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Indian hospitality giants, Taj Hotels group and Hong Kong based Shangri-La Hotels have announced a new loyalty program alliance, named ‘Warmer Welcomes’. The new program combines the two loyalty programs, Taj InnerCircle (TIC) and Goldern Circle (GC) program. Warmer Welcomes program offers its members reciprocal benefits across the combined network of the two chains.
Warmer Welcomes
Members can now register and link both accounts through their preferred primary loyalty program. A primary account must be selected at the time of linking, it will determine the membership tier status at the end of the relevant year. Primary account cannot be changed once the account has been linked.
I was easily able to link my accounts through a dedicated link in the Taj InnerCircle program dashboard.
Reciprocal Status Match:
Members enjoy the perks of elite status match across all Shangri-La and Taj hotels.
Taj InnerCircle (TIC) and Goldern Circle (GC) status match:
GC Jade = TIC Gold, GC Diamond = TIC Platinum (and vice versa)
All reciprocal earnings and benefits start as of today, March 27th 2017. Stays before this do not count. Accounts must be linked before stay to earn points and enjoy benefits.
Earning:
- Earn 3 GC Award Points for every USD 5 spent when staying at any Taj hotel.
- Earn 4 TIC Points for every USD 5 spent when staying at any Shangri-La hotel
Redemption:
- 100 GC Award Points = 67 TIC Points
- 100 TIC Points = 38 GC Award Points
Reciprocal Benefits:
For Golden Circle members;
Jade Tier Benefiits
- Earn GC Award Points with 25% bonus at any Shangri-La hotel, resort, Kerry hotel, Traders hotel and Hotel Jen
- Priority check-in and check-out at an exclusively designated area
- Earn qualifying nights and stays with redemption nights
- Convert GC Award Points instantly for free meals at our restaurants
Diamond Tier Benefits
- Earn GC Award Points with 50% bonus at any Shangri-La hotel, resort, Kerry hotel, Traders hotel and Hotel Jen
- Priority upgrade to the next available best room category, if the reserved room type is not available at check-in
- Access to Horizon and Traders Club Lounges for you and a partner
- Complimentary breakfast at the Café Restaurant or Horizon/Traders Club Lounge
- Earn qualifying nights and stays with redemption nights
- Convert GC Award Points instantly for free meals at our restaurants
For Taj InnerCircle members;
Gold Benefits
- Late Check Out
- Early Check In
- 2 Upgrade Vouchers
- 15% discount on room redemption rate
Platinum
- Signature Platinum Experiences across the world
- Late Check Out
- Early Check In
- 5 Upgrade Vouchers
- 24 Hour Check In
- In Room Check In
- 20% discount on room redemption rate.
- Dedicated 24 X 7 Platinum Desk for taking care of all your Taj requirements
- High speed internet access (5 Mbps for 5 devices)
Good to know
Both Taj and Shangri-La hotels have some incredible luxury properties around the world. However, the footprint of the alliance is still pretty limited with ~200 hotels combined. Given that both chains are Asia based, their presence too is best concentrated in the region.
North American properties in the alliance:
- The Pierre, New York
- Taj Boston, Boston
- Taj Campton Place, San Francisco
- Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto
- Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver
All related details and FAQ’s about the new program alliance can be found here.
