Continental Airline's OnePass program took five first-place awards

(CNN) -- With all the options facing business travelers these days, who's to know what's best? Thousands of travelers voiced their opinions in two recent polls -- InsideFlyer's "Freddie" awards and the J.D. Power and Associates/Frequent Flyer Magazine Hotel Satisfaction Survey.

The two polls are a good indication of quality.

"If you know that this many people have voted on this supplier as the best, then your chances of having a good travel experience are increased," said CNN business travel consultant Chris McGinnis.

The 10-year-old Freddie Awards, sponsored by InsideFlyer Magazine, recognize top frequent travel programs in both the airline and hotel industries.

"This year over 44,000 people cast their ballots," said Randy Petersen, InsideFlyer's publisher, "and it's the largest out there."

Continental Airline's OnePass program took five first-place awards -- for Program of the Year, Best Elite Level Program, Best Web Site, Best Newsletter and Best Customer Service.

"They actually give away more upgrades than almost all other airlines combined," Petersen said.

In the top charge card program, Diners Club unseated perennial winner American Express. In the hotel category, Marriott Rewards took the honors for Best Frequent Guest Program. Marriott also took top honors for Best Award, Best Newsletter, and Best International Program.

Last year, Marriott combined many of its hotel brand awards programs into a single program, increasing the hotel's popularity with frequent travelers. And just this month, two other Marriott brands -- Residence Inn and Renaissance Hotels -- joined the list.

Renaissance Hotels also took the number one ranking in the J.D. Power/Frequent Flyer Magazine poll of more than 8,000 business travelers. The survey, which gauges "upscale" hotel satisfaction, named Westin as second best, with Hyatt and Marriott tying for third.

Based on a report from CNN's Business and Travel and Beyond.

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Related sites:

• WebFlyer (InsideFlyer online)
  • Freddie Award Winners
• J.D. Power and Associates
• Continental
• Marriott International
• Diners Club
• Renaissance Hotels and Resorts
• Westin Hotels and Resorts
• Hyatt Hotels and Resorts
• Residence Inn

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