Is Buying Hotel Points at IHG, Marriott, Hilton, or Hyatt Worth?
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Buying hotel points can be an appealing choice for regular travelers, mainly since loyalty programs such as IHG, Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt frequently run promotions that enhance the value of point purchases. However, is buying hotel points genuinely worthwhile?
The answer hinges on how, when, and where you intend to utilize them.
When Does It Make Sense to Buy Hotel Points?
Here are some situations where buying hotel points might make sense:
- Promotions on Point Purchases
Hotel rewards programs sometimes have deals that give bonuses of up to 100%, lowering the cost per point. For example, Hyatt offered points recently at 1.92 cents each. This allows travelers to book rooms for much less than the normal cash price.
- Fourth Night Free Offers
Certain credit cards linked to loyalty programs can give a free fourth night when booking with points. For instance, the IHG credit card offers a free fourth night if you book using points. This can significantly decrease the total cost for a longer stay.
- High Cash Rates vs. Point Costs
Sometimes, hotels set very high prices during busy periods or special events, like Golden Week in Japan. A hotel room that costs $600 per night in cash might only need 12,000 points. If you buy points at 1.92 cents each, that night would only cost you $240, making it much cheaper than paying in cash.
- Luxury Stays and Dream Trips
Purchasing points might be helpful if you are searching for a luxury or special experience. Hotels such as the Park Hyatt Bangkok or St. Regis Venice might charge over $1,000 each night, but points let you use a free night certificate or spend far fewer points, turning it into a special yet low-cost escape.
- Booking Options
Another benefit of using points is the choices given by most loyalty programs. Many hotel programs permit free cancellation when reserving with points, offering a major plus compared to non-refundable cash reservations.
Examples of Buying Points for Savings
Hyatt
Hyatt points provide great worth for high-end stays. Recently, at the Park Hyatt Bangkok, I saw a room costing $1,200 per night available with a free night certificate. Hyatt’s points often place it among the best loyalty plans for fancy hotels.
IHG One Rewards
IHG stands out for buying points, especially with the fourth-night-free benefit from the IHG credit card. Reserving four nights with points at an IHG hotel, especially in busy places, results in big savings compared to cash. On a recent Tokyo visit, I found a hotel with a cash rate of $600 per night available for just 12,000 points, thus making buying points quite attractive.
For example, ,as part of a points purchase promotion with a 90-100% bonus you can buy 117,000 points at $0.56 per point for about $656 and redeem them for 4 nights at InterContinental Hotels Singapore Robertson Quay, which would cost $1,070.08 in cash.
Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott points have a high worth for fantastic trips like visiting the Maldives or going on special safaris in South Africa. Hotels such as the St. Regis Maldives or Leopard Sands Lodge in Kruger National Park offer amazing adventures that often cost over $1,000 each night.
There are several ways to redeem points in the Marriott program. The last offer to buy points was with a 40% bonus (0.89 cents per point). Marriott regularly offers promotions on points, as well as a separate points multiplier that allows you to buy points at 15%, 20%, or 25% off depending on recent activity.
Hilton Honors
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi | Image source Hilton
Hilton often gives promotions where members grab points at cheaper prices. This makes fancy hotels like the Waldorf Astoria Maldives easier to book. For example, with a 100% bonus promotion, members grab Hilton points for only 0.5 cents each. If one night costs $1,000 but only 95,000 points are needed, purchasing points might help save money.
The Math Behind Buying Hotel Points
To decide if buying hotel points is a good idea, it’s essential to do the math.
Simple process:
- Cost Per Point vs. Value Per Night: First, find out the rate in step with point at some point of a unique offer. Then, figure out how many factors you need in your life. If the full factor price is decreased than the coins charge (which includes taxes and charges), shopping for points could be a terrific decision.
- Extra Benefits: Consider any additional blessings when reserving with factors like unfastened parking for Hyatt Globalists or no motel costs.
- Award Chart Changes: Know that loyalty applications may alternate their award charts, probably lowering factor value. Programs like Marriott, Hilton, and IHG use dynamic pricing, so point values might differ. Buying points is nice if you have a booking in thoughts and can lock in the rate before any adjustments manifest.
When Not to Buy Hotel Points
Buying motel points has the right sides; however, every so often, it isn’t always a high-quality concept. Points without promotions may cost a little excessive amount. Waiting for merchandising enables one to save money. Buying factors without a clear plan is unstable. Hotels may trade regulations, making your points well worth much less. Consider simplest if you have a use for them. For inexpensive motels, the use of cash is often wiser, mainly if factor prices offer little gain.
Conclusion
Buying lodge points might be correct; however, suppose carefully and exercise the details during the session. It generally works properly for fancy hotels, special factor sales, or getting extras like a free fourth night time. Always take a look at the point value versus cash, recall elite fame perks, and feature a clean plan for using points before shopping for them. This way, you, in all likelihood, enjoy great stays for less than normal, letting your journey desires take place.
