I've been a member of a hotel rewards program for over an year now, but haven't been really using it until recently. I've stayed in hostels, Airbnbs, and even couchsurfed, yet I still really enjoy hotel rewards programs and all they have to offer.
Now, more than ever, it's easy to accumulate points with any brand. Shopping online and signing up friends can get you to a reward faster. More commonly, points can add up with hotel credit cards, stays with sister hotel brands, airline miles, and car rentals.
Points can be used domestically and internationally at anytime and usually there are no blackout dates. If you want to extend your stay, for example, simply trade in your points for another night! It's easy to use members' points also for spa days, airline miles, products, free nights, activities, and meals.
Brands love faithful patrons and want to treat them well when they visit, so they send special offers to reward members only. Based on the program and the accumulated amount of points, you can get 10-30% off the price of a stay. Marriott allows (Free?) upgrades upon check-in, depending on your level of membership, and use of the concierge lounge. All brands are trying to find new ways to make their loyal members feel valued.
Flights and hotels go hand-in-hand. Why not use one to get the other? Airlines allow you to convert miles into hotel points and free stays. You can turn hotel points into miles if you want, but it's easier and more beneficial to turn miles into points.
Like picking a bank or buying a car, you have to do your research. Figure out what you want from the program based on price ranges, locations, hotel quality, rewards, and sister brands. Once the criteria has been set, you'll be able to find the perfect fit for you. I would love to hear which program you prefer!
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