Mandarin Oriental hotels launches new Fans of MO loyalty program

Mandarin Oriental now has a hotel loyalty program, dubbed ‘Fans of MO’ in a nod to the chain’s iconic logo, doing away with the typical offerings of points and status tiers as common of other hotel schemes.

Instead, the Fans of MO program – which is free to join – offers members perks like complimentary WiFi, a “welcome amenity” and the promise of “unique experiences, special events and exclusive offers” during stays at its hotels across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa and The Americas.

Guests who book their Mandarin Oriental stay online will also enjoy two additional privileges from the following list during that visit, although the options given may vary slightly at individual hotels:

• An early check-in from 12pm
• A late check-out until 4pm
• Complimentary daily breakfast
• Complimentary room upgrade, if available
• Higher-speed WiFi with no download limits, suitable for video streaming
• Complimentary pressing or laundering of one item
• A celebratory treat, such as for stays on birthdays, anniversaries or honeymoons
• A credit towards dining or spa treatments at the hotel

Many of these perks are typically reserved for Gold or Platinum-tier members of other hotel loyalty programs, so if you’re planning a Mandarin Oriental stay any time soon, joining the program for free is a no-brainer to enjoy benefits like these, right from your first Mandarin Oriental stay.

However, there is one catch: with the program being free, you can only join by providing your email address and phone number, and agreeing to receive marketing communications from Mandarin Oriental.

As the chain’s website notes, these could be sent as emails, text messages or via “other electronic and communications media”, on topics “relating to accommodation and travel-related products… (such as) hotels, residences, travel, events, concierge services, spa, food & beverage.”

So, as the old saying goes, there’s no such thing as a free lunch: or, indeed, a complimentary daily breakfast.

Chris C.

Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.