Choosing a Primary Hotel Program

Choosing the right hotel reward program requires a little more thought than picking an airline partner.  While some of the basic principles apply to both airlines and hotels (such as “pick a major” and “register for promotions”), there is much more variability in the value of a single hotel point than there is an airline mile.

When choosing a hotel program, consider the following.

Pick a Major Regardless of whether you are choosing an airline, hotel or rental car program, this is a consistent and key component.  Choose a major hotel chain, with many properties under management, to ensure that you are going to get the best choice of options when you want to use the free nights you have earned.  The following are some of the largest hotel chains in the world: 

• Choice Hotels International
• Hyatt Hotels and Resorts
• Intercontinental Hotel Group
• Marriott International
• Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
• Wyndham Hotel Group

Preferred Destinations and Class of Hotels If you like higher end tropical resorts in Mexico or the Caribbean, you may want to consider Marriott (Ritz Carlton) or Starwood (Westin, Luxury Collection and St. Regis).  If you prefer to travel to major international cities you may consider Intercontinental.  Or if you love a particular hotel, like the Park Hyatt Tokyo, you may want to consider Hyatt.  The key is to think about where you want to go, what type of hotels you prefer and then investigate the hotel chains that will provide you with what you want.