Leaving in a week for a 14-16 day trip. Anyone have any hotel rewards programs they are a part of that actually rewards you like a free night here and there. Trying to cut back on expenses for trip. The wife is not a camper. Want to keep her happy. Thanks.

 

Best Western Ride Rewards program. Free nights, upgrades, bike washing facilities at many locations. Used it on our 8 day western trip last year.
As a H.O.G. member, you are automatically upgraded to Platinum Elite status.


http://www.bestwestern.com/rewards/b...de-rewards.asp

 

Best Western. Check web site prior to leaving on trip and sign up for any special offers. Even if you are a member you still have to sign up. They normally have three nights at three different locations and you get one night free.

 

Best Westsern, Holiday Inn line of hotels, Hilton....used points last year for free nights on Sturgis trip!

 

I use choice hotels (comfort inn, days inn, etc.) every 2 separate stays you get one free night. Seems the best IMO.

 

My wife usually uses Expedia or Priceline. She saves a lot more than a rewards program.

 

It depends on your needs, budget and places you stay at.
La Quinta has a credit card and a rewards program that is rather quick to earn points BUT some locations are less nice because they are converted older buildings. If you use La Quinta consider the INN & SUITES version which are usually better.
The next fastest has already been mentioned.
The Hampton/Hilton and Marriott reward systems are a lot slower for rewards but hotels are generally higher in scale.
The best way is to use the reward credit card for the place you frequent the most on all purchases so you build points and double/triple points during stays.
Using credit card will only work for those that carry zero balance and pay on time.

 

Usually don't get free nights unless you stay there frequently. I'm a business traveler, and used Hilton Honors points to get free stays at Hamptons during my 4 days of riding around AZ a couple years ago.

 

Unless you have to stay at a specific hotel I would use Priceline and bid on your rooms. I just recently stayed at a 3.5 star Wyndham Bay Point golf resort in Panama City on the water for $80+tax vs $150+tax on Expedia and when traveling back through Nashville I stayed at the Inn at Opryland for $65+taxes and fees vs $129+tax on Expedia.

When I stay in downtown Chicago (frequently) I can bid $60 for a 3-star vs Expedia being $150 for the same hotel. The Priceline usually works best the day of, but a person can pay similar rates to staying at Motel 6 or Super 8 and still stay at nice places.

I once Hotwired an Extended Stay in Bakersfield, CA for $35 but my room was filthy and another patron was complaining that the inside of his shower curtain was covered in blood. I wouldn't go that cheap again, but I would rather pay $85 out the door for a nicer room with a nice bed (Inn at Opryland has big rooms with Select Comfort Beds) vs $70 for a Super 8.

Unless your rewards points can get you a decent hotel that will average $60-70/night+taxes for your entire stay then I would go with Priceline.

 

Good idea...hadn't thought of priceline.. I ended up joining the BW one. Doesn't hurt I guess. Will still look for better deals.