While airline miles get the most attention, hotel nights can really add up when traveling as a family. As a family of 5, we require (based on most hotel policies) two hotel rooms. This means that two rooms times 14 nights (like our last trip) can really add up quickly.
How we earn the hotel points
We earn our hotel points primarily on Marriott and Hilton, with a little bit here and there across Accor, Hyatt, and IHG. They are earned through hotel stays (mainly while traveling for work or kids travel sports) and through credit card usage.
Stays – I try to stay at Marriott or Hilton properties whenever possible. One key to multiplying hotel points on stays is to look through the hotel chain website to look for offers and promotions. For example, the past two years Marriott has done a promotion where you can earn two elite qualifying nights and double points for each night stayed.
Credit Card Usage – Admittedly, this one is where we earn the majority of our Hilton points, and about 40% of our Marriott points. With Hilton, we use the Hilton Amex card exclusively for groceries and gas, earning 6 points on the dollar. Also, when staying at a Hilton or Marriott property, we use the corresponding credit card for additional points (sometimes up to 12 points on the dollar). This allows us to earn extra points above the points for the stay.
What kind of travel savings are we talking about?
The savings from the hotel points can make the difference between being able to afford a trip and staying home. Here are a couple of examples from the past couple of years:
Marriott – Stayed in Phuket, Thailand at Le Meridian over the winter holidays. Used 400,000 points + $270 for 12 total room nights (2 rooms for 6 days). Total savings = $3,672
Hilton – Stayed in the Maldives at the Saii Lagoon Maldives for 10 total room nights (2 rooms – 5 nights). Used 680,000 points for a total savings of $8,350. This was a bucket-list travel experience, and I can’t say enough good things about this property.
Additionally, we have used hotel points over the past 5 years in Australia, Disney World, and upcoming trips to Argentina, and New Zealand, saving in excess of $25,000 cumulatively. Eliminating this expense is the difference maker for us when it comes to family travel.
How have you used hotel points to save on travel?