Like everything else, the hotel/hospitality industry has evolved over time in size and approach to marketing. They’ve grown from a handful of major names like Hilton and Holiday Inn, each with a reputation based on the market segment they try to serve, into mega-corporations. These newer brands feature large collections of brands ranging from economical to deluxe accommodations. Many of these brands are now multi-national with many being global and because they all offer a range of types and price points that are very similar their marketing had to change to find a competitive edge.
Today every major hotel chain has a loyalty reward program with the goal of turning you into a returning guest. Most every program is free to join, but they are all not the same as there are different rules, earning point rates and comparative point values. In addition there are a variety of other benefits offered from free wifi, freebies on arrival and special discounts. How much you can save depends on your level of travel and how much you’re comfortable spending per night and especially how often you stay in hotels.
What follows are the top five hotel reward programs that also offer the ability to earn and use the points when traveling internationally. They are based on WalletHub.com scores, calculated for equivalent dollar values.
Wyndham Rewards
WalletHub Score 72.40 Equivalent Earned Per $100 Spent $13.46
For every qualified stay at a Wyndham Rewards hotel or vacation club resort, you’ll earn 10 points per dollar or 1,000 points—whichever is more. Choose how you want to redeem your points with three simple free night tiers—7,500, 15,000, or 30,000 points per night. Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, Wyndham Grand, Dolce Hotels and Resorts, TRYP by Wyndham, Dazzler Hotels in Latin America, La Quinta hotels, Wingate by Wyndham, AmericInn, Ramada, Baymont, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham, Days Inn, Super 8, Howard Johnson, Travelodge and Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham.
Radisson Rewards
WalletHub Score 65.95 Equivalent Earned Per $100 Spent $12.50
Free Award Nights starting at 9,000 points with no blackout dates on Standard Rooms. Members Only Rate – save up to 10% on the best available rate when you book directly on our Radisson’s website. Earn 20 points per US dollar spent on eligible stays. Redeem points for Free Award Nights, airline miles, gift cards, prepaid cards, and more. Brands include Radisson RED, Park Plaza, art’otel, Park Inn and Country Inn and Suites.
Best Western Rewards
WalletHub Score 63.71 Equivalent Earned Per $100 Spent $9.75
The Best Western Rewards program is divided into five levels: Blue, Gold, Platinum, Diamond and Diamond Select. •Worldwide Free Night Redemption • Points Never Expire • BWR® Exclusive Member Rates • Rich Rewards & Incentives – Earn points for redemptions including gift cards, free nights and one-of-a-kind adventures. Incorporates the Best Western branded properties along with, Glō®, Vīb® and Aiden® by Best Western.
Traveling internationally this is becoming our favorite choice in the moderate price category.
Choice Privileges
WalletHub Score 61.99 Equivalent Earned Per $100 Spent $11.63
Enjoy rewards beginning with your very first stay. Stay weekdays for extra perks like coffee cards and online shopping credits. Use your points your way, with reward options like free nights and gift cards. Save with member-only rates and exclusive offers. Elite members also receive bonus points or welcome gifts with every stay. Sleep Inn, Quality Inn, Rodeway Inn, and Comfort, Ascend Hotel Collection and Clarion.
Marriott Bonvoy
WalletHub Score 61.01 Equivalent Earned Per $100 Spent $10.89
Participating properties include The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis on the luxury side, JW Marriott and Westin in the middle of the range, and MOXY and Element toward the budget end of the spectrum. Cost – Elite Gold no fee, Silver Elite and base level members must pay a flat fee of $10. Marriott Bonvoy Points can be used for free nights, airfare, car rentals, gift cards, and even online shopping.
When traveling with enough accumulated points this is our choice in many large international cities.
Accor Hotels
These hotels are part of an international group with properties around the globe. Their brands represent hotels from economy to luxury and the group is famous for offering special packages at remarkable rates.
Approximate WalletHub Score range 60 to 45. Earn from 5 to 35 points for every $15 spent depending on the reward status and the hotel chain.
The Accor group’s brands welcome you to over 100 countries throughout the world, in over 5,100 hotels for the most unforgettable stays. The group includes Mercure Hotels, Swissotel, Ibis, Greet, Adagio, Jo & Joe, Tribe and Novotel.
In Asia we’ve stayed a number of times at their Mercure Hotels and have been very impressed with the accommodations and the value. Their emailed special offers are always worth considering.
Visit the website HERE
intend2travel.info 