Hotel Loyalty Programs: How to Maximize Rewards and Benefits

While Hyatt is the chain hotel with second most valuable reward rate, Wyndham stole the whole show by presenting the most valuable reward program in terms of earnings and dollars well spent with the brand.

How Many Points Can One Earn With a Hotel Loyalty Program With Every Dollar Spent?

The number of loyalty points visitors can earn per dollar spent at a hotel varies depending on several factors, such as 

1. Co-Branded Credit Cards: Co-branded credit cards are issued by banks or other financial institutions in collaboration with non-financial service providers like retailers or service providers. So, if the hotel you are staying at offers its co-brand credit card, it comes with perks. 

2. Membership Status: Hotel members with higher tiers e.g., Silver, Gold, Platinum are often offered bonus points.

3. Specific Hotel Chains: Loyalty programs are different for each hotel because their base earnings vary from each other. Some of them offer a flat rate, like 20 points per dollar, while others might have a tiered system based on the customer's membership status.

4. Promotional Offers: Hotels run promotional offerings very often. These offer bonus points for specific stays or booking methods such as direct booking from their official website.

How Much are These Points Worth?

According to research done by Nerd Wallet, consumers earn one point per dollar spent at a hotel. Here, each point is worth one cent, so you're earning one cent per dollar (1%) in rewards.

The reward point/loyalty point structure varies from one hotel to another depending on price, availability, credit card partners and more. Another thing that affects the rates is the number of hotels in a particular hotel chain. Often, if a hotel has a number of hotels in its chain, it offers a higher reward rate.

The following are the reward rates for some of the most popular hotel chains in the United States:

Wyndham - 12%

Hyatt - 11.5%

Choice - 10%

IHG - 8%

Marriott - 8%

Best Western - 7%

Hilton - 5%

There are a few reasons adapted by the hotel chain to reward their customers. Firstly, they are guaranteed to earn 1000 points on every qualified stay regardless of the room rates.

Secondly, their pocket-friendly rates are wide footprints and are convenient for budget travelers. Thirdly, they boast over 9,000 hotels across various budget-friendly brands, including Days Inn and Super 8, to ensure a comfortable and affordable stay.

As Wyndyam has partnered with credit cards, its next perk is accessibility. They offer points for everyday purchases that broaden customers' reach beyond just hotel stays. So, one can accumulate points without having to stay frequently.

Lastly, they focus on creating value compared to their competitors. Wyndham Rewards might offer fewer elite member perks. However, its core program is focused on offering good value for casual travelers.

To maximize your rewards at any hotel, there are a few things you have to consider, such as:

Strategic Booking

Start by enrolling in multiple loyalty programs so that you will have the perks that work for you and cater to your travel style for flexibility. It also helps to find the best offer for each stay.

Although hotel loyalty programs encourage direct booking, consider your options and compare the total value including loyalty points before deciding. Another way would be to explore credit cards or travel cards that offer points or miles redeemable at various hotels to add another layer of earning potential perks.

Maximizing Loyalty Programs

Download the program app to receive notifications and promotions. Plus, this app is also helpful for easy booking, point tracking, and account management. 

Earning Beyond Stays

Sought after the co-branded credit cards, they enjoy their perks that go beyond hotel amenities. With these cards, you can team up with restaurants, gas stations, or online retailers and still add points for your next hotel stay.

Additional Tips: 

• Monitoring your points earned per dollar helps you compare programs and identifies areas that need improvement.
• Consider increasing your understanding of program rules, point expiration policies, and blackout dates.
• As hotels offer bonus points for direct booking, consider directly booking the hotels through their website or app. 

Whether you are a frequent traveler or not, always review your strategy and re-evaluate your program choices as well as booking strategies to ensure they continue to maximize your rewards.

Loyalty programs also change with time, as they are based on how much you spend and where you spend it. So, the numbers mentioned in the table below aren't cast in concrete, they are subject to change as well.

The following is the return point value as per the royalty program in different hotels. We hope it helps you use your rewards wisely by guiding you toward institutions that offer a good return and away from those that don't.

Best Western Rewards: 0.7 cents

IHG One Rewards: 0.8 cents

Hilton Honors: 0.5 cents

World of Hyatt: 2.3 cents

Marriott Bonvoy: 0.8 cents

Radisson Rewards: 0.8 cents

Wyndham Rewards: 1.2 cents

Loyalty programs might give you a more personalized experience and also learn their preferences. It leads to getting recommendations for better hotels catering to your personal style and travel style. 

It also saves you time and effort in finding the right place to stay for you. In addition, hotel loyalty program boasts other perks that include-

A. Cost Savings is a significant benefit as it allows you to redeem points for free nights or discounts on stays.

B. Enhanced Rewards unlock additional perks for frequent guests through elite status tiers. These can include complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, late check-out, and exclusive lounge access, all of which can make your stays more comfortable and convenient.

C. Increase Convenience by using their mobile apps that streamline the travel experience. With their apps, you can easily manage reservations, book hotels, track points, and access digital room keys. Similarly, they will keep on offering special offers and promotions via their app.