Marriott International Reopens All 350 Hotels in China as It Emerges from COVID-19 Lockdown
According to CEO of Marriott International, Arne M. Sorenson, all 350 Marriott properties in China has been reopened as the country emerges from COVID-19 lockdowns. While the financial impact on the industry has been disastrous, occupancy rates are slowly improving and reaching 40% on average (occupancy rates fell as low as 7% in late January 2020).
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While the average consumer is still cautious regarding leisure travel, there has been a noticeable recovery in business travel and Chinese consumers are starting to travel again. Marriott International is the third largest hotel chain in the world and even though the average occupancy rate in the US is also recovering, it is only estimated to be at 20% at the time of writing.
Two weeks prior to this, Hilton decided to reopen all 255 hotels in China and introduced a CleanStay initiative to protect both employees and hotel guests. While it may take years before the industry return back to a pre COVID-19 state (in terms of occupancy and RevPAR), it is certainly comforting to see some light at the end of this tunnel.
World of Hyatt members can now earn 5,000 Bonus Points for every eligible stay of five or more consecutive nights at participating Hyatt House and Hyatt Studios properties worldwide. Registration is open for stays completed between 20 January 2026 and 31 December 2026.
IHG has launched its latest Asia Pacific sale, offering IHG One Rewards members up to 25% off the Best Flexible Rate at participating properties including Regent, InterContinental, and Kimpton. Valid for stays through 31 August 2026, bookings must be made at least three days in advance and are non-refundable.
If you stayed at an IHG property in December 2025 to take advantage of the massive 5X points flash deal, you might want to check your account balance. Some members are reporting that their bonus points have failed to post, with customer service citing ineligible rates despite the US$30 minimum spend being met.
Hilton Honors is bringing back the Points Unlimited promotion for the first quarter of 2026. Registered members can earn 2,000 bonus points on every stay from 15 January to 30 April 2026, with no cap on the total points earned.
Hilton Honors has extended the popular Like a Member dining promotion through the end of 2026. Save up to 25% at participating restaurants and bars across Asia-Pacific, plus earn 500 bonus points with a minimum spend.
Cathay Pacific has launched a massive flash rebate for Asia Miles members, offering up to 30% miles back on return award flights. Note that this offer is exclusively for flights originating in Hong Kong or Mainland China.
As we bid farewell to 2025, I take a look back at my hotel stay statistics for the year. With 91 nights at Marriott and 70 at Hyatt, I have solidified my top-tier status where it matters most. However, with Hilton’s introduction of Diamond Reserve, my strategy for 2026 is shifting. Here is a breakdown of my nights, status retention plans, and why I am prioritising World of Hyatt and Marriott Bonvoy in the new year.
Book by 16 March 2026 to enjoy a Stay 3, Pay 2 offer across all eligible suites in participating Greater China Accor properties. Receive complimentary breakfast on these stays that must be completed by 8 April 2026.
Emirates is refreshing its First Class soft product with new moisture-wicking loungewear, plush 300-thread-count bedding, and updated VOYA amenities for the A380 Shower Spa.
American Express Singapore has announced a significant devaluation to the Membership Rewards programme effective 23 February 2026. Transfers to major airline partners like Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific will require 25% more points, while transfers to Emirates will require 50% more. A temporary foreign currency spending bonus for Platinum Card members has also been announced.