How to Get More Satisfaction at Top J.D. Power-Rated Hotels

November 27, 2017

The 2017 J.D. Power North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study released the second week of July showed that once again two Marriott International brands—The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott—tied for first for guest satisfaction in the luxury category as rated by their guests. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts was only a point behind.

The annual study polled 63,000 guests between June 2016 and May 2017 to determine overall satisfaction on things like reservation, check-in/ check-out, guest room, food and beverage, hotel services and price.

The study found that those who use a brand’s mobile app and sign up for rewards programs report higher guest satisfaction. With that in mind, we surveyed the hotels in each group to determine just how rewarding those programs are.

Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton Rewards (The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott)

Lounge access
Breakfast for two
Late checkout
Transfer points with Marriott Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest for status at more locations

Upper Upscale: World of Hyatt

Earn and redeem points at more than 600 locations
No blackout dates at Hyatt hotels
Use points for airline miles or car rental awards
Share points with other World of Hyatt members

**Upscale: Hilton Honors* (Hilton Garden Inn)**

Guaranteed discount
Digital check-in
Free Standard Internet Access
Quick reservations and check-in

Upper Midscale: Gold Key Club (Drury Hotels)

Trade points for American Airlines or United miles
Donate points to American Red Cross
Give points for a free night as a gift
Trade in for gift cards

Midscale: Wyndham Rewards (Wingate by Wyndham)

Go Meet program allows meeting planners to earn rewards for booking group events
Best available rate
Discounts at Avis, Budget and Six Flags
In addition to earning points, you can buy them