Mandarin Oriental Hotels gives holiday travelers rewards for virtual check-ins

Giselle Tsirulnik  - December 6, 2010
 
Mandarin Oriental Hotels is offering rewards to customers in exchange for their virtual check-ins on Facebook Places, Foursquare and Twitter.
The rewards are made possible through Topguest, which partners with brands to give their customers rewards packed together neatly in a mobile application. Other brands participating include InterContinental Hotel Group, Priority Club, Hilton HHonors, Doubletree Hotels, Red Carnation and Radisson Edwardian.
"Checking in with mobile devices is a growing behavior," said Geoff Lewis CEO of Topguest, New York. "In order for it to really become mainstream, there needs to be an incentive beyond points and badges."
"We believe that travelers should get extra perks from the hotels, airlines, restaurants and bars they visit simply for checking in and sharing their location with friends, regardless of whether they use Facebook, Foursquare, Gowalla or Twitter to do so," he said.
 
Founded only five months ago, Topguest now gives British travelers bonus points from real programs – plus special perks – at nearly 10,000 hotel, airport, car hire, and restaurant venues around the world.
The luxury hotel chain is providing loyalists a $20 credit on property food and beverage, which is a great way to encourage guests to stay on the property and spend their money there.
The same $20 credit is available at other hotel chains such as Red Carnation, Radisson Edwardian, Shangri-La, Swissotel, Movenpick, Regent and Husa hotel properties internationally.
Guests with five check-ins at any Thompson Hotel venue get 15 percent off a room reservation, including on-premises restaurants and bars such as hotspots Bond Street in Los Angeles and Shang in New York.
"Mobile is radically disrupting the way we travel," Mr. Lewis said. "You use your phone as your map, city guide, and 24/7 communication device in your pocket when you're on a trip. It makes total sense for Topguest to be a mobile-focused travel rewards service."
 
Becoming a member
To become a member of Topguest, consumers must download the new iPhone or Android application, open it, and click the "Connect" button.
The Topguest application notifies users in real time whenever they receive a reward.
The application provides an easy way for consumers to manage, track and redeem rewards on a mobile device.
"The idea is to offer our members exclusive perks for something they are already doing, checking in with Foursquare, Facebook Places, or other major services," Mr. Lewis said. "The applications provide an easy way to keep track of your rewards, find participating Top Spots near you through our interactive map and more."

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