The 5 Best Value Hotel Rewards Programs and How to Maximize Their Benefits

Discover the top hotel rewards programs of 2024, including Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt, Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards, and Wyndham Rewards. Learn key benefits and expert tips to 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

World of Hyatt is the loyalty program for Hyatt Hotels Corporation. It is known for offering high-value redemptions and a more rewarding elite status program compared to some larger chains. Hyatt has also made wellness a key focus, which is evident in it's Miraval and Exhale brands and its emphasis on wellbeing across all properties.

World of Hyatt loyalty program members enjoy:

  • Five base points per dollar spent on stays
  • Early check-in
  • Free nights starting at just 5,000 points
  • Milestone Rewards for frequent guests
  • Partnerships with Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Bonus Tip: Leverage Hyatt's Points + Cash option to stretch your points further.
 

3. Hilton Honors

Hilton Hotels & Resorts is one of the largest and most recognizable hotel brands globally. Hilton hotels include the Waldorf Astoria, Homewood Suites, Hampton by Hiltons, Doubletree Hotels and more.

Regarding its rewards program, Hilton Honors is known for its ease of earning and redeeming points. There are no blackout dates for standard room rewards, and the program is generally considered more accessible than some competitors' programs.

Hilton Honors members enjoy:

Points earned on stays, credit card spending, and partnerships

  • No blackout dates for standard room rewards
  • Get a free night on the 5th night on reward stays
  • Points pooling with family and friends
  • Free breakfast for elite members
  • Late checkout

Bonus Tip: Hilton Honors members should watch for Hilton's frequent promotions offering bonus points or discounted reward nights.
 

4. IHG One Rewards

IHG Hotels & Resorts, formerly InterContinental Hotels Group, is another global hotel company with a diverse portfolio of brands. In fact, IHG has 17 brands ranging from luxury (InterContinental, Six Senses) to midscale (Holiday Inn) and extended stay (Staybridge Suites). This offers a good variety, though not as extensive as some larger competitors.

For those who join IHG One Rewards, you can cash in on some luxury perks, including:

  • Points earned across 17 brands
  • Milestone Rewards for frequent stays
  • No blackout dates for reward nights
  • Free nights start at 10,000 points
  • Free night certificates for certain credit cardholders
  • Fourth night free on reward stays

Bonus Tip: Use IHG's Points & Cash option to book stays when you're short on points.
 

5. Wyndham Rewards

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is another one of the largest hotel brands in the world. Wyndham has 20+ brands, ranging from economy (Days Inn, Super 8) to midscale (Ramada, Wingate) and upscale (Wyndham, Dolce).

Wyndham's straightforward program provides good value, especially for budget-conscious travelers:

  • Flat-rate redemptions (15,000 points per bedroom at all properties)
  • Points earned on stays and partnerships
  • Status match offers from other programs
  • Free breakfast

Bonus Tip: Look for Wyndham's "go free" award nights at 7,500 points for discounted redemptions.


 

Tips for Maximizing the Benefits of Hotel Rewards Programs

hotel rewards program


Looking for more ways to earn more and spend less? We've got you. Here are some general travel and booking tips for hotel guests to maximize their rewards program benefits:

  1. Book directly: Reserve rooms through the hotel's official website or app to ensure you earn points and receive member benefits.
  2. Join multiple programs: Sign up for several hotel loyalty programs for more options and take advantage of various promotions.
  3. Stay updated on promotions: Regularly check your email and loyalty program websites for special offers and bonus point opportunities.
  4. Use affiliated credit cards: Many hotel chains offer co-branded credit cards that earn extra points on hotel stays and everyday purchases.
  5. Aim for elite status: Concentrate stays with one or two chains to reach higher status levels and unlock better perks.
  6. Book off-peak: If your schedule is flexible, travel during off-peak seasons for better rates and easier award availability.
  7. Utilize point transfers: Some programs allow point transfers between hotel and airline partners, offering more flexibility.
  8. Combine points and cash: When short on points, use points + cash options to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
  9. Look for best rate guarantees: Many chains offer to match or beat lower rates found elsewhere.
  10. Take advantage of status matches: If you have elite status with one chain, inquire about status match opportunities with others.
  11. Book longer stays: Some programs offer the 5th night free on award stays, providing better value for longer trips.
  12. Use shopping portals: Earn additional points by accessing online retailers through your hotel program's shopping portal.
  13. Dine and earn: Register your credit cards with hotel dining programs to earn points when eating out.
  14. Attend member events: Some programs host special events or experiences for members, offering unique opportunities.
  15. Leverage partnerships: Use program partnerships with car rentals, airlines, and other services to earn more points.


Of course, for even more savings on travel, shopping, home essentials, and more, check back regularly on MySavings.com.
 

- Vanessa