The 5 Best Hotel Rewards Programs That'll Save You SO Much Money + Tips

There are so many hotel rewards programs out there including Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt, Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards, and Wyndham Rewards. We're going to break them all down so you can maximize your points and perks for better travel experiences.

hotel rewards programs
 

This year, hotel loyalty programs have continued to offer excellent value for frequent travelers. From free nights and waived resort fees to room upgrades and more, these hotel rewards programs offer the best of the best if you want to earn points and save big on perks with hotel rewards program deals and discounts.

So, if you're looking for a hotel loyalty program to join, you can put down that travel guide. While most hotels offer some kind of deal on free breakfast or suite upgrades, these 5 hotel brands go above and beyond with their elite benefits.

Here are the top rewards programs for leading hotels that both pleasure and business travelers can get excited about.
 

1. Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy is the loyalty program for Marriott International, one of the world's largest hotel chains. While other national chains have their own strengths, Marriott Bonvoy's key differentiators are its vast brand portfolio, global reach, and the integration of its loyalty program across a wide range of property types and price points.

The loyalty program rewards Marriott Bonvoy members with:

  • Points earning on stays, dining, and partnerships
  • Free nights
  • Early check-in
  • Elite status tiers with perks like late checkout and room upgrades
  • Point transfers to airline partners

Bonus Tip: Look for Marriott's PointSavers promotions to book rooms at discounted point rates.

2. World of Hyatt

If you like staying at Hyatt hotels, you're going to want to make sure you are a World of Hyatt member. This program will get you benefits like member-only rates, earning points for stays and experiences to redeem for free nights, and Milestone Rewards that include free nights and suite upgrades. Level up though the tiers and gain even more benefits.

  • World of Hyatt loyalty program members enjoy:
  • Exclusive discounts at participating Hyatt hotels and resorts
  • Five base points on every dollar spent on your stay
  • Milestone Rewards for frequent guests
  • Free nights with every for every five different Hyatt brands you experience
  • Pay no resort fees when you use points for award nights at participating locations.

Bonus Tip: Their co-branded credit card can provide instant Elite Discoverist status, as well as free night awards and points for spending.

3. Hilton Honors

Hilton Hotels & Resorts are the most recognized hotels globally and if you like to frequent them, you'll want to enroll in the Hilton Honors program to gain valuable rewards. Signing up guarantees you immediate perks and savings, but will also allow you to build more and further your adventures.
Hilton Honors members enjoy:

  • Discounted rates when you book direct as well as points earned on your stay
  • Earn 10 base points for every dollar spent on stays, dining, and more
  • Enjoy digital check in, check out, and a digital key with the Hilton Honors app
  • Select your preferred available room up to 24 hours in advance.
  • Pay no resort fees when you use points for award nights at participating locations.
  • Level up for even more benefits

Bonus Tip: Hilton Honors members have access to promotions offering bonus points or discounted reward nights. This is an excellent way to make your points go further. 

4. IHG One Rewards

IHG Hotels & Resorts has the IHG One Rewards program for their frequent stayers. It's free to sign up and you'll immediately start earning points toward future stays or used with partners for other experiences. The program has different tiers, with benefits that increase at each level too.

IHG One Rewards members enjoy:

  • Exclusive Member Rates when you book directly through IHG channels
  • Earn points on eligible stays to use for free nights or other rewards
  • Enjoy free internet access during your stay
  • Request a late 2 PM check-out when available
  • Score access to special offers and promotions.

Bonus Tip: You can use the IHG's Points & Cash option to book stays when you're short on points. There is also a limited-time offer that provides 3,000 bonus points after your first qualifying stay within 21 days of joining.

5. Wyndham Rewards

Wyndham Hotels boasts a portfolio of 24 hotel brands — Super 8, Days Inn, Ramada, Microtel, La Quinta, Baymont, Wingate, AmericInn, Hawthorn Suites, Trademark Collection and Wyndham. Sign up with Wyndham Rewards and earn when you stay at ANY of these places.

Wyndham Rewards members enjoy:

  • Earn up to 10 points per dollar or 1,000 points — whichever is more — for every qualified stay
  • Free nights start at 7,500 points and discounted nights start at 750 points plus cash
  • Earn and redeem points on tours, activities, shopping, and more
  • Level up their tiers to earn perks like late checkout, early check-in, preferred room choice, and so much more

Bonus Tip: Wyndham's "go free" award nights at 7,500 points and this covers the room rate and applicable taxes at most hotels, though resort fees and other charges are usually the member's responsibility.

Here Are Some Tips We Find Help You Get The Most Out of Hotel Rewards Programs

hotel rewards program


Here are some general travel and booking tips for hotel guests to maximize their rewards program benefits and travel adventures:

  • Book directly with the hotel using your rewards program membership. Hotels are ready and willing to offer YOU the discount when you avoid using a middle man like travel websites which take a bite of their own.
  • Many hotel chains offer co-branded credit cards that earn extra points on hotel stays and everyday purchases. If you like vacationing, consistently earning points will get you on your next adventure faster and with less dough.
  • If your schedule is flexible, travel during off-peak seasons. This will get you better rates and make it easier to earn and redeem your rewards points.
  • Pay attention to the promotional emails that arrive from your membership. Often hotels will offer bonus earning or redeeming opportunities to keep their facilities full on a normally slow time.
  • Pay attention to your level and be sure to use those expanded benefit when you can. This may be free breakfasts, late checkout, and more.
  • Look for opportunities to combine points and cash to save on your hotel stays. Sure, it's fun to save up for a free night, but sometimes just curbing the costs makes your stay that much more affordable.
  • Don't be afraid to join all the loyalty programs you can. Some towns may not have your preferred hotel, but another…go after those rewards too!  You aren't limited, so use the benefits when and where you can. 
- Vanessa