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Perks and privileges are the new currency, as our sister site trendwatching.com likes to say, and we’ve already covered numerous examples. Just last week, however, Mercedes-Benz launched a new one that gives owners of its luxury cars a range of perks at select upscale hotels. Through Mercedes’ Destinations program, drivers of Mercedes cars are entitled to exclusive benefits at partner hotels, including complimentary use of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, welcome gifts and room upgrades. Participating resorts include the Calistoga Ranch in California, the Inn at Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina, the St. Regis Aspen in Colorado and Vermont’s Stowe Mountain Lodge, among others. There, in addition to room upgrades and free vehicle use, Mercedes owners have access to on-site hospitality credits for restaurants and spas and courtesy shuttles during their stay. Mercedes-Benz vehicles at each property range from an SL 63 AMG performance roadster to the flagship S-Class sedan and new BlueTEC SUVs, all equipped with GPS-based in-dash navigation systems. “Our customers choose Mercedes-Benz vehicles because they want an exceptional and luxurious experience when they travel by car,” explains Lisa Holladay, manager of Mercedes-Benz brand experience marketing. “Our new Destinations program extends that luxury experience by offering exclusive customer benefits through select, hand-picked properties that are quite extraordinary.” In this era of perkonomics, there’s nothing like status, convenience and free love to make consumers feel valued—and, maybe, return some of that love to you. What perks could *your* brand offer to set itself apart…? (Related: More luxury loos, now for members only — Zipcar lands hotel partner.) Spotted by: Cecilia Biemann