By Sakshi Udavant
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Accumulating enough points can unlock a free hotel night but exactly how many points you need to access that benefit depends on the hotel and the reward program you’re participating in. Some loyalty programs offer higher redemption value per point while some make it easier to earn points.
Here’s a quick rundown on how much a free hotel night really costs in points, which hotel loyalty programs offer the most value and what travelers should keep in mind when choosing rewards.
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How Many Points Do You Need for a Free Hotel Night?
How many points you need depends on how much the points are worth and how much a typical night costs at the hotel. A loyalty program might offer a lot of points but they might not have much value if you need a high amount to redeem a free night.
“Not all hotel points are created equal,” Steve Goeke, founder and CEO of Kiwii, told Newsweek. “We value a Hyatt point at 1.7 cents/point versus less than 1 cent/point for all the other programs.”
According to Kiwii, Hilton’s 10x looks twice as generous as Hyatt’s 5x, but it’s worth about half as much.
Here’s what the most popular loyalty programs require to unlock a free night:
Which Hotel Rewards Program Makes It Easiest to Earn Free Nights?
“There’s no universal answer, because everyone earns and redeems differently,” Jimmy Yoon, head of points intelligence at point.me said to Newsweek. Some travelers rack up points through regular work or family trips while others earn fewer points per purchase but add them more frequently through credit card spending.
Yoon recommends not relying on stays alone to maximize your points earning potential. Consider alternatives like dining, promotions and shopping. “I judge programs on how many ways you can earn their points,” he said.
Which Hotel Programs Offer the Best Value?
Which hotel programs offer the best value depends on where you typically like to travel, how many nights you usually stay and what type of rooms you book.
Consider which hotel chain you’re prioritising based on factors like:
Footprint: Is the hotel actually available in places you frequently travel? Several experts agree that Hyatt has the best redemption value on paper but is it actually meaningful for your travel needs?
“Hyatt’s 1.7 cents is worthless in a town with no Hyatt,” Goeke said. “Hyatt has the best points, but the narrowest range—around 1,300 properties, skewed upscale and urban,” he added. “Wyndham and Choice are the opposite: thousands of properties, but mostly only up to midscale.”
Fixed charts versus dynamic pricing: Hyatt and Wyndham are straightforward with their fixed pricing and publish what a night costs. On the other hand, Marriott, Hilton and IHG decide price based on demand so your points can lose purchasing power at exactly the moments you might want to travel.
Why Do Award Prices Change?
Some hotel loyalty programs change award prices based on demand. High tourist seasons can offer low value while shoulder and low seasons can get you the same room for fewer points. Factors like popularity of the destination, availability of the rooms and customer demand can greatly influence the pricing and reward model.
Are Hotel Rewards Programs Worth It?
Hotel reward programs are typically worth it for regular travelers. Whether you travel for business or take frequent family vacations, the more you spend and stay at hotels, the more points you earn and rewards you unlock. Occasional travelers may not benefit much as they might struggle to meet the thresholds required to unlock perks.
What Travelers Should Know Before Chasing Hotel Points
- Compare cash and points pricing: What value are the points actually offering compared to paying directly?
- Don't focus only on point balances: Also consider redemption rates, dynamic pricing, hotel footprint, etc.
- Consider where you travel most often: Pick hotel loyalty programs with a stronger network in areas where you’re most likely to visit.
- Choose one primary program instead of spreading stays across several so you can maximise your points and rewards.
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