What are Hotel Loyalty Programs?
Hotel loyalty programs reward guests with points for stays at participating properties. These points can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, dining, spa services, and other benefits.
Unlike airline programs, hotel programs are generally easier to understand and offer more consistent value. Most major hotel chains operate global loyalty programs.
Popular programs include Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards, Accor Live Limitless, and World of Hyatt.
How do you earn hotel points?
There are several ways to accumulate points in hotel loyalty programs:
1. Hotel Stays
The primary method: earn points based on the amount you spend on eligible charges (room rate, dining, spa, etc.). Most programs award 5-10 points per dollar or equivalent currency spent.
Elite members earn bonus points on top of the base rate (25%-100% more depending on tier).
2. Credit Card Spending
Many credit cards earn bank points that can be transferred to hotel programs. Some hotel chains also offer co-branded credit cards that earn points directly in their program.
This is often the fastest way to accumulate a large points balance for aspirational redemptions.
3. Promotions and Bonuses
Hotels frequently run promotions offering bonus points for stays during specific periods, at certain properties, or for completing challenges (e.g., stay 3 nights, earn 5,000 bonus points).
4. Partner Activities
Earn points through car rentals, airline flights, dining programs, and shopping portals. These typically offer lower earning rates but can supplement your balance.
Understanding Hotel Point Values
Hotel programs use different pricing models for award nights:
Fixed Category Pricing
Hotels are divided into categories, with each category requiring a fixed number of points per night. Example: Category 1 = 7,500 points, Category 2 = 15,000 points.
Advantage: Predictable pricing, excellent value at high-category properties during peak seasons.
Programs using this: Wyndham.
Dynamic Pricing
Points required vary based on the cash rate, demand, and season. The same hotel might cost 20,000 points one night and 50,000 points the next.
Advantage: More award availability.
Disadvantage: Can require significantly more points during peak periods.
Programs using this: Marriott Bonvoy.
Fixed Point Value
Each point has a fixed monetary value (e.g., 2,000 points = €40). You can use points to offset any amount of your bill.
Advantage: Complete flexibility, no blackout dates.
Disadvantage: Fixed value means you can't get outsized value from strategic redemptions.
Programs using this: Accor Live Limitless.
Elite Status Tiers and Benefits
Most hotel programs have elite tiers achieved by staying a certain number of nights or earning a certain number of points annually.
Common elite benefits include:
- Bonus Points: Earn 10%-100% more points on stays.
- Room Upgrades: Subject to availability, often to the next room category or suites.
- Late Checkout: Extended checkout time (2pm-4pm depending on tier).
- Welcome Amenities: Free breakfast, food & beverage credits, or welcome gifts.
- Guaranteed Availability: Book standard rooms even when hotels show as sold out (48-72 hours advance).
- Waived Fees: Resort fees, early departure fees, and award booking fees.
- Lounge Access: Access to executive lounges at select properties (top tiers).
Major Hotel Loyalty Programs
Here's a quick overview of the largest programs:
Marriott Bonvoy
The world's largest hotel program with 8,000+ properties across 30 brands (Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, etc.). Uses dynamic pricing for award nights.
Hilton Honors
6,000+ properties across 18 brands (Hilton, Conrad, Waldorf Astoria, DoubleTree, etc.). Uses dynamic pricing with generally good availability.
World of Hyatt
Smaller footprint (1,000+ properties) but known for excellent redemption value and generous elite benefits. Uses category-based pricing.
IHG One Rewards
6,000+ properties across brands like InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn. Uses category-based pricing with good value at top-tier properties.
Accor Live Limitless
5,000+ properties worldwide (Sofitel, Pullman, Novotel, ibis, etc.). Uses fixed point value (2,000 points = €40), offering complete flexibility.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Booking through third parties: OTAs (Expedia, Booking.com) don't earn points or elite benefits.
- Ignoring elite status: The benefits often outweigh the effort to achieve status.
- Not using points: Hotel points typically don't expire with activity, but programs can devalue without notice.
- Redeeming at low-value properties: Save points for high-end properties where you get maximum value.
- Forgetting to link reservations: Ensure your loyalty number is attached to every booking.