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Langham Hotels announced that it is replacing its previous loyalty program with a new points-based loyalty program, Brilliant by Langham. The new program came into force on February 29, 2024. Existing members were transferred over and awarded a minimum of Diamond status.
So, what is Brilliant by Langham? Let us show you.
Page Contents
What Is the Langham Hotels Brand?
Although the Langham Hotel brand has a long history, dating back to the mid-19th century in London, the current iteration is one of the smaller brands worldwide. According to its website, the group has four brands spread out across 36 destinations for a total of 47 properties worldwide.
Keep in mind that not all of these 47 locations are hotels. Some are spas and restaurants. In terms of hotels, Langham has 25 hotel properties:
- 18 Langham hotels
- 6 Cordis brand properties
- The Chelsea Hotel Toronto
This is a far cry from other hotel brands like Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and IHG One Rewards, who measure their properties in the thousands. However, Langham measures its rooms by the thousand. In terms of its global footprint, the Langham group is predominantly based in Asia. That said, there are a few Langham properties in Europe and the U.S.
One thing to note is that while many hotel brands will cover a budget spectrum, Langham essentially doesn't. Langham properties are luxurious with high-end facilities, including a couple of Michelin-starred restaurants in properties in Hong Kong.
Elite Status Levels
The new Brilliant by Langham has five membership levels. The entry-level status is Onyx, and the top-tier status is Ruby. Counterintuitively, Diamond status is the mid-tier status.
Onyx status
Onyx is the entry-level status of the Brilliant by Langham program, and you receive it upon joining. It offers:
- Select your preferred room type (subject to availability).
- Brilliant member rates when booking directly with Langham.
- 5% dining discount at participating restaurants and bars.
Topaz status
You need to earn 12,000 status points to progress and earn Topaz status, which unlocks the Onyx benefits plus:
- 10% bonus points on stays.
- VIP events access.
- Invitations to member-exclusive experiences.
Diamond status
You can earn Diamond status with 108,000 status points, and you'll get the above plus:
- 10% dining discount at participating restaurants and bars.
- 15% bonus points on stays.
- Early check-in (subject to availability).
Sapphire status
360,000 status points are needed to earn Sapphire status, providing the above benefits plus:
- 25% bonus points on stays.
- Room upgrade voucher.
- 2 p.m. late checkout (subject to availability).
- Welcome amenity choice:
- Welcome drink.
- Dining credit.
- Welcome points.
Ruby status
Top-tier Ruby status comes after 720,000 status points, providing these additional perks over what's mentioned above:
- 50% bonus points on stays.
- 4 p.m. late checkout (subject to availability).
- Local gift welcome amenity options.
Earning Brilliant by Langham Points
When it comes to earning awards and status points, you earn 150 points per $5 spent at the following Langham Brands:
- The Langham Hotels and Resorts
- Eaton
- Cordis: The Heart of Hospitality
- YINGnFlo
- The Chelsea Hotel Toronto
- Tang Court
- Ming Court
- Chuan Spa
You'll also earn 15 points per $5 spent on events.
Tier status qualification spending requirements
Considering the point thresholds to move between status tiers, you will, in effect, need to meet the following spending requirements to move between tiers:
- Topaz: Spend a minimum of $400.
- Diamond: Spend a minimum of $3,600.
- Sapphire: Spend a minimum of $12,000.
- Ruby: Spend a minimum of $24,000.
Related: The Best Credit Cards for Travel Purchases
Do Brilliant by Langham Points Expire?
Your award points will expire if your account has no activity for 24 months. To prevent your points from expiring and reset your expiration clock, you need to earn or redeem points at a Langham property.
Related: How Loyalty Program Expiration Policies Work, and How You Can Avoid Your Miles Expiring
Redeeming Your Langham Award Points
Langham has a dynamic pricing model, which means there is little transparency about how much your award will cost ahead of time. Several factors — including brand, time of year, and location — determine the price of the award in points.
One thing to note is that you cannot book reward nights for other people. Reward night can only be booked for the member. In cases where the member books multiple rooms using points for themselves and their guests, they must occupy one of the rooms. Also, you can only book a maximum of three rooms on one award booking.
Final Thoughts
The bottom line is that the Brilliant By Langham program is very niche and will only be useful to a few Langham fans. The brand has a tiny footprint, making it only suitable for people who regularly travel to the few destinations in which it operates.
Also, when considering the investment needed to hit elite status, you have to ask yourself if you have better luxury options in the destinations that Langham serves. Even if you regularly travel to cities served by Langham properties, you have to wonder if spending $24,000 to reach elite status with Langham is worth it. There are many ways to get hotel elite status for free — or close to free.
Bear in mind if your hotel budget is in the spending range discussed above, you will get much more bang for your buck if you spend it with the likes of Marriott or Hilton. Why? When it comes to redemption options with Brilliant by Langham, you are heavily restricted in choice by location and the number of properties. That said, the new program is an excellent option if you are already a fan and regular user of Langham Hotels. Others are unlikely to be convinced.
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