Loyalty Showdown: 6 Best Hotel Rewards Programs for Free Stays

best hotel rewards programs

When it comes to choosing the best hotel loyalty programs, there are many choices for travelers. With so many options available domestically and beyond, it can be challenging to determine which program offers the best value and best fits your needs. So we decided to dig into this subject and share our top choices to make it easier for you. How did we choose? It’s pretty simple actually. There are three factors that we considered: The overall footprint of hotels available, variety of options for different budgets, and ability to earn rewards fast via transferable points partnerships.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the 6 most popular hotel rewards programs: Choice Privileges, Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt, and Wyndham Rewards. We’ll outline hotels and brands within each program, approximate point values, advantages and disadvantages, and ways you can fast track your earning potential to get discounts and free stays.

Choice Privileges

Choice Privileges® is the loyalty program for Choice Hotels, offering a wide range of affordable hotel options across various brands, which includes Cambria, Radisson, Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, MainStay Suites, and more. Members can earn points for stays at over 7,000 properties worldwide.

Choice Privileges hotel brands

Cambria HotelsRadissonAscend Hotel CollectionPark Plaza
Comfort InnCountry Inn & SuitesQuality InnSleep Inn
ClarionPark InnEverhome SuitesWoodspring Suites
MainStay SuitesSuburban StudiosEcono LodgeRodeway Inn

How much are Choice Privileges points worth?

✦ 0.6 cents/point* ✦

Example: 10,000 points = $60.00 towards Choice Privilege stays

*Approximate average value

Is Choice Privileges a good option?

Advantages

  • Members earn 10x base points per dollar spent on Choice stays + 5x points or more for credit card holders + 1x points or more for elite status members = 16x points or more per dollar / per stay.
  • Transfer partners include Amex, Capital One, and Citi. Members have flexible redemption options—including free nights, gift cards, and travel experiences.
  • Budget-friendly portfolio makes hotel stays more accessible.

Disadvantages

  • Limited luxury and upscale hotel options compared to other hotel rewards programs.
  • Hotel elite status levels may not offer as many perks as higher-tier rewards programs.
  • Some properties may have limited availability for reward bookings during peak travel periods.

Best credit cards for earning Choice Privileges points

Choice Privileges® Select

choice privileges select mastercard

Logo Moola Stamp FlatMag rank: 3.5

60,000 Choice Privileges bonus points + 10x points on Choice Hotel stays. Get 30,000 points each renewal.
Apply now

Citi Premier® Card

citi premier card

Logo Moola Stamp FlatMag rank: 3.5

3x ThankYou points on Hotels, Dining, Groceries, Airfare, Gas. Points transfer 1:1 to Choice Privileges.
Apply now

Terms apply. Offers subject to change. Refer to card issuer for full details.

Hilton Honors

Hilton Honors is the loyalty program for Hilton Worldwide, with a tiered portfolio of hotel brands ranging from high-end luxury properties like Waldorf Astoria and Conrad, to more budget-friendly options like Hampton and Hilton Garden Inn. With over 6,500 hotels in over 100 countries, Hilton Honors offers plenty of earning and redemption opportunities.

Hilton Honors hotel brands

Waldorf AstoriaLXR Hotels & ResortsConrad Hotels & ResortsCanopy by Hilton
Tempo by HiltonMotto by HiltonSignia by HiltonDoubleTree
Curio CollectionTapestry CollectionEmbassy SuitesHomewood Suites
Home2 SuitesProject H3Hilton Garden InnHampton by Hilton
Tru by HiltonSpark by HiltonHilton Grand Vacations

How much are Hilton Honors points worth?

✦ 0.5 cents/point* ✦

Example: 10,000 points = $50.00 towards Hilton Honors stays

*Approximate average value

Is Hilton Honors a good option?

Advantages

  • Members earn 10x base points per dollar spent on Hilton stays + 7x points or more for credit card holders + 2x points or more for elite status members = 19x points or more per dollar / per stay.
  • Transfer partner is American Express. Members have a wide range of redemption options—including free nights, room upgrades, experiences, and merchandise. Plus, Hilton allows group points pooling with up to 10 other members contributing up to 500,000 points each.
  • Elite status benefits such as complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, and milestone bonuses.

Disadvantages

  • Some premium redemption options may require a high number of points, making them less accessible for occasional travelers.
  • Limited footprint in certain regions compared to other hotel chains.
  • Elite status benefits, such as room upgrades, may not be guaranteed and are subject to availability.

Best credit cards for earning Hilton Honors points

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass®

hilton honors surpass amex card

Logo Moola Stamp FlatMag rank: 3.5

130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points + 12x points on Hilton hotel stays, and 6x on Dining, Grocery, Gas.
Apply now

Hilton Honors American Express

hilton honors amex card

Logo Moola Stamp FlatMag rank: 3.0

80,000 Hilton Honors bonus points + 7x points on Hilton hotel stays, up to 5x on other spend. No annual fee.
Apply now

Terms apply. Offers subject to change. Refer to card issuer for full details.

IHG One Rewards

IHG One Rewards is the loyalty program for InterContinental Hotels Group, which includes brands such as Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and Staybridge. IHG One Rewards offers members the opportunity to earn and redeem points at over 5,900 hotels worldwide.

IHG One Rewards hotel brands

Six SensesRegentInterContinental Hotels & ResortsVignette Collection
Kimpton HotelsHotel IndigoVocoHualuxe Hotels and Resorts
Even HotelsCrowne PlazaHoliday Inn ExpressHoliday Inn
GarnerAvidAtwell SuitesStaybridge Suites
Candlewood SuitesIberostar Resorts

How much are IHG One Rewards points worth?

✦ 0.6 cents/point* ✦

Example: 10,000 points = $60.00 towards IHG One Rewards stays

*Approximate average value

Is IHG One Rewards a good option?

Advantages

  • Members earn 10x base points per dollar spent on IHG stays + 5x points or more for credit card holders + 2x points or more for elite status members = 17x points or more per dollar / per stay.
  • Transfer partners include Chase and Bilt. Members have a variety of redemption options—including free nights, gift cards, merchandise, and experiences.
  • Elite status benefits include room upgrades, bonus points, and late check-out.

Disadvantages

  • Points expiration policy requires members to earn or redeem points within a 12 month period to maintain account balance.
  • Limited luxury options compared to other hotel rewards programs.
  • Point pooling comes at a cost. You’re charged $5 per 1,000 points you send to another member, essentially making it useless.

Best credit cards for earning IHG One Rewards points

IHG® One Rewards Premier

ihg one rewards premier chase card

Logo Moola Stamp FlatMag rank: 4.0

165,000 IHG One Rewards bonus points + 10x points on IHG Hotel & Resort stays, up to 5x on other spend.
Apply now

BILT Mastercard®

bilt card

Logo Moola Stamp FlatMag rank: 4.0

3x Bilt Rewards points on Dining, 2x on Travel, 1x on Rent. Points transfer 1:1 to IHG One Rewards.
Apply now

Terms apply. Offers subject to change. Refer to card issuer for full details.

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy is the loyalty program for Marriott International, one of the largest hotel chains globally, with over 7,600 properties across 133 countries and territories. With a large and diverse portfolio of brands, Marriott Bonvoy offers a wide range of earning and redemption opportunities for all types of travelers.

Marriott Bonvoy hotel brands

The Ritz-CarltonSt. RegisJW MarriottThe Luxury Collection
W HotelsEDITIONMarriottSheraton
Marriott Vacation ClubDelta HotelsLe MéridienWestin
Renaissance HotelsGaylord HotelsCourtyardFour Points
SpringHill SuitesFairfieldCity ExpressAC Hotels
Aloft HotelsMoxy HotelsResidence InnTownePlace Suites
Element HotelsHomes & VillasAutograph Collection HotelsTribute Portfolio

How much are Marriott Bonvoy points worth?

✦ 0.8 cents/point* ✦

Example: 10,000 points = $80.00 towards Marriott Bonvoy stays

*Approximate average value

Is Marriott Bonvoy a Good Option?

Advantages

  • Members earn 10x base points per dollar spent on Marriott stays + 3x points or more for credit card holders + 1x points or more for elite status members = 14x points or more per dollar / per stay.
  • Transfer partners include Chase, Amex, and Bilt. Members can redeem points for free nights, room upgrades, airline miles, experiences, and more. Plus, you can pool points with other Marriott Bonvoy family members.
  • Elite status benefits include complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, late check-out, and lounge access.

Disadvantages

  • Some elite benefits may be inconsistent across different properties and brands.
  • Limited all-inclusive and boutique hotel options compared to other programs.
  • Points pooling feature is limited to 100,000 points per year, restricting flexibility for families or groups with longer stays.

Best credit cards for earning Marriott Bonvoy points

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™

marriott bonvoy brilliant amex card

Logo Moola Stamp FlatMag rank: 4.0

95,000 Bonvoy bonus points + 6x points on Marriott stays, Platinum status, Free night each renewal.
Apply now

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™

marriott bonvoy boundless chase card

Logo Moola Stamp FlatMag rank: 4.0

5 Free night awards + 6x Bonvoy points on Marriott stays, 3x on Gas, Grocery, and Dining.
Apply now

Terms apply. Offers subject to change. Refer to card issuer for full details.

World of Hyatt

World of Hyatt is the loyalty program for Hyatt Hotels Corporation, known for its luxurious and upscale properties worldwide. With over 1,000 hotels and resorts in more than 65 countries, World of Hyatt offers luxury accommodations and member exclusive benefits with exceptional point value.

World of Hyatt hotel brands

Park HyattGrand HyattHyatt RegencyHyatt
Hyatt Vacation ClubHyatt PlaceHyatt HouseUrCove
MiravalAlilaAndazThompson Hotels
Dream HotelsHyatt CentricCaptionThe Unbound Collection
Destination by HyattJoie de VivreImpression by SecretsSecrets Resorts & Spas
Hyatt ZivaHyatt ZilaraZoetryMr & Mrs Smith

How much are World of Hyatt points worth?

✦ 1.9 cents/point* ✦

Example: 10,000 points = $190.00 towards World of Hyatt stays

*Approximate average value

Is World of Hyatt a Good Option?

Advantages

  • Members earn 5x base points per dollar spent on Hyatt stays + 4x points for credit card holders = 9x points per dollar / per stay.
  • Transfer partners include Chase and Bilt. Members can redeem points for free nights, room upgrades, dining, spa treatments, and more. Plus, you can pool points with no limit between any World of Hyatt members.
  • Elite status benefits include complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, late check-out, and lounge access.

Disadvantages

  • Limited global footprint compared to other major hotel chains.
  • Elite status qualification may be challenging for occasional travelers.
  • Points expiration policy requires activity every 24 months to avoid forfeiture.

Best credit cards for earning World of Hyatt points

World of Hyatt

world of hyatt chase card

Logo Moola Stamp FlatMag rank: 4.5

Up to 65,000 World of Hyatt bonus points + 4x per dollar spent on Hyatt stays, Free night each renewal.
Apply now

Chase Sapphire Preferred®

sapphire preferred card

Logo Moola Stamp FlatMag rank: 4.5

60,000 Ultimate Rewards bonus points + earn up to 3x on spend. Points transfer 1:1 to World of Hyatt.
Apply now

Terms apply. Offers subject to change. Refer to card issuer for full details.

Wyndham Rewards

Wyndham Rewards is the loyalty program for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, one of the largest hotel chains in the world with over 9,000 properties across more than 90 countries. With its portfolio of brands catering to various travel preferences and budgets, Wyndham Rewards offers something for a wide range of travelers.

Wyndham Rewards hotel brands

Registry CollectionWyndham GrandDolce Hotels and ResortsEsplendor Hotels
Dazzler HotelsWyndhamVienna HouseTRYP by Wyndham
Wyndham AlltraWyndham GardenLa QuintaWingate
Hawthorne Extended StayAmericInnBaymontRamada
MicrotelDays InnSuper 8Howard Johnson
TravelodgeClub WyndhamWorldmark by WyndhamShell Vacations Club
Margaritaville Vacation ClubCottages.comVacasa

How much are Wyndham rewards points worth?

✦ 1.0 cents/point* ✦

Example: 10,000 points = $100.00 towards Wyndham stays

*Approximate average value

Is Wyndham Rewards a Good Option?

Advantages

  • Members earn 10x base points per dollar spent on Wyndham stays + 5x points or more for credit card holders + 1x points or more for elite status members = 16x points or more per dollar / per stay.
  • Transfer partners include Capital One and Citi. Members can redeem points for free nights, airline miles, gift cards, and more.
  • Elite status benefits include room upgrades, late check-out, and bonus points.

Disadvantages

  • Limited luxury and upscale hotel options compared to other programs.
  • Some properties may not offer as many amenities or services compared to higher-end hotel chains.
  • Points redemption options for premium experiences may be limited or less valuable compared to other programs.

Best credit cards for earning Wyndham Rewards points

Wyndham Rewards® Earner+

wyndham rewards earner plus card

Logo Moola Stamp FlatMag rank: 3.0

45,000 Wyndham Rewards bonus points + 6x points on Wyndham stays and Gas, 4x on Dining and Grocery.
Apply now

Capital One Venture Rewards

capital one venture card

Logo Moola Stamp FlatMag rank: 3.5

75,000 Capital One Miles bonus + 2x points on all purchases. Points transfer 1:1 to Wyndham Rewards.
Apply now

Finding Your Perfect Loyalty Program

Hotel status and free nights with credit cards

Navigating all of the hotel loyalty programs can be both exciting and overwhelming. There’s a lot to consider when choosing the right option for your travel needs. Our list pulls together and highlights what we consider to be the top 6 best hotel rewards programs. There’s something for everyone here. Each varies in terms of brand tiers and locations, earning rates, redemption options, elite status benefits, and the best credit cards for hotel points to earn rewards faster.

Ultimately, the program that’s a fit for you will depend on factors such as your preferred hotel brands, travel frequency, types of rewards you want, and whether you prioritize luxury stays, budget-friendly options, or the versatility of both.

That wraps up our hotel loyalty showdown. In advance of your next trip, take the time to get started with a program or two that works for you so you can enjoy rewards sooner. No matter what you choose, the goal is to make your travels more rewarding and comfortable, without stretching your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hotel rewards program?

A hotel rewards program is a loyalty program offered by a hotel chain where guests can earn points for each stay and redeem them for free nights or other perks.

How can I choose the best hotel loyalty program?

When selecting the best hotel loyalty program, consider factors like rewards points per stay, bonus points promotions, and the overall benefits of being a rewards member.

What are the benefits of having a credit card with a hotel rewards program?

A credit card linked to a hotel rewards program can help you earn points faster, enjoy exclusive perks like free nights, and access elite status benefits within the program.

How do I earn and redeem points in a hotel loyalty program?

To earn points in a hotel loyalty program, simply stay at participating properties or use co-branded credit cards. You can then redeem these points for free nights, upgrades, or other rewards.

What is loyalty status in a hotel rewards program?

Loyalty status in a hotel rewards program signifies a member’s level of engagement and can offer enhanced benefits such as room upgrades, late check-outs, and complimentary amenities.

These are our recommendations but it isn’t financial advice. We may receive a commission if you click through any of the links in this article.

Share this article:

This Post Has 2 Comments

Comments are closed.