Dan Whitmer, Rewards Programs Analyst
@dan_whitmer
You need 4,500 to 120,000 hotel points for a free night in a standard room, depending on the hotel rewards program, location, and travel dates. Luxury properties and peak travel seasons usually require significantly more points.
Hotel Points Needed for a Free Night
| Hotel | Minimum | Average | Maximum |
| World of Hyatt | 5,000 | 47,500 | 90,000 |
| Wyndham Rewards | 7,500 | 18,750 | 30,000 |
| Sonesta Travel Pass | 10,000 | 30,000 | 50,000 |
| Marriott Bonvoy | 4,500 | 52,250 | 100,000 |
| Hilton Honors | 5,000 | 50,000 | 120,000 |
| Best Western Rewards | 5,000 | 37,500 | 70,000 |
| IHG One Rewards | 5,000 | 40,000 | 70,000 |
| Drury Rewards | 7,200 | 31,100 | 55,000 |
| Choice Privileges | 6,000 | 20,000 | 35,000 |
For a more detailed comparison of the best hotel rewards programs, check out WalletHub's in-depth review.
How to Earn Hotel Rewards Points
- Join a Hotel Loyalty Program. Sign up for free and book directly through the hotel’s website or participating locations to start earning points.
- Earn Higher Tier Status. Achieve higher membership tiers by reaching annual spending thresholds, unlocking bonus points and additional benefits.
- Use a Hotel Credit Card. Apply for a hotel credit card to earn more points on hotel bookings, plus points on everyday spending, large sign-up bonuses, and automatic higher-tier status. Compare the best hotel cards here on WalletHub.
Hotel rewards points usually expire after 12 to 24 months of account inactivity. Best Western is the only major program whose points don’t expire, but delaying redemption risks rewards devaluation. It's best to use your hotel points regularly.
Hotel points are generally worth around 1 cent each, but their value can vary. For instance, when redeeming Marriott points for a free night, each point is worth 0.3 - 2.47 cents, depending on the property and the date of your trip.
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