Core Viewpoint - The hotel loyalty points black market is challenging industry standards, with many individuals sharing accounts for point accumulation, leading to a gray market for hotel points and memberships [1][7][18]. Group 1: Gray Market Dynamics - Numerous individuals are purchasing hotel points from platforms like Xiaohongshu, often resulting in financial losses due to the inability to provide identity information for large point transfers [2][15]. - A gray industry chain has emerged, with participants including professional "room brushing" groups, point resellers, and even hotel employees [11][12]. - The secondary market for hotel points and memberships has become a business, with transactions being openly priced on platforms like Xianyu [10][19]. Group 2: Hotel Membership Policies - Major hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton have specific policies for point transfers, allowing limited transfers under certain conditions, which are now exploited in the gray market [8][9]. - Marriott allows members to transfer up to 100,000 points to other members, while Hilton has similar policies with a maximum of 500,000 points received per year [8]. - The original intent of these loyalty programs, which was to enhance customer loyalty, is being undermined by the commercialization of point transfers [7][19]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior and Risks - Consumers are increasingly tempted by low-priced points and are taking risks by engaging in transactions on secondary markets, leading to account freezes and potential financial losses [13][15]. - The allure of significant savings, such as using points for stays that would otherwise cost thousands of dollars, drives the demand for point purchases [20]. - The ongoing transactions create a cat-and-mouse game between consumers and hotel chains, with increased scrutiny and account audits leading to account suspensions for those engaging in suspicious activities [24][29]. Group 4: Impact on Hotel Industry - The rise of "water members" (members who acquire points through non-standard means) is causing hotel chains to tighten their membership benefits, which may inadvertently affect genuine members [30][36]. - As hotel groups face pressure to maintain profitability, they are raising the point redemption thresholds and reducing benefits, which could alienate loyal customers [30][39]. - The homogenization of membership benefits across hotel chains is leading to a lack of differentiation, making it harder to retain high-value members [47][48]. Group 5: Conclusion on Market Dynamics - The gray market for hotel points represents a complex interplay of consumer behavior, corporate policy, and market dynamics, where both consumers and hotel chains face significant risks [49][50]. - Ultimately, the exploitation of loyalty programs for profit is creating a challenging environment for both consumers seeking value and hotel chains aiming to protect their revenue streams [51][52].

央视网消息：如今，人们在乘坐火车、飞机等交通工具出行后，只要曾注册过会员，都会有相应的里程积分入账。有些人选择用积分兑换机票、火车票或平 台礼品，也有人悄悄将积分买卖做成了生意。那么积分真的能买卖吗？买来的积分可以正常使用吗？一起来看记者调查。 近日，有网友发帖表示，有二手电商平台低价售卖铁路12306会员积分以兑换车票，引发热议。记者致电铁路12306客服，工作人员明确告知里程积分不能转 让，但可以通过添加受让人的形式供他人使用。 12306客服：积分没办法转让。直接点开APP，铁路会员可以在受让人那里增加乘车人，到时候帮别人买票。 添加受让人后无法当即换票，需有两个月的审核期，并且积分换票的退改也有限制。 12306客服：60天才能生效，要提前增加（乘车人）。积分票退不了，可以改签，但是要支付1000积分的改签费。 与铁路出行的会员规则相似，有航空公司的工作人员也表示，航司对会员里程积分的使用场景有明确要求。 某航空公司工作人员：一般添加自己的亲人、朋友为受益人，就可以消费您的积分兑换机票或其他（业务）。上限最多可以添加13位，但是受益人一旦添加 无法删除。 男子二手平台买酒店积分无法兑换 维权难 在某二 ...

Core Insights - The loyalty programs of high-end hotel groups are increasingly perceived as devalued, with members feeling less valued despite their status [10][26][27] - Major hotel chains are reducing benefits for high-tier members, leading to a sense of frustration and disappointment among loyal customers [12][14][19] Group 1: Membership Experience - A recent incident highlighted the lengths to which a Marriott Titanium member went to request an upgrade, illustrating the desperation felt by members [2][3] - The response from hotel staff was indifferent, indicating that the emotional appeal of such requests is no longer effective [9] - The overall experience for high-tier members has shifted from being treated as valued guests to feeling like they are begging for benefits [11][25] Group 2: Benefit Reductions - Marriott has announced the permanent closure of executive lounges, significantly reducing the services available to Platinum members [12][13] - Other hotel chains, such as St. Regis and Hyatt, are also increasing the points required for room upgrades and benefits, indicating a broader trend of devaluation across the industry [15][18][20] - The perception of loyalty points has shifted from being a valuable asset to being seen as "funny money" that is increasingly difficult to redeem [22][39] Group 3: Economic Pressures - The hotel industry is facing economic challenges, leading to a focus on profitability over customer loyalty, resulting in reduced services and benefits [40][42] - The influx of new members through aggressive marketing strategies has led to overcrowding in loyalty programs, further straining resources and service quality [32][33] - The shift towards cost-cutting measures is evident in the cancellation of complimentary services and the increase in points required for rewards [43][44] Group 4: Technological Changes - The introduction of AI systems to manage room upgrades is a significant shift in how hotels interact with high-tier members, moving away from personal service to algorithm-driven decisions [48][50] - This change is seen as a way for hotels to manage the overwhelming number of loyalty members without the emotional engagement previously offered [58][61] - The reliance on data-driven systems may lead to a more impersonal experience for guests, as human judgment is replaced by algorithms [56][59]