Extended Stay America, the U.S.’s largest owner operated hotel chain, recently announced that its loyalty program, Extended Perks, has enrolled its one-millionth member within a year of launching in 2015. The program started last spring and has grown at a considerable rate. In addition to being available online, the company has a presence in the crucial mobile space, offering an app available on both iOS and Android.
“Our rewards program is different from other hotels programs,” said Tracy Itzen, senior manager of marketing communications for Extended Stay America. “Instead of dangling an unreachable carrot in front of our guests with points, we provide discounts and rewards instantly from the moment you sign up. The response from guests has been incredible. It’s our way of saying thank you to our loyal customers for their continued support.”
Extended Perks eschews a traditional rewards mix in favor of a more easily accessible system of persistent weekly discounts. Upon enrollment, members immediately receive 15% off of their next hotel stay, with discounts as high as 20% offered weekly.
This opposes the tendency of many contemporary loyalty programs to focus primarily on aspirational rewards. Rather than emphasize these expensive rewards and experiences, Extended Perks places the spotlight on instant savings and an easily understood value proposition. From these discounts alone, the brand says that travelers can save up to $2,500 during the course of a year.
The program also offers members exclusive offers at 150,000 partnered merchants in related travel industries including dining, car rental, salons, and retail.
To celebrate the milestone, the hotel chain is offering Extended Perks members the chance to win a trip for four to Disneyland in Anaheim, California. The trip includes airfare and three-day park tickets, as well as $1,000 in spending cash for expenses. To enter the contest, Extended Stay America guests need only to enroll in the Extended Perks program and enter the sweepstakes between April 4 and May 2.
Extended Stay America is based in Charlotte, N.C., and comprises 629 locations across the U.S. and Canada.