Choosing the best hotel loyalty program depends on your travel habits, preferences, and the benefits you value most. Here’s a detailed comparison of some of the top hotel loyalty programs:
1. Marriott Bonvoy
- Brands: JW Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, W Hotels, Westin, Sheraton, and more.
- Earning Points: Earn 10 points per $1 spent at most properties (5 points at extended stay brands).
- Redeeming Points: Free nights (5,000-100,000 points), room upgrades, experiences, and more.
- Elite Tiers:
- Silver Elite (10 nights/year): 10% bonus points, late check-out.
- Gold Elite (25 nights/year): 25% bonus points, room upgrades, late check-out, welcome gift.
- Platinum Elite (50 nights/year): 50% bonus points, room upgrades including suites, lounge access, welcome gift, guaranteed late check-out.
- Titanium Elite (75 nights/year): 75% bonus points, room upgrades including suites, lounge access, welcome gift, annual choice benefit.
- Ambassador Elite (100 nights/year + $23,000 spend): 75% bonus points, personal ambassador service, Your24 (flexible check-in/out).
2. Hilton Honors
- Brands: Hilton, Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, DoubleTree, Hampton, and more.
- Earning Points: Earn 10 points per $1 spent at most properties (5 points at Tru and Home2 Suites).
- Redeeming Points: Free nights (5,000-95,000 points), room upgrades, experiences, and more.
- Elite Tiers:
- Silver (4 stays or 10 nights/year): 20% bonus points, fifth night free on award stays, two free bottled waters.
- Gold (20 stays, 40 nights, or 75,000 points/year): 80% bonus points, free breakfast, room upgrades, space-available room upgrades, executive lounge access.
- Diamond (30 stays, 60 nights, or 120,000 points/year): 100% bonus points, guaranteed room availability, executive lounge access, 48-hour room guarantee, elite status extension.
3. World of Hyatt
- Brands: Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Andaz, Hyatt Place, and more.
- Earning Points: Earn 5 points per $1 spent.
- Redeeming Points: Free nights (5,000-40,000 points), room upgrades, dining, spa services, and more.
- Elite Tiers:
- Discoverist (10 nights/year): 10% bonus points, premium internet, late check-out, preferred room.
- Explorist (30 nights/year): 20% bonus points, upgrades to best room available, guaranteed availability, club lounge access.
- Globalist (60 nights/year): 30% bonus points, best available room including suites, club lounge access, free breakfast, late check-out, resort fees waived.
4. IHG One Rewards
- Brands: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites, and more.
- Earning Points: Earn 10 points per $1 spent at most properties.
- Redeeming Points: Free nights (10,000-70,000 points), room upgrades, merchandise, and more.
- Elite Tiers:
- Gold (10 nights/year): 10% bonus points, extended check-out, welcome amenity.
- Platinum (40 nights/year): 50% bonus points, room upgrades, guaranteed room availability, welcome amenity.
- Diamond (70 nights/year): 100% bonus points, room upgrades, early check-in, guaranteed room availability, free breakfast.
5. Accor Live Limitless (ALL)
- Brands: Sofitel, Fairmont, Novotel, Mercure, and more.
- Earning Points: Earn 25 points per €10 spent.
- Redeeming Points: Free nights (2,000 points = €40 discount), dining, experiences, and more.
- Elite Tiers:
- Silver (10 nights/year): Welcome drink, priority check-in.
- Gold (30 nights/year): Room upgrades, late check-out, welcome gift.
- Platinum (60 nights/year): Room upgrades, early check-in/late check-out, guaranteed room availability, executive lounge access.
- Diamond (84 nights/year): Guaranteed room availability, dedicated customer care, VIP experiences.
6. Choice Privileges
- Brands: Comfort Inn, Cambria Hotels, Quality Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection, and more.
- Earning Points: Earn 10 points per $1 spent.
- Redeeming Points: Free nights (6,000-35,000 points), gift cards, and more.
- Elite Tiers:
- Gold (10 nights/year): Elite point bonus, elite customer service, extended booking window for reward nights.
- Platinum (20 nights/year): Higher elite point bonus, early check-in, late check-out.
- Diamond (40 nights/year): Highest elite point bonus, room upgrades, welcome gift.
Conclusion
When choosing a hotel loyalty program, consider your travel patterns and the benefits that matter most to you. Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors are great for their extensive property networks and generous elite perks. World of Hyatt and IHG One Rewards offer valuable points and unique benefits, while Accor Live Limitless provides versatile options for international travelers. Choice Privileges is a solid option for those who frequently stay at mid-range hotels. Evaluate the earning and redemption options, elite status benefits, and program flexibility to find the best fit for your travel needs.