Paula sits down with Todd Hata — content creator, food lover, and full-time traveller for the past three to four years — to talk about something every traveller should know more about: hotel loyalty programs. Todd has been working the points system for 25 years, recently hit Hyatt Globalist status, holds Marriott Lifetime Platinum, and has racked up enough nights to know exactly how to get the most out of every stay. This one is full of practical tips. Want to know more about Loyalty programs? Check out Season 2 Episode 23 How to earn Airline Status. About Todd Todd is a content creator based between Asia and Mexico City, originally from Southern California. He's been travelling full-time for three to four years, and before that lived in Mexico City for three and a half years. He travels largely for food — his stomach, he says, rules the travel plans. Follow Todd on Instagram: @toddhatta Which Loyalty Program Should You Join? Todd's short answer: pick one and go all in. His current focus is Hyatt — he hit Globalist (the top tier, requiring 60 nights) by June this year. He also holds Accor Platinum (also 60 nights), which is his top pick for Asia, where Accor properties often cost significantly less than comparable Marriotts. For flexibility across brands, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is worth considering. Marriott is the biggest network worldwide — and Todd holds Marriott Lifetime Platinum after 10 years of platinum status and 600 total nights. Why Bother with Status? The benefits that matter most: room upgrades (sometimes suites), early check-in, and late checkout. Todd makes the point that in Japan and South Korea, hotels enforce 3 pm check-in to the minute — status changes that completely. He's checked into a Bangkok Marriott at 7:30 am after a long-haul flight. Paula adds that her 4 pm checkout at the Singapore Marriott means she doesn't arrive at the airport hot and frazzled before an evening flight. The Executive Lounge Free breakfast, evening cocktail hour with drinks and food, and a quiet co-working space that beats sitting in your room or fighting for seats in a busy hotel lobby. Todd and Paula agree: once you've had lounge access, it's hard to go back. Value Highlights Todd Has Unlocked The Four Seasons Jakarta is reportedly one of the cheapest Four Seasons in the world. Booked through Chase, Todd got a rate just over $300 with a $100 food and beverage credit, free breakfast, suite upgrade, early check-in, and late checkout — using 25,000 points. Afternoon tea and dinner for two came to $10 out of pocket. He also rates the Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta highly: 5,000 points or $70 a night, with lounge access and a great pool. Location Over Luxury When it's 35+ degrees outside, Todd's non-negotiable is a hotel connected directly to a mall. In Bangkok, he's shifted from the St. Regis to the Moxie — not as grand, but right across the street from Central World Mall and 50 restaurants. In Kuala Lumpur, his go-to is the Moxie Putrajaya, attached to the IOI Mall — at one point just 3,500 Marriott points a night. The Wink Hotel Hack Hyatt recently acquired the Wink Hotels in Vietnam. Todd stayed in Haiphong for around $35 a night — counting toward his Globalist tally at a fraction of what a US Hyatt would cost. He upgraded to a suite for $10–15 a day extra. This is the move: rack up nights cheaply in Southeast Asia, then enjoy the status benefits at nicer properties elsewhere. Getting Started Todd's advice for beginners: look at the sign-up bonus first. Hyatt's business card currently offers around 50–60,000 points for hitting a spend threshold in the first three months. Put all your bills and auto-pay on the card, earn the bonus, and you're already looking at 10–12 free nights at a budget Hyatt property. From there, pick the program that fits where you travel most. Accor is the strongest in Asia; Marriott is the most global; Hyatt has fewer properties but strong value at the top end. One Marriott trick: hold both the personal and business Amex cards and you get 30 automatic night credits plus two free nights — meaning you start the year already halfway to platinum. Do Points Expire? Most programs keep your points active as long as your account shows some activity — usually within a rolling two-year window. Airline frequent flyer points (like Qantas) are stricter. Hotel points are more forgiving. Connect with Todd Instagram: @toddhatta Send us Fan Mail Ready to explore Taiwan with a small group of adventurous women over 50? I'm leading a 10-day Taiwan group trip in October 2026 — temples, mountain scenery, stunning coastline, and so much more — and I have just 2 spots remaining. Full Itinerary here - Taiwan Itinerary Help Truly Expat Travel by leaving a review or making a donation Here is the link - https://buymeacoffee.com/trulyexpat Skip the Taxi Queue.Book Before You Land🚗 Skip the taxi stress. Pre-book your transfer in 120+ countries. Book here →Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Find me on: Website: Truly Expat Travel Facebook: Truly Expat Instagram: Truly Expat Travel TikTok: Truly Expat Travel Running this podcast takes a lot of coffee (and countless hours exploring every destination!). If you found this helpful and want to support more honest, detailed travel guides and itineraries, you can buy me a coffee. No pressure though – I'm just happy you're here and hope you have an incredible adventure! 🙂
