What is a mattress run?

Even if you’re new to the points and miles game, you’ve probably heard the term “mile running.” ONE running mileage is when a traveler takes a flight (or series of flights) primarily to earn rewards or airline elite status.

Mattress running is similar to distance running. But instead of taking one or more flights like you usually do when running, buffer running involves spending one or more nights in a hotel primarily to earn rewards or The hotel’s elite status. So here’s what you need to know about running a mattress and when you might want to use it.

What is a mattress run?

Buffering is when you book and pay for a hotel room without you needing to receive rewards or qualify for the hotel’s elite status. This idea may sound ridiculous, but the cost of the stay can be much less than the value of the rewards and other benefits you get during your stay.

In its purest form, you might not even use the room you booked for your mattress. Instead, you check in and then leave the property. However, as we discuss in this article, there are many reasons why you might want to stay in the room you booked.

Related: Last-minute tips for securing your hotel’s elite status before the end of the year

Mattresses jockey for elite status

If you’re just a few stays or nights short of reaching a certain hotel status level, the mattress run as the end of the year approaches and your window to qualify for elite status closes. After all, hotel loyalty programs offer all kinds of valuable perks to elite members.

For example, you might be about to earn Marriott Bonvoy Platinum elite status. If you have 48 elite qualifying nights by the end of 2024 based on your currently booked stays, you only need two more nights to achieve Platinum Elite status. Platinum Elite status offers many useful perks, including breakfast at many Marriott brands4pm late check out and lounge access. In this case, a two-night stay at your local Marriott before the end of the year could be well worth it.

Remember that much credit cards that offer elite status (or the ability to earn elite status through spending) as a perk. So completing a mattress run isn’t the only way to reach a higher level. For example, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers free Platinum Elite status and Hyatt World Credit Card allows you to earn two tiered qualifying night credits per $5,000 purchase per calendar year.

Related: When does your hotel’s elite status expire?

Run the mattress to accumulate points

You may consider running mattresses to earn points, especially during profitable times hotel promotions. However, make sure the value of the points you earn is significantly higher than the cost of your stay.

For example, Choice Perks periodically offers promotions where you can earn the least 8,000 Choice Points per two stays. So, if you have stayed at a Choice Hotels property once during the promotion period, the mattress can stay another time to earn bonus points.

However, point of purchase (ideally during the sale) or transfer points It’s usually more beneficial if you need an additional reward for an upcoming booking. The rewards you earn for using your mattress are rarely worth the money spent.

Related: How and why you should maximize your hotel stay by using multiple loyalty programs

Other considerations about running a mattress

This analysis captures only part of the decision-making process involved in running a mattress. Before booking, there are a few other things you should consider.

Additional out-of-pocket costs

To complete the mattress run, you usually have to pay something in addition to the room price. If you drive to your local hotel, this could be gas for your car. Or it could be an extra meal you don’t have to pay for at home. You may also want to factor in your timing.

Turn a mattress trip into a vacation

You may want to turn your mattress trip into a real vacation for you, your family or friends. After all, it’s easier to justify an extra hotel stay if you can get some value beyond earning the nights or rewards you seek.

You will probably need to check in and stay

Hotel loyalty programs typically do not award points or elite status credits to guests with confirmed no-shows, even if the stay is prepaid. Therefore, you will usually have to check in at the property.

Even actual registered guests Occasionally encounter problems when running the mattress. You’ll find notes in most loyalty program terms and conditions stating that you must stay at the hotel during your stay to qualify for elite status. For example, World of Hyatt Terms and Conditions states, “Members must actually check in and complete their stay to book a room at Point Property to earn points. No points will be awarded for any non-refundable prepaid fees, cancellation fees or no-show fees paid by Members for a booking they did not actually use.”

So, to avoid problems and ensure your nights and rewards are posted as expected, you need to clearly show that you have registered, have used your booking and have completed your stay. me. This provides even more incentive to take a vacation or vacation beyond using your mattress.

Related: Breakfast, upgrades and more: 9 TPG employees reveal their favorite elite status perks

Bottom line

Mattress runs can be a viable strategy to take advantage of promotions or earn extra credits toward elite status. Especially if you can turn a mattress into a place to stay or vacation, it can be very rewarding.

However, remember that there are other options besides running a mattress. For some tips on how to score last-minute elite status with your favorite loyalty program, check out these stories: