Hotel rewards programs are a fantastic way to make your travel experiences more affordable and enjoyable. By accumulating points through stays and using them strategically, you can unlock free nights, room upgrades, and additional perks that enhance your trip. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to use hotel rewards points effectively to maximize your savings and perks, including tips on popular booking sites and hotel chains that offer the best rewards programs.
1. Join Hotel Loyalty Programs
The first step to earning hotel rewards points is to join a hotel’s loyalty program. Most hotel chains offer free membership and reward you with points for every stay. These points can later be redeemed for free nights, upgrades, or other perks.
Some of the top hotel loyalty programs include:
- Marriott Bonvoy: With over 7,000 hotels worldwide, Marriott Bonvoy is one of the most expansive rewards programs, offering members the chance to earn points at hotels like The Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton, and Courtyard by Marriott. You can earn points for each stay, and elite members enjoy additional benefits like room upgrades and early check-in.
- Hilton Honors: Hilton’s rewards program allows you to earn points at over 6,000 Hilton properties such as Hilton Hotels, Conrad, and Waldorf Astoria. Members can use points for free stays, breakfast perks, and access to exclusive lounges.
- World of Hyatt: Hyatt’s loyalty program lets you earn points at properties such as Hyatt Centric, Park Hyatt, and Hyatt Place. The points can be used for free nights, room upgrades, or even for using services like spa treatments and dining credits.
2. Book Through Hotel Websites or Apps
To earn the most points, it’s often best to book directly through a hotel’s website or mobile app. Booking sites like Booking.com or Expedia may offer competitive prices, but they typically don’t allow you to earn hotel-specific points. On the other hand, when you book directly with a hotel, you will ensure that your stay counts toward earning rewards points.
Additionally, many hotel brands offer exclusive member-only rates for direct bookings, so you might save money while also collecting points.
3. Maximize Points with Special Promotions
Many hotel chains run promotions that allow you to earn extra points. These can include double or triple points for certain stays, bonus points for booking longer stays, or seasonal promotions that increase your earning potential. Be sure to sign up for the hotel’s newsletter and keep an eye on their website for limited-time offers.
For instance, Marriott Bonvoy frequently runs promotions offering bonus points for booking stays at certain properties or for specific dates, allowing you to accumulate points faster.
4. Redeem Points for Free Stays and Upgrades
Once you’ve accumulated a substantial number of points, you can redeem them for free stays, room upgrades, or special perks. For example:
- Free Nights: You can use your points to book complimentary nights at participating hotels. The number of points required varies depending on the hotel’s location, room type, and season.
- Room Upgrades: As an elite member of a loyalty program, you may be eligible for complimentary room upgrades. This might include a better view, a larger suite, or access to executive floors with additional amenities.
- Exclusive Perks: Some programs allow you to use points for special benefits like free breakfasts, spa treatments, or even airport transfers, enhancing your overall experience.
5. Transfer Points to Airline Miles or Other Rewards
Many hotel loyalty programs allow you to transfer your hotel points to partner airlines’ frequent flyer programs or other rewards programs. For example, Marriott Bonvoy offers the option to transfer points to over 40 airline partners, allowing you to use points for flights in addition to hotel stays.
