7.27.2008

Hotel Comparison Matrix




I'm a traveler. I was out of town, away from my family, away from my friends, away from my wife a total of 160 nights last year. The only thing that kept me from going crazy...the only thing that kept me warm on those cold strange nights...the only thing that made it even a little bit worth it...was my hotel points. Those golden points-how beautiful they are!


If you are a traveler, or --even better--are about to become a traveler, this site is for you. Before booking your hotel step 1 is to sign up for a hotel rewards program, all the major chains have them and they are all free to join. They are designed so that you stay loyal to one hotel brand or family--and it works!


As a frequent business traveler, I always try to stay at one hotel family, (I won't say which one, see if you can tell if I have a favorite) but I am also a member of several other rewards programs just in case my top pick is not close by. I have taken about 7 vacations in the last 4 years--ALL FOR FREE! After only 4 years of traveling I have over 1 million points (even after taking a bunch of vacations) and there are plenty of people out there with even more points (point multi-millionaires).


This site will let you compare the different rewards programs so you can find the one that tickles your fancy. I would suggest clicking on the super-high-tech Hotel Rewards Comparison Matrix (orange box at top) to start your search, and then check out the detailed FAQ's for each major program. Keep in mind it is best to sign up for at least a couple of programs just in case your favorite hotel is booked up, too far away, etc.


Enjoy your points!

7.25.2008

Priority Club Rewards

Priority Club Rewards FAQ’s at a glance:

Program Hotels:

1. What hotel chains participate in Priority Club Rewards?
Intercontinental, Crown Plaza, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites, Indigo

2. How many hotels participate in Priority Club Rewards worldwide?
3,700

3. Is there a cost to enroll in Priority Club Rewards?
Nada, it’s free.

Earning Points

1. How do I Earn Points with Priority Club Rewards?
Intercontinental hotels-2,000 points per stay, Candlewood Suites /Staybridge Suites 5 pts per $ spent, Crown Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Indigo 10 points per $ spent (all exclude room taxes)

2. What are the eligible rates that count towards earning Priority Club Rewards points?
Third party bookings do not count (i.e. no travelocity, expedia, etc.)

3. Does Priority Club Rewards offer any credit cards to speed up point accumulation?
Yes, Priority Club Rewards Platinum Visa--- $29 annual fee (waived first year) 25,000 point bonus, 3 pts per $ spent at Intercontinental family of hotels, 1 point per $ everywhere else.

4. What are the different membership levels in Priority Club Rewards?
Club—Basic Membership
Gold-stay 15 nights, 10% point bonus
Platinum--stay over 50 nights, 50% point bonus, upgraded accommodations, 72 hr room guarantee


5. How many Priority Club Rewards points will I earn per $ dollar spent at the hotels?
10--18*(assumes platinum member and use of Priority Club Rewards Visa card)

6. Are there any partner programs that can help me earn Priority Club Rewards points?
Over 10 airlines, rail, car, retail

7. Can I earn Priority Club Rewards bonus points in the program for referring a friend?
NO

8. Can I buy Priority Club Rewards points?
1,000 to 9,000 pts - $13.50 USD (per thousand)
10,000 to 19,000 pts - $12.50 USD (per thousand)
20,000 to 40,000 pts - $11.50 USD (per thousand)


Redeeming Rewards

1. Do my Priority Club Rewards points ever expire?
No.

2. Are there any blackout dates for redeeming my free Priority Club Rewards hotel rewards?
None.

3. How many points do I need to get a free night stay with Priority Club Rewards?
1 free night starts at 10,000 points and goes up to 40,000

4. What is the minimum amount of $ dollars I must spend at a Priority Club Rewards hotel before I get a free night?
$769, Assumes you earn 13 points per dollar (10 base + 3 with Intercontinental Visa credit card) and stay at a Category 1 hotel (10,000 points). You do the math 10,000 / 13 = $769.
($1,000 if you don't want to get the credit card)

5. Can I transfer my Priority Club Rewards points to someone else?
Yes, it costs $5 per 1,000 points transferred.

6. Are there any awards with Priority Club Rewards other than hotels?
Sure thing. Airline, rail, rental car, merchandise, and experience rewards.

7. Can I donate my Priority Club Rewards points to charity?
Yes, a variety are listed on their website.

8. Any other special features with Priority Club Rewards?
For 29,000 points, you can get an AMEX $100 card, 59,000 points for $250 card. These are good at any hotel (including non-Intercontinental brands).

WEBSITE: www.priorityclubrewards.com

Choice Privileges

Choice Privileges FAQ’s at a glance:


Program Hotels:


1. What hotel chains participate in Choice Privileges?
Comfort Inn and Suites, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Econolodge, Clarion, Mainstay Suites, Cambria suites, Suburban, Rodeway Inn


2. How many hotels participate in Choice Privileges worldwide?
5,000


3. Is there a cost to enroll in Choice Privileges?
Nope, it’s free.


Earning Points


1. How do I Earn Points with Choice Privileges?
10 points at Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria--5 points per dollar at Mainstay Suites, Rodeway, Econolodge, Suburban


2. What are the eligible rates that count towards earning Choice Privileges points?
Rates that do not qualify for points are coupon rates, group rates, negotiated rates through the hotel and reservations that are made through a third party site such as Expedia or Travelocity.

3. Does Choice Privileges offer any credit cards to speed up point accumulation?
Choice Privileges Visa Credit Card from Bank of America--No annual fee. Up to 20,000 point bonus to start, 15 additional points at most choice hotels, 2 points on all other purchases.


4. What are the different membership levels in Choice Privileges?
Gold--10 nights, 10% point bonus, room upgrade
Platinum-15 nights, 15% point bonus
Diamond-40 nights, 40% point bonus


5. How many Choice Privileges points will I earn per $ dollar spent at the hotels?
10--29** (assumes diamond member and use of choice visa card)


6. Are there any partner programs that can help me earn Choice Privileges points?
Over 10 airlines, rail, car, retail


7. Can I earn Choice Privileges bonus points in the program for referring a friend?
Yes, 500 bonus points for each friend that makes a stay.


8. Can I buy Choice Privileges points?
$.01 per point in 1,000 point increments, up to 10,000 points per year.


Redeeming Rewards


1. Do my Choice Privileges points ever expire?
Points are good for 2 calendar years and expire on December 31 of the second year in which they were earned.


2. Are there any blackout dates for redeeming my free Choice Privileges hotel rewards?
None

3. How many points do I need to get a free night stay with Choice Privileges?
1 free night starts at 5,000 points to 35,000 points


4. (after doing the math) What is the minimum amount of $ dollars I must spend at a Choice Privileges hotel before I get a free night?
$200—assumes you earn 25 points per dollar (10 base +15 with Choice Privileges Visa credit card) and stay at a base hotel (5,000 points per night). You do the math 5,000 / 25 = $200.

($500 if you don't want to get the credit card)

5. Can I transfer my Choice Privileges points to someone else?
Nope.


6. Are there any awards with Choice Privileges other than hotels?
You betcha. Airlines, rental car, unique experiences, magazine subscriptions, retail gift cards (including Wal-mart, gas stations and Walgreens)


7. Can I donate my Choice Privileges points to charity?
Yes--American Red Cross, Armed Forces Relief


8. Any other special features with Choice Privileges?
If you are tired of traveling you can choose to receive gift cards from over 300 retailers.

WEBSITE: www.choiceprivileges.com

Gold Points Plus

Gold Points Plus FAQ’s at a glance:

Program Hotels:

1. What hotel chains participate in Gold Points Plus?
Regent Hotels, Radisson, Country Inn & Suites, Park Inn, Park Plaza

2. How many hotels participate in Gold Points Plus worldwide?
950

3. Is there a cost to enroll in Gold Points Plus?
NO.

Earning Points

1. How do I Earn Points with Gold Points Plus?
20 points per dollar at most locations, 15 points for Country Inn & Suites and Park Inn

2. What are the eligible rates that count towards earning Gold Points Plus points?
Reservations booked thru third parties (ex. Expedia, Priceline) do not qualify for points.

3. Does Gold Points Plus offer any credit cards to speed up point accumulation?
Gold Points Plus Visa Card--no annual fee, 5,000 bonus points to start, 6 points per $ spent at Gold Plus hotels, 3 points per $ spent everywhere else.

4. What are the different membership levels in Gold Points Plus?
Silver-10 stays/15 nights, 25% point bonus, upgraded accomodations
Gold-20 stays/35 nights, 50% point bonus, upgraded accomodations, 72 hr checkin guarantee.


5. How many Gold Points Plus points will I earn per $ dollar spent at the hotels?
20-36*(assumes Gold member and use of Gold Points Plus Visa card)

6. Are there any partner programs that can help me earn Gold Points Plus points?
20 airline partners

7. Can I earn Gold Points Plus bonus points in the program for referring a friend?
Nope.

8. Can I buy Gold Points Plus points?
Yes, amount depends on hotel category (ex. 1 free night at a category 1 hotel will cost 5,000 points and $49.)

Redeeming Rewards

1. Do my Gold Points Plus points ever expire?
There needs to be activity within a 24 month period or program reserves right to close account.

2. Are there any blackout dates for redeeming my free Gold Points Plus hotel rewards?
Yes, best check before planning your reward trip.

3. How many points do I need to get a free night stay with Gold Points Plus?
1 free night starts at 15,000 points for category 1 hotel, up to 60,000 points for category 5

4. What is the minimum amount of $ dollars I must spend at a Gold Points Plus hotel before I get a free night?
$577 Assumes you earn 13 points per dollar (20 base + 6 with Gold Points Plus Visa credit card) and stay at a Category 1 hotel (15,000 points). You do the math 15,000 / 26 = $577
($750 if you don't want to use the credit card)

5. Can I transfer my Gold Points Plus points to someone else?
Yes you can.

6. Are there any awards with Gold Points Plus other than hotels?
Airline rewards, prepaid visa cards.

7. Can I donate my Gold Points Plus points to charity?
Yes, world childhood foundation.

8. Any other special features with Gold Points Plus?
You can redeem your Gold Points towards community-based carbon reduction projects that balance out the equivalent CO2 associated with a trip so you can be Carbon Neutral.

WEBSITE: www.goldpointsplus.com

Wyndam Rewards

Wyndam Rewards FAQ’s at a glance:

Program Hotels:

1. What hotel chains participate in Wyndam Rewards?
Wyndam, Super 8, Ramada, Days Inn, Wingate, Travel Lodge, Howard Johnson, Knights Inn

2. How many hotels participate in Wyndam Rewards worldwide?
6,000

3. Is there a cost to enroll in Wyndam Rewards?
Zilch, it’s free.

Earning Points
1. How do I Earn Points with Wyndam Rewards?
10 points per $ spent at Wyndam family hotels (excludes room taxes)

2. What are the eligible rates that count towards earning Wyndam Rewards points?
Hotel stays associated with non-qualifying rate plans are not eligible for Wyndham Rewards credit. Non-qualifying rate plans include discounted (wholesale) or any other special contracted rates such as group bookings and any stays booked using third party online sources, including but not limited to Expedia, Hotels.com, Orbitz and Travelocity.

3. Does Wyndam Rewards offer any credit cards to speed up point accumulation?
Wyndam rewards Mastercard--no annual fee, 6,000 bonus points to start, 3 pts per $1 spent at Wyndam partner hotels, 2 points per $ spent everywhere else.

4. What are the different membership levels in Wyndam Rewards?
The program does not have any different membership levels.

5. How many Wyndam Rewards points will I earn per $ dollar spent at the hotels?
10—13* (*assumes use of Wyndam rewards Mastercard)

6. Are there any partner programs that can help me earn Wyndam Rewards points?
Yep, over 10 airlines, rail, car, retail.

7. Can I earn Wyndam Rewards bonus points in the program for referring a friend?
Nope.

8. Can I buy Wyndam Rewards points?
You sure can, $0.02 per point in 1,000 point increments.

Redeeming Rewards
1. Do my Wyndam Rewards points ever expire?
YES, points expire 4 years after they are earned. Also, after 18 months of inactivity (i.e. you have not used or earned points) you account may be closed.

2. Are there any blackout dates for redeeming my free Wyndam Rewards hotel rewards?
Nope.

3. How many points do I need to get a free night stay with Wyndam Rewards?
1 free night starts at 10,000 points and goes up to 40,000

4. What is the minimum amount of $ dollars I must spend at a Wyndam Rewards hotel before I get a free night?
$769, Assumes you earn 13 points per dollar (10 base + 3 with Wyndam rewards Mastercard) and stay at a base hotel (10,000 points). You do the math 10,000 / 13 = $769
(if you don’t want the credit card it will take $1,000 to get a free night)

5. Can I transfer my Wyndam Rewards points to someone else?
Nope.

6. Are there any awards with Wyndam Rewards other than hotels?
You bet. Airlines, rental car, rail, cruise, gift certificates (including best buy and home depot)

7. Can I donate my Wyndam Rewards points to charity?
Yes, a variety are listed on their website.

8. Any other special features with Wyndam Rewards?
Your wish list, let's you track how close you are to your desired reward.

WEBSITE: www.wyndamrewards.com

Best Western Gold Crown Club

Best Western Gold Crown Club FAQ’s at a glance:

Program Hotels:

1. What hotel chains participate in Best Western Gold Crown Club?
All Best Western Hotels.

2. How many hotels participate in Best Western Gold Crown Club worldwide?
4,000

3. Is there a cost to enroll in Best Western Gold Crown Club?
Nope, its free.

Earning Points
1. How do I Earn Points with Best Western Gold Crown Club?
10 points per $ spent (excludes taxes)

2. What are the eligible rates that count towards earning Best Western Gold Crown Club points?
You should book with Best Western directly. Third party booking is not eligible for points (ex. Expedia, Priceline, Travelocity).

3. Does Best Western Gold Crown Club offer any credit cards to speed up point accumulation?
Best Western Gold Crown Club Mastercard--No annual fee, earn 10 points for every $3 spent at best western hotels, 10 points for every $5 spent everywhere else, 10,000 bonus points to start.

4. What are the different membership levels in Best Western Gold Crown Club?
Based on a calendar year
Gold-must stay 10 nights per year, 10% point bonus
Platinum-15 nights, 15% point bonus, room upgrades
Diamond-30 nights, 30% point bonus, room upgrades


5. How many Best Western Gold Crown Club points will I earn per $ dollar spent at the hotels?
10-16**(assumes diamond member and best western MasterCard use)

6. Are there any partner programs that can help me earn Best Western Gold Crown Club points?
Yep. Over 15 airlines, rail, rental car and retail (including FTD.com)

7. Can I earn Best Western Gold Crown Club bonus points in the program for referring a friend?
NO

8. Can I buy Best Western Gold Crown Club points?
Yes, but only for platinum/diamond members , $.01 per point in 1,000 point increments.

Redeeming Rewards
1. Do my Best Western Gold Crown Club points ever expire?
Never

2. Are there any blackout dates for redeeming my free Best Western Gold Crown Club hotel rewards?
NONE

3. How many points do I need to get a free night stay with Best Western Gold Crown Club?
1 free night starts at 8,000 points up to 36,000 points

4. What is the minimum amount of $ dollars I must spend at a Best Western hotel before I get a free night?
$615, Assumes you earn 13 points per dollar (10 base + 3 with Mastercard credit card) and stay at a Category 1 hotel (8,000 points). You do the math 8,000 / 13 = $615
($800 if you don't want to get the credit card)

5. Can I transfer my Best Western Gold Crown Club points to someone else?
Yes, but only with members that have the same address.

6. Are there any awards with Best Western Gold Crown Club other than hotels?
Yes, airlines, rail, rental car, merchandise, and theme parks.

7. Can I donate my Best Western Gold Crown Club points to charity?
Yes-Charities available are the Make a Wish Foundation and Futura Rewards

8. Any other special features with Best Western Gold Crown Club?
Best Western has customized rewards programs that may be combined with Gold Crown awards--selections include Speed Rewards for racing fans and AAA rewards.

WEBSITE: www.goldcrownclub.com

Starwood Preferred Guest

Starwood Preferred Guest FAQ’s at a glance:

Program Hotels:

1. What hotel chains participate in Starwood Preferred Guest?
Sheraton, Four Points, Loft, W hotels, Meridien, Element, Westin, St. Regis

2. How many hotels participate in Starwood Preferred Guest worldwide?
860

3. Is there a cost to enroll in Starwood Preferred Guest?
Nope, its free.

Earning Points

1. How do I Earn Points with Starwood Preferred Guest?
Members earn 2 points for every $1 spent at Starwood hotels (it does not include any room taxes)

2. What are the eligible rates that count towards earning Starwood Preferred Guest points?
You should book with Starwood directly. Third party booking is not eligible for points (ex. Expedia, Priceline, Travelocity).

3. Does Starwood Preferred Guest offer any credit cards to speed up point accumulation?
Starwood American Express Credit Card-$45 annual fee (1st year free), 10,000 bonus points to start, earn 1 point per dollar spent anywhere
Starwood MasterCard --No annual fee, earn 1 point for every $2 spent anywhere, up to 10,000 points starting bonus


4. What are the different membership levels in Starwood Preferred Guest?
Calendar year
Preferred--basic
Gold-10 stays or 25 nights, upgraded accomodations, 50% point bonus (3 points instead of 2 per $ spent)
Platinum-25 stays or 50 nights, 50% point bonus (3 instead of 2 per $ spent), free use of gym, 72 hour check-in, guarantee, conceirge level


5. How many Starwood Preferred Guest points will I earn per $ dollar spent at the hotels?
2--4**(assumes gold/platinum member and use of AMEX credit card)

6. Are there any partner programs that can help me earn Starwood Preferred Guest points?
Over 30 airlines, rental car, retail (including amazon and itunes)

7. Can I earn Starwood Preferred Guest bonus points in the program for referring a friend?
Nope.

8. Can I buy Starwood Preferred Guest points?
$.035 per point in 1,000 point increments

Redeeming Rewards
1. Do my Starwood Preferred Guest points ever expire?
Yes, if account is inactive for more than 12 calendar year months.

2. Are there any blackout dates for redeeming my free Starwood Preferred Guest hotel rewards?
None

3. How many points do I need to get a free night stay with Starwood Preferred Guest?
1 free night starts at 2,000 for a category 1 to 35,000 for a category 7

4. What is the minimum amount of $ dollars I must spend at a Starwood Preferred Guest hotel before I get a free night?
$667, Assumes you earn 3 points per dollar (2 base + 1 with Amex credit card) and stay at a Category 1 hotel (2,000 points). You do the math 2,000 / 3 = $667.

($1,000 if you don't want to get the credit card)

5. Can I transfer my Starwood Preferred Guest points to someone else?
You can transfer points between accounts of members of the same household.

6. Are there any awards with Starwood Preferred Guest other than hotels?
Merchandise, airlines, rental cars, train rides

7. Can I donate my Starwood Preferred Guest points to charity?
Yes, check website for availability.

8. Any other special features with Starwood Preferred Guest?
Starwood has auctions for special experiences (ex. concerts, sporting events)

Website: www.spg.com

Hyatt Gold Passport

Hyatt Gold Passport FAQ’s at a glance:

Program Hotels:
1. What hotel chains participate in Hyatt Gold Passport?
Hyatt hotels & resorts, Hyatt Place, Hyatt Summerfield suites

2. How many hotels participate in Hyatt Gold Passport worldwide?
470

3. Is there a cost to enroll in Hyatt Gold Passport?
Nope, it’s free.

Earning Points
1. How do I Earn Points with Hyatt Gold Passport?
5 points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels (excludes tax)

2. What are the eligible rates that count towards earning Hyatt Gold Passport points?
You should book with Hyatt directly. Third party booking is not eligible for points (ex. Expedia, Priceline, Travelocity).

3. Does Hyatt Gold Passport offer any credit cards to speed up point accumulation?
Nope.

4. What are the different membership levels in Hyatt Gold Passport?
Uses calendar year
GOLD--basic
Platinum--15 nights, 5 stays, 15% point bonus, guarantee bed type
Diamond--50 nights, 25 stays--30% bonus points, free breakfast/concierge level, 72 hr room guarantee, upgraded accommodations, access to lounge or free snack gift


5. How many Hyatt Gold Passport points will I earn per $ dollar spent at the hotels?
5--7* (assumes 30% diamond bonus)

6. Are there any partner programs that can help me earn Hyatt Gold Passport points?
You can choose to earn points with 26 airline partners or Amtrak, you can also receive points for Avis or SIXT car rental. Members also earn 3 pts per $ spent at Hawthorn Suites or Amerisuites.

7. Can I earn Hyatt Gold Passport bonus points in the program for referring a friend?
Nope.

8. Can I buy Hyatt Gold Passport points?
Yes, they cost $.02 per point in 500 point increments. You may purchase up to the lower of 10,000 points per year or 10% of your point balance.

Redeeming Rewards
1. Do my Hyatt Gold Passport points ever expire?
Yes, if your account is inactive for more than 12 calendar year months.

2. Are there any blackout dates for redeeming my free Hyatt Gold Passport hotel rewards?
Nope.

3. How many points do I need to get a free night stay with Hyatt Gold Passport?
1 free night starts at 5,000 for category 1 up to 18,000 for category 5

4. What is the minimum amount of $ dollars I must spend at a Hyatt Gold Passport hotel before I get a free night?
$1,000 Assumes you earn 5 points per dollar and stay at a Category 1 hotel (5,00 points). You do the math 5,000 / 5 = $1,000

5. Can I transfer my Hyatt Gold Passport points to someone else?
NO, but may combine points with 1 other account to redeem an award.

6. Are there any awards with Hyatt Gold Passport other than hotels?
Yep. Merchandise, airlines, rental cars, trains.

7. Can I donate my Hyatt Gold Passport points to charity?
Yes, to the Make-a-Wish foundation.

8. Any other special features with Hyatt Gold Passport?
Members can earn points at other hotel chains (hawthorn suites and Amerisuites) although you earn only 3 Hyatt points compared to 5 at a Hyatt owned location.

WEBSITE: www.goldpassporthyatt.com

Marriott Rewards

Marriott Rewards FAQ’s at a glance:

Program Hotels:
1. What hotel chains participate in Marriott Rewards?
Marriott Hotels, Residence Inn, Courtyard by Marriott,Renaissance Hotels, Spring Hill Suites, Townplace Suites, Fairfield Inn

2. How many hotels participate in Marriott Rewards worldwide?
2,700

3. Is there a cost to enroll in Marriott Rewards?
Nope, its free.

Earning Points

1. How do I Earn Points with Marriott Rewards?
Members earn 10 points for every $1 spent at Marriott family hotels (excluding taxes) members can also earn airline miles instead of points (but not points AND airline miles).

2. What are the eligible rates that count towards earning Marriott Rewards points?
You should book with Marriott directly. Third party booking is not eligible for points (ex. Expedia, Priceline, Travelocity).

3. Does Marriott Rewards offer any credit cards to speed up point accumulation?
Marriott Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card: $30 annual fee, 25,000 bonus points and 1 free night to enroll, you earn 3 points for each $ spent at Marriott hotels, 1 point for every $ spent on everything else.

4. What are the different membership levels in Marriott Rewards?
Based on a Calendar Year:
Silver--10 nights per year,20% bonus points, free check cashing, priority late check in
Gold--50 nights per year,25 % bonus points, room upgrade
Platinum--75 nights per year, 50% bonus points, 48 hr guaranteed reservation


5. How many Marriott Rewards points will I earn per $ dollar spent at the hotels?
10--18*
(Assumes 50% platinum bonus, 3 points for using Marriott Visa credit card)


6. Are there any partner programs that can help me earn Marriott Rewards points?
Rental cars, Sky-mall, Chase bank, FTD, Over 30 Airlines

7. Can I earn Marriott Rewards bonus points in the program for referring a friend?
Earn up to 5,000 points per friend referred (1,000 per stay) up to 25,000 per year.

8. Can I buy Marriott Rewards points?
Yep. $.0125 per point in 1,000 point increments, up to 50,000 points per year.

Redeeming Rewards
1. Do my Marriott Rewards points ever expire?
Technically no, but must make a paid stay at a Marriott hotel in the last 24 months or else you account will be inactive and they you lose your points.

2. Are there any blackout dates for redeeming my free Marriott Rewards hotel rewards?
Starting 1/15/08, there are no more blackout dates.

3. How many points do I need to get a free night stay with Marriott Rewards?
1 free night starts at 7,500 points for category 1 hotels to 35,000 points for a category 7 hotel.

4. What is the minimum amount of $ dollars I must spend at a Marriott hotel before I get a free night?
$577 -Assumes you earn 13 points per dollar (10 base + 3 with Marriott Visa credit card) and stay at a Category 1 hotel (7,500 points). You do the math 7,500 / 13 = $577
($750 if you don't want to get the credit card)

5. Can I transfer my Marriott Rewards points to someone else?
Yes, you can transfer points to your spouse only.

6. Are there any awards with Marriott Rewards other than hotels?
Yep. Car rentals, cruises, theme parks, shopping & dinning rewards.

7. Can I donate my Marriott Rewards points to charity?
Yes you can, a variety of charities are listed on their website.

8. Any other special features with Marriott Rewards?
Marriott Dream rewards tracker—a tool on their website that lets you set up to 5 dream travels and track your progress.

Also use your points for a 4 night stay and you get the 5th night free.

WEBSITE: www.marriottrewards.com

7.22.2008

Hilton Hhonors

Hilton Hhonors FAQ’s at a glance:


Program Hotels:


1. What hotel chains participate in Hilton Hhonors?
Hilton Hotels, Hampton Inn, Hampton Suites, Embassy Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites, Doubletree Hotels, Conrad Hotels


2. How many hotels participate in Hilton Hhonors worldwide?
3,000

3. Is there a cost to enroll in Hilton Hhonors?
Nope, it’s free


Earning Points

1. How do I Earn Points with Hilton Hhonors?
You earn 10 points for every $1 spent at any Hilton Family hotels (excluding room taxes). You can also earn points on select retail and car rental locations. If airline miles are your thing, you can double dip (see special features at bottom).


2. What are the eligible rates that count towards earning Hilton Hhonors points?
You should book with hilton directly. Third party bookings are not eligible for points (ex. Expedia, Priceline, Travelocity).

3. Does Hilton Hhonors offer any credit cards to speed up point accumulation?
Yes, there is a Hilton Hhonors American Express Credit Card--no annual fee, 10,000 point signup bonus & 2,500 for 1st 4 stays (so potential 20,000 point bonus up front). In addition to your regular hotel points, you earn 5 points per $dollar spent at Hilton family hotels, cell phone, gas, grocery, post office and restaurants. You also earn 3pts per $ for purchases everywhere else.

There is also the Hilton Hhonors Citibank Visa Credit Card-- no annual fee, 15,000 bonus points to start. In addition to your regular hotel points you earn 6 points per $dollar spent at Hilton Family hotels, 3 pts per $ for grocery, restaurants and gas stations, and 2 pts per $ everywhere else.

4. What are the different membership levels in Hilton Hhonors?
Note that all stays/nights per year are based on a rolling 12 month period. All other hotel programs use a calendar year.
Blue- Basic membership when you sign up
All other memberships receive special VIP only vacation options
Silver--4 stays/10 nights per year, 15% bonus points, free use of gym
Gold--16stays/36 nights per year, 25% bonus points, added benefits or points depending on hotel chain
Diamond--28 stays/60 nights per year, 50% bonus points, and guaranteed reservations (must book 48 hrs ahead)


5. How many Hilton Hhonors points will I earn per $ dollar spent at the hotels?
10-26*
(assumes 15 double dipping base points, 5 point bonus (diamond status), Visa reward card)

6. Are there any partner programs that can help me earn Hilton Hhonors points?
Hilton Hhonors has over 50 airline partners, rental car and rail partners.

7. Can I earn Hilton Hhonors bonus points in the program for referring a friend?
Yes 2,500 points per friend

8. Can I buy Hilton Hhonors points?
You sure can--10,000 points for $.01 per point (up to 40,000 points per year)

Redeeming Rewards

1. Do my Hilton Hhonors points ever expire?
While your points technically don’t expire, if you do not record some type of point activity in a 12 month period you may be removed from program. (point activity includes hotel stays and credit card purchases using a hilton hhonors credit card.)


2. Are there any blackout dates for redeeming my free Hilton Hhonors hotel rewards?
Nope.

3. How many points do I need to get a free night stay with Hilton Hhonors? 1 free night starts at 7,500 points for opportunity hotels to 40,000 points for a category 6 hotel

4. What is the minimum amount of $ dollars I must spend at a Hilton Hhonors hotel before I get a free night?
$357—assumes you earn 21 points per dollar (10 base + 5 double dipping + 6 with Hilton Hhonors Visa credit card) and stay at an opportunity hotel (7,500 points). You do the math 7,500 / 21 = $357
($500 if you don't want to get the credit card)

5. Can I transfer my Hilton Hhonors points to someone else?
Yes, you can transfer your points to family or friends enrolled, you can also exchange points with other programs (airline, rail, amex, diners club).


6. Are there any awards with Hilton Hhonors other than hotels?
You bet. The newest are Experience Rewards--Vocation Vacations, helicopter rides, motorcycle rentals. There are also retail rewards, cruise rewards, rental car and rail rewards as well.

7. Can I donate my Hilton Hhonors points to charity?
Yes you can, a variety of charities are listed on their website. (your so sweet)


8. Any other special features with Hilton Hhonors?
Double Dipping, you can earn hotel points AND airline miles for the same stay.
Participants can choose their earning style:
10 Hilton Hhonors points + 1 airline mile per $1 spent, or 10 Hilton Hhonors points per $1 and 500 airline miles per stay, or 15 Hilton Honors pts per $1 (no airline miles)


Website: www.hiltonhhonors.com

7.20.2008

Hotel Rewards Comparison Matrix


I'm a traveler. I was out of town, away from my family, away from my friends, away from my wife a total of 160 nights last year. The only thing that kept me from going crazy...the only thing that kept me warm on those cold strange nights...the only thing that made it even a little bit worth it...was my hotel points. Those golden points-how beautiful they are!

If you are a traveler, or --even better--are about to become a traveler, this site is for you. Before booking your hotel step 1 is to sign up for a hotel rewards program, all the major chains have them and they are all free to join. They are designed so that you stay loyal to one hotel brand or family--and it works!

As a frequent business traveler, I always try to stay at one hotel family, (I won't say which one, see if you can tell if I have a favorite) but I am also a member of several other rewards programs just in case my top pick is not close by. I have taken about 7 vacations in the last 4 years--ALL FOR FREE! After only 4 years of traveling I have over 1 million points (even after taking a bunch of vacations) and there are plenty of people out there with even more points (point multi-millionaires).

This site will let you compare the different rewards programs so you can find the one that tickles your fancy. I would suggest clicking on the super-high-tech Hotel Rewards Comparison Matrix to start your search, and then check out the detailed FAQ's for each major program. Keep in mind it is best to sign up for at least a couple of programs just in case your favorite hotel is booked up, too far away, etc.






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