Save big bucks on travel with these insider tips on making the most of hotel loyalty programs.
POOL POINTS WITH YOUR TRAVEL PALS. Some loyalty programs allow you to combine points with other program members free, says frequent traveler Richard Kerr, who runs the Facebook community Award Travel 101. Pooling comes in handy when you don’t have enough points to book an award. Or, you could transfer points to a person in your group who has elite status and have her book the rooms for your entire crew, so everyone can enjoy the perks of free Wi-Fi, upgrades or late check-out.
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SEARCH NIGHT-BY-NIGHT FOR LONGER STAYS, suggests Nick Ewen, analyst at the travel advice site thepointsguy.com. If a hotel doesn’t have the cheapest grade of room available every night of your visit, it will quote you the more expensive option for the entire stay. Booking each night separately allows you to spend the first in a deluxe room that costs more points, and the following nights in a standard room for fewer points. You may have to switch rooms each day, but call the loyalty program’s customer service line and ask to link reservations; the property may keep you in the upgraded room for your entire vacation.
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DON’T FORGET REWARDS FROM TRAVEL BOOKING SITES. Sign up for the rewards programs at Expedia, Orbitz and hotels.com, suggest Jen and Ted Avery, founders of budget travel blog thriftynomads.com. You’ll earn points at any hotel, not just one chain, as well as for car rentals, cruises and other activities booked through the sites. Expedia and Orbitz offer members-only deals, plus the ability to earn points on top of airline miles, while hotels.com gives one free night after staying 10.
