Best Hotel Loyalty Schemes 2023: Top Rewards Programs

In a world where business travelers and leisure travelers alike embark on trips to popular destinations, it’s essential to make the most of every journey. That’s where hotel loyalty schemes come into play. These programs offer a plethora of benefits and perks that can enhance your travel experience for both business travelers and leisure travelers, whether you’re staying at resorts or going on a trip. Whether it’s exclusive access to partner hotels, the opportunity to redeem points for resorts or gift cards, welcome amenities that make you feel like a VIP, or the chance to earn additional points by climbing through different tiers, joining a hotel loyalty program is a smart choice for frequent travelers.

Ranking the Top Hotel Rewards Programs

To help leisure travelers find the best hotel loyalty schemes in the industry, we’ve compiled a list of top-ranking hotel rewards programs where you can redeem points. These choice privileges programs have been evaluated to determine the best overall value and benefits for traveelers. The pros and cons highlight the different options available. Let’s take a closer look at what sets the Choice Privileges business program apart from others and why it is considered the best for cities and resorts.

Find out which hotel rewards programs are considered the best in the industry

When evaluating the best hotel rewards programs, it’s crucial to consider factors such as earning potential, redemption options, and elite status benefits. Customer satisfaction is also key when it comes to hotel rewards programs like Choice Privileges, which offer the opportunity to redeem points for various benefits. Here are are some of the best hotel loyalty programs for travelers that have consistently ranked highly. These programs include resorts and offer the option to redeem points. One such program is Choice Privileges.

Marriott Bonvoy: With its extensive network of resorts worldwide and generous rewards programs, Marriott Bonvoy is often regarded as one of the top choices for frequent travelers looking to redeem points for free nights and room upgrades during their leisure trips. https://www.marriott.com/loyalty.mi
Hilton Honors: Hilton Honors offers a wide range of benefits for leisure and business travelers, including flexible redemption options at resorts, elite status recognition, and partnerships with airlines for additional rewards. https://www.hilton.com/en/hilton-honors/
World of Hyatt: Known for its exceptional customer service and unique experiences, World of Hyatt provides excellent value for travelers, whether they are on business or leisure trips in the United States. With their rewards programs, loyal guests can enjoy staying in luxury resorts or boutique hotels. https://world.hyatt.com/content/gp/en/program-overview.html
IHG Rewards Club: IHG Rewards Club stands out with its diverse portfolio of resorts and brands, making it a top choice for business travelers in the United States. Additionally, it offers competitive redemption rates for all members. Members of the best hotel rewards programs can also enjoy exclusive perks like complimentary internet access during their stays at resorts. These perks are highly valued by travelers.
Wyndham Rewards: Wyndham Resorts is praised by business travelers in the United States for its simplicity and straightforwardness. Members of hotel rewards programs can earn points that can be redeemed at any participating Wyndham property, making it one of the best hotel rewards options for travelers. The program does not have blackout dates, ensuring that members can use their points at any time.

Explore the criteria used to rank these programs

To determine which hotel rewards programs deserve top rankings for travelers, several key factors were taken into account, including the resorts and business facilities available in the United States.

Earning Potential: The ease with which travelers can accumulate points through hotel stays or other qualifying activities in the best hotel rewards programs and resorts was considered when evaluating each program.
Redemption Options: The variety and flexibility of hotel rewards programs’ redemption choices, such as free nights, room upgrades, airline miles conversion, or partner benefits, were crucial for travelers in determining the value of the best hotel rewards.
Elite Status Benefits: The perks and privileges offered by hotel rewards programs to elite members, including late check-out, complimentary breakfast, lounge access, and dedicated customer service, were assessed for their added value to travelers staying at resorts.
Customer Satisfaction: Feedback from hotel rewards program members, including travelers, regarding overall satisfaction with the best hotel rewards features and benefits played a significant role in the rankings of resorts.

The Best Value Hotel Rewards Programs for the Upcoming Year

If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, it’s essential to take advantage of the best hotel loyalty schemes, especially rewards programs offered by resorts and hotels in the United States. These rewards programs offer exceptional value, exclusive promotions, and rewarding experiences for their members at hotels in the United States.

Uncover Exceptional Value

One of the key factors to consider when choosing resorts in the United States is the rewards value they offer. Look for resorts that provide generous award nights and room upgrades in the United States. For example:

Marriott Bonvoy: With its extensive portfolio of hotels worldwide, the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program offers excellent redemption options and a wide range of benefits such as free nights and room upgrades. United with its rewards programs, Marriott Bonvoy is a top choice for travelers seeking valuable perks.
Hilton Honors: As a member of Hilton Honors, you can earn points on every stay at our hotel and enjoy perks like free nights, early check-ins, and late check-outs. Our hotel rewards programs are a great way to earn and redeem points, and United is one of our valued partners.

Rewarding Experiences

The best hotel loyalty schemes go beyond just earning points; they provide their members with memorable experiences during their stays. Consider these programs:

Accor Live Limitless (ALL): ALL offers a diverse range of brands across different price ranges, ensuring that you find a property that suits your preferences. Members can enjoy benefits like welcome drinks or spa credits, enhancing their overall stay experience.
Choice Privileges: Choice Privileges allows members to earn points at over 7,000 participating hotels worldwide. They also offer elite status benefits like extended check-out times and exclusive member rates.

No Blackout Dates

One frustration with some hotel loyalty programs is the presence of blackout dates, where you cannot redeem your points for stays during certain periods.

Comparing Benefits and Rewards of Hotel Loyalty Programs

Each hotel chain offers its own set of benefits and rewards. Understanding how these programs differ can help you determine which one aligns best with your travel goals and preferences. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits offered by different hotel loyalty programs and how they reward their members based on their needs

Types of Benefits:

Room Rates: Some loyalty programs offer exclusive member rates, allowing you to enjoy discounted prices on room bookings.
Bonuses: Many hotel loyalty programs provide bonuses such as free nights or additional points for reaching certain milestones or staying at specific properties.
Perks: Look for solid perks like complimentary breakfast, late checkout, room upgrades, or access to exclusive amenities like spas or lounges.
Credit Card Rewards: Some hotel loyalty programs have partnerships with credit card companies, offering additional rewards when using their affiliated cards for purchases.

Understand How Each Program Rewards Its Members

To make the most out of a hotel loyalty program, it’s essential to understand how they reward their members based on their preferences and needs. Other rewards promotions to to consider:

Points System: Different programs have varying ways of earning points – some base it on the amount spent per stay while others focus on the number of nights stayed.
Airline Miles: Some hotel loyalty programs allow you to convert your earned points into airline miles, providing flexibility for frequent flyers.
Promotions: Keep an eye out for special promotions that allow you to earn bonus points faster or redeem them for discounted stays.
Resort Fees: Be aware of any resort fees associated with using your points or redeeming rewards, as these can affect the overall value of the program.

Gain valuable tips on selecting a hotel rewards program that suits your travel style

It’s essential to consider your own travel preferences and habits. To maximize the value you get from a rewards program, here are some valuable tips to keep in mind:

Research Different Programs: Take the time to research and compare various hotel loyalty programs. Look into factors such as the number of participating hotels, the variety of destinations, and the benefits offered. This will help you find a program that aligns with your travel goals.
Consider Transfer Partners: Some hotel loyalty programs have partnerships with other companies, such as airlines or credit card providers. These transfer partners can offer additional points or benefits when you use their services. Be sure to check if any potential program has beneficial transfer partners that align with your needs.
Evaluate Earning Potential: Look into how easily you can earn points within each rewards program. Consider factors such as earning rates per dollar spent, bonus point promotions, and opportunities for accelerated earning through affiliated credit cards or partner purchases.
Assess Redemption Options: The ability to redeem your points for free nights is one of the most enticing aspects of a hotel rewards program. Check if there are blackout dates or restrictions on redeeming points at desired locations or during peak seasons.
Examine Elite Status Benefits: If you frequently stay at hotels, elite status can provide significant perks like room upgrades, late check-outs, and access to exclusive lounges. Compare the requirements and benefits of achieving elite status across different programs.

Schemes

These loyalty programs are designed to reward frequent guests with a range of benefits and perks. Let’s dive in and explore the best hotel loyalty schemes available today.

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy is a popular hotel loyalty program that encompasses over 7,000 properties across 30 different hotel brands. It offers members a wide range of benefits, including free nights, room upgrades, late check-out, and access to exclusive events. With its extensive network of hotels, Marriott Bonvoy provides ample options for travelers seeking luxury accommodations or budget-friendly stays.

IHG One Rewards

IHG One Rewards is the loyalty program offered by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), which includes well-known brands such as Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and Kimpton Hotels. Members can earn points through hotel stays, dining experiences, and even travel insurance purchases. The program offers various redemption options like free nights or merchandise from their online catalog.

World of Hyatt

World of Hyatt is the loyalty program for Hyatt Hotels Corporation. It boasts a collection of leading hotels worldwide catering to both business and leisure travelers. Members can earn points through hotel stays, dining expenses, spa treatments, and even participating in sporting events organized by Hyatt. The program also offers elite status tiers with additional benefits like room upgrades and access to club lounges.

Hilton Honors

Hilton Honors is the loyalty program for Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., encompassing a vast portfolio of luxury hotels globally. Members can earn points through stays at Hilton properties as well as through their co-branded credit cards. The program offers various elite status levels with perks like complimentary breakfast and executive lounge access.

Radisson Rewards

Radisson Rewards is the loyalty program offered by Radisson Hotel Group, which includes well-known brands like Radisson Blu and Park Plaza. Members can earn points through hotel stays, dining expenses, and even car rentals. The program offers a tiered structure with increasing benefits as members move up the ranks.

Accor Live Limitless

Accor Live Limitless is the loyalty program for Accor, a leading hospitality group that operates luxury hotels, boutique hotels, and independent properties worldwide. Members can earn points through hotel stays at Accor properties or through their extensive network of partners.

Platinum Elite Sweet Spots: Marriott Bonvoy and IHG One Rewards

Marriott Bonvoy’s Platinum Elite status is a top-tier loyalty program that offers an array of exclusive benefits to its members. One of the most enticing perks is complimentary room upgrades, allowing you to experience the luxury of higher-tier accommodations without paying extra. Imagine checking into a standard room and being pleasantly surprised with an upgrade to a suite or a room with breathtaking views. This can truly enhance your hotel stay and make it feel like a VIP experience.

Late check-out privileges are another fantastic benefit offered by Marriott Bonvoy’s Platinum Elite status. Instead of rushing to check out in the morning, you can enjoy a more relaxed departure time, giving you extra hours to sleep in or explore your destination without feeling rushed. It’s like having your own personal snooze button for your hotel stay!

On the other hand, IHG One Rewards’ Platinum Elite status also provides its members with unique advantages that are worth considering. One notable benefit is access to welcome amenities upon arrival at participating hotels. These amenities can range from complimentary snacks and beverages to personalized greetings, making you feel valued as soon as you step foot in the hotel lobby.

Priority check-in is another perk offered by IHG One Rewards’ Platinum Elite status. You’ll be able to skip the regular check-in line and breeze through the process, saving you time and ensuring a hassle-free start to your stay. No one enjoys waiting in long lines after a tiring journey, so this benefit can be quite convenient.

Both Marriott Bonvoy and IHG One Rewards have their own sweet spots when it comes to achieving Platinum Elite status:

Marriott Bonvoy: To reach Platinum Elite status, you need 50 qualifying nights or 35,000 elite qualifying points earned during the calendar year.
IHG One Rewards: Achieving Platinum Elite status requires staying at least 40 qualifying nights or earning 40,000 elite qualifying points in a calendar year.

While the requirements may seem challenging, the benefits are well worth it. As a Platinum Elite member, you’ll enjoy an elevated hotel experience with enhanced services and amenities that can make all the difference during your travels.

Loyalty Sweet Spot: World of Hyatt

If you’re a frequent traveler looking for the best hotel loyalty schemes, then you don’t want to miss out on the Explorist status offered by World of Hyatt. This mid-tier status provides exceptional value and comes with a range of perks and benefits that will enhance your travel experience.

Complimentary Upgrades, Club Lounge Access, and Late Check-Out

One of the standout features of being an Explorist member is the opportunity for complimentary upgrades. Imagine checking into your room only to find out that you’ve been upgraded to a suite or a room with stunning views. It’s like hitting the jackpot! With World of Hyatt, this dream can become a reality.

In addition to upgrades, Explorist members also enjoy access to exclusive club lounges. These lounges offer a comfortable space where you can unwind, enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages, and even catch up on some work if needed. It’s the perfect way to add an extra touch of luxury to your stay.

And let’s not forget about late check-out! As an Explorist member, you’ll have the flexibility to extend your check-out time so that you can make the most of your stay without feeling rushed. Whether you want to sleep in a little longer or have some extra time to explore the city before heading home, late check-out is a game-changer.

Perks and Benefits Galore

Being an Explorist member opens up a world of perks and benefits that will make your travels even more enjoyable. Here are just a few:

Discover More: Earn bonus points on eligible stays at participating hotels.
Elite Welcome Amenity: Receive a special welcome gift upon arrival at select properties.
Priority Access: Enjoy priority access.
Milestone Rewards: Unlock additional rewards as you reach certain milestones, such as free nights and suite upgrades.

Partner Hotels and Popular Destinations

World of Hyatt has an extensive network of partner hotels, including renowned brands like Park Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Grand Hyatt, and more. This means that no matter where your travels take you, you’ll likely find a Hyatt property to stay at and enjoy the perks of your Explorist status.

From bustling cities to serene resorts, World of Hyatt has a presence in popular destinations worldwide.

Marriott Bonvoy: A Top Hotel Loyalty Scheme

Marriott Bonvoy is undeniably one of the best hotel loyalty schemes out there. With a wide range of hotel brands, from luxurious accommodations to more budget-friendly options, Marriott Bonvoy caters to all types of travelers. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a family vacation, you can find the perfect hotel within their extensive network of properties.

One of the key advantages of being a member of Marriott Bonvoy is the ability to earn and redeem points across their vast portfolio of hotels. From popular chains like The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott to boutique hotels and resorts, there are endless opportunities to earn points towards future stays. Plus, with over 7,000 properties in more than 130 countries, you’ll never run out of options.

Elite Status Levels and Benefits

Marriott Bonvoy offers several elite status levels that come with a host of exclusive benefits. As you climb up the ranks, you unlock additional perks that enhance your hotel experience even further.

Silver Elite: This entry-level tier provides members with benefits such as priority late checkout and dedicated reservation lines for quicker assistance.
Gold Elite: Achieving Gold Elite status grants privileges like room upgrades (when available), enhanced Wi-Fi access, and welcome gifts upon arrival.
Platinum Elite: Members at this level enjoy complimentary breakfast at participating hotels, lounge access where available, and an annual choice benefit such as five Suite Night Awards or gift options.
Titanium Elite: Titanium Elites receive all the benefits of Platinum status along with extras like 48-hour guaranteed availability and an additional choice benefit.
Ambassador Elite: The highest tier in Marriott Bonvoy is reserved for those who stay frequently at luxury properties. Ambassador Elites receive personalized service through their own ambassador who assists with reservations and special requests.

Additional Perks and Partnerships

In addition to the elite status benefits, Marriott Bonvoy offers a range of other perks and partnerships that add value to your membership:

Free nights: By redeeming your points, you can enjoy complimentary stays at various Marriott properties worldwide.
Airline miles: Convert your Marriott Bonvoy points into airline miles with over 40 airline partners, allowing you to earn miles towards your next flight.
Car rentals: Members can earn points on car rentals with participating rental car companies. This makes it even easier to earn rewards while exploring new destinations.

Hilton Honors and Radisson Rewards: Gold Sweet Spots

Hilton Honors and Radisson Rewards are two hotel loyalty programs that offer some impressive benefits to their members. In particular, their Gold status tiers are highly regarded for the valuable perks they provide. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these loyalty programs stand out.

Hilton Honors’ Gold Status: Upgrades, Breakfast, and Late Check-Out

One of the key advantages of Hilton Honors’ Gold status is the opportunity for room upgrades. As a Gold member, you may find yourself enjoying a better view or even a suite upgrade without having to pay extra. This can make your stay more comfortable and memorable.

Another perk that comes with Hilton Honors’ Gold status is complimentary breakfast. Imagine waking up in the morning and being able to enjoy a delicious meal without reaching into your wallet. It’s a great way to start your day on a positive note.

Late check-out privileges are also part of the package when you reach Gold status with Hilton Honors. This means you can take your time getting ready and packing up before leaving the hotel. No need to rush or feel pressured to vacate your room early.

Radisson Rewards’ Gold Status: Upgrades, Early Check-In, and Welcome Gifts

Radisson Rewards’ Gold status offers its own set of enticing benefits. One notable advantage is the potential for room upgrades. Similar to Hilton Honors, as a Radisson Rewards Gold member, you may find yourself enjoying an upgraded room that enhances your overall hotel experience.

Early check-in is another perk that comes with Radisson Rewards’ Gold status. Arriving at your destination earlier than expected? No worries! With this benefit, you can check in ahead of schedule and settle into your room without any hassle.

To make your stay even more special, Radisson Rewards welcomes its Gold members with thoughtful gifts upon arrival. These welcome gifts can range from a bottle of wine to a basket of snacks, adding an extra touch of hospitality.

The Value of Gold Status in Hilton Honors and Radisson Rewards

Both Hilton Honors and Radisson Rewards have created loyalty programs that truly value their Gold status members. These programs understand the importance of providing exceptional experiences and benefits to their most loyal customers.

By offering room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, late check-out privileges, early check-in options, and welcome gifts, Hilton Honors and Radisson Rewards go above and beyond to make their Gold status members feel appreciated.

Accor Live Limitless, Priority Guest Rewards, and Shangri-La Circle: Notable Loyalty Programs

Accor Live Limitless (ALL), Priority Guest Rewards, and Shangri-La Circle are three hotel loyalty programs that offer a range of benefits to their members. Let’s take a closer look at what each program has to offer:

Accor Live Limitless (ALL)

Accor Live Limitless is a global loyalty program that encompasses a vast portfolio of hotels across different price ranges. Whether you’re looking for luxury accommodations or budget-friendly options, ALL has got you covered. One of the standout features of this program is its generous rewards system.

Membership Tiers: ALL offers multiple membership tiers, including Classic, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. As you progress through these tiers by accumulating points or staying more nights at participating hotels, you unlock additional benefits and privileges.
Exclusive Member Rates: ALL members have access to exclusive rates when booking directly through the Accor website or mobile app. This allows them to enjoy discounted prices on their stays.
Choice Privileges Members: If you’re a member of Choice Privileges, another hotel loyalty program, you can link your accounts with Accor Live Limitless. This partnership allows you to earn points in both programs simultaneously.

Priority Guest Rewards

Priority Guest Rewards is the loyalty program associated with Global Hotel Alliance (GHA). With over 550 hotels worldwide under the GHA umbrella, this program offers members plenty of opportunities to earn and redeem points.

Airline Partners: Priority Guest Rewards has partnerships with various airlines. Members can choose to earn airline miles instead of hotel points for their stays.
Lounge Access: Depending on your membership level within Priority Guest Rewards, you may be eligible for complimentary lounge access at select airports.
Leaders Club: By reaching elite status levels within Priority Guest Rewards, such as Gold or Platinum, members can unlock exclusive benefits like room upgrades, early check-in/out privileges, and bonus points earnings.

Shangri-La Circle

Shangri-La Circle is the loyalty program offered by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts. This program provides members with a host of perks and privileges to enhance their hotel experiences.

Card Issuer: Shangri-La Circle offers a co-branded credit card in partnership with a major card issuer. Cardholders can earn additional points on their everyday purchases, which can be redeemed for hotel stays.

Best Western Rewards: A Recognized Loyalty Program

Extensive Global Presence in Popular Travel Destinations

Best Western Rewards is renowned for its extensive global presence in popular travel destinations. Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach vacation, an adventurous city getaway, or a cozy mountain retreat, you can find Best Western properties all around the world. From bustling metropolises to serene countryside settings, their hotels cater to various preferences and offer comfortable accommodations for every traveler.

Earn Points at Best Western Properties Worldwide

As a member of Best Western Rewards, you have the opportunity to earn points at Best Western properties worldwide. This loyalty program allows you to accumulate points with each stay and enjoy exclusive member perks along the way. By simply booking your stays directly through Best Western channels, such as their website or mobile app, you can start earning rewards points immediately.

Exclusive Member Perks

One of the standout features of Best Western Rewards is the array of exclusive member perks available to its members. These perks enhance your overall hotel experience and make your stays even more enjoyable. Here are some notable benefits:

Free Breakfast: Many Best Western properties offer complimentary breakfast for their loyalty program members. Starting your day with a delicious meal without any extra cost is undoubtedly a fantastic perk.
Bonus Points: As a loyal member, you have opportunities to earn bonus points through promotions and special offers. These bonus points can accelerate your progress towards redeeming exciting rewards.
Redeem Points for Various Options: With accumulated rewards points, you have the flexibility to redeem them for various options such as free nights at participating hotels, gift cards from popular retailers, airline miles, and more.
Credit Card Benefits: Best Western offers co-branded credit cards that provide additional benefits like accelerated earnings on purchases and elite status upgrades.

Standing Out Among Other Hotel Loyalty Programs

Best Western Rewards stands out among other hotel loyalty programs due to its unique features and member benefits. Here’s why it is worth considering:

Global Reach: Best Western Rewards has a vast network of hotels worldwide, ensuring that you can earn and redeem points wherever your travels take you.
Generous Redemption Options: The program offers a wide range of redemption options, providing members with the freedom to choose rewards that suit their preferences and travel goals.
Member-Focused Experience: Best Western Rewards places a strong emphasis on delivering a personalized experience for its members.

Radisson Rewards Americas: An Overview of the Program

We ranked the top hotel rewards programs, compared their benefits, and uncovered some sweet spots within each program. Now, let’s dive into an overview of Radisson Rewards Americas.

Radisson Rewards Americas is a loyalty program that offers a range of benefits to its members. With over 1,100 hotels across North, Central, and South America, this program provides ample opportunities for earning and redeeming points. By staying at Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson RED, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson hotels in the Americas region, you can earn points towards free nights or other rewards. The program also offers elite status tiers with additional perks such as room upgrades and late check-outs.

If you’re looking for a hotel loyalty scheme that combines a wide range of properties with valuable rewards and benefits, consider joining Radisson Rewards Americas. Start earning points today and unlock exciting experiences during your future travels.

FAQs

Can I earn points for stays at all Radisson hotels?

Yes! As a member of Radisson Rewards Americas, you can earn points for stays at participating hotels in the Americas region. This includes brands like Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson.

How do I earn elite status in the program?

Radisson Rewards Americas offers elite status tiers based on your qualifying stays or nights within a calendar year. The more you stay at participating hotels in the Americas region, the higher your elite status level will be. Elite status comes with additional benefits such as room upgrades and late check-outs.

What are some ways to maximize my point earnings?

To maximize your point earnings with Radisson Rewards Americas, consider booking directly through the Radisson website or app. This ensures that you earn points for your stay. Keep an eye out for promotions and bonus point offers that can boost your earnings. Finally, consider using a co-branded credit card that allows you to earn additional points for everyday purchases.

How do I redeem my points?

You can redeem your Radisson Rewards Americas points for free nights at participating hotels in the Americas region. Simply log in to your account, search for available hotels, and choose the option to book with points. You can also use your points towards other rewards such as gift cards or airline miles.

Are there any blackout dates or restrictions when redeeming points?

Radisson Rewards Americas strives to provide flexibility. While blackout dates may apply during peak travel periods or special events, the program aims to offer availability throughout the year. It’s always best to check the specific hotel’s redemption options and availability when planning your stay.