How Hotel Rewards Work (and How to Start Earning Points)

• Loyalty Programs

You may see eye-catching hotel rewards perks, such as VIP access to big-name artists and sports events or exclusive discounts on top-tier rooms. For the average traveler new to the world of travel rewards, these exciting offers may seem exclusive or inaccessible. But don’t let the flashy titles or fine print details fool you—many of these travel and hotel experiences are within reach. You just need to learn how to navigate hotel rewards programs. 

Joining hotel rewards programs can unlock an entirely new travel experience. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to get started in earning hotel rewards, including the exciting range of benefits, different hotel reward programs, and paths to reaching elite statuses. 

A top tip? Book directly with hotels, as most rewards require it. DirectBooker is building tools that will make this even easier by integrating verified direct rates with conversational AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini, so you can compare options and still earn points.

What Are Hotel Points or Rewards?

Hotel points or rewards are perks you earn by staying with a specific hotel chain or booking through their loyalty program. As you accumulate points, you can redeem them for free nights, room upgrades, early check-in, late check-out, and other exclusive benefits that enhance your stay.

Major hotel chains, including Marriott, Accor, IHG, and Hyatt, offer various levels of reward programs that incentivize guests to become repeat customers. Many hotel member programs offer free sign-up and membership to track your stay and accumulate points. 

Some hotel chains also offer co-branded credit cards, which aren’t required to join but can help you earn points faster and access additional benefits.

What Can Hotel Points Get You?

Hotel reward programs unlock more than just free nights. From room upgrades to VIP perks, your points can open the door to a better travel experience. Some benefits can be redeemed directly with points, while others come automatically as you move up to elite status within the program. 

Here’s what you can typically redeem with points:

• Hotel nights: Whether you accumulate points through hotel stays or receive a free night annually as part of a loyalty or credit card program, one of the most valuable benefits of hotel rewards is a free night stay. Hotels typically list rooms both by cash price and the number of points required, giving you flexibility in how you book.

• Room upgrades: Many hotel rewards programs offer complimentary room upgrades as you move through their tiered rewards membership program. In some rewards programs, you can also redeem points to secure an upgraded room.

• Late check-out or early check-in: Hotel points or status with a hotel program often get you a late check-out. Early check-ins are also a common perk. 

• Free amenities: Wifi, breakfast, and space access can be extra costs at major hotel groups. Guests with hotel points or rewards memberships can often get those extra perks free of charge.

• Activities and special events: Sometimes, guests with elite status can trade in their hotel points for exclusive events, such as VIP access to concerts and sports events. Points can also be traded in for hotel activities such as spa treatments and golfing. 

How Much Are Hotel Points Worth?

Let’s say you’ve accumulated 5,000 hotel points, but what is that actually worth? Hotel points are valued differently for each property so the answer will depend on the hotel’s reward program.

For example, IHG points are worth the lowest at $0.005 cents per point, while on the upper end of the scale, Hyatt has the most valuable points at $0.022 cents per point. These values can help you calculate what your points are worth when redeeming them for rooms and other benefits. So, if you have 5,000 points, they would be worth $25 with IHG and worth $110 with Hyatt. 

How to Choose the Right Hotel Reward Program

There are dozens of hotel reward programs out there, and figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming. But choosing the right one becomes easier when you consider your travel habits and preferences.

Before you dive into research, think about:

• Where you typically travel

• How often you travel

• The style of hotel you prefer (luxury vs. casual)

• Whether you want to focus on earning points through stays or through a hotel credit card

These answers will help guide you toward a rewards program that fits your travel style and goals.

You can join more than one program

Don’t feel like you have to commit to just one. Hotel reward programs are free to join, so you can sign up for multiple and test them out as you travel. Over time, you may find yourself gravitating toward one based on the benefits, hotel quality, and how quickly your points accumulate.

Research hotel groups and associated properties

Familiarize yourself with various programs and their associated properties. Most of the time, reward programs under a main hotel name, such as Marriott or Hyatt, also include other hotels. They can consist of several hotel groups that range from casual to luxury stays. For example, the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program includes JW Marriott properties as well as W Hotels, St. Regis, The Westin, and Four Points, to name a few. 

Compare these properties and hotel brands. If there are properties or brands that you tend to stay in more often, use them as a starting point. 

Explore hotels by location

An easy way to narrow down your hotel reward program search is to consider whether a hotel group has properties in destinations that you frequently visit or hope to visit. 

If multiple hotel groups have properties in your chosen destination, consider factors such as additional hotel locations, reviews, amenities, and pricing trends that may help you narrow down your choice. 

Compare the benefits and requirements for point accrual 

Now that you’ve narrowed your choice to two hotel programs based on property and location, the final step is to compare the benefits, point accrual, and status requirements. 

The best programs offer straightforward point accrual and simple paths to higher status. Ask yourself the following:

• Does the program offer an easier path to a higher status? 

• Does the program offer any bonuses, for example, sign-on bonuses or extra points for shopping at specific stores or types of stores?

• Do the program’s benefits align with my interests?

Consider hotel credit cards

Many hotel programs offer co-branded credit cards that can help you earn points more quickly and unlock perks such as automatic elite status or complimentary anniversary nights.

A helpful question to ask: Does adding a hotel credit card make sense for your current spending and travel plans? If you’re loyal to one brand and plan to travel regularly, the right card can accelerate your rewards and offer additional value.

Tips for Maximizing Hotel Points and Rewards

Once you’ve signed up for a hotel reward program, you’re eligible to start earning points. However, there are a few tricks to ensure you make the most out of the program and aren’t missing out on any points-earning opportunities or deals. 

Book the hotel directly

Booking directly with the hotel (versus a third-party travel website or travel agent) is the first step to maximizing your hotel points. Most hotels don’t let you count a night stay if you don’t book directly with the property. 

Comparing properties can take time, but DirectBooker is developing AI-powered tools that will surface verified direct rates and policies inside conversational platforms (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini) and then connect you to the hotel to book so your stays count toward points and status.

Choose one or two hotel rewards programs

Although you can sign up for as many hotel rewards programs as you want, you’ll be able to accumulate more points and rewards by focusing on one or two rewards programs. 

This allows you to collect more points within one program, climb the elite tier ranks, and unlock more benefits rather than having lower points spread across several different programs. 

Sign up for a hotel credit card 

While not a prerequisite for earning points at hotels, hotel credit cards certainly help you accumulate points faster. For example, the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program offers five credit cards to choose from. Each card offers unique signing bonuses, including free night awards, bonus points, and access to luxury experiences.

These hotel credit cards also earn more points for every dollar purchased at the hotel, including hotel rooms (booked directly) and hotel restaurants. Each program has unique ways to earn additional points, including extra points at gas stations, participating restaurants, and rental car bookings.

Accrue points outside of hotel stays

If you’ve signed up for a hotel-branded credit card, using the card to book hotel stays or make purchases at the hotel, such as spa and dining, is an easy way to build points. 

But what about the times you’re not making hotel-related purchases? Look into the card’s bonus schemes that offer extra points when purchasing goods and services, such as groceries and ride-sharing services, and make sure to activate your card for those so you can earn those extra points. 

Popular Hotel Rewards Programs

Most major hotel chains offer rewards programs. Use this overview of popular programs to help determine which is best for you and your travel style. 

Most major hotel chains offer rewards programs. Use this overview of popular programs to help determine which is best for you and your travel style.

Accor Live Limitless

Accor Live Limitless includes more than 40 hotel brands such as Sofitel, Novotel, Fairmont, and ibis, spanning 110 countries. 

Membership is free, and points can be earned through hotel stays, dining, and select experiences. Points can be redeemed for stays, upgrades, and exclusive events, including concerts and culinary experiences curated by Accor.

Best Western Rewards

Best Western Rewards covers more than 4,500 hotels globally, including brands like Best Western Premier, GLō, and Aiden. 

There’s no cost to join, and you start earning points from your first stay. Points never expire and can be used toward free nights, gift cards, and even gas and retail purchases. Elite tiers offer benefits like early check-in, late check-out, and room upgrades.

Choice Privileges

Choice Privileges includes over 7,000 hotels across brands such as Comfort Inn, Cambria Hotels, and Ascend Hotel Collection. 

Membership is free, and members earn 10 points per dollar spent on stays. Points can be redeemed for free nights, gift cards, or airline miles. Elite members receive perks like extended booking windows, room upgrades, and bonus points.

Hilton Honors

Hilton Honors includes over 8,000 participating properties across 24 brands in more than 170 countries. Some of the participating properties include Conrad Hotels, Waldorf Astoria, and Hilton Garden Inn. Start as a Hilton Member before working your way up to one of its elite statuses, ranging from Silver to Lifetime Diamond.

Membership is free, and points can be earned on various activities, including hotel stays, dining, and Lyft rides, and redeemed for free nights, events, car rentals, and online shopping.

IHG One Rewards

IHG One Rewards includes a mix of mainstream and luxury hotel brands, including Crowne Plaza, Kimpton, and Holiday Inn.

Signing up for One Rewards automatically qualifies you as a One Rewards Club member, which grants you points earned for nights stayed, free internet, and promotions. Keep earning and reach one of IHG’s five elite tiers, which offer benefits ranging from bonus earnings to room upgrades to amenities at check-in.

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy includes a diverse range of hotels, extending beyond just the name-brand Marriott properties. Westin, Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Moxy, and the Autograph Collection are all part of the Marriott Bonvoy family.

Sign up for free and earn points at a wide selection of member properties. You can increase your status to one of the five elite tiers by earning points with one of their credit cards. Bonvoy points can be redeemed for hotel stays, flights, and experiences, often including exclusive events such as VIP access to jazz festivals and Broadway shows.

Radisson Rewards

Radisson Rewards includes Radisson Blu, Park Plaza, Radisson RED, and other affiliated brands. Members earn points on eligible stays, food and beverage purchases, and more. 

Points can be redeemed for free nights, airline miles, and charity donations. Elite tiers offer perks such as early check-in, room upgrades, and additional point bonuses.

World of Hyatt

World of Hyatt is free to join and become a member. From the base membership, there’s the option to reach four additional tiers, starting at “Discoverist” and going up to “Lifetime Globalist.”

To reach the next tier, you’ll need to stay a certain number of nights per year or accrue a certain number of base points. Waived resort fees, late check-outs, and room upgrades are among the benefits of Hyatt’s program.

Wyndham Rewards

Wyndham Rewards includes over 50,000 hotels, vacation club resorts, and rentals across brands such as La Quinta, Ramada, and Days Inn. 

Members earn points on stays and can redeem them for free nights, discounted rates, and experiences. With three elite tiers, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond, loyal members enjoy benefits like late check-out, preferred rooms, and bonus points.

Unlock More From Every Stay

Hotel reward programs are a fantastic way to unlock benefits when traveling. The most effective strategy is to build status with a single hotel rewards program, which allows you to accumulate points more quickly. Benefits can range from late check-outs to free nights and exclusive events.

Booking directly with hotels is a simple way to earn points, but with hotel-branded credit cards and research on earning points through other qualifying purchases, you can earn elite status more quickly. 

Alicia Erickson

Alicia Erickson is a travel writer and content strategist with bylines in BBC Travel, National Geographic, Condé Nast Traveler, Fodor’s, and World Nomads. With a background in international development and a decade of experience as a digital nomad, she specializes in mindful, experiential travel across lesser-known destinations.

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.