People who travel frequently often ask what is the best hotel rewards program that can help them make the most of the hotel rewards. If you are the same, read on. Here, we have explained what hotel rewards are, which are the best options, and how you need to pick one.
What are Hotel Reward Programs?
In simple terms, hotel reward programs are loyalty programs that hotel chains offer to lure 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!
Hyatt Rewards Program – World of Hyatt Card
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%.
Best Western Rewards Program - Best Western Rewards Master Card
If you always have a budget when you travel, the Western Rewards program is the right option. 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.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® credit card is a good option here as it has a whooping 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 ahve a foreign transaction fee either.
Choice Hotels Rewards Program - Choice Privileges Mastercard by Wells Fargo
When looking for 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!
Marriott Rewards Program- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant from American Express
Marriot properties also offer decent 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 choose the credit card you like among Marriott Bonvoy Bold from Chase, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless from Chase, Marriott Bonvoy Bevy from American Express, and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant from American Express.
Hilton Rewards Program- Hilton Honors by American Express
Any usual traveler who has yet to learn about the best hotel reward programs can depend on this program by Hilton. It 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. Credit Card options include Hilton Honors Surpass by American Express, Hilton Honors by American Express, and Hilton Honors Aspire by American Express.
Holiday Inn Rewards Program- IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
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 program 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.
How do Hotel Rewards Programs Work?
The best hotel rewards programs are simple. 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.
Many hotel rewards programs also offer elite status tiers so that customers can get additional benefits if they qualify for the next tier. Some of the common benefits offered include lounge access, free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and late check-outs.
Types of Hotel Reward Programs
There are three key types of hotel reward programs. They are classified here:
Points-based Programs
In these, you earn points for each stay that meets the qualification criteria. You can redeem them for rewards like upgrading a room or free nights. Most best hotel rewards programs, like Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, and IHG Rewards Club, offer them.
Miles-based Programs
In these programs, you earn airline miles for each stay that qualifies. You can redeem them for flights or other types of benefits and perks.
Cashback Programs
In these programs, you are eligible for cashback or statement credits for each stay that meets the qualifying criteria. You can use them to offset future hotel expenses.
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.
Consider your travel habits, needs, and requirements. If you are more into free room upgrades, pick a card accordingly. Similarly, if you want a variety of properties, choose wisely. Read the earning policies of the reward programs you are considering. The more ways you can earn the rewards, the better it will be for you. If you are a fan of Hyatt hotels, there’s no point in staying at Marriott properties. Your brand loyalty, comfort, and preferences must matter. 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. Pick reward programs that allow you to pick from a variety of redemption options. It will allow you to spend points before they expire (which can happen if you are not careful). Always choose a program that has co-branded credit cards, as it helps you earn points on everyday purchases. It’s better if the cards have additional perks like free anniversary nights or elite member upgrades.
Which Hotel Rewards Program Offers the Most Value?
Some of the reward programs that offer great value are:
World of Hyatt Best Western Rewards IHG Rewards Marriott Bonvoy Hilton Honors
How to Choose the Best Hotel Rewards Program?
Choosing the best hotel rewards program might seem like a huge task, but it will not be such a big deal if you remember these points:
Choose a brand you already trust Make sure the program has diverse lodging types to suit every budget Check whether you can earn and spend points the way you want to Select a program with add-on benefits like free room upgrades, free Wi-Fi, etc.
Best Tips for Maximizing Your Hotel Rewards
Want more out of your hotel rewards? Here are some tried and tested tips for maximizing your hotel rewards:
Pick a program that meets your requirements- For instance, Seek specific needs you have, like enrolling in the best hotel rewards program for free nights if you want free nights. Sign up for the program you selected immediately Get a co-branded card to enhance your rewards experience If possible, book directly with the hotel website Keep an eye out for seasonal promotions and bonus offers that can help earn extra rewards
Conclusion
Choosing the best hotel rewards program is simpler than ever. Just read through the offerings of different programs and find one that meets your needs and allows you to maximize the rewards easily.
There’s no single answer to which hotel has the best rewards program or which hotel rewards program is best. Do your research, and you will find a card that meets your needs!
Have you got more questions? Read the FAQs section below and get the briefest answers!
Hotel Rewards Program FAQs
What is the best hotel rewards program?
There is not a single hotel rewards program that suits everyone. Look at the list above and take your pick.
Why join a hotel rewards program?
Hotel rewards programs offer many benefits, perks, and amenities. They are usually worth it!
Do hotels have loyalty programs?
Yes, many hotel chains have a loyalty program. The names include Hilton, Marriott, IHG, etc.
Is the Marriott Bonvoy number the same as the Marriott rewards?
Yes, they are the same. Marriott Bonvoy replaced the Rewards loyalty program in 2019.
How do you make the most of your hotel credit card?
First, you must pick the best card as per your needs. Then, you must earn a welcome bonus. The next step is to stay at qualifying hotels, and the last thing to do is to use the perks/points before expiration. Also, please take advantage of automatic hotel status.
How do you get hotel rewards?
You can get hotel rewards by getting enrolled in a hotel rewards program and staying at the qualifying hotels.
How much are hotel points worth?
On average, hotel points are considered 1 cent each on average in most best hotel credit card rewards program.
Do hotel points expire?
Yes, they can expire if you are not active in the program. Usually, the inactivity period is between 12-24 months.
What is the largest hotel rewards program?
Marriott Bonvoy, as you can earn points at 30 different hotel brands. It includes over 8,000 properties in 139 nations and territories.
Are hotel rewards programs worth it?
Yes, they can be very beneficial if you use them regularly and maximize the rewards frequently.
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| Credit Card | Best for | Rewards and Benefits | Annual fee | Uthrive rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| card_name | Popular Travel Rewards Credit Card |
5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel,
2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day,
|
annual_fees | - / 5 |
| card_name | Strong cash back card with no fee |
5% cashback on Lyft Purchases (through March 2025),
3% cashback on drugstore purchases,
3% cashback on and dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services),
1.5% cashback on all other purchases,
|
annual_fees | - / 5 |
| card_name | Best Cash Back Credit Cards |
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card Wells Fargo card offers simplicity and consistency with a flat 2% cashback on all your purchases. It’s an excellent choice for individuals who prefer earning steady cashback on spending without worrying about category rotations and annual fees. |
annual_fees | - / 5 |
| Credit card |
Uthrive rating
|
Intro offer | Rewards rate | Annual fee | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Terms Apply |
Rating
4.4/5
|
Intro Offer bonus_miles_full |
Reward Rates 1x - 5x Points |
Annual Fees annual_fees |
|
|
Terms Apply |
Rating
4.5/5
|
Intro Offer bonus_miles_full |
Reward Rates Up to 5% Cash back |
Annual Fees annual_fees |
