What Are the Best Hotel Rewards Programs?

Peak travel seasons, such as the holidays, mean that many travelers are pulling out their rewards cards and trying to figure out how to access the best deals or the most savings.

If you participate in a hotel rewards program, WalletHub’s most recent survey may unlock some of the mysteries behind putting your points to use.

The company examined the rewards programs operated by the 12 largest U.S. hotel chains based on 21 key metrics, such as the average value of a point, point expiration policies and the volatility of award-night pricing.

MORE Features & Advice

Why You Should Get Ready to Plan a Vacation

Travel Industry Welcomes President Biden, Vice President...

How Will the Incoming Biden Administration Affect the...

If you are wondering which hotel rewards program provides the best overall rewards for all spending levels, your answer will be Wyndham Resorts.

Wyndham Rewards also offers the most redemption flexibility for members, meaning they can book award nights at consistent point values and without brand restrictions.

La Quinta is another good option. The hotel chain provides up to $13.65 in rewards value per $100 spent.

If you don’t travel a lot, Best Western is a good hotel chain to earn rewards with. The hotel company doesn’t expire rewards points due to account inactivity.

Other highlights to consider:

—Club Carlson provides rewards at an equal earning rate no matter which hotel brand you stay at.

—Hilton Honors is the best hotel loyalty program for pooling points, as it allows members to transfer earnings to 49 travel partners, including American Airlines, Amtrak and United Airlines.

—If you are traveling internationally, Marriott Rewards is a good bet. The hotel chain has properties in more than 126 countries around the globe.

Overall, people who travel for business benefit most from hotel rewards programs.

“In order to receive significant benefits from the hotel rewards programs, consumers will need to combine their rewards program with a hotel credit card or be a frequent business traveler,” said assistant professor of marketing in the school of business at George Washington University Sung H. Ham.

“The current structure requires multiple stays to receive a free night or to be elevated to a premier tier of benefits."

Ham also believes that consumers don’t benefit from hotel rewards unless they are traveling really often: “I think the typical consumer overvalues the benefits of hotel rewards program membership and underestimates the commitment required to obtain those benefits."

READ MORE: Are these the Best Hotel Rewards You're Not Earning?

If you are traveling frequently for business, earning hotel rewards can be a huge benefit. Business owners can sign up for cards that offer travel rewards, reaping the benefits and lucrative offers of savings that come their way.

When it comes to what card to choose—there’s one that’s right for everyone—J.D. Power provides some insight on the best loyalty programs and the ones that drive the most member satisfaction and loyalty.

If you are determined to earn miles and gain access to rewards, there are some cards that offer more than others. Don’t be afraid to create a spreadsheet and track your rewards points on hotels and airlines to make the most out of your earnings—you won’t be the only one to do so.