You probably have come across marketing promotions from hotels about free stays or large discounts with points, but you might not always know what it means.
If you ask around, most people will tell you it boosts your savings. Now, you want to know how to earn or redeem them.
But before all that, let’s get the biggest question out of the way, how do hotel points work? Here’s a quick overview!
What are Hotel Points?
Simply put, hotel points are the rewards you get from hotels when you choose to book them during your trip. You can think of it as their way to thank you for selecting them.
Evidence finds that about 44% of travelers consider loyalty programs when choosing a hotel. Because of this, hotels are likely to provide you with a range of options and several deals that are enticing, even at first glance.
These rewards can be used for several purposes, including rate discounts, coupons, and more. This way, you can increase your savings or upgrade your next stay.
How Can You Get Points?
- Booking: One of the most common ways to earn points is by booking with a specific hotel. The amount you get will depend on your room rates and how much you spend on other hotel amenities or facilities.
- Credit Card Use: If the hotel is partnered with a credit card company, you can use them to book your stay and earn points. Some may also reward you with hotel points as long as you spend with a specific credit card.
- Transferable Points: Select institutions offer transferable points, allowing you to use accumulated points from different programs for your hotel stay.
- Spending: Shopping or dining at partnered locations or using a hotel credit card allows you to rack up your points or acquire discounts.
- Purchasing: Some hotels allow you to buy points. Note that there’s usually a limit to how much you can buy in a year, but it’s one of the easiest and quickest ways to acquire them.
- Loyalty Programs: Hotels tend to have their own loyalty programs. So, they credit the points directly to your card or account whenever you book or purchase from them or partner companies.
Tips for Maximizing Hotel Points
There are lots of ways to maximize your points and enhance the quality of your stay. With the right strategy, you can gather enough to ensure a luxury experience on your next booking!
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Pick the Right Card: You want to pick a card that you’re likely to use often. This way, you can easily rack points without the pressure of spending for the sake of it. Note that these can be hotel-specific or partnered credit cards.
- Review Transfer Rates: Take your time to compare the transfer rates before you convert your points. It allows you to get the best deal available and helps you make the most of each point.
- Consider Extra Offers: Some hotels offer a free night or discounted rate when you book rooms using your points, allowing you to save while enjoying a longer stay.
- Know the Limits: Hotel points aren’t going to stay with you forever. So, it’s good to know the validity. Instead of spending them as soon as possible, be strategic with how you save and spend them. You can also combine them with someone else’s points, if applicable.
