How to Score Free Hotel Stays Through Loyalty Programs (Without Being a Road Warrior)

You don’t need elite status or a company credit card to stay in hotels for free. Here’s how to use loyalty programs to your advantage.

1. Sign Up for Major Hotel Loyalty Programs

Top programs:
- Hilton Honors
- Marriott Bonvoy
- IHG One Rewards
- World of Hyatt
- Wyndham Rewards
- Choice Privileges
- Best Western Rewards

Signing up is free and takes two minutes.

2. Always Book Directly

Book through:
- Hotel website
- Hotel app

Avoid:
- Expedia
- Priceline
- Booking.com

Third-party bookings typically don’t earn points.

3. Watch for Promotions

Look for:
- Double or triple points
- Bonus points for app bookings
- Seasonal or quarterly promotions

Sign up for hotel newsletters to stay in the loop.

4. Stack Points With Surveys and Shopping

Earn bonus points via:
- Hotel shopping portals (e.g. Marriott, IHG)
- Dining programs linked to your loyalty number
- Survey sites like e-Rewards or Miles for Opinions

5. Use Hotel Apps

Perks include:
- Extra points for app bookings
- Mobile check-in
- Digital keys
- Faster promo alerts

6. Choose Low Redemption Programs

Programs with cheap award nights:
- Wyndham: 7,500–15,000 points
- Choice Privileges: 6,000–12,000 points
- IHG: Frequent reward sales

Helps you earn free nights faster.

7. Travel Off-Peak

Use fewer points when demand is low:
- Midweek stays
- Shoulder seasons
- Less popular cities

8. Look for Cash + Points or Promo Nights

Some programs let you:
- Mix points and cash
- Get a 4th or 5th night free on reward stays
- Earn rebate points back on redemptions

9. Earn Points Without a Credit Card

Earn via:
- Uber (Marriott)
- Lyft (Hilton)
- Hotel dining programs
- Partner gas stations or retailers
- Car rentals booked through hotel platforms

10. Final Tip

You don’t need to be a business traveler to stay for free. Use promotions, book smart, and stack points — your free night is closer than you think.