Key Takeaways:
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Hotel rewards programs offer various perks, from free room upgrades to exclusive discounts and deals, catering to different traveler preferences and priorities.
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Explore the top 6 hotel loyalty programs, each tailored to different needs, whether you seek luxury, flexibility, or elite perks.
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You can maximize your hotel rewards by staying loyal to a specific hotel chain, choosing the right co-branded credit card, booking directly, redeeming points strategically, and leveraging elite benefits.
The world of hotel rewards offers a plethora of opportunities to enhance your stays, earn valuable points, and unlock exclusive perks.
There’s no one-size-fits-all hotel rewards program; each program caters to different types of travelers.
Some are designed for flexibility and focus on earning points for complimentary nights, while others prioritize exclusive perks like complimentary Wi-Fi and room upgrades for their members.
To help you determine the hotel rewards program that aligns with your preferences, we have assessed 6 of the most prominent hotel loyalty programs.
What are Hotel Reward Programs?
In simple terms, hotel reward programs are loyalty programs that hotel chains offer to incentivize customers to stay at their properties.
A customer can earn points or miles if they stay at participating properties and can redeem those points later as benefits or perks.
Examples of the perks you can earn via hotel points or miles include free room upgrades, free nights, and airline miles, among others.
Best Hotel Rewards Programs – Our Top Picks!
Selecting the ideal hotel rewards program is crucial for ensuring a seamless and rewarding journey. The following top-notch hotel rewards programs cater to various preferences and priorities.
Whether you desire luxury, flexibility, or elite perks, our recommendations have you covered.
Marriott Rewards Program – Perfect for Luxury Seekers
The Marriott Rewards Program offer attractive hotel rewards.
You can use the Marriott Bonvoy points at 30 hotel brands and about 8,000 properties located in 139 countries and territories.
The network also includes the much-loved Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis chains.
It also has some mid-range options like the Sheraton and Westin hotels.
You can also explore the budget-oriented Courtyard and Four Points brands.
You can earn Marriott Bonvoy points with
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Marriott Bonvoy Bold® credit card
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Marriott Bonvoy BevyMarriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card
Hilton Rewards Program – Versatile Perks for Everyone
The Hilton Rewards Program offers many free benefits like the privilege to choose the rooms., guaranteed discounted rates, free Wi-Fi, and waived resort fees on reward days.
You can also explore and enhance the tiers easily. The Silver status can be attained in just ten nights, while the Diamond status (the topmost) can be attained in 60 nights. Bonus: You can spend Hilton points on Amazon shopping too.
There are 19 Hilton brands in over 100 nations, and they include everything from budget-friendly Tru by Hilton and the luxurious Waldorf Astoria.
You can earn Hilton points with credit cards
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Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
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Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Hyatt Rewards Program – An Elite Experience Awaits
With Hyatt Rewards Program, Hyatt hotel chain offers the World of Hyatt loyalty program that allows you to earn and redeem points every time you stay in a Hyatt property.
You can also redeem points by seeking services like spa services, dining, etc. It also offers four tiers of elite status.
The tiers are Discoverist, Explorist, Globalist, and Lifetime Globalist. You earn five base points for each dollar you spend, and the bonus points you can earn depend on your tier status. For instance, Discoverist members earn just 10%, while Globalist members get 30%.
You can earn Hyatt points with credit cards such as
Best Western Rewards Program – Cozy Comfort and Savings
The Best Western Rewards program is an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers.
It lets you earn and redeem points at 4,300 properties located in over 100 countries.
You can also earn points by using the partner services of Best Western.
Examples of partner services range from flower deliveries to car rentals. Another benefit is that you can earn points on everyday purchases, too.
Best Western has also partnered with reputed airlines like Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines.
To earn Best Western Rewards points, The Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card is a good option with a generous bonus of 60,000 points and allows you to earn 5X bonus on travel and 3X on restaurants (including a few delivery services).
It doesn’t have a foreign transaction fee either.
Holiday Inn Rewards Program – Adventures with Friends & Family
With Holiday Inn Rewards Program, only a few people know that the IHG Hotels & Resorts portfolio has over 6,000 properties in 100-plus nations.
If you want to enjoy one of these, you can go for the IHG Rewards credit card from Chase. It is among the best hotel rewards programs for business travelers.
The top properties you can get access to include the InterContinental, Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, and even the Kimpton properties.
With the program, you can easily accumulate points and use them to pay for hotel or air travel.
There are also Milestone Rewards that give you access to additional benefits between status tiers.
Earning miles is simple with over 40 partner airlines.
Choice Hotels Rewards Program – Budget-Friendly Convenience
The Choice Hotels Rewards Program is the best hotel rewards program, you cannot skip the Choice Privileges program by Choice.
With about 7,400 hotels as participants, the program gives you access to properties in the United States, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, and Australia, among others.
You can also stay at reputable brands like Comfort Hotels, Cambria Hotels, Radisson Hotels, etc.
You can also redeem the points you earn for free nights if you choose Preferred Hotels & Resorts properties and over 20 Penn National Gaming-affiliated casino resorts.
Travelers who wish to maximize the potential of earning points while enjoying several travel benefits can go for the American Express Green Card.
It lets you earn 3X benefits on transit, restaurants and travel purchases. It also allows you to Pay Over Time!
Best Hotel Rewards Credit Card
Choosing the best hotel rewards credit card is essential to improve your travel experiences.
Explore our top picks to find the perfect card that matches your travel style and offers exclusive perks for your stay.
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card_name
The card_name boasts numerous travel advantages.
Cardholders enjoy zero foreign transaction fees and receive complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status.
Reward Bonus Rewards Rate Annual Fee bonus_miles_full
– 7X points for each dollar spent at hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio
– 5X points for each dollar spent at restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and gas stations.
– 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases
annual_fees
By spending $20,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year, you can upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold status. Terms Apply**.
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The World of Hyatt Credit Card
The World of Hyatt Credit Card provides a range of enticing benefits, including Baggage Delay Insurance,Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, and excellent rewards.
Cardholders can earn a complimentary night each year.
Reward Bonus Rewards Rate Annual Fee bonus_miles_full
– Up to 9 total Points per dollar Read more
– 2 points per dollar spent at restaurants and on flight tickets purchased directly from the airline
– 2 points per dollar spent for local transit & commuting and at fitness club and gym memberships
– 1 bonus point per $1 spent on all other purchases
annual_fees
Additionally, you get 5 tier-qualifying night credits towards elite status each year.
The World of Hyatt Credit Card comes with a complementary Discoverist status.
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Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® credit card
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® credit card with just $95 a year, cardholders enjoy a range of fantastic benefits.
You’ll receive a Free Night Award for each account anniversary and 15 Elite Night Credits, paving the way to elite status.
Reward Bonus Rewards Rate Annual Fee Get 3 Free Night Awards (each night equivalent to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 within the first three months.
– Up to 17X points at Marriott hotels
– 3X points at grocery stores, gas stations & dining
– 2X points on all other purchases
$95
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card is a must-have for avid travelers, as you can enjoy automatic Silver Elite status.
To top it off, it comes with no foreign transaction fees, Visa Concierge service, purchase protection, and access to various travel insurance perks.
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IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is a top-tier choice for people who frequently stay at IHG’s vast portfolio, which includes 18 brands.
Cardholders can enjoy up to $50 in United TravelBank Cash and a complimentary night award each anniversary year.
Reward Bonus Rewards Rate Annual Fee bonus_miles_full
– 10X points on purchases made at hotels participating in IHG Rewards
– 5X points on travel, at restaurants, and gas stations
– 5x per dollar spent on office supply stores, social media, and search engine advertising.
– 3X points on all other purchases
annual_fees
The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card provides a $100 statement credit and 10,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 in a calendar year and up to $100 fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS of $100.
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card_name
card_name is an exceptional choice for frequent travelers who can make the most of its premium features, such as airport lounge access and Hilton travel benefits.
Cardholders can earn Free Night Rewards by spending $15,000 on eligible purchases.
It grants Priority Pass Select Membership, with access to over 1,200 airport lounges.
Reward Bonus Rewards Rate Annual Fee bonus_miles_full
– 12X points on hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio
– 6X at U.S. gas stations, restaurants, shipping providers, and wireless telephone services
– 6X points on flights booked via Amex Travel and on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies
– 3X points on all other eligible purchases
annual_fees
With no foreign transaction fees and complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status, this card becomes an invaluable companion for business travelers seeking both luxury and convenience.
Moreover, it offers the potential to upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond Status by spending $40,000 within a calendar year. Terms Apply**.
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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card from American Express offers many fantastic perks.
Cardholders receive an annual $300 Brilliant Dining Credit to relish exquisite dining, 25 Elite Night Credits each calendar year, and a complimentary Marriott Brilliant Free Night Award annually.
Reward Bonus Rewards Rate Annual Fee bonus_miles_full
– 6X points for each dollar spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
– 3X points at restaurants worldwide
– 3X on flights booked directly with airlines
– 2X points on all other eligible purchases
annual_fees
The card comes with Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, $100 fee credits for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck, a $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit, and more. Terms Apply**.
How do Hotel Rewards Programs Work?
Hotel rewards programs operate on straightforward principles. You can earn points or miles if you stay at participating hotels and properties.
When you have enough points, you can redeem them for rewards, benefits, or perks, such as 20,000 Marriott points can earn you a stay at Sheraton in LA.
Most hotel rewards programs feature tiered elite status levels that offer extra perks for members who reach higher tiers.
For instance, you can unlock the Hilton Honors Silver Elite Status with 10 nights, four stays, or by accumulating 25,000 base points.
These additional benefits typically include access to exclusive lounges, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and the convenience of late check-outs.
Top Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hotel Rewards Program
Choosing the best hotel rewards program from a list of many programs could be tough. Here’s how to make it simpler.
Think about how you like to travel and what matters the most to you. Your travel preferences will guide you to the rewards program that best aligns with your expectations and priorities. If you love exploring various destinations and prefer a wide range of hotel options, a program with an extensive portfolio with over 7,000 properties worldwide- Marriott Bonvoy, might better suit your needs. Know how you can earn points with the program – through hotel stays, credit card spending, or partners. Look for hotel programs with flexible and easy-to-understand earning policies. If you frequently stay with a particular hotel brand, such as Hyatt, your loyalty can lead to more significant rewards. It will help you reach the top-tier Globalist elite status real quickly. Choose a program associated with your preferred hotel chain. Usually, hotel rewards are calculated as the number of points earned for each dollar you spend multiplied by the value of each point and then divided by 100. So, the higher the reward value, the better the program is. When selecting a hotel rewards program, it’s essential to consider the redemption policies as they can significantly impact the ease and value of redeeming your rewards. Some hotel rewards programs have flexible redemption, allowing you to redeem points for a free night with relatively low point requirements. One hotel rewards program known for its favorable redemption policies is Marriott Bonvoy. Always choose a program that has co-branded credit cards, as it helps you earn points on everyday purchases. One example is the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card, a collaboration between American Express and Hilton Honors. Cardholders can accumulate Hilton Honors points with every purchase, especially when spending at Hilton properties, along with sign-up bonuses and elite status perks.
Which Hotel Rewards Program Offers the Most Value?
Today, everyone wants the most rewarding hotel rewards program with elite status perks.
The question of which program offers the most value is a key consideration for avid travelers.
Each of them has unique strengths and advantages that cater to different types of travelers.
With a vast network of hotels worldwide, Marriott Bonvoy stands out for its broad coverage and fifth-night free benefit. This program is ideal for those who appreciate consistency and like upscale hotels. It also boasts a range of co-branded credit cards issued by Chase and American Express and 35+ airline partners to transfer points. These 7,000+ hotels offer extensive redemption options, with a range of hotels from budget to luxury. Hilton Honors is a top contender if you’re looking for flexibility and ease of earning points, as it comes with the most all-around convenient hotel rewards. You can enjoy a fifth consecutive award night free, book extended-stay hotel rooms, and more. It is renowned for its exceptional elite benefits and over 1,200 luxurious properties in 70 countries. Hyatt is an excellent choice for travelers who value top-tier treatment and seek elite status perks such as suite upgrades, late check-out, etc. Hyatt is a transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards and offers relatively cheap award rates compared to other hotels. This hotel rewards program caters to travelers who appreciate mid-range hotels and easy-to-achieve elite status. Best Western offers a range of valuable benefits like room upgrades, bonus points, early check-in, free breakfast, and lots more. They are ideal for someone who does not prefer luxury hotel stays. It is known for its PointBreaks promotion that allows you to book reward nights at a significantly reduced point cost. IHG Rewards has three co-branded credit cards, automatically offering the ability to get the fourth consecutive award night for free. This program lets you enjoy your points for maximum value.
How to Choose the Best Hotel Rewards Program?
When it comes to selecting the ideal hotel rewards program, it might seem like a task.
You must consider the following key factors to make the process simple.
Pick a hotel chain that you’re already familiar with and trust. This ensures a level of comfort and consistency during your stay. Check if the program offers qualifying properties in the countries you plan to visit soon. Having access to hotels globally is beneficial. Ensure that the hotel program provides a range of staying options, from budget-friendly to luxury, to suit your preferences. Look for a program that allows you to earn and redeem points in flexible ways that align with your goals and travel habits. Choose a program that offers added perks like complimentary room upgrades, free Wi-Fi, or any other extras that enhance your trip.
Best Tips for Maximizing Your Hotel Rewards
Boosting your hotel rewards is a savvy way to elevate your next adventure. You must keep an eye out for special promotions and offers that can significantly increase your point earnings.
Below are some tips to get the best value for your hotel loyalty programs.
Stick to a particular hotel chain or brand to build up consistent points and elite status faster. The more loyal you are, the more you’ll be rewarded. Many hotel programs offer co-branded credit cards, providing benefits like- extra points, free nights, and elite status. Pick the one that aligns with your favorite hotel brand. Always book your stays directly through the hotel’s official website. This often gets more points and benefits compared to booking through third-party websites. Don’t just hoard your points, but ensure to use them wisely. Redeem them for high-value stays, such as luxury hotels or peak travel times, to get the most out of them. As you climb up the loyalty ladder, elite status comes with exceptional perks like room upgrades, late check-outs, exclusive lounge access, etc. Use them to enjoy your stay! Many hotel loyalty programs partner with various airlines and other businesses. Take advantage of these opportunities by transferring your points and earning extra points.
Why track your Hotel rewards with Uthrive?
Tracking your hotel rewards with Uthrive is an excellent decision for the modern traveler. This user-friendly app makes it a breeze to maximize your savings and cashback without the hassle of setting up complicated reminders.
By simply listing your credit cards, Uthrive provides tailored recommendations for each purchase, ensuring you always use the best card!
You’ll receive alerts if you miss out on potential rewards, and the straightforward dashboard keeps you informed about your earnings.
With top-notch security and broad coverage for major credit cards, airlines, and hotels, Uthrive empowers you to effortlessly make the most of your rewards, putting extra dollars back in your pocket.
Conclusion
Choosing the best hotel rewards program is a personal decision that usually depends on your travel preferences and priorities.
Each program offers unique advantages, whether it’s the extensive reach of Marriott Bonvoy, the luxury perks from World of Hyatt, or the flexibility of Hilton Honors.
To maximize your rewards, sign up for these programs, understand their features, and stay loyal to your preferred hotel brands.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler or plan a vacation occasionally, the best hotel rewards program can help maximize your hotel stays and enhance your overall travel.
So wait no more and start enjoying the perks of your favorite hotel loyalty program!
Hotel Rewards Program FAQ’s
What is the best hotel rewards program?
The best hotel rewards program can vary depending on your loyalty towards a hotel brand, travel preferences, and locations. But Marriott Bonvoy is often considered one of the top hotel rewards programs.
Why join a hotel rewards program?
Joining a hotel rewards program lets you earn points on hotel stays and enhances your travel experience by offering various benefits, such as free nights, room upgrades, late check-outs, and exclusive member perks.
Do hotels have loyalty programs?
Yes! Many hotels offer loyalty programs to reward their frequent guests with various benefits. These programs, such as Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, allow guests to earn points for their stays.
Is the Marriott Bonvoy number the same as the Marriott rewards?
Yes, Marriott Bonvoy replaced the former Marriott Rewards program, so now the Marriott Bonvoy number is essentially the new version of the Marriott Rewards number.
How do you make the most of your hotel credit card?
You can make the most of your hotel credit card by taking advantage of the welcome bonus, staying at affiliated hotels, utilizing your Elite status for perks like room upgrades, late check-out, and bonus points, and redeeming your points wisely.
How do you get hotel rewards?
You can earn hotel rewards by signing up for a hotel loyalty program, staying at affiliated hotels, and using co-branded hotel credit cards. This helps you get points redeemable for free hotel stays or other travel benefits.
How much are hotel points worth?
On average, hotel points for most loyalty programs are valued at 1 cent per point. However, some luxury or peak-season redemptions can offer even higher values.
Do hotel points expire?
Yes, hotel reward points can expire, but the policies vary depending on the hotel loyalty program. Many hotel points expire if there is no account activity within a certain period, often between 12 to 24 months. On the other hand, Best Western Rewards never expire.
What is the largest hotel rewards program?
The largest hotel rewards program is Marriott Bonvoy. It is one of the largest hotel chains globally, with over 7,000 properties in more than 130 countries, comprising various brands, including Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, and many others.
Are hotel rewards programs worth it?
Hotel rewards programs can be totally worth it, especially if you are loyal to a particular chain or brand. These programs often offer benefits like free nights, room upgrades, and other perks that can enrich your travel experiences.
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