This program was reviewed and rated by our editors in May 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.

Omni Hotels is not a large hotel brand--it operates just 43 luxury hotels in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. By contrast, Hilton claims over 500 hotels worldwide. That said, nearly every single Omni property has a AAA four diamond rating, offering free WiFi and high-speed Internet access, in-room treadmills, on-site business and fitness centers, complimentary guest robes and gourmet dining. What the company lacks in size, it makes up for in amenities. Omni Hotels' Select Guest prides itself on being the first hotel loyalty program to be based on recognition instead of points. The program turns 20 this year and to celebrate its anniversary, Select Guest is revamping the program and adding many new benefits while maintaining its focus on personalized service to frequent guests. One of the biggest changes is the addition of free nights to its program. Other additions include complimentary pressing of clothing, shoe shines and bottled water as well as eco-friendly housekeeping options.

Select Guest is designed to provide an enhanced level of service. In addition to making sure guest preferences are met, the Select Guest program offers 500 miles or points in one of 14 frequent traveler programs per eligible stay.

And new this year, Select Guest members can choose to earn free nights in lieu of airline miles. The free night program is designed to be simple--stay 10 nights and you will automatically receive a free night that can be used for a future stay at any time over the next two years (subject to availability and blackout dates).

During the first few weeks of the new program, existing and new members will receive a buy-one-get-one summer weekend offer and can sign up for a sweepstakes to win a trip to New York City. Select Guest members who purchase and stay one night before Sept. 6 will receive a complimentary weekend night valid through Sept. 6, 2009 at any Omni Hotel in the U.S., Canada or Mexico.

Free nights and airline miles are the only awards possible for Select Guest members. Meeting planners have access to a separate program called "Select Rewards," which allows meeting planners to pool, disperse or donate the miles earned from an event, or to choose charitable donations, educational events, American Express Membership Rewards points or leisure packages such as a two-night weekend package at any Omni Hotel, for meetings over $25,000 in guest room revenue.

Select Guest airline partners include American, United, Thai, Etihad, Emirates, Air France-KLM, Qatar, Jet Airways, ANA, Singapore, China Eastern and Lufthansa. Members can earn 500 miles or points per stay, which is in line with the standard mileage offers of other hotel loyalty programs. Amtrak Guest Rewards members may opt to earn 500 Guest Rewards points in lieu of airline miles.

Select Guest does not offer its own co-branded credit card. American Express Membership Rewards can come into play for meeting planners, who can earn up to 25,000 AMEX points (one point per dollar spent on the card). Omni partners with a large number of national charities through the "Select Rewards" program. For meetings that run at least $25,000 in total revenue, event planners can select to make a $500 cash donation to charities such as the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Dress For Success, Habitat for Humanity or Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Omni Hotels is a member of The Global Hotel Alliance, which represents 11 independent four- and five-star hotel groups around the world. Other member hotel groups include Kempinski Hotels & Resorts, Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts, Marco Polo Hotels and Dusit International. While members of participating hotels do not have the ability to earn and redeem points across the network, Global Hotel Alliance member brands have made a commitment to deliver special benefits and VIP treatment to the members of each other's loyalty programs and Select Guest members can receive recognition and benefits at many worldwide luxury properties.

Select Guest offers member perks from the very beginning and travelers with plans to stay at an Omni Hotel should sign up for the program to take advantage of entry-level benefits. First-level Gold Select Guest requires membership only--there are no stay requirements for Gold members, who can expect all of their personal preferences to be honored without having to ask, including room type, pillow type and other details personalized to meet specific requests.

Gold level members also receive complimentary WiFi service, access to an exclusive Select Guest toll-free reservation number, express check-in and express check-out, complimentary bottled water on night of arrival, nightly turndown service and additional amenities such as complimentary morning beverage service delivered to the guest room, access to a Loyalty Ambassador who will help take care of any last-minute details and customize your stay and the member's choice of a newspaper delivered each morning. New benefits include eco-friendly housekeeping options, complimentary pressing of two items, shoe shine and the opportunity to earn free nights or airline miles.

After staying six nights or completing three stays in a year, members attain Platinum level status. In addition to Gold level benefits, Platinum level members receive guaranteed room availability 24 hours before arrival, exclusive concierge services, administrative business services, space available room upgrades at check-in, 3pm late check out and a local favorite sweet treat at turndown.

Omni recently added a highest-level, Black level, for members staying 20 nights or 11 stays in a year. Black level members also receive unlimited complimentary pressing of clothing items, guaranteed room availability until 4pm on the day of arrival, room upgrades 24 hours before arrival, suite upgrades on free night awards, 10am check in and 5pm late check out, exclusive Black level reservations phone number, complimentary alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage of your choice at evening turndown and a complimentary chef-inspired local snack at turndown.

Select Guest members will be automatically renewed in the program as long as they stay once at Omni Hotels every two years. Free night certificates are subject to blackout dates and expire two years after they are earned. Free nights are not transferable. Stays awarded airline miles will not earn credits for free nights.

Only individual registered paying guests are eligible for frequent flyer miles or free night benefits. Miles will not be awarded to associations, corporations or groups. If you book and pay for more than one room, you will receive miles or credits for a maximum of two rooms.

Omni also offers an "Omni Sensational Kids" program, designed to meet the needs of those traveling with children. The program features kid-minded amenities including a fun bag of goodies at check-in for each young guest including a canteen, flashlight, and plantable bookmark. Milk and cookies are also delivered on their first night to their guest room. Families can also check out a backpack filled with age-appropriate toys, games and books from the front desk. Parents are provided with a list of local top family attractions, emergency numbers and a safety/first aid kit which includes a night light and outlet covers.

The upscale AAA four-diamond hotel rating is defined as having a "high degree of hospitality, service, and attention to detail." Omni is deserving of the rating and offers excellent service, and not just to Select Guest members. Select Guest itself seems to be quite successful in catering to member's needs. The advantage of being relatively small, after all, is that consistency tends to be easier to accomplish. We have yet to receive a complaint from any Select Guest member about customer support. The service center is quick to respond both on the phone and via email. Our phone call was answered within seconds of calling and we received an email response within 24 hours.

Omni's Web site is simple and sophisticated and you'll find everything you need to know about the program and can contact customer service via email. Online enrollment is available and be prepared to spend a little time thinking about your preferences. What kind of pillow do you prefer--feather or foam? Would you like a corner room or a room on a high or low floor? You can also update or revise your profile after registration if you would like to change any of your preferences. Summer Weekend Nights can be redeemed online at www.omnihotels.com/summerfun but the free night stay earned after staying 10 nights can only be redeemed over the phone. We would like to see the convenience of online redemption added to the Web site.

Select Guest has clearly opted to focus on customer service and member perks and it is service that ultimately drives customer loyalty. Although Omni is not large enough to generate the buzz of some other programs, it seems to be providing its members with what they want. And now, members can choose to earn free nights instead of airline miles or points. Black-level elite members receive suite upgrades on award nights and all members receive a free morning beverage, complimentary Wi-Fi and complimentary pressing of clothing.

While we applaud Omni on adding a free night option, awards are not transferable to anyone else and most programs allow members to redeem free nights for family or friends. For members who are primarily interested in earning points to redeem for free nights or other awards, Select Guest members can only earn a free night for every 10 nights, so the program might not be a good fit. Earning free nights by earning points through credit cards and other partners is not an option. And even though Omni is small, we'd like to see a wider variety of partners.

Select Guest Member Services
Omni Hotels
11819 Miami St, 3rd Floor
Omaha, NE 68164

Phone: 1-877-440-6664
Email: selectguest@omnihotels.com
http://www.selectguest.com/