Most travelers are enrolled in some sort of frequent flyer program but most people forget about another type of program that has just as lucrative of rewards…hotel loyalty programs. Like airline programs, you earn points for each stay and redeem them for free hotel stays as well as other merchandise and experiences. And most will allow you to enjoy extra perks for being a member, sometimes on your first stay. Since the programs are free, you have nothing to lose, and everything to gain. Here’s how to get started:
There are quite a few hotel chains in the world. If you travel for business, your company may have a partnership with a certain chain so that is a good start. For leisure travelers, think of the type of hotel you usually book and join that program. Or, if you want to cover all your bases and be prepared for any scenario, join them all:
- Hilton HHonors
- Hyatt Gold Passport
- Intercontinental Hotels Priority Club
- Marriott Rewards
- Omni Select Guest
- Starwood Preferred Guest
By signing up, you’ll be able to subscribe to special offers and promotions (opportunities to earn double or triple points per stay sometimes). Be sure to keep your web usernames and passwords for all programs in a convenient place so you can log-in to book stays, check point balance and redeem rewards. (Bonus Tip: Want to compare programs? Starwood Preferred Guest created a matrix of the various programs. While it is meant to persuade you to join their program, you can also use it to view all programs at a glance.)
After you have earned rewards, you can redeem a reward which is one of the major advantages of these programs. You see, you could be earning points for business travel or leisure stays within the United State and then redeem those points for a destination stay–picturing yourself on the beach of a Mexican Resort or sipping a cappuccino at a four-star hotel in Rome was never easier. You can also do the same with property type—why not earn your points with Hilton HHonors at budget-friendly Hampton Inn and then indulge in their Waldorf-Astoria brand?
We’d love to hear your tips for getting the most out of hotel loyalty programs. Share your tips here or on Facebook.
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You can also link your hotel rewards account to your favorite airline and receive additional miles! Great post!
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