GHA Discovery extending Platinum and Black status to end 2022

Of all the hotel elite statuses I’ve held over the years, GHA Black has got to be the most generous when it comes to extensions. 

I received GHA Black status for free back in December 2017, by virtue of being a Citi Prestige cardholder (that partnership, sadly, is long gone). I’ve never stayed the requisite 30 nights per year for renewal, but my membership has been renewed like clockwork. 

GHA’s latest status extension was due to lapse on 31 December 2021:

However, due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, they’ve further extended status across the board to 31 December 2022. This means I’ll have enjoyed GHA Black for five years, without ever “legitimately” requalifying. 

GHA Discovery Status Extension

To the best of my knowledge, GHA has not sent out any official communications regarding status extensions. However, earlier this week members of the Milelion Telegram community started reporting that their GHA Black memberships were now reflecting a December 2022 expiry. 

GHA must be rolling this out in batches, because I just saw my status updated this morning. 

Do note that there’s some time lag between seeing your status updated in the GHA app’s dashboard, and on your digital membership card. For example, my dashboard shows DEC 2022, but my card still shows an expiry of 12/21. Give it some time, and the two will sync up. 

Like I said, GHA is probably doing this in batches, so if you don’t see your extension yet, sit tight. There does not seem to be a connection between stay activity in 2020 and extensions; people with and without stay activity in 2020 have both reported getting extensions. 

What Benefits do GHA Black Members Receive?

For a program that’s more of a marketing partnership than an actual loyalty scheme, I must say GHA has been remarkably consistent with honoring benefits.

Based on my experiences at Capitol Kempinski, PARKROYAL Pickering and Pan Pacific Singapore, front desk staff have been well-versed with the various entitlements of Black status. I’ve been proactively offered 6 p.m check-outs and room upgrades, and have never had an issue with 9 a.m check-in (although that could also be because I tend to stay on weekdays).

Here’s the full list of what benefits members can expect during their stays, depending on status. 

The other key attraction of GHA elite status (whether Platinum or Black) is the opportunity to earn Local Experiences. GHA Discovery doesn’t work like a traditional hotel loyalty program where you earn points for future stays. Instead, your stays earn you Local Experiences, like dining set menus, spa treatments, or tours. 

You receive one local experience for every new GHA brand you stay at. 

As a reminder, the following hotels in Singapore participate in the GHA program:

• Capella Singapore
• Capitol Kempinski Singapore
• PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay Singapore
• PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering Singapore
• PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Singapore
• PARKROYAL on Beach Road Singapore
• PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road Singapore
• Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road Singapore
• Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard Singapore*
• Pan Pacific Singapore

*not yet approved for staycations

GHA Discovery Double Elite Nights for Q1 2021 + Fast Track for UOB Cardholders

GHA Double Nights Offer

I suppose this is kind of a moot point now that GHA is extending status, but if you’re a Platinum member hoping to make the jump to Black, remember that GHA is offering double elite nights for Q1 2021. Registration is required, and can be done via the link above. 

If you hold any of the following UOB premium cards, you’re also entitled to a GHA Black fast track upgrade after one stay at any Kempinski hotel worldwide. 

• UOB Reserve Diamond Card
• UOB Reserve Card
• UOB Visa Infinite
• UOB Visa Infinite Metal Card
• UOB Privilege Banking Visa Infinite
• UOB Regal Business Metal Card
• UOB Empire Business World Business Mastercard

Conclusion

GHA has been very generous with the status extensions, and their latest round will see you sorted all the way through December 2022.

If nothing else, the status should at least be useful for staycations.