A recent travel trend, known as "mattress running," has hotel guests trying to maximize their rewards points by booking rooms with the intention of earning free nights or boosting their status, often without actually staying. This practice involves reserving rooms, sometimes even checking in digitally, but then not physically occupying them. However, this strategy might not be as fruitful as some hope, as it could clash with hotel terms and conditions.
A traveler recently sparked discussion on the "r/Hyatt" Reddit forum, inquiring about the potential penalties for conducting a "mattress run" using digital check-in without actually showing up. The responses revealed mixed experiences, with some users reporting success while others faced repercussions, including denied stay credits and charges at the standard cash rate. Some even encountered issues with digital keys, requiring them to check in at the front desk despite attempting online check-in.
One user shared an interesting anecdote about someone offering "ghost/mattress runs" in their city, checking into Hyatt hotels on behalf of others seeking to accumulate rewards. This raised questions about the ethics and potential implications of such arrangements.
Hyatt's official stance, as outlined on their website, clarifies that members must physically check in and complete their stays to earn points and qualify for Tier-Qualifying Night credits. The company's terms and conditions also stipulate that points won't be awarded for no-show fees and that existing points and credits could be revoked in cases of no-shows or late cancellations.
Similarly, Hilton's website specifies that no points or tier status credit will be granted for no-shows, regardless of whether the guest's card is charged. A Hilton spokesperson reiterated this policy, emphasizing the requirement for members to be registered, paying, and staying guests to earn rewards.
Alston Causey, vice president of Travelmation, a travel agency, weighed in on the trend, advising against attempting to game the system. He emphasized the value of utilizing earned vacation days and enjoying booked accommodations rather than resorting to tactics like "mattress runs." He suggested that travelers considering this tactic carefully evaluate the cost-benefit ratio and ensure it aligns with their individual needs. Ultimately, he encourages travelers to actually travel and enjoy their booked stays.
