Enhancing Your Stay with Points: Tips to Get the Most from Your Rewards

Maximizing Rewards with Credit Card Points

Upgrading your hotel using your travel card is an affordable way to have a great stay! Photo by Freepik.

Hotel Upgrades: Travel credit cards are quite popular among users for everyday transactions. Their benefits include considerable savings, upgrades for flights and hotels, access to exclusive airport lounges, and more.

This popularity stems from the fact that travel credit card holders can concentrate their daily spending on their card, consistently earning points that pile up and can be redeemed for various attractive rewards.

Understanding Hotel Upgrades with Points

What Does Upgrading with Points Mean?

Upgrading, whether for a flight or hotel stay, means redeeming your earned points for rewards. It’s a common and savvy way to save money while traveling.

This method opens up opportunities for enhanced stays, often at no extra cost, thanks to travel cards having partnerships with hotel chains that reward cardholders.

Advantages of Upgrading with Points

Using points for upgrades allows you to enjoy more spacious rooms, suites with bathtubs, breathtaking views, and chic layouts, among many other perks.

This way, your travel experience becomes even more memorable, creating special moments that you’ll cherish.

How Does Upgrading with Points Work?

Loyalty Programs Offering Upgrades

Numerous loyalty programs let members upgrade their rooms using points. Here are some of the top ones:

Marriott Bonvoy: With over 7,000 hotels, Marriott Bonvoy allows you to upgrade with points to suites and premium view rooms. Platinum and higher members have a better chance of getting free upgrades, depending on availability.
Hilton Honors: Offers automatic upgrades for Gold and Diamond members, with options like larger rooms, better views, and executive lounge access. You can also use points to guarantee upgrades.
World of Hyatt: Members can use points to upgrade rooms, and Globalist members get automatic upgrades when available, including suites and higher categories.
IHG One Rewards: With points, you can upgrade to premium rooms. Platinum and Diamond members have priority for free upgrades at check-in, which can include suites.
Accor Live Limitless (ALL): Allows members to use points to upgrade rooms, and depending on the hotel, gain access to VIP lounges and other perks.

These programs provide a mix of automatic upgrades and rewards-based upgrades, particularly for elite status members.

Guidelines for Upgrading

Before seeking a hotel upgrade, there are a few important points to consider. Firstly, you should check the availability at check-in, as upgrades depend on what’s open. Also, having a higher loyalty tier can facilitate the upgrade process.

The points required for an upgrade vary based on the hotel chain, room type, length of stay, and whether it’s peak or off-peak season, among other factors. Be aware of promotional restrictions, as bookings through online travel agencies might not be eligible for upgrades.

Top Credit Cards for Earning Points and Securing Hotel Upgrades

Chase Sapphire Preferred: Earns points for Marriott, Hyatt, and IHG, plus 2x points on travel.
The Platinum Card from American Express: Points transfer to Hilton and Marriott with automatic Gold status.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass: Earns 12x points on Hilton stays and grants Gold status for free upgrades.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless: Earns 6x points and includes Silver Elite status, which can ensure upgrades.
World of Hyatt Credit Card: Up to 9x points at Hyatt hotels and includes Discoverist status for upgrade opportunities.
IHG Rewards Premier: Earns 10x points at IHG hotels and provides Platinum Elite status for complimentary upgrades.