Best way to get the most out of your hotel points

Escape’s points expert, Sabine Leroy, answers your questions around hotel loyalty.

You can make those hotel points work harder.

Now you've mastered the frequent flyer points game, it's time to do the same with hotel loyalty programs.

I tend to stay with the same hotel chain and I’m part of its loyalty program. I usually aim to spend them on a future hotel stay, but this isn’t always possible. Sometimes they expire. How can I use them?

There are loads of other ways you can use them up. The best way to use your hotel points is for a night’s accommodation. A good trick is to search for just one available night, rather than a three or four night stay. I’ve used points for just one night then paid cash for the remaining two. There is a slight chance you might need to switch rooms, but it’s a good use of leftover points. Week days are generally cheaper than weekend nights, so aim for Monday to Thursday. 

Marriott hotels offer an extensive loyalty program.

Cash plus points 

Most big hotel chains offer a “cash plus points” option that allows guests to stretch their points for a hotel night. With Marriott Bonvoy hotels, you can stay for as little as $55 and 3500 points for a standard redemption and 5000 points for cash supplemented night with IHG One Rewards.

Top up points

If you’re a bit short, big hotels also allow you to top up your balance and buy points. “IHG Members can buy points at any time and it’s a smart idea to keep an eye out for bonus points promotions which can skyrocket the return,” explains Dean Jones, Vice President, Commercial, East Asia & Pacific. They can offer bonus points similar to airlines which maximise your bang for buck. Sign up to the loyalty program’s newsletter to keep an eye on offers. 

Hotel credits can be exchanged for cocktails!

A drink at the bar

If you don’t want to spend another cent, most hotel programs allow members to spend them almost anywhere in the hotel. This can be at the restaurant, the bar or the spa. Food and drinks can be a nice way to spend small sums. Just make sure you ask before you order.

Experiences

Where it gets interesting is with experiences and activities. For example, IHG One Access is an experience platform for members with packages dropping throughout the year – both locally and across the world. “Members can buy-now or bid on a range of experiences, including courtside tickets at sporting events, VIP concert passes and money-can’t-buy packages,” says Jones. They generally include accommodation at a hotel, plus an experience. IHG Access will open bidding soon on weekend passes to Wilderness music festival in Oxfordshire, in the UK. The package includes two-day passes, luxury ensuite cabin accommodation and parking pass. Headliners include Michael Kiwanuka, Faithless, Bicep and Jessie Ware. 

Marriott Bonvoy has a similar offering called Marriot Bonvoy Moments. Launched a refreshed version in 2021, the program has a much more extensive range of experiences. Current offers include a private masterclass with Manu Feildel of My Kitchen Rules at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas, Parisian rock concert Rock en Seine packages and meeting a master rum maker at the St Regis in Bahia Beach, Puerto Rico.

Accor also offers Limitless Experiences with featured offers including a weekend package to celebrate Berlin 2024 Gay Pride or a unique experience at Paris’ Accor Arena for the Jonas Brothers concert.

Loyalty points can be turned into incredible experiences like a visit to Berlin Pride 2024.

Rideshare or gift to someone else

Marriott Bonvoy even allows members to donate points to charity, convert them into Uber gift cards and gift them to another member. Hilton Honors offers similar options such as VIP access to concerts, paying for Lyft rides in the USA or book a rental car. 

Have a question about points? Drop Sabine an email at [e-mail]. Personal replies are unfortunately not possible.

Originally published as Best way to get the most out of your hotel points