When it comes to hotel stays, a well-chosen rewards program can turn your travel expenses into free nights, upgrades, and other perks. But not all hotel rewards programs are created equal. The best ones offer high points per dollar spent, low redemption rates, and a wide range of properties. Here's a breakdown of some of the top hotel rewards programs, the properties they cover, and how they compare in terms of points earned and redeemed.
Marriott Bonvoy
Properties: Marriott Bonvoy offers a vast portfolio of 30 hotel brands, including Marriott Hotels, Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Sheraton, W Hotels, Westin, and more. With over 7,000 properties worldwide, you’ll find a Marriott property almost anywhere you go.
Points Earned per Dollar: 10 points per dollar spent at most Marriott properties. Some brands like Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites earn fewer points (5 points per dollar).
Average Points Needed for a Stay: Standard free nights typically range from 7,500 points (for budget hotels) to over 100,000 points (for luxury resorts like the Ritz-Carlton).
Pros:
- Extensive global presence.
- Flexible points redemption options, including hotels, experiences, and flights.
- Frequent promotions for bonus points.
Cons:
- Some properties require a high number of points for redemption.
Hilton Honors
Properties: Hilton Honors encompasses 18 brands, including Hilton Hotels, Conrad, Waldorf Astoria, DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, and Hampton by Hilton. There are more than 6,000 Hilton properties in 119 countries.
Points Earned per Dollar: 10 points per dollar at most Hilton properties. Budget brands like Tru and Home2Suites earn 5 points per dollar.
Average Points Needed for a Stay: Free nights typically range from 5,000 points (at budget hotels) to 95,000 points or more (at luxury properties like the Waldorf Astoria).
Pros:
- No blackout dates for free nights.
- Ability to pool points with other members.
- Generous earning rates, especially with promotions.
Cons:
- Points tend to be devalued compared to other programs, meaning you may need more points for a free night.
World of Hyatt
Properties: World of Hyatt covers 26 brands, including Hyatt Regency, Park Hyatt, Andaz, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, and the all-inclusive Hyatt Zilara and Ziva resorts. There are over 1,000 properties in this growing portfolio.
Points Earned per Dollar: 5 points per dollar spent at Hyatt properties.
Average Points Needed for a Stay: Free nights range from 5,000 points (for Category 1 hotels) to 40,000 points (for luxury resorts and all-inclusive properties).
Pros:
- Generous points redemption rates.
- Elite members can earn free suite upgrades.
- Valuable promotions for earning bonus points.
Cons:
- Smaller footprint compared to Marriott and Hilton.
- Points earning rate is lower than some competitors.
IHG One Rewards
Properties: IHG One Rewards includes 17 brands, such as InterContinental, Kimpton, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and Holiday Inn Express. There are over 6,000 properties worldwide in more than 100 countries.
Points Earned per Dollar: 10 points per dollar at most IHG properties. Budget brands like Candlewood Suites and Staybridge Suites earn fewer points (5 points per dollar).
Average Points Needed for a Stay: Free nights start at 10,000 points and go up to 70,000 points or more for high-end properties like the InterContinental.
Pros:
- Wide range of affordable redemption options.
- Frequent promotions for earning bonus points.
- Points and Cash options allow partial point redemptions.
Cons:
- Redemption rates at luxury properties can be high.
- Less flexibility in elite status benefits compared to competitors.
Choice Privileges
Properties: Choice Hotels operates a wide range of mid-range and budget hotels, including Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Cambria Hotels, and Ascend Hotel Collection. There are more than 7,100 properties in over 40 countries.
Points Earned per Dollar: 10 points per dollar spent at most Choice Hotels.
Average Points Needed for a Stay: Free nights typically range from 6,000 points to 35,000 points, depending on the property.
Pros:
- Affordable redemption rates, especially for mid-range hotels.
- Flexibility in earning and using points through frequent promotions.
- Points can be redeemed for gift cards and other rewards.
Cons:
- Limited luxury options compared to other programs.
- Fewer perks for elite members.
Wyndham Rewards
Properties: Wyndham Rewards covers a broad portfolio of 24 brands, including Wyndham Grand, La Quinta, Days Inn, Super 8, and Ramada. There are more than 9,000 Wyndham properties worldwide.
Points Earned per Dollar: 10 points per dollar spent at most Wyndham properties.
Average Points Needed for a Stay: Wyndham offers a flat-rate redemption system with free nights costing 7,500, 15,000, or 30,000 points depending on the property.
Pros:
- Simple and straightforward points redemption system.
- Generous points earning opportunities.
- Properties available in many budget categories.
Cons:
- Fewer luxury options.
- Less valuable elite benefits compared to competitors.
Conclusion
When selecting a hotel rewards program, consider your travel patterns, preferred brands, and the points you can earn per dollar spent. Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors are ideal for travelers who value a vast global presence, while World of Hyatt offers excellent value for points redemptions despite a smaller footprint. IHG One Rewards and Wyndham Rewards cater to travelers seeking budget-friendly and mid-range stays, with affordable redemption options and generous promotions.
The best rewards program for you will depend on how often you travel, the types of properties you prefer, and how much flexibility you need in redeeming points.