Booking hotels with points is an exciting opportunity to make your travel dreams come true without spending a lot of money. If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ve probably accumulated points or miles through various loyalty programs. However, many people are unaware of the full potential of these points, especially when it comes to hotel bookings. In this article, we’ll guide you through how to book hotels using points, the benefits of doing so, and the top hotel programs you can use for this purpose.
What Does “Booking Hotels with Points” Mean?
Booking hotels with points means that you’re using rewards points earned from various programs (such as airline miles, credit card reward points, or hotel loyalty programs) to reserve a hotel room instead of paying with cash. Many loyalty programs partner with hotels to allow users to redeem points for free or discounted stays. Depending on the program, you can also combine points and cash to book a hotel room.
This method of booking accommodations has become increasingly popular as travelers look for ways to cut down on their travel expenses, enjoy luxury stays, or even access rooms in high-demand locations without spending a fortune.
Why Should You Book Hotels with Points?
Save Money on Accommodation
One of the most obvious benefits of booking hotels with points is the significant amount of money you can save. Instead of paying hundreds of dollars for a hotel room, you can redeem points, and in some cases, get the room for free or at a reduced price. This savings can be used toward other aspects of your trip, such as meals, activities, or transportation.
Access Premium Rooms and Locations
Points booking programs often allow you to access premium rooms or better locations within a hotel. By redeeming points, you might be able to stay in a higher-tier room category or book a hotel in a prime location that you might not be able to afford using cash alone.
Flexibility with Reward Programs
Many travelers are unaware of how versatile reward programs can be when it comes to booking hotels. Whether you use frequent flyer miles, hotel loyalty points, or points accumulated through your credit card, you have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of accommodations.
Top Hotel Programs to Book Hotels with Points
Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy is one of the largest and most popular hotel loyalty programs in the world, offering access to over 7,000 properties worldwide. Members can earn points by staying at Marriott hotels, using a Marriott credit card, or through partner programs. Points can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, or even vacation packages.
Features:
- Over 30 hotel brands available, from budget to luxury.
- Points can be used for both hotel stays and travel packages.
- Access to exclusive member benefits, including late checkouts and upgrades.
Use Case: For example, if you’re a frequent traveler who stays at Marriott properties, you can accumulate points quickly and redeem them for a luxurious stay at a top-tier property without paying full price.
Pros:
- Large selection of properties worldwide.
- Great value for point redemption during off-peak periods.
- Opportunities to earn points with travel partners.
Cons:
- Point redemption rates can fluctuate, especially during peak seasons.
- Some high-end properties require a large number of points for a free night.
Where to Buy: You can join the Marriott Bonvoy program for free and start earning points through their website.
Hilton Honors
Hilton Honors is another excellent rewards program that allows members to redeem points for free nights or discounted hotel stays. Hilton boasts an extensive global network of over 6,400 hotels in 119 countries, making it an ideal choice for travelers who prefer consistency and quality.
Features:
- Members can earn points through stays, credit cards, and various partners.
- Points can be redeemed for hotel stays, car rentals, and even experiences.
- Regular promotions allow you to earn bonus points for bookings.
Use Case: Imagine you’ve accumulated Hilton Honors points over time, and now you want to book a weekend getaway at a Hilton Garden Inn in New York City. With your points, you can book a comfortable room without spending any cash.
Pros:
- Great redemption rates for budget hotels.
- Flexible booking options with points for both short and extended stays.
- Frequent bonus point offers to accelerate your points balance.
Cons:
- High-end properties may require a large number of points for free stays.
- Some locations have limited availability for point bookings.
Where to Buy: Sign up for Hilton Honors and begin earning points immediately via the Hilton website.
Benefits of Booking Hotels with Points
Travel Flexibility
Using points for hotel bookings offers greater flexibility, especially when planning last-minute trips. Hotel points can be redeemed without worrying about availability since many loyalty programs offer flexible redemption policies. You can adjust your stay, check-in dates, and cancellation terms according to your preferences, often with no additional fees.
Upgraded Experience
Booking with points may also allow you to enjoy upgraded accommodations, such as suites or rooms with special amenities, which might otherwise be out of reach on a regular budget. Some programs allow you to combine points and cash for an upgraded stay at no extra cost.
Earning More Points for Future Travel
Some hotel programs offer bonus points for booking hotel stays using points. This creates a cyclical benefit where you can continue to earn more points for future trips, extending the rewards process for travelers who frequently redeem their points.
Real-World Examples of Booking Hotels with Points
Example 1: Booking a Luxury Stay with Marriott Bonvoy Points
With Marriott Bonvoy, a member can book a luxurious room at the Ritz-Carlton in Paris for 70,000 points per night. This gives you access to a high-end hotel without breaking your travel budget.
Pros:
- Top-tier properties available in major cities worldwide.
- Access to exclusive hotel amenities for point redeemers.
Cons:
- High-demand hotels may require more points during peak seasons.
Example 2: Booking a Budget-Friendly Stay with Hilton Honors
For those on a budget, booking a standard room at a Hilton Garden Inn could cost as little as 10,000 points per night. This provides a great value for points and an affordable option for travelers on a budget.
Pros:
- Affordable point redemption.
- Good quality for budget-conscious travelers.
Cons:
- Limited luxury options for redemption at low points levels.
Where to Buy and How to Redeem Points for Hotels
To redeem points for hotel bookings, simply join the respective loyalty programs (Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, etc.) and start earning points through stays or travel purchases. Once you’ve accumulated enough points, log into your account and use them to reserve a room through the hotel’s website or app. Many hotels also allow you to book rooms through travel partners, so you may also find redemption options via airlines or credit card programs.
FAQs
Q1: Can I book hotels with points for anyone else?
Yes, most loyalty programs allow you to book a hotel stay with points for someone else, provided you are the account holder and the reservation is made under your name.
Q2: Can I combine points and cash to book a hotel?
Yes, many hotel loyalty programs, such as Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, allow you to combine points and cash for a booking, making it easier to book a stay even if you don’t have enough points for a full free night.
Q3: Are there any fees when booking hotels with points?
While there are generally no extra fees for redeeming points, certain programs may charge taxes or resort fees for bookings made with points, which are usually payable in cash.
