Travel can be an enriching experience, and the best hotel loyalty programs to accumulate points make it even more rewarding.
In this article, we’ll explore the top hotel loyalty programs, their perks, and how you can make the most of them for free stays and other exclusive benefits.
Hotel loyalty programs: how do they work?
Loyalty programs are a way to reward customers for their paid stays. They allow you to accumulate points or nights, which can be exchanged for benefits such as free nights, room upgrades and other services.
The accumulation of points occurs by multiplying the amount spent at the hotel, including meals and services, by a specific multiplier of the loyalty program. The value of points varies by program, making it difficult to compare their true value against free nights.
Like airlines, hotel loyalty programs have different status levels, which values those who accumulate more points in the program.
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There are several well-known programs, many of them awarded at the Freddy Awards, which is considered the Oscar of loyalty programs according to its users.
Before choosing one of these programs, it is important to check the availability of hotels in places where you usually travel. It’s no use accumulating points in a network that doesn’t serve the regions you want to visit well.
Also, if you travel frequently for work, it can be advantageous to choose a chain with hotels in the cities you usually visit.
Another factor to be considered is the possibility of accumulating points in Brazil to use on international trips. Some chains have expensive hotels in Brazil, which makes it difficult to accumulate points if you are looking for cheaper options.
Unfortunately, the price of hotel nights in Brazil is high, which can make traveling within the country unfeasible, especially during the high season. Therefore, many people choose to travel abroad, where it is possible to find cheaper accommodation and still use their points accumulated in loyalty programs.
Finally, if you want to make the most of your loyalty program, it’s important to read the rules carefully and be aware of the validity periods for accumulated points.
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Major hotel loyalty programs
- Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy is one of the best programs to earn points, bringing together more than 30 hotel brands, including Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton and Westin. With a wide range of properties around the world, earning and redeeming points is easy.
- Point Accumulation: Earn up to 10 points per dollar spent on qualifying stays.
- Redeem points: Use points for free nights, room upgrades, exclusive experiences, and even flights.
- World of Hyatt
World of Hyatt is another popular hotel loyalty program, offering members the opportunity to earn and redeem points at Hyatt properties, including brands such as Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt and Andaz.
- Point Accumulation: Earn 5 points per dollar spent on qualifying stays.
- Redeem points: Redeem points for free nights, room upgrades, meals and spa treatments.
- Hilton Honors
Hilton Honors is Hilton’s loyalty program, which includes brands such as Waldorf Astoria, Conrad and DoubleTree. With a significant global presence, Hilton Honors is a solid choice for frequent travelers.
- Point Accumulation: Earn 10 points per dollar spent on qualifying stays, plus bonuses for elite-level members.
- Redeem points: Use points for free nights, exclusive experiences, Amazon shopping, and more.
- IHG Rewards
IHG Rewards covers brands such as InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn. This loyalty program is known for its frequent promotions, allowing members to accumulate points quickly.
- Point Accumulation: Earn up to 10 points per dollar spent on qualifying stays.
- Redeem points: Redeem points for free nights, gift cards, car rentals and more.
Tips for making the most of hotel loyalty programs
- Enroll in multiple programs: Diversify your redemption options by enrolling in more than one loyalty program.
- Consider co-branded credit cards: Many of these loyalty programs offer co-branded credit cards that accelerate point accumulation and unlock additional benefits.
- Keep an eye out for promotions: Keep track of promotions and special offers that can quickly boost your points balance.
- Watch out for expiry dates: Monitor the expiry date of points and make sure you redeem them before they expire.
- Steer Up: Achieving higher status levels in loyalty programs can provide additional benefits such as accelerated points accrual, earlier check-in, and room upgrades.
Frequently asked questions and answers
- Do hotel loyalty program points expire?
Yes, points from many of these programs expire, usually after 12-24 months of account inactivity. However, some brands offer points that do not expire as long as the account remains active.
- Can I transfer points between loyalty programs?
While directly transferring points between hotel loyalty programs is generally not possible, some programs allow the conversion of points to airline miles and vice versa, making it easy to combine rewards.
- Are the loyalty programs free to join?
Yes, most hotel loyalty programs are free to sign up and join. Some hotels even offer immediate member benefits like free Wi-Fi or late check-out.
- Is it possible to accumulate points in hotel loyalty programs through partners?
Yes, many of these programs partner with car rental companies, airlines and other partners, allowing you to earn points when you make qualifying purchases with these companies.
- Can I redeem my Program Points for things other than hotel stays?
Depending on your loyalty program, you can redeem points for a variety of rewards, including free nights, room upgrades, exclusive experiences, gift cards, car rentals, and even flights.
Conclusion
The best hotel loyalty programs to earn and redeem points offer travelers the opportunity to earn valuable rewards while enjoying comfortable stays all around the world. By enrolling and actively participating in these programs, you can enjoy exclusive benefits, free nights and memorable experiences. So, don’t waste time and consult the main benefits that suit you the most before your next trip!
