get the latest points, miles and travel news by\u00a0signing up for\u00a0TPG\u2019s free daily newsletter.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>In This Post<\/h2>\n<h2>The Points Guy\u2019s best hotel elite statuses to easily earn in 2021<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite<\/strong>: Best worldwide elite-perks<\/li>\n<li><strong>World of Hyatt Globalist<\/strong>: Best for waived fees<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hilton Honors Diamond<\/strong>: Best easy-to-maintain top-tier status<\/li>\n<li><strong>IHG Rewards Club Platinum Elite<\/strong>: Best for value-conscious travelers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Comparing the best hotel elite statuses<\/h2>\n<table class=\"table-responsive\">\n<tr>\n<td>Status<\/td>\n<td>Free breakfast<\/td>\n<td>Lounge access<\/td>\n<td>Advance suite upgrades<\/td>\n<td>Best options for earning in 2021<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite<\/td>\n<td>Yes*<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes, through suite night awards<\/td>\n<td>Stay 50 nights (elite night credits from select Marriott Bonvoy cards count). Head start to 2021 status based on 2020 status and leveraging upcoming double night promo. <\/p>\n<p>Open the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant\u2122 American Express\u00ae Card by 1\/13\/2021. Terms Apply.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>World of Hyatt Globalist<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes, through suite upgrade awards<\/td>\n<td>Stay 30 tier-qualifying nights (half of normal), earn 50,000 base points or host 20 meetings and events (tier-qualifying nights earned through promotions and the World of Hyatt Credit Card count). Double night promo running until Feb. 28.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Hilton Honors Diamond<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<td>Complete 15 stays, stay 30 nights or earn 60,000 base points. <\/p>\n<p>Be a cardholder of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>IHG Rewards Club Platinum Elite<\/td>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<td>Stay 40 qualifying nights or earn 40,000 elite-qualifying points <\/p>\n<p>Be a cardholder of the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<h2>Best hotel elite statuses to earn in 2021<\/h2>\n<p>Now, let\u2019s take a closer look at each of these hotel elite statuses. In particular, we\u2019ll consider the highlights of each status as well as how you can snag the status in 2021.<\/p>\n<h3>Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite<\/h3>\n<p>Marriott\u2019s third status tier is widely regarded as a sweet spot in the Bonvoy program, thanks to its roster of perks and relative ease of earning Platinum status, compared to Titanium and Ambassador status.<\/p>\n<p>As a Marriott Platinum Elite member, you\u2019ll get perks including guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, room upgrades, breakfast or lounge access at many brands, an annual selection of Choice Benefits including Suite Night Awards and more. There are some specific brands or types of hotels where some of these benefits don\u2019t apply, but on the whole, Platinum turns out to be very useful\u00a0at most Marriott properties.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Quickest path to Marriott Platinum in 2021: <\/strong>Right now, the easiest way to earn Platinum status is simply by opening the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant\u2122 American Express\u00ae Card. This card is currently offering complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status for the 2021 status year as part of its welcome offer. So, you can get Platinum Elite status in addition to a points welcome bonus of up to 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy points: 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new card in your first three months and an additional 25,000 bonus points after your first anniversary of card membership. Offer ends tomorrow on Jan. 13, 2021. Terms Apply.<\/p>\n<p>Otherwise, Marriott\u2019s also made it even easier to earn status the old-fashioned way in 2021.<\/p>\n<p>Current elite members receive 50% of the elite nights needed to qualify for the elite status that they held in 2020. So any member who was Platinum Elite in 2020 who stayed exactly 50 nights \u2014 the amount required for this tier \u2014 would receive 25 elite nights as a bonus in 2021. Marriott also just launched a promotion that will allow members to earn double elite-night credits and double points for all stays of two or more nights from Feb. 16 through April 27, 2021.<\/p>\n<p>Having the right credit cards can help you achieve status much faster than staying in hotel rooms. Select Marriott cobranded cards provide 15 elite-night credits as a perk of holding the card. And, now you can\u00a0earn up to 30 elite nights per year with Marriott credit cards.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Video: Wanderlust Withdrawal? This Is The New Travel Trend Of 2021&#8230; (Buzz60)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"playlist\">\n<li>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"a man wearing glasses and smiling at the camera\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BB1cEt51.img\"><\/p>\n<p>American Small Business Owners Embraced New Tech During Pandemic<\/p>\n<p><span><\/p>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Buzz60 Logo\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BByCIyx.img\"><\/p>\n<p><span>Buzz60<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"a person lying on a desk\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BB1cAmw9.img\"><\/p>\n<p>Americans Plan on Getting New Jobs Due To Their Company\u2019s Response To the Pandemic<\/p>\n<p><span><\/p>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Buzz60 Logo\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BByCIyx.img\"><\/p>\n<p><span>Buzz60<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"a hand holding a cellphone in front of a computer screen\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BB1cAeYs.img\"><\/p>\n<p>Cybersecurity Measures You Need to Take While Working From Home<\/p>\n<p><span><\/p>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Buzz60 Logo\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BByCIyx.img\"><\/p>\n<p><span>Buzz60<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"a dog looking out a window\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BB1cAlzs.img\"><\/p>\n<p>Need A Dog Name? Here\u2019s The Most Popular Dog Names For 2020!<\/p>\n<p><span><\/p>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Buzz60 Logo\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BByCIyx.img\"><\/p>\n<p><span>Buzz60<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"a bowl of food on a plate\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BB1cAlrE.img\"><\/p>\n<p>This Surprising Food Staple Might Help You Lose Weight<\/p>\n<p><span><\/p>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Buzz60 Logo\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BByCIyx.img\"><\/p>\n<p><span>Buzz60<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"a dolphin swimming in a body of water\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BB1cA70V.img\"><\/p>\n<p>Dolphin Caught on Camera Shaking off an Ancient Parasite<\/p>\n<p><span><\/p>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Buzz60 Logo\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BByCIyx.img\"><\/p>\n<p><span>Buzz60<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"a close up of a monkey\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BB1cAgNp.img\"><\/p>\n<p>Triplet baby monkeys are born in the world\u2019s oldest zoo<\/p>\n<p><span><\/p>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Buzz60 Logo\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BByCIyx.img\"><\/p>\n<p><span>Buzz60<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"a person sitting on a bench talking on a cell phone\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BB1cAgel.img\"><\/p>\n<p>Your Personality Affects How You\u2019ve Handle Quarantine<\/p>\n<p><span><\/p>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Buzz60 Logo\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BByCIyx.img\"><\/p>\n<p><span>Buzz60<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"a woman sitting at a table using a laptop\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BB1czXn6.img\"><\/p>\n<p>Americans Are Suffering From a Financial Hangover<\/p>\n<p><span><\/p>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Buzz60 Logo\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BByCIyx.img\"><\/p>\n<p><span>Buzz60<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"a dog looking at the camera\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BB1cyzva.img\"><\/p>\n<p>Adorable corgi enjoys rides in a backpack on the subway<\/p>\n<p><span><\/p>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Buzz60 Logo\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BByCIyx.img\"><\/p>\n<p><span>Buzz60<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"a young girl looking at the camera\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BB1cyKMo.img\"><\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s Why Americans Ages 25-45 Feel Physically Older Than They Actually Are<\/p>\n<p><span><\/p>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Buzz60 Logo\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BByCIyx.img\"><\/p>\n<p><span>Buzz60<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"a person throwing a frisbee\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BB1cyIAZ.img\"><\/p>\n<p>How Your 2021 Workout Is Going to Be Different From Years Past!<\/p>\n<p><span><\/p>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Buzz60 Logo\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BByCIyx.img\"><\/p>\n<p><span>Buzz60<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"a person in a blue shirt\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BB1cytgu.img\"><\/p>\n<p>Spruce up Your Home Without Having To Remodel or Spend a Lot of Money<\/p>\n<p><span><\/p>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Buzz60 Logo\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BByCIyx.img\"><\/p>\n<p><span>Buzz60<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"a person sitting on a rack\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BB1cyDfv.img\"><\/p>\n<p>Clothes That \u2018Grow\u2019 With Your Child? A New Genius Invention Inspired By Art!<\/p>\n<p><span><\/p>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Buzz60 Logo\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BByCIyx.img\"><\/p>\n<p><span>Buzz60<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"playlist\">\n<li>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"a man wearing glasses and smiling at the camera\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BB1cEt51.img\"><br \/>\n<span>American Small Business Owners Embraced New Tech During Pandemic<\/span><br \/>\n<span>American small business owners had to pivot quickly to keep their businesses going. Buzz60\u2019s Keri Lumm shares the results of a new study conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Melio.<\/span><br \/>\n<span><br \/>\n <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Buzz60 Logo\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BByCIyx.img\"><br \/>\n<span>Buzz60<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"a person lying on a desk\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BB1cAmw9.img\"><br \/>\n<span>Americans Plan on Getting New Jobs Due To Their Company\u2019s Response To the Pandemic<\/span><br \/>\n<span>A new study conducted by OnePoll on behalf of SilkRoad Technology examined how employees and C-suite executives feel about their company\u2019s response to the pandemic. Buzz60\u2019s Johana Restrepo has more.<\/span><br \/>\n<span><br \/>\n <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Buzz60 Logo\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BByCIyx.img\"><br \/>\n<span>Buzz60<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"a hand holding a cellphone in front of a computer screen\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BB1cAeYs.img\"><br \/>\n<span>Cybersecurity Measures You Need to Take While Working From Home<\/span><br \/>\n<span>Working from home often means relying on your own technology which may not have the same security as the tech from your office. Luckily there are a few things you can do to keep hackers at bay. Buzz60\u2019s Johana Restrepo has more.<\/span><br \/>\n<span><br \/>\n <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Buzz60 Logo\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/BByCIyx.img\"><br \/>\n<span>Buzz60<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img alt=\"UP NEXT\" class=\"vid-image\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Related:\u00a0The complete guide to Marriott elite status<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>World of Hyatt Globalist<\/h3>\n<p>World of Hyatt Globalist is a favorite hotel elite status for many TPG staffers and readers because of its many perks. Some of the best perks include waived resort fees, room upgrades including to standard suites, 4 p.m. late checkout, club lounge access (or breakfast at properties without a lounge), free parking on award nights and \u201cGuest of Honor\u201d benefits on awards that effectively allow you to formally share your perks with others.<\/p>\n<p>Typically, you\u2019d need 60 tier-qualifying nights, 100,000 base points or 20 meetings and events to earn World of Hyatt Globalist status.<\/p>\n<p>But, World of Hyatt has made it much easier than normal to earn Globalist status in 2021. Specifically, in 2021 you\u2019ll only need 30 nights or 50,000 base points to snag Globalist status. Plus, the current Bonus Journeys promotion allows members to register by Jan. 15, 2021, and earn double tier-qualifying nights through Feb. 28, 2021.<\/p>\n<p>So, just 15 nights stayed in Jan. and Feb. 2021 could get you Globalist.<\/p>\n<p>However, you could stay even fewer nights and still earn Globalist status with the World of Hyatt Credit Card. After all, cardholders automatically get five tier-qualifying nights each year. Plus, cardholders earn two tier-qualifying nights for every $5,000 spent. So, you could theoretically spend your way to Globalist status without ever stepping into a Hyatt hotel.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Quickest path to World of Hyatt Globalist in 2021<\/strong>: You could spend $65,000 on your World of Hyatt Credit Card in 2021 and earn World of Hyatt Globalist. Or, you could stay 15 nights in Jan. and Feb. 2021 and earn Globalist even if you don\u2019t have the World of Hyatt card. The quickest path for most travelers will be a combination of these methods where you get five nights from having the Hyatt credit card and then you\u2019re left needing 25 nights.<\/p>\n<p>You could earn those nights in as few as 13 nights by having the credit card and then registering for the double nights promo. Here\u2019s how TPG\u2019s Summer Hull is doing just that to line-up Globalist status.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related:\u00a06 ways to redeem points with the World of Hyatt program<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>Hilton Honors Diamond<\/h3>\n<p>Hilton\u2019s top-tier Diamond status affords plenty of generous perks, including room upgrades, lounge access, complimentary continental breakfast at many brands and more.<\/p>\n<p>Fortunately, Hilton consistently makes it relatively easy to achieve top-tier status in its Honors program. For 2021, Hilton halved its standard requirements for earning status, meaning for Diamond, you\u2019ll have to complete 15 stays, stay 30 nights or earn 60,000 base points. But it could be much, <em>much<\/em> easier since Hilton allows you to earn Diamond status without ever setting foot in a Hilton property.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Quickest path to Hilton Diamond in 2021: <\/strong>The easiest way to achieve Hilton Diamond status is by opening the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, which comes with Diamond status as a perk of the card. It\u2019s also offering a welcome bonus of 150,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $4,000 in purchases on the card within your first three months of card membership. Plus, you can earn a one-time $100 statement credit after using your new card to purchase an ExpertFlyer Premium annual subscription ($99.99 plus applicable taxes, followed by automatic renewal, owned by TPG\u2019s parent company Red Ventures) within your first year.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related:\u00a0The award traveler\u2019s guide to Hilton Honors<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>IHG Rewards Club Platinum Elite<\/h3>\n<p>IHG Rewards Club is often left out when discussing the best hotel elite status to obtain. After all, IHG Rewards Club doesn\u2019t provide complimentary elite breakfast, lounge access or even guaranteed late checkout to its elite members. Frankly, there are many ways IHG Rewards Club should improve its loyalty program.<\/p>\n<p>But, Platinum Elites often do get upgrades and late check-out. And, IHG Rewards Club properties often provide reasonable quality at a modest price. So, IHG Platinum Elite can be a good status for budget travelers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Quickest path to IHG Rewards Club Platinum Elite in 2021<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy to earn IHG Platinum Elite status\u00a0since it\u2019s a cardholder perk of the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card.<\/p>\n<p>Another cardholder benefit is a fourth-night reward benefit on award stays of four nights or longer and an annual free night valid at a property costing 40,000 points or less per night. So, even if you don\u2019t stay at IHG hotels frequently, the IHG Rewards Club Premier Card is likely worth its annual fee.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, you can also earn IHG Platinum Elite status through stays. Specifically, you can earn Platinum Elite status after 40 qualifying nights or 40,000 elite-qualifying points.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related:\u00a0Booking direct: How much value does IHG status provide?<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>Bottom line<\/h2>\n<p>There\u2019s reason to be hopeful for the meaningful return of travel at some point this year, thanks to the approval and subsequent distribution of effective coronavirus vaccines.<\/p>\n<p>However, travel is still largely on hold, and companies across the industry have rolled much of the changes to elite-status requirements we saw in 2020 into 2021, making status more achievable than ever for those who want to use the downtime now to earn status to leverage in the coming years.<\/p>\n<p>From that perspective, now is the perfect time to supercharge your travel game this year by taking advantage of these reduced requirements and numerous active promotions to earn hotel status for yourself at a rate much faster than normal.<\/p>\n<p><em>Featured image of the Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay by JT Genter\/The Points Guy.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>SPONSORED:\u00a0<\/strong>With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.<\/p>\n<p>And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.<\/p>\n<p>&#8212; <\/p>\n<p> Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author\u2019s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.<\/p>\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.msn.com\/en-us\/travel\/tips\/comparing-4-top-hotel-elite-status-levels-%e2%80%94-and-how-to-easily-earn-them-in-2021\/ar-BB1cH0xw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Read Full Article<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Travel still hasn\u2019t truly restarted for most of us. But that is precisely why now may be the best time<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":73523,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Comparing 4 top hotel elite status levels \u2014 and how to easily earn them in 2021 - My Travel Leader<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/mytravelleader.com\/travel\/comparing-4-top-hotel-elite-status-levels-and-how-to-easily-earn-them-in-2021\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Comparing 4 top hotel elite status levels \u2014 and how to easily earn them in 2021 - My Travel Leader\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Travel still hasn\u2019t truly restarted for most of us. 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