Apparently, many Americans are not satisfied with the memberships they have in many loyalty programs.  This was the finding in a recent study conducted by Hotels.com.  According to this survey, 93% feel that improvements need to be made to their memberships.

A large percentage (59%) seek to use their benefits with less restrictions, while 37% don’t believe the added bonuses are really as great as the companies make them sound.  Nearly half of the respondents did not use their program in the last year for hotel stays, flights and car rentals.

When it comes to the travel sector, loyalty programs have long had problems.  These programs were nearly impossible for anyone to attain other than those who travel frequently, because of heavy restrictions, confusing terms and large redemption requirements.  Hotels.com created a simple program to change this problem with welcomerewards.  Now, the program member can receive one free night’s stay after every 10 that are booked.

The key benefits of welcomerewards are:

A large variety of choices.  Worldwide, there are more than 53,000 property choices.  Members can redeem a night up to $400 in value as long as they have spent a minimum of $40 each night for the 10 nights that are booked.

A wide array of resort types.  Members are allowed to stay at boutique properties, condos, chain hotels and B&B’s to build up their free night.

The program is simple.  No need to collect points, and there are no blackout dates.  Simply book 10 nights at any location and get a free night.

Respondents of the survey named off a variety of things they would give up in order to stay free for one night at a hotel.  Some of these sacrifices included giving up chocolate, dropping their cell phone and clothes shopping.  Hotels.com makes this easy for them - without the harsh sacrifices!

Starwood Hotels & Resorts is expanding it’s environmentally friendly program “Make a Green Choice” nationwide across its Sheraton and Westin brands, according to Sheraton Seattle.  The program, formerly called “You Tidy, We Treat” was a huge success at the pilot hotel, Sheraton Seattle.

According to General Manager Matthieu Van Der Peet, many guests stay at the Sheraton Seattle because of the green efforts that are in place, and many guests are concerned about the environment.  Expanding the practices to other Starwood locations will enable guests the choice to continue their green practices while lodging.

Guests of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts have choices when it comes to services.  With the “Make a Green Choice” program, they are allowed to opt out of having linens and towels replaced every day, and can also choose not to have daily housekeeping done.  For guests that participate, they are rewarded with a US $5 gift card to any of the hotel’s restaurants or 500 Starpoints.  This is awarded to guests who choose to opt out of housekeeping and linen replacement from one night to three nights during their stay.

A USA Travel Association survey done recently showed that 54 million adults look for companies that are concerned with protecting the local environment, and are more likely to book travel arrangements with these companies.  Over 3000 guests participated in the “Make a Green Choice” pilot during the first two months of the program, saving approximately 126,000 gallons of water.  Sheraton Seattle has reduced their energy consumption by more than 20% during the past year, partly due to the new program, and other eco-friendly initiatives put in place.

Soon, North America will see the “Make a Green Choice” program available at all Sheraton and Westin’s locations.

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts have teamed up with National Geographic Kids to re-launch its year-round Camp Hyatt program, which will give children ages 3 to 12 more opportunities to have fun and experience cultural activities at participating North American Hyatt resorts.

The program kicked off on May 29 with a new website, which you can visit at www.camphyatt.com.  The website and the renovated Camp Hyatt program are designed to teach children about topics such as culture, animals, recycling and water in fun and interactive ways.

Each program will be different, according to the natural environment of each Hyatt resort location.  Kids are invited to visit the website at www.camphyatt.com to see what all of the excitement is about, and to help build anticipation for their family vacation.

Some of the features kids will find on the site include environmental awareness and appreciation, animal games and art, arts and crafts related to culture, and a National Geographic kids entertainment library.

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts is reviving the classic family vacation to celebrate the new Camp Hyatt program.  This new package includes:

15% savings on restaurant dining for registered guests

15% savings on Hyatt Pure spa services in locations that offer this service

Complimentary half day of Camp Hyatt for one child

Exclusive access to a 20% shopping discount on NationalGeographic.com

Registered guests receive full daily breakfast

Now through September 7, 2009 this family package is offered at participating Hyatt hotels.  You can learn more by visiting classicfamilyvacation.com.  Be sure to use offer code FAMVAC, or you can call 1-800-233-1234 for more information.

In a tough economy, taking a luxury vacation might seem impossible. But some of the nation’s nicest hotels are taking steps — including lower rates and vacation specials — to lure new visitors.

Take Gaylord Hotels. The luxury multi-property operation with resorts in Nashville, Dallas, Washington, D.C. and Orlando offers guests majestic views, high-end shopping and dining experiences, full business accommodations and world-class entertainment. Even better, the hotels offer packages for special events.

Starting at just $199, guests can discover the rich history of the Nation’s Capital and enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience at the Washington region’s newest waterfront resort destination. The package includes round-trip tickets on the resort’s exclusive shuttle to downtown Washington, D.C., which makes stops at Union Station and the Old Post Office. Afterwards, guests can take advantage of the resort’s offerings, which include four restaurants, Pose Ultra Lounge, Relache Spa, nightly entertainment and an all-season pool. This package is available now through August 31, 2009, but other great packages can also be found.

In addition to finding great packages, Gaylord offers these tips for travelers hoping to enjoy a little luxury without breaking the bank:

- Plan meals carefully. Choose package deals that provide breakfast at no extra cost. If you have children, choose family-friendly restaurants that allow children to eat for free. If your hotel room has a refrigerator, consider purchasing lunch staples so that you can prepare you own mid-day meal.

- Save your money for nice dinners. Before making a dinner reservation, look for coupons or ask the front desk about area restaurants that give discounts to guests.

- Travel with friends or family members. Some hotels and entertainment destinations, like museums or theme parks, offer discounts to guests traveling as a large group.

- Pack wisely. Don’t bring things that the hotel will provide, like soaps or shampoos. Bring refillable water bottles so that you don’t have to purchase new ones at every destination. If you have a young child, bring a light stroller to save on rentals.

These days, it seems that everyone is too busy (or maybe too automated) to deliver real customer service to our customers and clients.  Everyone knows that delivering that “little extra” or personal touch when it comes to customer service will make our business a winner, but still we don’t take the time to do it.

Current economic conditions are calling for cost reduction and cut backs in many businesses, but it seems that customer service is often the area where these reductions are made.  Will this lack of attention to customers have a long-term effect on how our business is regarded in the eyes of our customers?  Absolutely!  Today’s markets are overcrowded, so clients and customers have a wide range of choices - and may choose to do business with a company who offers superb personal care for their clients.

Even in this economic climate, companies like Zappo’s are thriving.  Why is this?  Every aspect of their business relates directly to excellence in the customers’ experience.  Developing personal, emotional connections with customers through popular networking tools like Twitter and Facebook makes the customers’ experience an unforgettable one.

Organizations that are successful know that you must engage people, employees, partners and customers.  Why is this so difficult for many companies?  There is a gap between “knowing” that you should implement great customer service and “doing” it.  It seems that there is plenty of talk, but very little action when it comes to personalized customer service.

Is there a set plan when it comes to improving your customer relations?  Not really.  By listening to what your customers want and responding to their requests, you can train your staff and employees to respond according to that customers needs.  When your people change, your organization will experience real change as well.