Mandarin Oriental hotels have a benefit-based loyalty program rewarding regular guests called Fans of M.O. Yes, there is a loyalty program, but is it any good?
We have stayed in and loved the Mandarin Oriental Geneva, so it is worth staying at Mandarin Oriental hotels on your travels. We have outlined some of the best Mandarin Oriental Hotels. Their current program means that instead of each individual Mandarin Oriental hotel recognizing and rewarding their own regular guests, members are now recognizing regular guests across the brand and rewarding them accordingly.
Should I Join?
Even though you can join for free and get basic, property-specific benefits, there is a much better way to book into Mandarin Oriental hotels. Book direct via this loyalty scheme, and you get two benefits. Book via our luxury travel concierge, and you get six benefits.
Is There A Fee To Join Fans Of M.O.?
There is currently no fee to join Fans of M.O. There will not be a physical card, but each member will receive a unique membership ID.
Should I Book Direct On Mandarin Oriental’s Website?
No! If you book on their website directly, you choose from only two additional benefits, such as early check-in at 12:00 pm, late check-out at 4:00 pm, complimentary breakfast for one, complimentary room upgrade, dining or spa credit, a celebratory treat, complimentary pressing services or streaming Wi-Fi. Benefit details may vary by hotel and will be listed during the online booking process.
If you book with a luxury travel agent like our luxury travel concierge, you will receive all our complimentary benefits.
How About Points & Free Nights?
Unlike Bonvoy, World of Hyatt, Hilton Honours, and most other loyalty programs around the world, the new program does not offer guests the ability to collect points or credits towards free nights but instead offers guests exclusive benefits along with the same airline miles with their participating frequent flyer program as they could before.
They say: “As a Fan of M.O., we offer you the convenience of faster booking, complimentary Wi-Fi, and exclusive members-only offers from our hotels and partners around the world. Whenever you book online, we also invite you to choose two additional privileges.” Benefits depend on the hotel, but you are able to see the benefits when you make your booking, so you will know what you might get in advance.
This means that you can’t collect points or save towards free nights, and your loyalty will not be rewarded by status and extra perks.
What Will My Welcome Amenity Be?
You will get a welcome amenity if you book via our concierge or direct. In my experience, a Mandarin Oriental welcome amenity will be something like a box of chocolates, a fruit bowl, some wine, some sparkling wine, macaroons, and that kind of thing.
Members who book through their website will be offered two further benefits such as early check-in or late check-out, a dining or spa credit, daily breakfast, or a room upgrade. Book with our luxury travel concierge, and you will get siz benefits.
Will the new Loyalty Program Encourage Loyalty
I doubt it, as there is no reward for staying more and choosing MO on your next hotel stay over other brands. You can’t work towards status or stay on points. For frequent travelers, the ability to earn status and perks with a chain is a huge benefit. Fans of M.O. does not offer status or< earned perks. Everyone gets them, and they aren't as good as the benefits that you would get by booking via a luxury travel agent.
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