With January 1st staring us in the face, the window to lock in your elite status for next year is closing fast. This is the Mattress Run period—that weird time of year when booking a hotel room you might not strictly need actually makes financial sense.

Get 40% off for stays at the hotels of the day in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

This special rate is available only for stays of 3 nights or longer.

January isn't just about recovering from New Year's Eve parties. A strategic move made now can secure elite status that lasts through the end of 2027—here's exactly how to make it happen.

Timing is the leverage that separates forever intermediates from top-tier elites. Here's why Q1 is the strategic window you can't afford to miss for status challenges, card renewals, and loyalty program resets.

IHG has launched a dining-inclusive package for stays across Saudi Arabia and the Middle East during Ramadan 2026. The "Discover Beyond" rate includes daily Iftar and Suhoor meals with flexible cancellation policies.

The Flipkart x Marriott Bonvoy partnership promises hotel points for your online shopping. But with a laughably low annual cap of just 500 points and transfer ratios that burn value, this might be one of the most underwhelming loyalty launches of the year.

Scapia is running a Christmas referral campaign where you can earn a BookMyShow voucher with 3 referrals, or pick from an Apple Watch SE 3, GoPro HERO 12, Ray-Ban Meta glasses, or ₹30,000 travel vouchers with 7 successful referrals. Your referred friends also get ₹1,000 off their first flight booking.

IHG has partnered with Visa, Mastercard, and American Express for various discounts. These rates can be accessed through direct promotional links only, and are not visible during general search.

Accor ALL members with any Mastercard can save 15-20% on stays at Accor's upscale brands throughout Greater China. The offer runs for a full year and covers Fairmont, Sofitel, Pullman, and more.

Marriott Bonvoy is offering double points on meetings, weddings, and group stays of 10+ rooms across the US and Canada. Contracts must be signed by March 31, 2026, with events hosted by December 31, 2028.

Hilton Honors has launched its first global promotion for 2026. Register now to earn 2,000 bonus points on every stay—including award stays—completed between January 15 and April 30, 2026.

American Express India is temporarily suspending its online travel booking service from January 27, 2026. If you need to book Fine Hotels & Resorts or The Hotel Collection stays, you'll have to call the Platinum Travel Service instead.

Hilton's Go Hilton program offers some crazy discounts for Hilton employees (and other Team Members), as well as their friends and family. It's basically a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Marriott Bonvoy is offering up to $100 per day in resort credit at select properties across the Americas and Caribbean. You'll need to book by March 29, 2026, stay a minimum of three nights, and use promo code ZX0.