In this post, we’ll explore the loyalty program of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), which has recently undergone a rebranding. Previously known as SLH INVITED, it’s now called SLH Club. We’ll cover the benefits of the program, how to earn free nights, and discuss some limitations you should be aware of (because yes, there is a catch).

SLH’s Ksar Char-Bagh in Marrakech, Morocco (Source: Hilton)

What is Small Luxury Hotels of the World?

Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) is a collection of around 570 independent boutique luxury hotels across 90 countries. It’s important to note that SLH functions more as a marketing organization than a traditional hotel group.

Unlike major chains like Hilton or Marriott, where individual properties follow strict design and service guidelines, SLH hotels retain their unique identities. SLH essentially provides distribution power and brand recognition for these independent properties and takes a commission when bookings are made via SLH channels rather than directly with the hotel.

Many smaller hotel groups are part of SLH, further emphasizing its role as a marketing network. SLH also has a partnership with Hilton Honors, allowing Hilton members to earn and redeem points for stays at SLH properties, as well as enjoy certain benefits.

How the SLH Club Guest Recognition Program Works

The SLH Club is the loyalty program of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. It’s free to join, offering basic perks for all members, and it includes elite tiers that provide additional rewards. Members can also earn vouchers to be used toward free night stays.

However, it’s important to understand that only bookings made directly with SLH (through slh.com or their call center) are eligible for the SLH Club benefits. Reservations made through other channels won’t count, which is a significant limitation, as we’ll explore later.

Earning Elite Status with SLH Club

The SLH Club program offers three membership tiers:

• Club 01: For stays of 0-3 nights

• Club 02: For stays of 4-12 nights

• Club 03: For stays of 13+ nights

Each tier comes with incremental perks:

SLH Club 01: Upon joining, members receive:

• 10% off member-only rates

• Access to a dedicated call center

• Early check-in (subject to availability)

• Late check-out (subject to availability)

• Free Wi-Fi

• Exclusive promotions

SLH Club 02: After four nights, members also get:

• Complimentary daily continental breakfast for two

• Room upgrade (subject to availability)

• Access to bespoke experiences and exclusive partner offers

SLH Club 03: After 13 nights, members gain access to:

• Insider events held throughout the year

• A $300 reward night voucher

• A subscription to SLH’s Swoon magazine

Earning Free Nights with SLH Club

The SLH Club doesn’t offer a traditional award chart, but members who reach Club 03 status earn a $300 hotel voucher. While this sounds appealing, the voucher comes with restrictions:

The voucher is issued within 14 days of earning it and is valid for 12 months.
It can only be applied to one night in a standard room, and if the room costs more than $300, you pay the difference. If the room costs less, there’s no residual value.
The voucher must be redeemed at least 14 days in advance via email.
Once confirmed, bookings using the voucher cannot be altered or canceled.

These limitations make the SLH Club’s rewards less flexible than they might seem at first glance.

The Catch with the SLH Club Program

While the SLH Club loyalty program is a nice perk, it’s not particularly robust. The biggest downside is the restrictions surrounding the $300 voucher, which is essentially the primary reward for members.

Booking Through Hilton May Be a Better Deal

Hilton offers its loyal customers preferential treatments at SLH properties (Source: Hilton)

SLH’s partnership with Hilton Honors can often provide better value. Many (but not all) SLH properties participate in the Hilton Honors program, allowing members to earn and redeem Hilton points while also enjoying Hilton’s elite perks.

When booking through Hilton, members can take advantage of benefits like:

Hilton Honors non-elite members: Member discounts, free Wi-Fi, late check-out (based on availability), bottled water, and no resort fees on award stays.
Hilton Honors Silver members: 20% points bonus, and a fifth night free on award redemptions.
Hilton Honors Gold members: 80% points bonus, free breakfast for two, and room upgrades (based on availability).
Hilton Honors Diamond members: 100% points bonus, complimentary breakfast for two, and room upgrades (based on availability).

In most cases, the Hilton Honors benefits are more compelling than those offered by SLH Club.

Booking Through Virtuoso Could Also Make Sense

Booking via Virtuoso offers certain perks (Source: Virtuoso)

For those working with travel advisors, Virtuoso offers additional perks at many luxury hotels, including some SLH properties. Virtuoso benefits often include:

Daily breakfast for two
Room upgrades (subject to availability)
Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability)
Special amenities like hotel credits, free massages, or complimentary dinners

If both SLH and Virtuoso benefits are available, booking through Virtuoso often provides better value than booking directly through SLH.

Conclusion

The Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) loyalty program offers some perks and the potential to earn a $300 reward voucher, but the program comes with limitations, particularly when it comes to redeeming free nights. In many cases, booking through Hilton Honors or Virtuoso may offer better value and more flexible benefits.

Is Small Luxury Hotels’ (SLH) own loyalty program worth it?