Frequent travelers know that hotel rewards can significantly reduce travel expenses. You score the occasional free night, while the hotel chain gains your repeat business. It’s a mutually beneficial deal. However, not all reward programs are created equal.
Cheapism took a close look at ten of the most popular hotel loyalty programs to identify the ones where earning a free stay is easiest. The rankings are based on the simplicity of earning points and how quickly they can be redeemed for a free night.
The comparison considers factors like the points earned per dollar spent (which can differ by hotel brand under the same parent company) and the most affordable ways to redeem those points. The programs are ranked from the highest to lowest amount of money needed to earn a free night.
Here are the top five loyalty programs that stand out from the rest.
1. Hilton Honors Program
Participating Hotels: Hilton, Conrad, DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton, Waldorf Astoria, Homewood Suites, Home2 Suites, Hilton Grand Vacations
Required Spending for a Free Night: $333
2. Club Carlson Program
Participating Hotels: Quorvus Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Park Plaza, Park Inn, Country Inn & Suites
Required Spending for a Free Night: $450
3. Choice Privileges Program
Participating Hotels: Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, Ascend
Key Entry-Level Benefits: Complimentary Internet access, fast check-in and reservations, late checkout, free newspaper delivery
Required Spending for a Free Night: $600
4. Marriott Rewards Program
Participating Hotels: Marriott, JW Marriott, Edition, Autograph Collection, Renaissance, AC Hotels, Courtyard, SpringHill Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Gaylord Hotels, Ritz-Carlton, Protea, Bulgari, Marriott Vacation Club, Moxy
Amount Required to Earn a Free Stay: $600
5. La Quinta Returns Program
Participating Hotels: La Quinta Inns & Suites
Amount Needed to Earn a Free Stay: $600
Remember, each rewards program offers different benefits, so your personal definition of 'best' might differ. These are the programs that make earning a free night the easiest. For a comprehensive list with full details on each program's perks, visit the link below.
Photo by stevepb.
