Hotel Rewards Programs

 

These days, traveling is expensive. With the increase in fuel costs, fees for baggage, and the general economic downturn, travelers are spending more and more money on each trip. Fortunately, hotel rewards programs offer a small respite from spending, and allow travelers to get something back in return for simple loyalty. However, with the variety of hotel rewards programs available, it is easy for travelers to find themselves confused and perplexed by what hotels participate in what programs, and which programs offer the best rewards. A review of the rewards programs shows that, while all hotels are invested in keeping their customers happy, a few programs stand out from the rest, and should definitely be considered when booking your next hotel stay.

Sheraton, W Hotels, Le Meridian, The Luxury Collection, Westin and St. Regis hotels all participate in the Starwood Preferred Guest rewards program, which is known as one of the top hotel rewards programs. Featuring more than 940 hotels in 93 countries, it is no wonder this is considered an exceptional program. Starwood Preferred Guest offers three tiers of membership – Preferred, Gold and Platinum. At the Preferred level, two Starpoints are earned for every dollar spent, and these points can be redeemed for free hotel nights and airline tickets. The Gold level increases the Starpoints earning to three points for every dollar spent, and includes free room upgrades. At the Platinum level, Starpoints are increased by 50% over the preferred level, and Platinum concierge services are offered. Many of the hotels that participate in the Starwood Preferred Guest program have appeared on the Conde Nast Traveler Gold List and Readers Choice List, and Travel & Leisure’s World’s Best list.

Hilton, Conrad, Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, Homewood Suites, and Waldorf Astoria participate in the Hilton HHonors program. Hilton HHonors offers points redeemable at 3,500 hotels worldwide and airline miles with over 50 partners. Membership level is determined by the frequency of stays. The Blue level is the introductory level, which offers members expedited check in and late check out, along with free newspapers. To qualify as a Silver VIP, a member must have four stays or ten nights during any calendar year. This includes complimentary health club privileges. Gold VIPs are entitled to room upgrades, bonus points, along with complimentary internet access. The Diamond VIP is the highest level, and to qualify a member must have accumulated 28 stays, 60 nights, or 100,000 points. Diamond VIPs enjoy a range of benefits including reservation guarantees, point bonuses, and executive lounge access. Hilton HHonors also offers credit card reward partners, allowing members to earn additional points for everyday purchases on the credit card.

Marriott Rewards allows participants to earn points by staying at over 3,200 Marriott properties worldwide and at participating Ritz Carlton properties. Marriott Rewards also allows members to earn points from a variety of partners such as Hertz, CruisesOnly, Skymall, ShopMyWay Mall, Wirefly, Lifelock and by using the Marriott Rewards Visa card. Points are awarded based upon which hotel the member stays at, with most offering ten points per dollar spent. Members can achieve Silver, Gold or Platinum status, which include benefits such as guaranteed availability, late checkouts, free breakfast and room upgrades. Points can also be redeemed for hotel stays, airline tickets, shopping and special member offers. Marriott Rewards also offers no blackout dates, so redeeming points for hotel stays is easy and convenient. Points can also be purchased or transferred.

Hyatt offers its customers the Hyatt Gold Passport program, which awards free nights at Hyatt with a minimum of 5,000 Passport points. Offering Gold, Platinum and Diamond memberships, members have the chance to upgrade, depending upon the number of nights stayed in Hyatt properties. Airline miles can also be accumulated when booking through Hyatt’s airline partners.

An easy and effortless rewards program is offered by Hotels.com. If booking stays online is your preference, and you are not particularly loyal to any one hotel chain, this program may be perfect for you. Hotels.com’s rewards program, welcomerewards, offers one free night stay after staying ten nights at any hotels.com property. Travelers simply sign up and create a hotels.com account, and after booking and staying ten nights at a hotels.com property, a free night is automatically awarded. There are no points to accumulate, no blackout dates, and no restrictions.

Rewards programs are free, so it never hurts to sign up and start accumulating points. Before you know it, you may have a free night or two, and a nicely discounted vacation.