Committed to providing total customer satisfaction, ITT Sheraton focuses on attracting and maintaining a dedicated client base with loyalty programmes designed to meet its customers' business or leisure needs. These programmes help to standardise a high level of service that is consistent around the world by reinforcing the link between the ITT Sheraton experience and the customer.

ITT Sheraton Club International Gold (SCI Gold) is a VIP, frequent guest programme that affords its current 1.2 million members extra privileges at ITT Sheraton properties. Introduced in nearly 400 participating ITT Sheraton Hotels in 50 countries around the world, SCI enables members to earn miles towards room upgrades and free flights. To do this, a client must visit an ITT Sheraton Hotel, All-Suites, Luxury Collection Hotel or Four Points Hotel, where they can collect three ClubMiles for every US dollar spent during their stay. These can be redeemed against room charges, dining, in-room films or almost anything that can be charged to the final room bill.

Once accrued, 3,000 ClubMiles can be exchanged for a free hotel room or a 50 per cent discount will be given on room rack rates for 1,500 miles. Special bonus deals allow members to double their ClubMiles during their second stay.

In addition, ITT Sheraton Gold membership offers an elite level of recognition and in-hotel benefits for the executive traveller. Gold Level members can gain automatic room upgrades worldwide, and guaranteed 4pm late check-out. SCI Gold has an annual membership fee of US$, approx £35, which can be added to a client's account at any participating hotel.

ClubMiles are also transferable to the frequent flyer programmes on any of 11 partner airlines (see fact box) and an extra 500 ClubMiles can be earned if SCI members rent a car from over 2,500 participating Avis locations worldwide during their stay.

Upon application, SCI members can join ExpressPass which virtually eliminates the check-in and check-out process by storing guest billing and identification information in the ITT Sheraton reservations systems. On arrival members need only show their SCI ExpressPass and they are handed the key to their room.

Enrolment in SCI can be made in person at any participating ITT Sheraton Hotel or through ITT Sheraton FREEPHONE reservations number 0800 353535.

Boston-based ITT Sheraton Corporation, a subsidiary of ITT Corporation, is a worldwide hospitality network focused on quality, that owns, leases, manages and franchises nearly 450 luxury up-scale and mid-scale properties in 60 countries, serving 45 million guests each year at properties on five continents around the world.

Partner airlines include:

American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Northwest Airlines, United Airlines, Air Canada, Alitalia, Ansett Australia, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Thai Airways International