What was your worst hotel stay? Mine was some independent hotel in middle of nowhere Arkansas where we found carpet that had not been vacuumed in a year, boogers on the wall and a trickle out the faucet. It probably cost us 39.99 which was 39.99 too much. I complained big time and we got all of it refunded. So we stayed in filth for $0.
Today I also like to stay at hotels for $0. But I don't get them because I complain, I get them free with points. I have stayed in some beautiful Hilton properties, ones I would never have been able to afford on my own. One with a bathroom as big as my current bedroom with heated toilet seats. It was pure luxury.
When comparing Hotels to book with points, it is often comparing oranges to apples. I hope this post helps you to decide which places to look for on your next trip.
Hilton cards often have a sign up bonus between 100,000 and 160,000 points once you spend 2000-3000 in 90 days. This sounds like a whole lot. But keep in mind, that Hilton award stays cost anywhere from 20,000 (rare)- to 1,000,000 (yes, that is 6 zeros) points a night. So, your 160,000 points may not get you too far, depending on your location. I love Hilton, however, so I collect those points even though rooms are so expensive. If you are interested in a great Hilton card check out the Aspire. This is my referral link and I would appreciate the love. It has a great sign up offer. Hilton Aspire Link
There are many Marriott Cards to sign up for. I signed up for one last year that gave me 5 free nights after I spent $2000. This sounds great, but the rewards expire after one year and are only good on a room up to 50,000 points a night. We used them for a stay in Hawaii and I had to use extra points on top to cover for a basic, no frills Residence Inn. Was it worth it...Heck yeah. But still, Marriott properties, like Hilton are pricey. They also run from 35,000 a night to numbers that make your head spin, depending on Location and the type of hotel. If you love Marriott and would like some free nights, please consider using my link for a sign up offer. Chase Marriott Bonvoy
IHG has a great sign up bonus right now. The IHG premier card has a 175,000 point bonus when you spend $3,000 in 3 months. That also sounds like a ton of points. IHG, however charges a lot of points for a room per night. 25,000 for Holiday Inn, depending on location. So once again, it sounds like you are getting a ton of points...which you are. But depending on where you are going, not too many nights. But probably enough for a week in Europe in a basic hotel.
Wyndham is another option. The points offered when you sign up for a credit card are nothing exciting, however, Wyndham has more properties than any Hotel Chain and point can be used on their Time Share properties if they are available. Rooms at Wyndham are only 7500 to 30,000. (Even in Hawaii) So you can get a lot of value. I will do a whole post on the value of Wyndham rewards. It is an undervalued currency that I plan to get plenty of.
I have saved the best for last! Hyatt! I will also have a post in the future on the value of this hotel. The points are easy to earn. And rooms go from 7500 a night to 40,000 a night. You can get a Hyatt credit card which has a sign up bonus of around 60,000. This is one way to earn points. Having the card will also give you some perks at the hotel. But! I if you get a Chase Sapphire Preferred card, you can transfer points to Hyatt as well. I just transferred 75,000 points from my Chase account instantly to my Hyatt account and booked 3 nights in Cancun at an all inclusive hotel for 2. That same amount might get me a night at a Marriott or Hilton in Cancun. I find it to be the best value for the really nice high end places.
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