Unlock Exclusive Perks: Top Hotel Loyalty Programs Worth Joining
As seasoned travel experts, we frequently enroll in hotel loyalty programs to uncover exceptional deals and complimentary benefits. These memberships deliver real value, enhancing every stay with free upgrades, points, and more.
Here are standout loyalty programs offering impressive rewards:
Accor: Earn points on stays at Accor's 3,942 properties worldwide via the Le Club AccorHotels program. Basic members get priority check-in and early access to private online sales. Elite tiers provide late checkout, early check-in, room upgrades, and more. Redeem every 2,000 points for a €40 (~$62) voucher, or donate points to charity. Note: Le Club Accor updated its rewards policies on Jan. 1, 2017.
Best Western: Best Western Rewards awards 10 points per dollar spent, with no expiration. This five-tier program has no blackout dates. Upper tiers include recognition gifts and room upgrades. Best Western offers free status matching from other programs.
Caesars: The Total Rewards program enhances visits to Caesars' 37 hotels and casinos, including Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Enjoy discounted meals from celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay, presale show tickets, resort credits, and more. Earn extra with the Total Rewards Visa card. Earn at least one credit every six months to avoid expiration.
Carlson: Club Carlson members earn 20 points per dollar on stays at Park Plaza, Country Inns & Suites, Radisson, and restaurants. Elite status after 15 nights includes upgrades, late/early check-in. The Rewards Visa Signature Card earns 5x points anywhere, 10x at Carlson hotels. Donate points to World Childhood Foundation or American Red Cross.
Choice Hotels: Budget-friendly Choice Privileges spans 5,500+ properties like Comfort Inn and Econo Lodge. Redeem for free nights, cruises, gift cards, or charity. Perks include late checkout and high-speed internet. Earn via stays or Choice Privileges Visa.
Fairmont: President's Club offers BMW bicycles, TaylorMade golf clubs, health club access, newspapers, free Wi-Fi, 10% spa discounts, and Reebok gear delivery. Earn bonus airline miles with partners.
Hilton: Basic HHONORS provides late checkout and free spouse stays. Reach elite tiers faster with Hilton credit cards. Applies to 4,600 properties including Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, DoubleTree, and Hilton Garden Inn.
Hyatt: Gold Passport offers free nights with no blackouts. Earn 5 points per dollar for upgrades, stays, spa, and meals. Elite after 5 stays/15 nights; top tiers guarantee better rooms, late checkout, free Wi-Fi, suite upgrades.
InterContinental: IHG Rewards Club includes free Wi-Fi, weekday newspapers, late checkout. Elite points roll over. Redeem at 5,000 properties for nights, catalog items, or miles on 12+ airlines.
Joie de Vivre: Joy of Life Club earns 1-2 points per dollar at 25 hotels. Redeem 2,500+ points for $100 off; enjoy complimentary stays/spa. Hotels personalize based on profiles.
Kimpton Hotels: Karma Rewards gives $10+ minibar credit, free Wi-Fi, 20% birthday discounts (Thu-Sun). Inner Circle offers CEO access, wine hour, robes— a Travelzoo favorite.
Marriott: Marriott Rewards for 4,200+ hotels in 80+ countries: earn/redeem for nights/upgrades. Exclusive rates save 2-5%; PointSavers up to 33% off. Elite perks: weekend discounts, lounge access.
MGM Resorts: M life points from gaming redeem for rooms/shows. Tiers unlock fountain tours, dolphin swims, buffet passes, upgrades, limo service.
Omni Hotels: Omni Select Guest perks: morning coffee, Wi-Fi, pressing, turndown. Instant benefits on first stay at 60 hotels. Includes Global Hotel Alliance Discovery for 500+ properties.
Ritz-Carlton: Earn 10 Ritz-Carlton Rewards points or 2 airline miles per dollar at 90+ properties; also Marriott. Rewards Visa: $300 travel credit, 5x points.
Small Luxury Hotels of the World: The Club top tier after 5 stays: day-one upgrades, breakfast, late checkout at 520 hotels. All get club rates; elites earn free nights/early check-in.
Starwood: Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) across 1,300 properties/11 brands: 2 Starpoints per dollar. Earn via Uber, shows, Delta/Emirates. Free 5th night; upgrades from 1,000 points. SPG Pro for business travelers.
When booking a Travelzoo hotel deal, join the loyalty program for added value.
Note: Loyalty programs change frequently; benefits listed are current as of August 2016. Verify latest details on official sites.
