There isn’t one best loyalty program that suits the needs of every traveler. Each rewards program targets different preferred lodging styles, travel habits and goals.
Some programs offer greater flexibility and prioritize earning points for free nights while others emphasize special members-only privileges, such as free Wi-Fi access or minibar credits. To make the most of your membership, you’ll want to select a program that adheres to your travel style and offers the benefits most valuable to you.
To help you narrow down your options, U.S. News identified 18 of the most prominent hotel loyalty programs and evaluated them using a methodology that weighs factors such as member benefits, the average number of paid nights required to earn a free stay and the ease of earning and using rewards. Before you enroll in a program, check out which ones cemented a place on our list of the Best Hotel Rewards Programs for 2016-17, and find the program that best fits your needs.
Wyndham Rewards
Overall Score: 5.0-stars(4.77)
Why: The Wyndham Rewards program caters to leisure and business travelers who visit popular destinations in the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, Asia and Mexico.
Choice Privileges
Overall Score: 4.5-stars(4.64)
Why: The Choice Privileges program from Choice Hotels caters to families and business travelers who prefer to travel the world on a budget.
Marriott Rewards
Overall Score: 4.5-stars(4.64)
Why: The Marriott Rewards program accommodates both business and leisure travelers who visit major cities in the United States, Canada, Asia and Europe.
Best Western Rewards
Overall Score: 4.5-stars(4.26)
Why: The Best Western Rewards program is geared toward budget-minded business and family travelers.
La Quinta Returns
Overall Score: 4.0-stars(4.21)
Why: The La Quinta Inns & Suites loyalty program, La Quinta Returns, is best suited for budget-conscious business and leisure travelers, offering perks like complimentary breakfast and internet access.
Club Carlson
Overall Score: 4.0-stars(4.08)
Why: The program is best for those who frequently travel to large cities in the United States and Europe.
Hyatt Gold Passport
Overall Score: 4.0-stars(3.97)
Why: The Hyatt Gold Passport program is geared toward business and leisure travelers who visit major cities within the United States, Europe and Asia.
Hilton HHonors
Overall Score: 4.0-stars(3.95)
Why: The Hilton HHonors program is most advantageous for business and luxury travelers who frequently fly to and stay in major cities in the United States, Europe and Asia … Read More»
IHG Rewards Club
Overall Score: 4.0-stars(3.87)
Why: The InterContinental Hotel Group’s Rewards Club program caters to travelers who frequent major cities like New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Miami and London. Through the IHG Rewards … Read More»
Leaders Club
Overall Score: 4.0-stars(3.81)
Why: The Leaders Club program, the membership program for The Leading Hotels of the World, is most beneficial for leisure travelers – particularly golf and spa enthusiasts.
Starwood Preferred Guest
Overall Score: 3.0-stars(3.00)
Why: The Starwood Preferred Guest (or SPG) program caters primarily to businesspeople who often travel to major cities in the United States, Asia and Europe, though the hospitality provider.
Stash Hotel Rewards
Overall Score: 3.0-stars(2.81)
Why: The Stash Hotel Rewards program benefits both business and leisure travelers who prefer to stay in boutique hotels when visiting destinations across the United States, such as California and the northeast coast (particularly New York City).
Kimpton Karma Rewards
Overall Score: 2.5-stars(2.54)
Why: The Kimpton Karma Rewards program benefits leisure travelers and businesspeople looking for boutique accommodations in major urban U.S. destinations like San Francisco, Chicago and New York City.
Omni Select Guest
Overall Score: 2.5-stars(2.51)
Why: The Omni Select Guest program suits business and leisure travelers seeking luxury accommodations in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
iPrefer
Overall Score: 2.0-stars(2.10)
Why: The iPrefer Hotel Rewards program caters to business and leisure travelers who prefer to stay at independent hotels and resorts when visiting popular cities across the United States.
Le Club AccorHotels
Overall Score: 2.0-stars(1.95)
Why: The Accor hospitality group’s loyalty program, Le Club AccorHotels, is most advantageous for business and luxury travelers who visit major cities across Europe, including Paris, London and Berlin
Fairmont President’s Club
Overall Score: 1.5-stars(1.49)
Why: The Fairmont President’s Club program is most beneficial for frequent travelers who prefer to stay in higher-end hotels when visiting major cities around the world. As a … Read More»
Loews YouFirst
Overall Score: 1.0-stars(0.96)
Why: Loews YouFirst benefits leisure and business travelers who frequent major American cities. In total, 24 Loews properties participate in the program in destinations like Orlando, Florida, New York City, Los Angeles and New Orleans.
Read more here.
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