Strategies Hotel Chains and their Loyalty Programs : The Ultimate Guide

To the point Here's the difference between the different hotel chains and the features of their loyalty programs.

Marriott Bonvoy Accor Best Western Choice Hotels Coast Hotels Hilton Le Germain Hotels Hyatt IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) Sandman Wyndham Bottom Line

There are so many hotel brands, hotel chains and hotel loyalty programs that it is normal to get lost and not know which one to choose.

Here is a summary of the features of each, which will help you select the best hotel and loyalty program for your trip.

Note: There are other smaller hotel rewards programs, but the following are the major groups that include the most hotels.

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy is the only hotel chain in Canada that has credit cards associated with its loyalty program. So it’s much easier to earn points, accelerated benefits and free night certificates with Marriott Bonvoy.

Number of hotels	8,000 Marriott Bonvoy hotels and more
Name of the loyalty program	Marriott Bonvoy
Number and name of brands	33: Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Marriott Executive Apartments, Element, Courtyard, Four Points, Four Points Express by Sheraton, Springhill Suites, City Express, Fairfield, Protea Hotels, AC Hotel, Aloft, Moxy, Marriott, Sheraton, Marriott Vacation Clubs, Delta, Westin, Le Méridien, Renaissance, Autograph Collection, Tribute Portfolio, Design Hotels, Gaylord Hotels, Edition, The Ritz-Carlton, The Luxury Collection, St.Regis, W Hotels, JW Marriott and StudioRes
Status levels	Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium, Ambassador
Earning points	2.5 points per $1 USD: Marriott Executive Apartments 5 points per $1 USD at Protea Hotels, Homes & Villas, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites and Element. 10 points per $1 USD for the rest. Extra points for Elite members Marriott Bonvoy^{^®} American Express^{^®} Card Marriott Bonvoy^{^®} Business American Express^{^®} Card Transfer from American Express cards where 5 Membership Rewards points = 6 Marriott Bonvoy points
Points value	1,000 Marriott Bonvoy points are worth $9
Redeeming points	According to a dynamic pricing system. The more popular the date and location and the more upscale the hotel, the higher the price in points. Free transfer of up to 100,000 points/year to another account (friend, spouse) Ability to transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to other airline programs (Aeroplan, Flying Blue, etc.)
Expiration of points	After 24 months of inactivity on the account
Marriott Bonvoy hotels are perfect for	For all budgets, depending on the type of trip and for all types of travelers. Marriott Bonvoy hotels are almost everywhere. For travelers looking for a budget hotel on the side of the highway with a kitchenette, as well as for those seeking luxury in the most beautiful parts of the world.

Accor

Number of hotels	5,400 Accor hotels
Name of the loyalty program	ALL (Acronym for Accor Live Limitless)
Number and name of brands	45. Raffles, Orient Express, Faena, Banyan Tree, Delano, Sofitel Legend, FairmontEmblems Collection, SLS, SO, Sofitel, Rixos, Onefinestay, Mantis, M Gallery, 21c Museum Hotel, Art Series, Mondrian, Pullman, Swissôtel, 25h Hotels, Angsana, Movenpick, Grand Mercure Hotels and Resorts, Peppers, The Sebel, Aparthotel Adagio Premium, Manta, Novotel, Mercure Hotels, Aparthotel Adagio Original, Mama Shelter, Tribe, Breakfree, Ibis, Ibis Styles, Aparthotel Adagio Access, Greet, Ibis Budget, Jo&Joe, HotelF1, Thalassa, Huazhu Hotels Groups Ltd, Handwritten Collection, The Hoxton
Status levels	Classic, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond.
Earning points	5 Reward points for every 10 Euros spent at Adagio Access, Jo&Joe and Greet 10 Reward points for every 10 Euros spent at Mantra, Peppers, Breakfree, Art Series, Adagio Original, extended stay hotels like Residences and Living 12.5 Reward points for every 10 Euros spent at Ibis, Ibis Styles and Mama Shelter 25 Reward points for every 10 Euros spent on the rest of the hotels. Extra points for elite members.
Points value	1,000 ALL points are worth $30
Redeeming points	There is no point category. Simply redeeming at least 2,000 Reward points will reduce the bill by 40 Euros (or approximately $60 CAD). Points can cover part or all of the hotel room.
Expiration of points	After 12 months of inactivity on the account
Accor hotels are perfect for	Business travelers as well as people looking for a certain lifestyle and a high standard when traveling.

Best Western

Number of hotels	Approximately 4,500 Best Western hotels
Name of the loyalty program	Best Western Rewards
Number and name of brands	18. Glo, Vib, Best Western Plus, BW Premier Collection, Best Western Premier, Sadie Best Western, Best Western, BW Signature Collection, Executive Residence by Best Western, Aiden by Best Western, World Hotels Luxury, World Hotels Elite, World Hotels Distinctive, World Hotels Crafted, SureStay Plus, SureStay, SureStay Signature Collection, SureStay Studio
Status levels	Blue, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Diamond Select.
Earning points	10 points for every $1 USD spent at all Best Western hotels. Extra points for elite members.
Points value	1,000 Best Western points are worth $8
Redeeming points	According to a dynamic pricing system. Free transfer of up to 100,000 points/year between accounts of different people at the same address Ability to transfer Best Western Rewards points to other airline programs (Aeroplan, British Airways, Flying Blue, etc)
Expiration of points	Never
Best Western hotels are perfect for	Hotels located in smaller cities and mostly mid-range. Has some luxury brands. Best Western hotels are for travelers who don’t want to go over their limited budget, who want good value and quality.

Choice Hotels

Number of hotels	7,100 Choice Hotels
Name of the loyalty program	Choice Privilege (officially merged with Radisson Rewards Americas since July 18, 2023)
Number and name of brands	21. Cambria Hotels, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Red Radisson, Ascend Hotel Collection, Radisson Collection, Radisson Individuals, ParkPlaza by Radisson, Comfort, Country Inn & Suites, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Clarion Pointe, Park Inn by Radisson, Radisson Inn & Suites, Everhome Suites, Woodspring Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Studios, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn
Status levels	Member, Gold, Platinum, Diamond.
Earning points	Choice Privilege: 10 points for every $1 USD spent at the chain’s hotels Extra points for elite members.
Points value	1,000 Choice Privilege points are worth $7
Redeeming points	Between 6,000 and 35,000 points per night
Expiration of points	After 18 months of inactivity on the account
Choice Hotels are perfect for	Business people and travelers who watch their budget when traveling. Choice Hotels’ hotels range from limited service to full service hotels. They are mostly mid-range, for longer stays and more economical.

Coast Hotels

Number of hotels	36. They are located primarily in Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon) and in Washington State, Alaska, California and Hawaii.
Name of the loyalty program	Coast Rewards
Number and name of brands	1. Coast Hotels
Status levels	Pink, Purple, Silver, Gold, Platinum.
Earning points	1 point for every $1 CAD spent. Extra points for elite members.
Points value	1,000 Coast Rewards points = $40
Redeeming points	1,000 Coast Rewards points are required to deduct $40 from any room reservation. Redeeming can be done on the total cost of the room or on a part of it. Minimum redemption is 250 Coast Rewards points ($10).
Expiration of points	After 24 months of inactivity on the account
Coast Hotels are perfect for	Travelers looking for a good balance between an economical stay and a reasonable value, when staying in small to medium sized cities in Western Canada and the United States.

Hilton

Number of hotels	7,000 Hilton hotels
Name of the loyalty program	Hilton Honors,
Number and name of brands	21. Hilton Grand Vacations, Home2Suites, Homewood Suites, Tru, Hampton, Hilton Garden Inn, Motto, Tempo, Embassy Suites, Tapestry Collection, DoubleTree, Curio Collection, Hilton, Signia, Spark, Canopy, Conrad, LXR, Waldorf Astoria, LivSmart, Graduate Hotels.
Status levels	Member, Silver, Gold, Diamond.
Earning points	5 points per $1 USD for stays at Tru and Home2 Stays 10 points per $1 USD for other hotels. Extra points for elite members.
Points value	1,000 Hilton Honors points are worth $7
Redeeming points	According to a dynamic pricing system. Transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to Hilton Honors points at the rate of 5 Membership Rewards points = 2.5 Hilton Honors points Transfer Hilton Honors points to other airline programs (Aeroplan, Flying Blue, etc) Free transfer of up to 500,000 points/year to another account (friend, spouse) Possibility of pooling points together between different members
Expiration of points	After 24 months of inactivity on the account
Hilton hotels are perfect for	For all budgets, depending on the type of trip and for all types of travelers. Varies from a respectable budget hotel for the transient traveler to a luxury stay at the best places in the world.

Le Germain Hotels

Number of hotels	19 in Canada, located between Newfoundland and Calgary. The head office is located in Montreal.
Name of the loyalty program	None. Le Germain Hotels prefers to focus on attentive and personalized service for each client. Check-out time is flexible and all the best rooms are available for everyone at the time of booking. Their no-cost cancellation policy is very flexible. Everyone is treated equally and everything is set up to meet the needs of each client.
Number and name of brands	3. Le Germain Hotels, alt Hotels, Escad Hotels
Status levels	N/A
Earning points	N/A
Points value	N/A
Redeeming points	N/A
Expiration of points	N/A
Le Germain hotels are perfect for	For people who travel for pleasure and for business travelers. Le Germain hotels exude a certain lifestyle and refinement, thanks to their attentive staff and trendy hotels.

Hyatt

Number of hotels	About 1,400 hotels
Name of the loyalty program	World of Hyatt
Number and name of brands	27. Mrs. and Mr. SmithAlila, Alua Hotels & Resorts, Andaz, Breathless Resorts, Caption by Hyatt, Destination by Hyatt, Dreams Resorts & Spas, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt, Hyatt Centric, Hyatt House, Hyatt Place, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Residence Club, Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt Zilara, Hyatt Ziva, JdV by Hyatt, Miraval, Park Hyatt, Secrets Resorts & Spas, Sunscape Resorts & Spas, Thompson Hotels, The Unbound Collection, UrCove by Hyatt, Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts
Status levels	Member, Discoverist, Explorist, Globalist.
Earning points	5 points per $1 USD at all hotels
Points value	1,000 World of Hyatt points are worth $22
Redeeming points	This is the only major hotel chain that still has a fixed point redemption chart. World of Hyatt has 8 hotel categories, divided by high and low season. The demand for points ranges from 3,500 to 45,000 points.
Expiration of points	After 24 months of inactivity on the account
Hyatt hotels are perfect for	Travelers with a high travel budget, business people, corporations and other customers looking for the high end.

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group)

Number of hotels	Approximately 6,000 IHG hotels
Name of the loyalty program	IHG One Rewards and InterContinental Ambassador (InterContinental hotels only)
Number and name of brands	18. Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, InterContinental Hotels, Crowne Plaza, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, Candlewood Suites, Staybridge Suites, Atwell Suites, Avid, Even Hotels, Hualuxe, Six Senses, Iberostar Beachfront Resorts, Vignette Collection, Indigo, Voco
Status levels	Member, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond.
Earning points	5 points for every $1 spent at Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites hotels 10 points for every $1 USD spent in the rest of the hotels. Extra points for elite members.
Points value	1,000 IHG One Rewards points are worth $7
Redeeming points	According to a dynamic pricing system. Transfer between IHG Rewards accounts at a cost of $5 per 1,000 IHG points, with no limit. Earn only when staying at IHG hotels for cash and purchasing points. No IHG credit cards available in Canada and no transfer options from external loyalty programs.
Expiration of points	After 12 months of inactivity on the account. Never for Elite members.
IHG hotels are perfect for	IHG has a wide variety of hotels in different categories. Its best-known hotel brand is Holiday Inn. They target the mid-range budgets, but also have interesting high-end hotels with Crowne Plaza andInterContinental. The upcoming introduction of its new all-inclusive brand Iberostar is one to watch.

Sandman

Number of hotels	61 in Canada (57), the United Kingdom (1) and the United States (1)
Name of the loyalty program	RSVP Rewards
Number and name of brands	3. Sandman Signature, Sandman Hotels & Suites and Sandman Inns.
Status levels	Red, Gold, Platinum and Diamond.
Earning points	5 points for every $1 CAD spent on Red members 6 points for Gold 7 points for Platinum 9 points for the Diamond.
Points value	1,000 RSVP Rewards points are worth $10
Redeeming points	1,000 RSVP Rewards points are required to deduct $10 from a room reservation at any time. The exchange can be done on the total cost of the room or on a part of it.
Expiration of points	After 18 months of inactivity on the account
Sandman hotels are perfect for	Close to highways, Sandman hotels are designed for business travelers for mid-range stays, mainly in Canada. They partner with established restaurants (Denny’s, Moxies and other local bars and grills) to make life easier for customers.

Wyndham

Number of hotels	More than 9,000 hotels
Name of the loyalty program	Wyndham Rewards
Number and name of brands	24. AmericInn, Baymont, Days Inn, Dazzler, Dolce Hotels and Resorts, EchoSuites, Esplendor, Hawthorn, Howard Johnson, La Quinta, Microtel, Ramada, Ramada Encore, Registry Collection Hotels, Super 8, Trademark Collection, Travelodge, Tryp, Vienna House, Wingate, Wyndham, Alltra, Wyndham Garden, Wyndham Grand. They are also partners with Wyndham Club, WorldMark, Shell Vacations Club, Margaritaville Vacation Club, Cottages.com, Landal GreenParks, Vacasa, Caesars Palace, Eldorado at the Row Reno, Harrahs, Horsehoe, Tropicana, Flamingo, The Cromwell, the LINQ, Paris Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood, Rio, Harveys Lake Tahoe, Circus Circus, Silver Legacy at the Row, Lumière Place, Isle of Capri, Isle Casino, Nobu Hotel.
Status levels	Blue, Gold, Platinum, Diamond.
Earning points	10 points per $1 USD spent at hotels or minimum 1,000 points for each stay. Extra points for elite members.
Points value	1,000 Wyndham Rewards points are worth $15
Redeeming points	7,500 to 30,000 Wyndham Rewards points are required for each free night at a Wyndham hotel.
Expiration of points	After 18 months of inactivity on the account
Wyndham hotels are perfect for	Small and medium budgets, especially with Days Inn, La Quinta, Super 8 hotels which account for more than half of its hotel portfolio.

Bottom Line

In order to take advantage of all the benefits of the hotels’ loyalty programs, you must book directly with them on their website or by phone. A reservation made through a reservation platform (such as Hotels.com, Expedia, etc.) does not work.

Depending on your travel experience, whether you want to have breakfast included at the hoteland your budget, you can choose what you want!

What is the best hotel chain in the world?

Popular hotels include Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Wyndham.

The best hotel brand depends on your travel style and budget.

For a small budget, a Quality Inn (Choice Hotels), a Best Western or a TownePlace Suites (Marriott) can do the trick.

For the ultimate travel experience, a Fairmont (Accor), Waldorf Asstoria (Hilton) or Ritz-Carlton (Marriott) are excellent choices.

What is the difference between a hotel and a motel?

The purpose of the hotel and the motel is the same: to accommodate travelers.

The hotel often has more floors, more rooms and offers several services (conference rooms, swimming pool, restaurant, elevators, porter, valet, etc.).

A motel usually has limited service, the rooms are on one or two floors, and parking is right outside the room’s front door. Its great advantage is that it is much cheaper than a hotel and located near the highway, for quick access.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!

Caroline Tremblay

Caroline, a loyalty program specialist, helps families maximize their points to travel more frequently and affordably. With expertise in Disney, AIR MILES, and Costco, she travels the world with her partner and two children through rewards. Passionate about the latest in loyalty programs, Caroline shares tips to help you earn more points and turn your travel dreams into reality.

All posts by Caroline Tremblay