This program was reviewed and rated by our editors in August 2009. Changes in the program past this date are possible, especially program partner information. We recommend you subscribe to the #1 source of frequent flyer information, Inside Flyer Magazine, to get the most current information possible.

Perks not points

The landmark Fairmont San Francisco opened in 1907 and over a century later, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts bills itself as a leader in the global hospitality industry. Fairmont operates hotels in 16 countries including Canada, the United States, Mexico, Bermuda, Barbados, United Kingdom, Monaco, Germany, Switzerland, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, China and Singapore. Fairmont President's Club follows the trend in several loyalty programs of luxury hotels--it is primarily a guest recognition program, as opposed to a rewards program. Perks, not points, rule the day.

While Fairmont President's Club members do not earn points, all members earn 500 miles per qualifying stay and elite members receive a bonus between 50 and 100 percent. Club level membership is offered after signing up for the program and comes with a dedicated reservation line, express check-in and check-out, personalized room preferences, free local calls, health club access, complimentary high-speed Internet, complimentary shoe shine, your choice of newspaper delivered daily and free golf club rentals at select hotels, among other benefits.

Guest benefits and amenities are the primary focus of Fairmont President's Club, but elite-level Platinum members can earn free nights. Upon reaching Platinum level, members receive one complimentary night. For each additional 10 nights above 40 nights, Platinum members will automatically receive one complimentary night. Premier elite members earn a complimentary third night on any three-night stay after achieving Premier status.

Fairmont President's Club members can earn miles for stays with the following partner frequent flyer programs: Aeroplan, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Emirates and United Airlines.

Fairmont has a number of partnerships with fitness, car, luggage delivery and other partners that members can take advantage of. Golf enthusiasts are free to use TaylorMade golf clubs at select hotels at no additional charge. At Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in the U.S., members have complimentary access to luxury Lexus courtesy vehicles, when available.

With Fairmont Fit, guests can request in-room delivery of adidas shoes and apparel, yoga mats, stretch bands and an MP3 player to use when working out. The service is free to elite members but requires a $10 fee per stay for Club level members.

Elite members also receive stay credits and benefits when staying at Raffles Hotels & Resorts. All stays at Raffles locations will count towards qualifying for President's Club elite status.

Members also receive discounts between 10 and 20 percent on Willow Stream Spa treatments and products, at Fairmont Stores, Sports Express luggage delivery and music purchased at www.fairmontmusicstore.com.

Fairmont President's Club's elite level program offers two tiers. Members who complete five stays or 10 nights per calendar year are upgraded to a Premier membership. Premier members receive all the benefits of Club level, plus one complimentary room upgrade and one suite upgrade, free third night on a three-night stay, priority waitlist, 250 bonus miles per stay, $50 dining or spa certificate, two-for-one round of golf, luggage tags, exclusive concierge service and access to Great Escapes once-in-a-lifetime vacation experiences.

Platinum members are those who complete 10 stays or 30 nights per calendar year. In addition to Premier-level benefits, Platinum members receive two complimentary room upgrades and two suite upgrades, 500 bonus miles per stay, $100 dining or spa certificate, a complimentary night, guaranteed early arrival/late check-out, guaranteed room with 72-hour advance notice, welcome amenity and turndown service.

Membership is offered to individuals only and cannot be shared or combined. A qualifying stay to earn airline miles includes published rack, package and corporate rates. Discounted rates, meetings, groups and government rates are not eligible to earn miles. Complimentary night certificates that are awarded to Premier and Platinum members are subject to blackout dates and expire at the end of the year.

Members can call the Fairmont President's Club service center between 8am and 9pm AST Monday through Friday. You can also contact the service center via fax, mail or email. Reservations can be made 24 hours a day, seven days a week and each elite tier has its own dedicated reservation line.

We spoke with three different customer service representatives who were courteous and gave us useful information. When calling, you won't have to wait or listen to an automated menu--callers are connected directly to a representative.

Members can register for the program and manage their account online. You can view your stay history, book special member packages and update your profile online. Elite members with free nights to redeem will need to call reservations to redeem the certificate; award stays cannot be booked online.

Fairmont President's Club has a dedicated email address and members can also send feedback specifically about the content, design, navigation and overall experience of the Web site via email.

The elite-level program is generous, offering substantial benefits even to new enrollees, including free daily Internet access, complimentary access to the health club and partner discounts. Fairmont President's Club offers some unique benefits to members, such as Fairmont Fit and free use of TaylorMade golf equipment.

The chance to earn free nights doesn't kick in until after a member has reached Platinum status. While unusual, this is not unheard of with higher-end hotel group loyalty programs. The limited number of hotels restricts the number of earning and redeeming opportunities for members.

Fairmont President's Club

2081 Main Street

Moncton, New Brunswick

Canada E1E 1J2