Enjoy The Fruits Of Your Hotel Stay With The Best Rewards Programs

The best part about hotel loyalty programs? Experiencing luxury on a budget!

Hotel rewards or loyalty programs provide perks, upgrades, and other travel benefits you wouldn’t get otherwise as a non-member. These benefits include priority check-in, late check-outs, room upgrades, free parking and Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, among others.

In addition to exclusive offers, you can even avail free nights if you earn enough points, substantially increasing your savings. Sweet!

So… how do you sign up?

Signing up for these programs is a breeze. Upon arrival, hotels often offer to sign you up for their programs, usually in exchange for perks such as free Wi-Fi.

You can also sign up for free online on most hotels’ websites—just remember to save your login name, password, and membership number so you can use them when booking.

The best value programs?

With numerous hotel chains and properties around the world, it can be daunting to research for the most valuable rewards programs.

…but have no fear! Below are three of the best hotel rewards programs, ranging from economical and budget-friendly offerings to luxurious accommodations:

1. Wyndham Rewards

Ramada Suites by Wyndham Solo. Photo from Wyndham Hotels

With ubiquitous brands, such as Super 8, Days Inn, and Microtel, and over 9,000 hotels worldwide, you can rest assured there is always a nearby Wyndham hotel for your budget-friendly needs.

Wyndham’s program is also among the most valuable in terms of earnings per dollar spent with the brand. For example, if you spend USD 100 at a Wyndham hotel, you will earn roughly USD 12 back in rewards points, earning you a fair bit of value back for your stay.

Wyndham rooms also don’t tend to be expensive on points: You can redeem free nights starting at 7,500 points. After staying for just 8 nights, you can earn enough points to book your next night for free.

Lastly, Wyndham’s partnership with Vacasa provides you with access to free nights in studios, one-bedrooms, and even high-end houses starting at 15,000 points! This program is best for travelers who frequently travel to small towns and desire economical accommodations.

2. World of Hyatt

Park Hyatt Sydney. Photo from Live from a Lounge.

The World of Hyatt loyalty program includes over 1,200 hotels in 70 countries, mainly in popular destinations and cities. It offers both the most valuable points and the second-most valuable rewards rate after Wyndham: You earn back 2.3 cents for every dollar spent!

Hyatt's award rates are also relatively inexpensive, with points that are transferable from Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt Rewards points.

Hyatt Globalist elite status offers valuable perks like free breakfast, waived fees on award nights, and consistent suite upgrades.

This rewards program is best for travelers who opt for luxury accommodations in popular destinations and want all-inclusive hotel perks.

3. Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott’s St. Regis Maldives Resort. Photo from CNN.

Marriott Bonvoy is the largest hotel rewards program in the world, with more than 7,000 hotels ranging from high-end accommodations to unique, boutique hotels.

The Marriott Bonvoy program notably offers a fifth-night-free benefit, allowing members to book five consecutive reward nights and receive the lowest-priced night for zero points. This results in significant savings, especially in high-end destinations!

You can also easily earn Marriott Bonvoy points by transferring them from American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards.

What else?

Marriott’s program members can transfer points to 40 airline partners, including the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and Asiana Club.

Marriott Bonvoy is the ideal choice for travelers who seek a vast array of luxury properties, prefer unique and distinctive hotels, are interested in booking extended-stay hotel rooms, and wish to convert their points into airline miles.

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Clearly, traveling has become much sweeter with the advent of various hotel loyalty programs. Whether for leisure or business, investing in these programs will not only save you money, but also offer you upgrades and perks for a more comfortable, luxurious stay.

So, if you’re a frequent flyer or traveler, keep these hotel loyalty programs in mind! After all, you deserve to be rewarded for your stay.