Hotel Points 101: How to Earn, Value, and Redeem Like a Pro
A simple playbook for turning ordinary stays into free nights, suite upgrades, and elite perks—without overthinking it.
Why points exist. Hotel loyalty programs trade you free nights for your repeat custom. Every stay earns points; collect enough and you’ll unlock award nights, room upgrades, and elite benefits. Understanding how points are earned, valued, and spent turns casual travel into real savings.
How you earn. Most programs award a base number of points per US dollar on eligible room rates (taxes/fees usually excluded). Multiply earnings via credit-card spend, elite status bonuses, limited-time promos, and partner channels (buying, gifting, or transferring points only when it makes sense).
What points are worth. Point value isn’t fixed—it depends on the cash rate you’re replacing. You’re winning when your cents-per-point (cpp) beats rough benchmark ranges. Use this quick comparison to set expectations:
| Program | Base earn (pts/$) | Rough point value* | Typical free night range | Notable sweet spot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| World of Hyatt | 5 | ~1.5–2.1¢ | 3.5k–45k pts | Off-peak Cat 1–4; strong cpp at luxury |
| Marriott Bonvoy | 10 (most brands) | ~0.6–0.9¢ | 5k–120k+ pts (dynamic) | Off-peak mid-scale redemptions |
| Hilton Honors | 10 (most brands) | ~0.4–0.6¢ | 5k–150k pts (dynamic) | 5th night free (awards) for elites |
| IHG One Rewards | 10 (most brands) | ~0.4–0.6¢ | 5k–120k pts (dynamic) | Card “4th night free” & promos |
*Approximate hobbyist values; your value varies by city, dates, taxes, and promotions.
Cash vs. Points — Worked Example
You find a Hyatt room at $210 + tax or 12,000 points. Estimated value:
$210 ÷ 12,000 pts = 1.75¢ per point
That’s within/above the typical Hyatt range (~1.5–2.1¢), so using points is reasonable—especially if you’re saving cash for a longer trip. If the cpp had been closer to 1.2¢, you’d likely pay cash and save points for a higher-value redemption.
Practical tips & pitfalls. Register for promos before every stay, compare cash vs. points each time, and remember benefits like Hilton’s 5th Night Free or credit-card “free night” certificates. Avoid buying points speculatively—only top up when a specific award beats cash. Keep accounts active; most programs extend expiry with qualifying activity (stays, card spend, dining partners, or small transfers).