This is still a work in progress but this is a database of the major hotel loyalty programs with links to award charts and how to earn points
There are several ways to earn hotel points (such as credit cards, dining rewards programs, shopping portals, taking surveys and other partners) without actually staying at hotels.
If you are unsure which programs are right for you please read our How to Travel for (Almost) Free, Introduction to Points and Miles: Which Hotel Loyalty Programs Should I Sign Up for?
Radisson Hotels
Radisson Hotels (formerly Club Carlson) includes Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu®, Radisson®, Radisson RED, Park Plaza®, Park Inn® by Radisson and Country Inn & Suites® by Radisson.
Award chart:
Link to Radisson award chart. There is a points and cash option.
Can also redeem points for things like free TSA Precheck and free Priority Pass.
How to earn free hotel stays:
•Credit Cards: There are 2 credit cards that earn Radisson Rewards.
World of Hyatt
World of Hyatt hotels include Andaz, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Hyatt, Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Zilara, Hyatt Ziva brand hotels and Hyatt Residence club.
Award chart:
Link to Hyatt Award Chart and Hyatt Awards calculator
There is also a points and cash option and you can upgrade paid hotel nights.
How to earn free hotel stays:
Online Shopping: Hyatt does not have a shopping portal but if have Chase credit cards that earn Ultimate Rewards can use Ultimate Rewards shopping portal to earn points.
Credit Cards: Can transfer Ultimate Rewards points from Chase credit cards to Hyatt points at a 1:1 ratio; World of Hyatt credit card offers a welcome bonus of up to 50,000 Hyatt points and 1 free night at any Category 1 – 4 Hyatt property every year thereafter.
See How to Earn Hyatt Points for a complete list.
Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy includes JW Marriott, Edition, Autograph Collection Hotels, Renaissance Hotels, Moxy Hotels, AC Hotels by Marriott, Marriott Hotels, Courtyard, Springhill Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Residence Inn, Towneplace Suites, Gaylord Hotels, Marriott Vacation Club, Ritz Carlton, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, W Hotels, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Le Méridien, element and Aloft.
Award chart:
Link to Marriott Rewards award chart. Redeem 4 nights get the 5th night free.
Tip: Marriott points can be converted to miles on a number of Marriott transfer partner airlines at great ratios (for every 60,000 Marriott points transferred, Marriott will automatically add another 5,000 points) which is unique to hotel programs
How to earn free hotel stays:
• Credit Cards: Can transfer Ultimate Rewards points to Marriott points at a 1:1 ratio and there are also Chase Marriott credit cards that offer a sign up bonus and free nights.
• Making Referrals: Referring the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card to friends/family using Chase refer-a-friend program.
Hilton Honors
Hilton Honors includes the following brands: Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn, Homewood Suites, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations.
Hilton points expire if you do not earn or redeem Hilton Honors Points within 12 months.
One great feature is that you can pool points with other members (but it does not extend expiration date).
Award chart:
Here is link to Hilton Honors award chart
How to earn free hotel stays:
•Online Shopping: Hilton Honors Shop to Earn Mall.
•Credit Cards: 1) 4 different Hilton Honors credit cards (2 each from 2 different banks) (Citi and American Express); 2) American Express Membership Rewards transfer partner, 3) Thank You points transfer partner and 4) transfer points from Diner’s Club.
•Dining Program: Honors Dining.
•Transfer 10,000 miles from Virgin Atlantic or Hawaiian Airlines to 15,000 Hilton Points.
IHG Rewards Club (formerly Priority Club)
IHG Rewards Club program properties include Candlewood Suites, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Hotel Indigo, Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts, Even Hotels and Staybridge Suites brand hotels.
Award chart:
IHG Reward Information
Good value redemption:
•One of best values is IHG® Rewards Club PointBreaks which allow you to book select hotels for only 5,000 to 15,000 points per night-every few months a new list of hotels is published but availability is limited. Here is the current list of IHG Point Breaks.
How to earn free hotel stays:
•Online Shopping: IHG no longer offers a shopping portal but can use Ultimate Rewards portal.
•Credit Cards: IHG Rewards Club Select credit card which offers a low annual fee and a free night each year at ANY property each anniversary; can also transfer points from any Chase cards that earn Ultimate Rewards but not the best value.
•Dining Program: IHG Rewards Club Dine and Earn.
•E-Rewards -Taking surveys
•Other: Here is a link to opportunities with various partners
Wyndham Rewards
Wyndham Rewards hotels include Dolce Hotels and Resorts, Wyndham Grand Hotels and Resorts, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, Wyndham Garden Hotels, TRYP by Wyndham, Wingate by Wyndham, Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham, Ramada Worldwide, Baymont Inn & Suites, Days Inn, Super 8, Howard Johnson, Travelodge and Knights Inn.
Award chart: Wyndham rewards recently changed their award chart and all hotels are 15,000 points a night. Good value on their more expensive hotels.
How to earn free hotel stays:
•Credit Cards: Wyndham Rewards offers 2 credit cards offering a and sign up bonus.
•E-Rewards
•Other: Here is a link to opportunities with various partners
