Local Experiences
Don’t Be a Visitor. Live the Local Experience.
GHA Discovery members don’t just enjoy preferred access to more than 300 hotels across 18 brands in 57 countries – they get to live like a local in each city. A core component of the Discovery programme is our Local Experiences, which include behind-the-scenes access to special activities, cultural experiences, attractions and events not easily available or accessible to the general public.
With a Local Experience, you are invited to discover a world few travellers get the opportunity to explore. Enjoy travel rewards including:
- After Hours preferred access to a venue after it is closed to the public and outside normal opening hours.
- Exclusive Access to venues and events not normally open to the public, including private galleries, backstage passes, and select government buildings.
- Feel-Good Factor . Get a hands-on chance to give back to the local community through carefully-selected charity projects and events.
- Local Celebrity . From artists to authors to sports stars, politicians and musicians, you’ll experience a “meet and greet” with some of the world’s biggest names.
- Local Expertise , including lessons and private events ranging from mixology to surf school with area professionals, ranging from the hardcore hands-on to the historical.
- Once in a Lifetime unique and exceptional activities that members may never have the opportunity to experience again.
- Skip the Queue access to venues and events without having to wait in line to purchase a ticket.
- Special Gifts including custom-made, autographed and other rare merchandise, available just for GHA Discovery members.
And of course, during all experiences you’ll receive unique ‘inside’ knowledge from the local community, as well as VIP treatment.
Our "Experience Express" category is specifically designed for travellers with limited free time. Find out more about "Experience Express" awards.
Earning and Redeeming a Local Experience Award
Local Experience Awards* must be earned before participation and are granted according to your GHA Discovery Membership Level, the number of nights you stay in a GHA hotel per year and your inter-brand activity.
Local Experiences vary by membership level - the higher the membership level, the more exciting and exclusive the experience. This is how it works:
- After staying 10 nights in a GHA hotel you move up to PLATINUM level and receive one PLATINUM Local Experience Award
- After staying 30 nights in a GHA hotel you move up to BLACK level and receive one BLACK Local Experience Award
- Additionally you can earn a Local Experience Award whenever you stay for the first time at a new GHA brand; The Local Experience Award will correspond to your current membership level
- Last, but not least, you will receive a further Local Experience Award whenever you renew your PLATINUM or BLACK status
Learn more about earning and redeeming Local Experience Awards. Sign in to your GHA Discovery Member account to see what Local Experience Awards you have available for redemption.
Have a question? Please read our frequently asked questions section for further information.
*Please note that select Local Experience Awards can be redeemed and independent of an overnight stay at a GHA hotel. Stay requirements will be noted in the individual award's terms and conditions.
