Ever wondered how to score free hotel stays without being an influencer or a secret hotel evaluator? There are plenty of legitimate ways to get free hotel rooms if you want to travel more and spend less on accommodation.
First, consider leveraging hotel credit cards. The Ascend Card from American Express is great for Hilton fans. With a $95 annual fee, you can earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $2,000 in the first three months. You also get 12X points at Hilton properties, 6X at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, and 3X on other purchases.
Marriott offers the Rewards Premier Plus Credit Card with a $95 annual fee and an APR ranging from 17.49% to 24.49%. Spend $5,000 in the first three months, and you’ll get 100,000 bonus points. IHG has two options: the Premier Card, which gives you 10 points per dollar spent at IHG hotels, and the Traveler Card, which offers 5 points per dollar. Both cards have unique benefits and costs.
The Choice Privileges Visa Signature Card is another excellent option. It has no annual fee and offers a 0% APR for the first 15 billing cycles. Spend $1,000 in the first 90 days, and you can earn 32,000 bonus points, redeemable for up to four nights at select Choice Hotels properties. The Best Western Rewards MasterCard also offers free nights and has no annual fee for the standard card, with a $59 fee for the Platinum card after the first year.
Wyndham Rewards is designed to make travel more affordable. You earn 10 points per dollar spent or 1,000 points per eligible stay. With just 15,000 points, you can get a free night. SPG offers up to 5 points per dollar spent and allows you to transfer points to various frequent flyer programs. Choice Privileges gives you 32,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months, which can be used for free nights.
Marriott Hotel Rewards offers 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months, plus a free night stay after your account anniversary. Omni Select Guest, Radisson Rewards, iPrefer, and World of Hyatt also have excellent loyalty programs that can lead to free stays and other perks.
If you find a cheaper rate for the same room on another website, many hotels will match it and offer additional discounts or points. For instance, Omni offers a 20% discount, Marriott gives you a choice between a 25% discount or 5,000 points, and IHG offers five times the usual points. Shangri-La, Hilton, Best Western, AccorHotels, and Choice Hotels also have price match guarantees with added perks.
Mystery shopping is another way to get free hotel stays. Companies hire you to evaluate their services, and in return, you get free accommodations. Be cautious of scams, though. Reputable firms like Coyle Hospitality and BestMark offer legitimate opportunities.
Working in the hospitality or travel industry can also lead to free stays. Hotels often offer employees free rooms, and travel agencies may invite staff for familiarization trips. Frequent flyer programs can also be a goldmine for free hotel stays. Many airlines offer points that can be exchanged for hotel accommodations.
Social media influence can also get you free stays. Hotels value the exposure from shares, likes, and reviews. Even with a modest following, you can score some incredible perks. Travel journalists often get complimentary stays in exchange for writing about their experiences. Start by building a portfolio and reaching out to hotels.
Travel search engines like Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia offer rewards programs that can lead to free or discounted stays. Hotels.com, for example, gives you one free night after ten stays. Booking.com offers Genius deals with discounts, and Expedia Rewards lets you earn points on all your bookings.
For those in need, community programs and nonprofits often partner with hotels to provide emergency accommodations. Government programs may also offer vouchers for hotel stays during crises.
In conclusion, scoring free hotel stays involves a mix of savvy strategies, loyalty programs, and sometimes a bit of luck. Keep researching and staying informed, and you’ll eventually unlock the secret world of free accommodations.