Hotel Upgrade with Points: How to Maximize Your Rewards

Earning Benefits with Credit Card Points

Upgrading your hotel using your travel card is an affordable way to have a great stay! Photo by Freepik.

Hotel Upgrade: Travel credit cards have become a favorite among those who use them in their daily routine. Their numerous benefits include significant savings, flight and hotel upgrades, access to VIP airport lounges, and much more.

This is because customers with a travel credit card can focus their everyday purchases on the card, earning points constantly. These points can accumulate and later be redeemed for these and many other rewards mentioned.

What is a Hotel Upgrade with Points?

Definition of Upgrade with Points

Upgrading, whether for a flight or a stay, involves using your accumulated points to redeem rewards. This is a common practice and a smart tool to help you save money.

Through this practice, it becomes increasingly accessible to secure better, and sometimes even free, stays. This is because travel cards have partnerships with hotel chains, benefiting cardholders.

Benefits of Upgrading with Points

By upgrading your stay with your points, you can enjoy larger and better rooms, options with bathtubs, stunning views, luxurious room layouts, and much more.

This way, you can experience your trip in a much more special way and create unforgettable memories.

How Does Hotel Upgrade with Points Work?

Loyalty Programs that Offer Upgrades

Several loyalty programs allow members to upgrade their rooms using points. Here are some of the most popular:

Marriott Bonvoy: With over 7,000 hotels, Marriott Bonvoy allows you to upgrade with points to suites and premium view rooms. Platinum and higher members have a better chance of getting free upgrades, depending on availability.
Hilton Honors: Offers automatic upgrades for Gold and Diamond members, with options like larger rooms, better views, and executive lounge access. You can also use points to guarantee upgrades.
World of Hyatt: Members can use points to upgrade rooms, and Globalist members get automatic upgrades when available, including suites and higher categories.
IHG One Rewards: With points, you can upgrade to premium rooms. Platinum and Diamond members have priority for free upgrades at check-in, which can include suites.
Accor Live Limitless (ALL): Allows members to use points to upgrade rooms, and depending on the hotel, gain access to VIP lounges and other perks.

These programs offer a combination of automatic upgrades and upgrades using points, especially for elite status members.

Rules for Upgrading

Before aiming for a hotel upgrade, keep in mind a few key considerations. You need to check availability at check-in, as many upgrades are subject to availability. Additionally, having a higher loyalty status can make it easier to secure an upgrade.

The number of points needed for an upgrade depends on the hotel chain, room category, length of stay, whether it’s high or low season, and other factors. Also, be mindful of promotional rate restrictions, as reservations made through online travel agencies may not qualify for upgrades.

Best Credit Cards to Accumulate Points and Get Hotel Upgrades

Chase Sapphire Preferred: Transfers points to Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt, and IHG, with 2x points on travel.
The Platinum Card from American Express: Transfers points to Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, offering automatic Gold status in both programs.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass: Earns 12x points on Hilton stays and includes Gold status, which offers free upgrades.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless: Earns 6x points on Marriott stays and offers Silver Elite status, which can guarantee upgrades.
World of Hyatt Credit Card: Earns up to 9x points at Hyatt hotels and includes Discoverist status, with the chance for upgrades.
IHG Rewards Premier: Earns 10x points at IHG hotels and includes Platinum Elite status, with free upgrades.