Goodbye 2025: My Hotel Loyalty Statistics and Strategy for 2026
As the final hours of 2025 tick away, it is the perfect time to look back at the past 12 months of travel. 2025 has been a year of significant shifts in the hotel loyalty landscape, with programmes moving the goalposts and redefining what top-tier really means. For Singapore-based travellers, the strategy has always been about balancing local staycation opportunities with overseas travel to maximise elite benefits. Looking at my statistics for 2025, the numbers tell a clear story of where the real value lies and where it has started to fade.
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Photo Credit: Andaz One Bangkok
Here is a breakdown of my hotel nights in 2025 and how they translate into my strategy for 2026.
| Loyalty Programme | Nights / Points (2025) | Status Earned |
|---|---|---|
| Marriott Bonvoy | 90 Nights | Titanium Elite |
| World of Hyatt | 70 Nights | Globalist |
| Hilton Honors | 28 Nights | Diamond (via Spend) |
| Accor Live Limitless | 17,000 Status Points | Platinum Elite |
| IHG One Rewards | 7 Nights | Platinum (Soft Landing) |
Photo Credit: Park Hyatt Kyoto
World of Hyatt: The Undisputed King
Status: Globalist (Requalified) 2027 Goal: Primary Focus
If there is one programme that continues to deliver genuine, outsized value, it is World of Hyatt. Clocking in 70 nights this year secured my Globalist status and unlocked my 70-night milestone bonus. Frankly, this is the one status I would struggle to give up - the benefits are tangible and consistent. The guaranteed 4:00 PM late check-out is a lifesaver for late flights, and the suite upgrades are often processed proactively rather than requiring a fight at the front desk. Furthermore, World of Hyatt points remain incredibly valuable, with an award chart that mostly makes sense, which is something of a rarity these days.
In 2026, Hyatt will remain my absolute priority. The footprint is smaller than Marriott or Hilton, the room rates are typically higher (for a comparable brand), but the quality of the stay experience is simply higher - you’ll never have to negotiate for a well-deserved upgrade or ask for a 4:00 PM at an eligible property.
Photo Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok
Marriott Bonvoy: The Reliable All-Rounder
Status: Titanium Elite (Requalified) 2027 Goal: Requalify for Titanium
Marriott Bonvoy is the workhorse of my travel strategy. With 90 nights in 2025, I comfortably retained Titanium Elite status. While we often complain about bonvoyed moments, the reality is that Marriott’s portfolio is unmatched. Whether I need a functional Courtyard or a St. Regis for a luxury getaway, they have a property in almost every city. The Stay 5 Nights, Pay for 4 benefit on redemption stays continues to be one of the best ways to stretch points, making high-end aspirations more attainable. My plan for 2026 is to maintain Titanium Elite. It hits the sweet spot for upgrades (including Ritz-Carlton properties) and lounge access, and the wide range of hotels suits varying budgets perfectly.
Photo Credit: Waldorf Astoria Osaka
Hilton Honors: The Great Devaluation
Status: Diamond (via Spend) 2027 Goal: Drop to Gold
2025 marked a turning point for Hilton Honors, and unfortunately, not for the better. The introduction of the Diamond Reserve tier and the invite-only The Honors Society effectively pushed standard Diamond members down the pecking order. Diamond status, which I currently hold, has lost its lustre. It is now effectively a mid-tier status, with upgrades becoming increasingly elusive as hotels prioritise Reserve and Society members.
For 2026, I will not be chasing Diamond. The juice is simply not worth the squeeze. Hilton Gold remains the most generous mid-tier status in the industry, offering complimentary breakfast, which is really all I need for the occasional Hilton stay. I will happily settle for Gold for the upcoming year and direct my nights elsewhere.
Photo Credit: Fairmont Tokyo
Accor Live Limitless (ALL): The Sweet Spot
Status: Platinum (Requalified) 2027 Goal: Maintain Platinum
Accor occupies a unique niche in my portfolio. I ended 2025 with approximately 17,000 Status points, securing Platinum (and then some), which I believe is the sweet spot in the ALL programme.
The secret weapon here is the ALL Accor+ Explorer membership, which grants 30 Status Nights at the start of your membership (and with each renewal). This head start makes requalification significantly easier. You only need to earn another 30 nights to hit Platinum (60 nights total).
Considering the Red Hot Rooms rates can be exceptionally good, picking up those extra 30 nights is not difficult for anyone who travels regularly within the Asia Pacific. The lounge access and suite night upgrades at the Platinum level provide excellent value, making this a programme well worth keeping in the rotation. Sure, I will miss the Fairmont Gold access as an ALL Diamond this year, but I honestly don’t stay in Fairmonts enough to justify a further €4,800 spend.
Photo Credit: Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui Hong Kong
IHG One Rewards: The Farewell
Status: Platinum Elite (Soft Landing) 2027 Goal: No active pursuit; soft-landing to Gold Elite
I finished the year with just 7 nights at IHG properties, resulting in a soft landing to Platinum Elite from Diamond. While InterContinental and Kimpton properties can be lovely, I find the loyalty recognition inconsistent compared to Hyatt or Marriott. Without a top-tier status, the benefits are negligible, and I will not be actively pursuing status with IHG in 2026.
Summary: The 2026 Outlook
The strategy for the year ahead is about consolidation. The era of collecting status just in case is over.
Hyatt Globalist for the best elite treatment and luxury stays.
Marriott Titanium for global footprint and reliable redemption value.
Accor Platinum for regional travel in Asia Pacific, leveraged by the ALL Accor+ Explorer for a head start and access to discounted rates.
Hilton Gold as a backup for free breakfast, with no effort spent chasing Diamond for the following year.
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.