The Ascott Restricted is a worldwide hospitality model beneath CapitaLand, specializing in serviced residences and accommodations. It operates in over 200 cities throughout greater than 40 international locations, with manufacturers resembling Ascott The Residence, Citadines, Somerset, lyf, Oakwood, and The Crest Assortment.
In contrast to conventional lodge chains, Ascott focuses on long-term stays and apartment-style lodging, making it standard amongst enterprise travellers, digital nomads, and expats.
To reward frequent company, Ascott launched Ascott Star Rewards (ASR), its devoted loyalty program. Whereas ASR doesn’t obtain as a lot consideration as Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors, it presents simple factors incomes, versatile redemptions, and perks tailor-made to prolonged stays.
Why ASR Caught My Consideration
At first look, Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) didn’t look like a program value paying a lot consideration to. Whereas most lodge loyalty packages include a flood of selling and high-profile perks, ASR quietly existed within the background.
That modified once I stayed at Ascott properties throughout a visit via Asia. I initially booked them for his or her location and affordability, however I shortly observed the benefits of the ASR program.
The stays have been snug, the loyalty perks have been simple to make use of, and, most significantly, the factors system was refreshingly easy in comparison with different lodge packages.
In contrast to Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors, ASR isn’t about luxurious perks or complicated redemption charts. As an alternative, it’s designed for simplicity and practicality, providing simple incomes, versatile redemptions, and advantages that make sense for prolonged stays.
If that aligns along with your journey habits, it’s value taking a better have a look at how this system works and whether or not it is sensible for you.
Incomes ASR Factors: How It Works
ASR factors are earned primarily based on complete spending reasonably than stays or nights, making it one of many best packages to trace.
Members earn between 10 and 16 factors per Singapore greenback (S$1) spent, relying on standing tier. Factors are awarded on pre-tax room charges and choose incidentals resembling eating at hotel-operated eating places.
- Traditional: 10 factors per greenback spent
- Silver: 12 factors per greenback spent
- Gold: 14 factors per greenback spent
- Platinum: 16 factors per greenback spent
ASR regularly runs bonus promotions, in addition to the purchase factors reductions which might considerably increase incomes potential, particularly throughout new property openings.
Lengthy-stay company also can negotiate particular charges by submitting a type on-line, whereas nonetheless incomes factors. Nonetheless, ASR doesn’t associate with airline packages, which means factors can’t be transferred to frequent flyer miles.
Redeeming ASR Factors: Fastened-Worth Redemptions
ASR factors have a set redemption worth of 1 level = S$0.0025, which means:
- 1,000 factors = S$2.50
- 10,000 factors = S$25
This implies there’s no complicated award chart to navigate—only a easy cash-back type system.
One main benefit? You may redeem factors for partial fee, even for those who don’t have sufficient to cowl the whole reserving.
This flexibility aligns properly with the earn-and-burn technique within the miles and factors world, permitting members to make use of their factors regularly as an alternative of hoarding them and risking devaluation.
That mentioned, ASR doesn’t supply a “fifth evening free” profit like Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors, which means loyal company who’ve amassed a lot of factors received’t get extra worth for prolonged stays.
ASR Elite Standing: What Are the Perks?
ASR has 4 elite tiers:
- Traditional: Entry-level, earn 10 factors per S$1 spent
- Silver: Achieved after S$1,000 spent, earn 12 factors per S$1 spent
- Gold: Achieved after S$3,000 spent, earn 13 factors per S$1 spent
- Platinum: Achieved after S$10,000 spent, earn 16 factors per S$1 spent
For the total record of advantages, go to: ASR Membership Advantages.
A key standout perk for Platinum members is the 24-hour keep profit, which permits company to examine in at any time of the day and take a look at precisely 24 hours later. Much like Marriott Ambassador Elite’s versatile check-in, it is a invaluable profit for these arriving on early morning flights or departing late at evening.
One other standout perk is the complimentary airport switch out there for Platinum members staying at Center Jap properties for 5 nights or extra. Whereas not a widespread profit throughout all areas, it is a good contact for travellers who regularly go to the Center East.
Moreover, ASR presents launderette entry at choose serviced residences, with Gold members receiving one complimentary use per keep and Platinum members receiving two. For long-term company, it is a sensible perk that helps cut back prices in comparison with conventional lodge stays.
Whereas ASR elite advantages might not embody government lounge entry or assured suite upgrades, these perks cater properly to travellers who prioritize simplicity, prolonged stays, and sensible facilities over luxurious extras.
ASR Standing Match: A Shortcut to Increased Standing
ASR presents an ongoing standing match program, making it simple for members of competing lodge loyalty packages to fast-track their strategy to ASR Silver, Gold, and even Platinum.
Eligible packages embody Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, amongst others. The method is easy: merely submit proof of your elite standing via the ASR standing match web page, and upon approval, you’ll obtain the corresponding ASR tier.
From my expertise, the request took about 5 days to course of. As soon as authorized, your matched standing is legitimate for 12 months, and you may lengthen it by assembly the spending requirement for the respective tier.
For travellers seeking to maximize ASR’s perks with out ranging from scratch, securing a standing match is a simple strategy to unlock advantages instantly.
One of many benefits of ASR is the power to request particular long-term keep charges, which might present extra financial savings past customary member reductions.
For stays of 30 days or extra, company can submit a request via Ascott’s long-stay inquiry type to obtain a custom-made charge primarily based on their size of keep, vacation spot, and property availability. These negotiated charges typically embody decrease nightly pricing, added flexibility, and further perks like housekeeping credit.
Since ASR members proceed to earn factors on these discounted charges, this makes ASR notably invaluable for enterprise travellers, expats, or digital nomads searching for an economical strategy to guide prolonged stays.
Why I Like Ascott Star Rewards
Whereas many lodge loyalty packages give attention to flashy perks like suite upgrades and membership lounge entry, Ascott Star Rewards and the Ascott model prioritize the basics—and that’s one thing I genuinely respect.
A Robust Give attention to the Necessities
At its core, a lodge’s job is easy: present a clear, snug place to relaxation.
That’s precisely what Ascott properties ship. Whether or not it’s a short-term keep at a Citadines or an extended residence at a Somerset, I’ve constantly discovered the lodging well-maintained, thoughtfully designed, and sensible for real-world journey wants.
Many accommodations get caught up in aesthetics and luxurious add-ons however fall quick on the fundamentals like cleanliness, high quality sleep, and practical layouts.
Ascott properties, alternatively, have been dependable in offering a restful, no-nonsense keep, making them a stable choice for travellers who prioritize consolation and comfort.
Beneficiant Test-In and Test-Out Insurance policies
It’s changing into more and more widespread for accommodations to push late check-ins (3 and even 4 p.m.) and early check-outs (11 a.m.)—a development that usually feels extra like a cost-cutting measure than a guest-friendly coverage.
Ascott properties, nevertheless, typically supply a 2 p.m. check-in and a 12 p.m. check-out, which is much extra accommodating.
It won’t look like an enormous distinction on paper, however in observe, it makes a big impact—particularly for those who’re arriving early or want further time earlier than heading to your subsequent vacation spot.
It’s a small however significant element that reveals Ascott is considering visitor consolation reasonably than simply operational effectivity, and that’s one thing I respect.
The place Ascott Star Rewards Falls Quick
Whereas Ascott Star Rewards has its strengths, it’s not with out its shortcomings. For these accustomed to conventional lodge loyalty packages, there are a couple of areas the place ASR would possibly really feel underwhelming.
1. Lack of a Premium Expertise, Even on the Highest Elite Standing
One of many largest letdowns of ASR is that even at Platinum standing, the perks stay comparatively primary. In contrast to different packages the place top-tier elites get pleasure from government lounge entry, free breakfast, and suite upgrades, ASR presents none of those as customary advantages.
Essentially the most noticeable hole is breakfast inclusion—one thing that’s a staple of many high-tier lodge packages. With ASR, breakfast is just provided as a perk in choose properties in Europe, leaving elite members elsewhere with no meal advantages.
Equally, there’s no government lounge entry, which is a significant perk in packages like Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and World of Hyatt.
Provided that Platinum standing requires spending $10,000, the advantages are a bit underwhelming in comparison with what different lodge packages supply at their highest tiers.
For instance, spending that a lot with Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors would possible qualify you for his or her top-tier standing, which incorporates free suite upgrades, assured late check-out, lounge entry, and complimentary breakfast worldwide—perks that ASR merely doesn’t supply.
For these searching for a real VIP expertise with premium perks, ASR’s elite program received’t match the choices of its rivals. As an alternative, the main focus stays on sensible reductions and versatile factors utilization, which can or might not align along with your priorities.
2. No “Fifth Night time Free” or Prolonged Keep Redemption Perks
The most effective perks of packages like Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors is the “Fifth Night time Free” profit, the place members utilizing factors for a keep of 5 nights or extra get one evening free.
This successfully will increase the worth of redemptions, making lengthy stays considerably extra rewarding for loyal company.
ASR, nevertheless, doesn’t supply something related. Whether or not you’re reserving a one-night keep or a month-long keep, the redemption charge stays fastened at 1,000 factors = S$2.50 with no added incentive for longer redemptions.
It is a missed alternative, contemplating Ascott’s give attention to prolonged stays.
For travellers who accumulate ASR factors for a long-term redemption, this implies no bonus nights, no low cost for prolonged stays, and no further worth in comparison with money charges—which might make it really feel much less rewarding in comparison with different lodge packages.
3. A Restricted World Footprint, Particularly within the Americas
One other draw back of ASR is its restricted geographic protection, notably for travellers primarily based in North America. Whereas Ascott has a robust presence in Asia, Europe, and the Center East, its footprint within the Americas is minimal at finest—and utterly nonexistent in Canada.
Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt have properties throughout main cities worldwide, providing members a constant loyalty expertise irrespective of the place they journey.
Ascott, alternatively, is primarily concentrated in Asia and Europe, with only a few choices in the USA and nearly no properties in Canada.
This makes ASR much less sensible for travellers whose predominant locations are in North America. When you regularly keep in serviced flats in Asia or Europe, this system holds extra worth—but when your travels take you to the Americas, it’s possible you’ll end up hardly ever in a position to make use of ASR advantages.
Conclusion
When you’re somebody who values a easy, snug keep or regularly books long-term stays in serviced flats, ASR is totally value becoming a member of.
It received’t provide the aspirational five-star experiences of different packages, however for sensible travellers, it’s a simple strategy to earn and redeem with out the complications of devaluations or availability points.
For me, ASR has been a stable secondary loyalty program—not my main go-to, however one I respect once I want a easy and luxury keep, particularly in Asia.
In case your subsequent journey is in Asia, Europe, or the Center East, ASR is value contemplating, particularly for those who can safe a standing match to fast-track elite advantages.
