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As we reported yesterday, Wyndham Rewards is now partnering with Caesars Entertainment’s Total Rewards to offer status matches and the ability to redeem for free nights at hotels across both programs. This is obviously good news, as it brings members of both programs additional redemption options. It also brings a great new perk to Wyndham Platinum members: two free nights at Atlantis in the Bahamas.
How does this work? Well, thanks to the new partnership, Wyndham Rewards Platinum members can receive an instant status match to Platinum in the Total Rewards program. Total Rewards Platinum includes, among other benefits, a complimentary two-night stay in the Beach Tower at Atlantis, plus access to the resort’s Aquaventure water park. (If you have Wyndham Diamond status, you can match to Total Rewards Diamond and get a four-night Atlantis package gratis — or you could get this through FoundersCard.) Best of all, this complimentary trip is available each year (assuming the program continues to be offered), so you’re not just looking at a one-off freebie. (Note that resort fees of $49.95 per night, taxes and gratuities are not included.)
Wyndham Rewards Platinum status requires staying 15 nights, which may not be reasonable depending on your travel habits and preferred destinations. Luckily, though, there’s a workaround: the Wyndham Rewards Visa Card. The more premium of the two cards in Wyndham’s co-branded lineup, it carries a $75 annual fee and grants you automatic Platinum elite status. So if you hold this card, you’ll be able to match to Total Rewards Platinum and take advantage of the complimentary two-night Atlantis package. Not bad — especially considering that nightly rates at Atlantis are usually well over $100.
While the ability to earn complimentary Platinum status and match to Total Rewards to get the free Atlantis trip is a top reason to consider this card, it could also make sense for you if you want to boost your Wyndham Rewards balance. It’s currently offering a sign-up bonus of up to 30,000 points — 15,000 after your first purchase, plus an additional 15,000 after you spend $1,000 within the first 90 days from account opening. If you meet the minimum spending requirement, you’ll have enough points for two free nights, since Wyndham charges a flat rate of 15,000 points for award nights (including upcoming redemptions at Caesars properties throughout the US and Canada). Other card benefits include 5x points on Wyndham stays, 2x points on gas, utility and grocery store purchases and 1x points on everything else. This card has no foreign transaction fees.
Bottom Line
The just-announced partnership is a great addition to the Wyndham Rewards and Total Rewards programs, and it’s made even better by the fact that you don’t need to be a frequent visitor to either program’s hotels to reap the benefits of the status match. Just by holding the Wyndham Rewards Visa, you’ll get Platinum Wyndham status — and by matching to Total Rewards Platinum you’ll be entitled to a free stay in the Bahamas each year (in addition to other perks such as free parking and valet at participating Vegas properties). If you’ve been eyeing a trip to this family-friendly Bahamas resort, this offer is hard to beat.
Source: thepointsguy.com