U.S. News reveals the Best Hotel Rewards Programs of 2016-17.
What makes a hotel rewards program right for you? Some offer greater geographic coverage than their competitors, while others make it easy to earn free stays and attain elite status perks quickly. To help you determine which hotel rewards program deserves your loyalty, U.S. News evaluated 18 leading programs using an unbiased methodology that analyzes network size, property diversity and the ease of earning a free night, among other factors. Read on to discover the pros and cons of each hotel rewards program, starting with No. 18.
18. Loews YouFirst
Pro: Members can be upgraded to the most elite membership level — Platinum — after just 10 stays
Con: Only 24 properties participate in the Loews YouFirst program
17. Fairmont President’s Club
Pro: Fairmont President’s Club members enjoy exclusive access to discounted vacation packages
Con: Reward certificates can expire and blackout dates may apply to reward stays
16. Le Club AccorHotels
Pro: Members can earn points on hotel expenditures, such as dining and spa treatments, during eligible stays
Con: There are a limited number of Accor hotels in the U.S.
15. iPrefer
Pro: Points can be redeemed for free nights and other property purchases at more than 550 participating properties around the globe
Con: To maintain Elite status, members must earn a large number of points each year
14. Omni Select Guest
Pro: Members automatically receive benefits on their first stay just for signing up for the Omni Select Guest program, including free Wi-Fi
Con: The Omni brand does not extend beyond the U.S., Canada and Mexico
13. Kimpton Karma Rewards
Pro: Rewards are transferable and blackout dates are rare
Con: Members cannot receive rewards for rooms booked through third-party websites, such as Expedia or Priceline, or for rooms booked at a discounted rate
12. Stash Hotel Rewards
Pro: No blackout dates
Con: Members can only redeem points for eligible hotel stays and cannot use points to pay for additional hotel expenses, such as meals or spa treatments
11. Starwood Preferred Guest
Pro: Points can be redeemed for room upgrades and event tickets, among other options
Con: Fewer budget-friendly hotels than programs of a similar size, such as Hilton HHonors and Marriott Rewards
10. Leaders Club
Pro: There is no limit to the number of free nights members can earn in a calendar year
Con: An annual membership fee is required to enjoy benefits at both of the program’s membership levels
9. IHG Rewards Club
Pro: Members can redeem points for free nights at hotels outside the IHG network and for free flights with more than 400 partner airlines
Con: Members cannot earn points for discounted rooms or rooms booked through third-party websites
8. Hilton HHonors
Pro: There are no blackout dates when members use Hilton HHonors points to book a room
Con: Free nights at higher-end hotels require a large number of points
7. Hyatt Gold Passport
Pro: Members can earn and use points at hotels across a variety of price points
Con: Some elite membership benefits, like expedited check-in, are not available at select hotels
6. Club Carlson
Pro: Points can be redeemed for free nights and flights with the program’s airline partners
Con: Rewards cannot be redeemed for rooms reserved on third-party websites
5. La Quinta Returns
Pro: Points can be converted to frequent flier miles
Con: The La Quinta network only encompasses two brands: La Quinta Inn and La Quinta Inn & Suites
4. Best Western Rewards
Pro: Best Western Rewards points can be redeemed for free nights, airline miles, gift cards and more
Con: While there are more than 4,000 participating hotels worldwide, there are a limited number of high-end properties
2. Marriott Rewards (tie)
Pro: Rewards can be used on hotel stays, flights, rental cars, cruises and vacation packages, among other options
Con: Marriott’s top-tier membership level is harder to reach than the highest levels within the Hilton HHonors and Starwood Preferred Guest programs
2. Choice Privileges (tie)
Pro: Stays at budget hotels can earn members free nights at luxury hotels
Con: Choice Privileges points expire after 18 months of account inactivity
1. Wyndham Rewards
Pro: Qualifying nights can roll over into the following year, making it easier for Wyndham Rewards members to maintain or improve their status
Con: It can take six to eight weeks for rewards with partners to be processed
More from U.S. News
How to Maximize Travel Rewards Points and Perks for Your Family
Infographic: What Makes a Great Frequent Flier Program?
The 2016-17 Best Hotel Rewards Programs
The 2016-17 Best Hotel Rewards Programs originally appeared on usnews.com
