Want to travel more without breaking the bank? You’re in luck!
In this article, we’ll show you how to earn free hotel stays and save money on your next trip.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: You can earn free hotel stays by joining loyalty programs, using credit card rewards, booking through online travel agencies, and participating in hotel promotions.
Now let’s dive into the details and explore each of these methods.
Join Loyalty Programs
One of the easiest ways to earn free hotel stays is by joining loyalty programs. Many hotel chains offer loyalty programs that reward customers for their continued business. Here are some steps to follow:
- Choose a hotel chain that meets your travel needs. Some popular hotel chains include Marriott, Hilton, and IHG.
- Sign up for their loyalty program. This can usually be done online or at the front desk of the hotel.
- Earn points or miles for each stay. Depending on the hotel chain, you may earn points for every dollar spent or earn miles for each night stayed. Some hotel chains also offer bonus points or miles for certain promotions or events.
- Redeem points or miles for free hotel stays. Once you have accumulated enough points or miles, you can redeem them for free hotel stays or other rewards such as room upgrades or free breakfast.
It is worth mentioning that some hotel chains offer credit cards that allow you to earn even more points or miles for your everyday purchases. Keep in mind that loyalty programs may have certain restrictions or blackout dates, so be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before signing up.
| Hotel Chain | Loyalty Program Name | Earning Rate | Redemption Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marriott | Marriott Bonvoy | 10 points per $1 spent | 7,500-85,000 points per night |
| Hilton | Hilton Honors | 10 points per $1 spent | 5,000-95,000 points per night |
| IHG | IHG Rewards Club | 10 points per $1 spent | 10,000-70,000 points per night |
It is important to remember that loyalty programs can be a great way to earn free hotel stays, but they should not be the only factor in choosing a hotel. Other factors such as location, amenities, and price should also be taken into consideration. Unfortunately, some hotel chains may not offer loyalty programs or may have limited properties, so it is important to do research and compare options before making a decision.
If you are a frequent traveler, joining a loyalty program can be a great way to save money and earn rewards. On the other hand, if you only travel occasionally, it may not be worth the effort to join a loyalty program. However, it never hurts to sign up and start earning points or miles for your future travels.
For more information on hotel loyalty programs and how to maximize your rewards, check out websites such as The Points Guy or RewardExpert.
Use Credit Card Rewards
One of the best ways to earn free hotel stays is by taking advantage of credit card rewards. By using a credit card with hotel rewards, you can earn points or miles for each purchase you make with the card. These points or miles can then be redeemed for free hotel stays.
When choosing a credit card, it is worth mentioning that some hotel chains offer their own credit cards that earn points specifically for their hotels. If you frequently stay at a certain hotel chain, it may be worth getting their credit card to earn more points.
Additionally, keep in mind that some credit cards offer sign-up bonuses and promotions that can help you earn even more points or miles. For example, a credit card may offer a sign-up bonus of 50,000 points if you spend a certain amount of money in the first few months of opening the card.
It is important to remember that some credit cards may have an annual fee, so be sure to weigh the cost of the fee against the potential benefits of earning free hotel stays. On the other hand, some credit cards may offer perks such as free night stays or room upgrades that can make the annual fee worth it.
| Credit Card | Hotel Rewards | Annual Fee | Sign-Up Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | Points transfer to various hotel loyalty programs | $95 | 60,000 points if you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months |
| Hilton Honors American Express | Earn points for Hilton hotel stays | $0 | 75,000 points if you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months |
| Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card | Earn points for Marriott hotel stays | $95 | 100,000 points if you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months |
If you are responsible with your credit card usage and pay off your balance in full each month, using a credit card with hotel rewards can be a great way to earn free hotel stays and save money on your travels.
For more information on credit cards with hotel rewards, visit NerdWallet.
Book through Online Travel Agencies
If you are looking to travel and want to save money on hotel stays, booking through online travel agencies (OTAs) can be a great option. Here are some tips to help you earn free hotel stays when you book through OTAs:
- Compare prices and deals on different travel websites. It is worth mentioning that prices can vary significantly among different OTAs. To make sure you are getting the best deal, compare prices on websites such as Expedia, Booking.com, and Hotels.com.
- Use cashback websites to earn rewards. By using cashback websites like Rakuten and TopCashback, you can earn rewards on your hotel bookings. These rewards can be in the form of cashback or gift cards, which can be used towards future hotel stays.
- Join loyalty programs offered by online travel agencies. Many OTAs offer loyalty programs that allow you to earn points or rewards for your hotel bookings. For example, Expedia has the Expedia Rewards program, which lets you earn points that can be used towards hotel stays, flights, and more.
- Use promo codes and coupons to save money. Keep in mind that many OTAs offer promo codes and coupons that can help you save money on your hotel bookings. Before you book, check websites such as RetailMeNot and Coupons.com for any available discounts.
It is important to note that while OTAs can be a great way to save money on hotel stays, there are some downsides to using them. For example, you may not be able to earn loyalty points or receive certain benefits that you would get by booking directly with a hotel chain. Additionally, some hotels may not participate in certain loyalty programs or honor promo codes and coupons from OTAs. However, by using these tips, you can still earn rewards and save money on your hotel bookings.
| OTA | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Expedia | Expedia Rewards program; Price Match Guarantee | Some hotels may not participate in loyalty program; Limited benefits compared to booking directly with hotel chain |
| Booking.com | Free cancellation on many bookings; Genius loyalty program | May not offer the best prices compared to other OTAs; Limited benefits compared to booking directly with hotel chain |
| Hotels.com | Rewards program offers free nights; Price Match Guarantee | Some hotels may not participate in loyalty program; Limited benefits compared to booking directly with hotel chain |
According to Statista, as of 2020, the top three online travel agencies in the United States based on market share are Booking Holdings (which includes Booking.com and Priceline), Expedia Group (which includes Expedia and Hotels.com), and Tripadvisor.
Remember, when booking through OTAs, it is important to read the terms and conditions carefully and understand any restrictions or limitations that may apply. By using these tips and being a savvy traveler, you can earn free hotel stays and save money on your next trip.
Participate in Hotel Promotions
One of the best ways to earn free hotel stays is by participating in hotel promotions. These promotions can help you earn bonus points or miles for specific stays or activities. It is worth mentioning that hotel promotions change frequently, so it is essential to check for current promotions on hotel websites before booking your stay.
One strategy to earn free hotel stays is to stay during off-peak seasons. During these periods, hotels offer lower rates and promotions to attract more guests. By staying during these times, you can save money and earn rewards points towards free hotel stays.
Another way to maximize your rewards is by combining promotions with loyalty programs or credit card rewards. For example, if a hotel is offering a promotion for double rewards points, you can earn even more points if you use a rewards credit card to pay for your stay. Keep in mind that some hotel chains offer their own credit cards that offer additional rewards points for hotel stays.
Remember to read the terms and conditions of each promotion carefully. Some promotions may have restrictions on the type of room or length of stay required to earn rewards points. On the other hand, some promotions may require you to book directly through the hotel website or app to earn rewards points. By understanding the requirements of each promotion, you can take advantage of them and earn free hotel stays faster.
It is also worth noting that some hotel chains offer loyalty programs that allow members to earn free hotel stays based on their points or status. For example, Marriott Bonvoy allows members to earn points for hotel stays and redeem them for free stays or other benefits. Hilton Honors offers a similar program that allows members to earn points for hotel stays, as well as for other activities like dining or car rentals.
| Hotel Chain | Loyalty Program | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Marriott | Marriott Bonvoy | Earn points for hotel stays and redeem for free stays, room upgrades, and other benefits |
| Hilton | Hilton Honors | Earn points for hotel stays, dining, and car rentals, and redeem for free stays, room upgrades, and other benefits |
For more information on hotel promotions and loyalty programs, visit websites like Hotel News Now or Travel + Leisure.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are several ways to earn free hotel stays and save money on your travels.
By joining loyalty programs, using credit card rewards, booking through online travel agencies, and participating in hotel promotions, you can maximize your savings and enjoy more trips.
So start exploring your options and plan your next adventure today!
