What Are Hotel Member Rates? Benefits & Popular Programs

Did you know that many hotels have private rates? Most travelers are unaware that they can access discounted hotel rates with a few easy steps, and these rates are available to everyone. Hotel member rates, sometimes known as direct rates, unlock instant savings when booking your hotel room directly.

Discounted hotel prices aren’t strictly reserved for the travel hackers and rewards travelers. Whether you’re a first-timer or a frequent guest, exclusive hotel price discounts are just a click away. 

Find out how you can save more on your next direct hotel booking by taking advantage of special hotel member rates.

What are Hotel Member Rates?

The hotel rate you see when browsing on an online travel agency (OTA) like Booking.com or Expedia, isn’t always the best available rate. Hotel member rates are exclusive discounts not available when booking via 3rd parties. Only users who book directly via the hotel’s official website can access these special rates. Public rates are the room rates that are shared with online travel agencies (OTAs) and often displayed on the hotel’s website if you haven’t yet logged into your member account. Sometimes, both public and member rates will be displayed on a hotel’s official website side by side. 

Hotels encourage guests to sign up on their site, or join their loyalty programs, the vast majority of which are free to join, with online promotions about lower member rates. Preferred pricing and direct rates are alternative names that also reference these private rates.

Why hotels offer member rates

Hotel pricing continues to stump travelers. Travel hackers utilize privacy browsers to find the best rates, while budget travelers are always on the lookout for last-minute deals. Member rates are a surefire way to guarantee a lower rate than what’s publicly displayed when conducting a hotel search. 

But if it’s so easy to get a lower hotel room rate when booking directly with the hotel, why do hotels go through the trouble of keeping their best prices hidden behind a membership wall? Here are three reasons why it’s the case even for the most popular hotel brands. 

• Competitive pricing with online travel agencies (OTAs):  Hotels displayed on online travel agency websites must often sign onto a price parity clause stating that the hotel can’t publicly display a price lower than the one displayed on the online travel agency’s website. The higher hotel rate is inclusive of the commission charged by online travel agencies, which can be as high as 30%.

• Member benefits: Hotels provide value to their loyalty program with perks, including exclusive hotel rates. Member rate discounts often increase with membership level. 

• Grow loyalty program members: Hotels put extensive efforts into marketing their loyalty programs. Free member sign-ups for instant discounts on hotel rooms consistently bring in new members.

Hotel member rates are a result of online travel agencies protecting their pricing against direct booking. Hotel pricing parity clauses are now illegal in the European Union. However, they remain legal for most of the world.

How Hotel Member Rates Work for Customers

Discounted hotel member rates may be hidden from the public, but they’re easy to access for every traveler. And the best part is that they’re typically free to access. Here are the steps to take advantage of the lower rates: 

Step 1: Sign up

Guests can sign up for a hotel’s loyalty program on the official hotel website. Most programs are free to sign up for with easy forms, with no credit card required.

 Step 2: Sign in before booking

Make sure you’re signed in on the hotel’s official website before searching for a room to see preferred rates for hotel members. Some hotels filter search results by rate preference, so make sure that “member rate” is selected. 

Step 3: Pay with a card instead of points

Hotel member rates apply only to the cash value pricing. Hotel loyalty members with points can compare the points value with the discounted member rate to determine the best deal. 

Step 4: Read terms and conditions

Ensure your hotel room qualifies for the hotel member rate by reviewing the terms and conditions. These details outline which rooms the discount applies to, the rate used to calculate the discount, whether you can combine the special rate with other discounts, and any other restrictions on its use.

Benefits of Booking Member Rates

Is it worth the hassle to sign up for a hotel’s loyalty program to get access to the special discounted rates when booking directly? See if these benefits are enough for you to click join. 

Instant savings on booking

Pricing parity clauses with online travel agencies restrict hotels from displaying their best prices on their public website. Signing into a member account instantly reveals the private member prices. You can log into your account and search for a room on the hotel’s website or app to take advantage of the savings.

Direct booking advantages

Booking directly with the hotel is the only way to access exclusive member rates. Guests who book directly receive personalized attention, with advantages including prioritized access for special requests, direct hotel contact for guest services, welcome gifts, and more. 

Get member perks

Exclusive discounts are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the perks of being a member of a hotel’s loyalty program. Basic membership levels on popular loyalty programs, such as Marriott Bonvoy and IHG One Rewards, include complimentary wifi, mobile check-in, and member-only offers. 

Loyalty rewards accrual

Start earning points from your first stay! Travelers who frequently book accommodations with the same hotel chain can start earning towards reward stays and other perks. 

Improved price transparency

Hotels feature higher rates to the public to balance competition with online travel agencies, which typically include the fee charged by the third-party platform. Signing in to access member rates shows the true price of the room without the markup. Your preferred hotel room may be within your budget after all.

When Are Hotel Membership Programs Worth It?

Lower prices and member perks are an ideal scenario for all travelers. Especially when it’s as easy as signing up for a hotel’s loyalty program. Whether it’s your first time at a property or you’re a frequent guest, here’s why we recommend joining the loyalty program for hotel member rates.

For one-time travelers

Visiting a destination that doesn’t have any hotels under your favorite brand? Found a hotel deal you can’t pass up on? Or, are you an occasional traveler? There are several reasons why you may only stay at a hotel brand once. It’s still worthwhile to sign up for a hotel membership program even for these one-off stays. 

One-time travelers will get access to entry-level member perks, including in-room wifi, mobile check-in and check-out, and special requests. These basic amenities can enhance your stay, even if you don’t plan to return. Plus, there’s always the chance of loving the guest experience so much that you want to return. In this case, it’s best to start establishing your loyalty status from your first stay.

For frequent travelers

Hotel membership programs are a no-brainer for frequent guests. If not, you could be missing out every time you stay at your preferred hotel brand.

Earning loyalty points for each stay can add up to free nights, dining credits, shopping discounts, gift cards, and other travel perks that are unlocked by achieving status tiers. Hotel member rates apply every time you book a qualifying room—that means saving up to 15% for every stay.

How to Find Hotel Member Rates

 Hotel member rates are available to all guests. Knowing how to book your next hotel stay will give you access to exclusive rates that are not available to the public. 

Book directly

Browsing a hotel’s official website without logging in will display prices similar to what’s available on online travel agencies’ websites. The best rates are hidden behind their login or membership wall. Log in to your membership account via the hotel’s website to unlock the exclusive hotel member rates.  

Booking directly is the only way travelers can access preferred rates since it requires a member account with the hotel’s loyalty program. Direct booking includes all official hotel channels, including the website, mobile app, and phone reservations. 

Compare prices

Before you book, it’s smart to compare prices from similar hotels, including the hotel’s direct member rate and public rates listed on online travel agencies’ websites. But doing this across different websites can be time-consuming and confusing. 

That’s where DirectBooker comes in. DirectBooker is building technology to make this comparison process smarter and more transparent. Its upcoming AI integrations will surface verified hotel listings, member-only rate details, and direct booking links inside conversational tools like ChatGPT and Gemini. The goal is to help travelers identify when booking directly unlocks a better deal without needing to search across multiple sites or rely on third-party platforms.

What to watch out for

Before clicking “book” on the hotel member rate, check the booking details to confirm you qualify for the best rate. Every hotel program has different requirements, but here are a few to watch out for:

• Confirm preferred rates are enabled: Before booking, check to see you’re logged in to get the preferred rates. Some sites may require users to filter price results by the member rate to see the best available pricing.

• Restrictions: Direct rates aren’t available for all reservations. Some restrictions on the discounted rates may include refundability, blackout dates, room type selections, number of qualifying nights, or combining the discount with other offers.

• Prepayments: Reserving a room with the preferred rate may require full payment at the time of booking or accepting a nonrefundable booking. 

Popular Hotels and Hotel Chains With Member Rates

Does your favorite hotel offer special member rates? Find out below which of the most popular hospitality brands offer special hotel member rates in the table below.

Global brands with member rates

Here’s a list of the largest international hotel chains with member rates.

Accor Live Limitless (ALL)
Discount: Between 2 and 10%
Applies to: Raffles, Orient Express, Faena, Banyan Tree, Delano, Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, Fairmont, Emblems Collection, SLS, Rixos, Angsana Hotels & Resorts, Art Series, Grand Mercure, MGallery, Mantis, Mövenpick, Peppers, Pullman, Swissôtel, The Sebel, Aparthotel Adagio, Adagio Access, Mantra, Novotel, Tribe, BreakFree, greet, hotelF1, ibis
Learn more

Best Western Rewards
Discount: Up to 10%
Applies to: GLō, Vīb, Best Western Plus, BW Premier Collection, Best Western Premier, Best Western, BW Signature Collection, Executive Residency by Best Western, Aiden, and SureStay Hotels
Learn more

Choice Privileges
Discount: Between 2 and 7%
Applies to: Cambria Hotels, Radisson Brands in the Americas, Ascend Hotel Collection, Comfort, Country Inn, Sleep Inn, Quality Inn, Clarion, Clarion Pointe, Everhome Suites, Woodspring Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Studios, Park Inn, Econolodge, Rodeway Inn
Learn more

Hilton Honors
Discount: Starts at 2%
Applies to: Waldorf Astoria, LXR, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Curio Collection, Tapestry Collection, Signia, NoMad, Canopy, Graduate, Tempo, Motto, Hilton, DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Homewood Suites, Hampton Inn, Home2 Suites, LivSmart Studios, Hilton Garden Inn, Tru, and Spark. Discount not applicable to Hilton Hotels in China, Macau, Hong Kong, and Taiwan
Learn more

IHG One Rewards
Discount: Varies by stay
Applies to: Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Iberostar, Staybridge Suites, Hotel Indigo, Kimpton, Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts, Candlewood Suites, Crowne Plaza, Regent, Vignette Collection, Coco, Hualuxe, Even, Garner, and Avid. Discount not available at Six Senses and IHG Army Hotels.
Learn more

Marriott Bonvoy
Discount: Between 2 and 5%
Applies to: Courtyard, Four Points, Four Points Flex, SpringHill Suites, Fairfield, AC Hotels, Aloft Hotels, Moxy Hotels, City Express, Protea Hotels, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Elements Hotels, and StudioRes
Learn more

NH Discovery
Discount: Up to 10%
Applies to: Minor Hotels, Anantara Hotels & Resorts, Avani Hotels & Resorts, Elewana Collection, Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites, NH Hotels & Resorts, NH Collection Hotels & Resorts, nhow Hotels & Resorts, Tivoli Hotels & Resorts
Learn more

Radisson Rewards
Discount: Up to 15%
Applies to: Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn, Country Inn & Suites, Prize, and Art’Otel
Learn more

Sonesta Travel Pass
Discount: Varies by stay
Applies to: Red Lion Hotels, Inns & Suites, The Royal Sonesta, The James Hotels, Classico Collection by Sonesta, Sonesta Hotels & Resorts, MOD Collection by Sonesta, Sonesta Select Hotels, Sonesta Essential Hotels, Sonesta ES Suits, Sonesta Simply suites, Americas Best Value Inn by Sonesta, Canadas Best Value Inn by Sonesta, Signature Inn by Sonesta, Sonesta Cruises
Learn more

World of Hyatt
Discount: Up to 10%
Applies to: Alila, Alia Hotels & Resorts, Andaz, Atona, Breathless Resorts & Spas, Bunkhouse Hotels, Caption, Destination, Dream Hotels, Dreams Resorts, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Centric, Hyatt House, Hyatt Place, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Select, Hyatt Studios, Impression, JDV, Me and All Hotels, Miraval, Park Hyatt, Secrets Resorts, Sunscape Resorts, The Standard, The StandardX, Thompson Hotels, Hyatt Vivid, Hyatt Zilara, Unscripted, UrCove, Zoetry, and The Unbound Collection
Learn more

Wyndham Rewards
Discount: At least 2% discount for non-cardmembers. At least 4% discount for cardmembers
Applies to: Registry Collection, Wyndham Grand, Dolce Hotels, Splendor Boutique Hotels, Dazzler, Wyndham, Vienna House, TRPY, Wyndham Alltra, Wyndham Garden, La Quinta, Wingate, Hawthorn Extended Stay, AmericInn, Baymont, Ramada, Microtel, Days Inn, Super 8, Howard Johnson, Travelodge, and Waterwalk
Learn more

Regional or boutique hotel groups with member rates

According to an eHotelier travel research report, travelers are beginning to opt for local travel instead of global destinations. With regional and boutique hotels being popular choices for travelers in this cohort, these hotel brands offer direct rates for their loyalty program members.

a&o Club
Region: Europe
Discount: Up to 25%, depending on loyalty tier
Applies to: a&o Hotels & Hostels
Learn more

Ascott Star Rewards
Region: Oceania, Europe, Asia, Africa, Middle East, North America
Discount: Varies by stay
Applies to: Ascott Hotels, Citadines by Discover ASR, LYF by the Ascott Limited, Oakwood Hotels & Apartments, Somerset by Discover ASR, The Crest Collection, The Unlimited Collection, Fox Hotels, Harris Hotels, Pop! Hotels, Preference Hotels, Quest Apartment Hotels, Vertu Hotels, Yello Hotels
Learn more

CentaraThe1
Region: Asia, Middle East
Discount: 15%
Applies to: Centara, Centara Reserve, The Centara Collection, Centara Grand, Centara Life, Cosi
Learn more

The Clermont
Region: Europe
Discount: 10%
Applies to: The Clermont
Learn more

Click on Clayton
Region: Europe
Discount: Varies by stay
Applies to: Clayton Hotels, Maldron Hotels, The Gibson Hotel, Belvedere Hotel, Hotel 7, The Samuel
Learn more

Danubius Friends
Region: Europe
Discount: Varies by stay
Applies to: Danubius Hotels
Learn more

Dorint Card
Region: Europe
Discount: 10%
Applies to: Dorint Hotels & Resorts, Essential by Dorint, Hommage Luxury Hotels Collection, Barceló Hotel Group
Learn more

Doyle DISCOVERY
Region: Europe, North America
Discount: 10%
Applies to: The Doyle Collection
Learn more

Dusit Gold
Region: Asia, Middle East, Africa
Discount: 15%
Applies to: Dusit Thani Hotels, Dusit Princess Hotels, dusitD2 Hotels, Dusit Devarana Hotels, and ASAI Hotels
Learn more

Elite Hotels Rewards
Region: Europe
Discount: 5%
Applies to: Elite Hotels, By Elite Hotels, Hotel Bishops Arms
Learn more

Extended Perks
Region: North America
Discount: Varies by stay
Applies to: Extended Stay America Premier Suites, Extended Stay Suites, Extended Stay America Select Suites
Learn more

First Member
Region: Europe
Discount: Varies by stay
Applies to: First Hotels
Learn more

Fletcher Friend
Region: Europe
Discount: 5%
Applies to: Fletcher Hotels, Fletcher Deluxe Hotels
Learn more

Golden Tulip
Region: Asia, Oceania, Europe, Middle East, Africa, South America
Discount: 10%
Applies to: Golden Tulip, TULIP Hotels & Residences, Royal Tulip, Tulip Inn, Sarovar
Learn more

Grimm’s Hotels
Region: Europe
Discount: 5%
Applies to: Grimm’s Berlin Mitte, Grimm’s Potsdamer Platz, Grimm’s Berlin-Potsdam
Learn more

Hard Rock Hotels
Region: South America, Caribbean, North America, Europe
Discount: 5%
Applies to: Only YOU Hotels, Fiesta Hotels & Resorts, BLESS Hotels, Family Selection, The Signature Level, Hard Rock Hotels, Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel, TRS Hotels, 45 Times Square Hotel, Palladium Hotels, The Unexpected Hotels, Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts
Learn more

Kempinski Discovery
Region: Europe, Middle East, Asia, Africa, North America
Discount: Varies by stay
Applies to: Anantara Hotels & Resorts, Andronis, Araiya Hotels & Resorts, ASMALLWORLD, Avani Hotels & Resorts, Bristoria Hotels, Capella Hotels and Resorts, Cheval Collection, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Corinthia Hotels, Divani Collection Hotels, The Doyle Collection, Elewana Collection, JA Resorts & Hotels, Kempinski Hotels, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, Lore Group, Lungarno Collection, Maqo, Marco Polo Hotels, Mysk Hotels, NH Collection Hotels & Resorts, NH Hotels & Resorts, nHow Hotels & Resorts, Niccolo Hotels, Nikki Beach Resorts & Hotels, NUO Hotels, Oaks Hotels, Resorts and Suites, OUTRIGGER Hotels & Resorts, Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts, Paramount Hotels, PARKROYAL Hotels & Resorts, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Hotels & Resorts, Patina Hotels & Resorts, The Residence by Cenizaro, SAii Hotels & Resorts, Shaza Hotels, Sun International, Sunway Hotels & Resorts, The Set, The Sukhothai Hotels & Resorts, Tivoli Hotels & Resorts, Unike Hoteller, Verdi Hotels, Viceroy Hotels and Resorts, and Ultratravel Collection
Learn more

Leonardo Hotels
Region: Europe, Middle East
Discount: 10%
Applies to: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, NYX Hotels
Learn more

limehome
Region: Europe
Discount: 15%
Applies to: Limehome
Learn more

Louvre Hotels Group - Flavors Instant Benefits Program
Region: Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa, South America
Discount: Up to 10%
Applies to: Royal Tulip, Golden Tulip, Campanile, Tulip Residences, Kyriad, Kyriad Direct, Premiere Classe
Learn more

MeliáRewards
Region: Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia, North America, Carribean
Discount: Varies by stay
Applies to: Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, The Meliá Collection, ME by Meliá, Paradisus by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, Zel, Innside by Meliá, Sol by Meliá
Learn more

My Barceló
Region: North America, Asia, Caribbean, Europe, Middle East, Africa
Discount: Up to 10%
Applies to: Royal Hideaway Luxury Hotels & Resorts, Barceló Hotels & Resorts, Occidental Hotels & Resorts, Allegro Hotels
Learn more

My Bastion
Region: Europe
Discount: Up to 10%
Applies to: Bastion Hotels
Learn more

My BlueBay
Region: Europe, Caribbean, Middle East
Discount: 5-10%, depending on loyalty tier
Applies to: Blue Diamond, BlueBay Hotels & Resorts, Bellevue Hotels & Resorts, BlueBay Vacation Rentals
Learn more

My Montcalm
Region: Europe
Discount: 15%
Applies to: Montcalm Collection
Learn more

MyMillenium
Region: Asia, Middle East, Europe, Oceania, North America
Discount: Varies by stay
Applies to: The Biltmore Hotel, Leng’s Collection Hotels, Grand Millenium Hotels, Millennium Hotels, M Hotels, M Collection Hotels, Studio M Hotels, M Social Hotels, Millennium Place Hotels, Copthorne Hotels, Kingsgate Hotels, Millennium Residences
Learn more

Numa
Region: Europe
Discount: 10%
Applies to: Numa, Native Places
Learn more

Palladium Hotel Group
Region: South America, Caribbean, North America, Europe
Discount: 5%
Applies to: Only YOU Hotels, Fiesta Hotels & Resorts, BLESS Hotels, Family Selection, The Signature Level, Hard Rock Hotels, Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel, TRS Hotels, 45 Times Square Hotel, Palladium Hotels, The Unexpected Hotels, Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts
Learn more

Pan Pacific Hotel Group
Region: Asia, Oceania, Europe, North America
Discount: 10%
Applies to: Pan Pacific, PARKROYAL Collection
Learn more

Point A Hotels
Region: Europe
Discount: 10%
Applies to: Point A Hotels
Learn more

RediRewards
Region: North America
Discount: Varies by stay
Applies to: Red Roof Inn, Red Roof PLUS+, The Red Collection, HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof
Learn more

Scandic Friends
Region: Europe
Discount: Varies by stay
Applies to: Scandic Hotels
Learn more

Star Traveler by Eurostars Hotels
Region: Europe, North America
Discount: 10%
Applies to: Eurostars Hotels, Aurea Hotels, Iconic Hotels, Exe Hotels, Cristol Hotels, Tandem Suites
Learn more

St Christopher's Inns
Region: Europe
Discount: 5%
Applies to: St Christopher’s Inn
Learn more

Stayokay
Region: Europe
Discount: 10%
Applies to: Hostel Barka
Learn more

Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts
Region: Europe, Asia, Africa
Discount: 2%
Applies to: Steigenberger Icons, Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts, MAXX Hotels, Jaz in the City, IntercityHotel, Sleep Hotels, and Ji Hotel
Learn more

Vila Galé
Region: Europe and the Caribbean
Discount: 10%
Applies to: Vila Galé, Collection
Learn more

Book Direct to Unlock Your Exclusive Member Discounts

Preferred rates are one of the many benefits you’ll enjoy being a part of a hotel’s loyalty program,  and booking directly is the key to enjoying them. 

DirectBooker is developing AI tools that will soon make it easier to compare verified hotels, discover member-only pricing, and connect directly with the property through conversational platforms, helping travelers secure authentic direct-booking discounts with confidence.

Bryan Shelmon

Bryan Shelmon is a travel writer with bylines in Lonely Planet, Midwest Living, and Wanderlust, known for immersive storytelling shaped by long-term travel across 25+ countries. He combines a background in business with nearly a decade of freelance experience, collaborating with tourism boards and capturing culture through art, language, and local exploration.

Our editorial process: DirectBooker curates insights from global hospitality experts and our network of industry insiders. Articles undergo rigorous fact-checking and quality review before publication, ensuring authentic, actionable advice for savvy travelers.