Keep in mind that digital downloads (starting at 100 points) count as «point redemption», so I don't even have to
spend for a rewards night stay!
If you are
looking for reward nights at a high end property, you would be better of applying for Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve card, as you get 2 free weekend nights that can be redeemed at most of the Hilton properties in its portfolio.
Secondly, unlike with the recent changes to IHG Rewards, Marriott has chosen not to change the number of points
required for reward nights at the different tiers — you'll still need 45,000 Marriott Rewards Points for the highest tiered properties.
Through the Hilton HHonors program, HHonors Bonus Points can be redeemed for once - in - a-lifetime experiences around the globe, including plane tickets, cruises, theme park admissions, car rentals and special experience rewards, as well
as for reward nights at any property in the Hilton Worldwide portfolio.
Right now, you can get 80,000 Marriott points with the Chase Marriott Premier Rewards Credit card and you can use these points
for reward nights starting at 7,500 points.
The nightly rate (above) would now be $ 498.51 ($ 531.81 — $ 33.30) and, as the resort charges just 15,000 Hyatt points
for a reward night on exactly the same date......
Starpoints can be used
for reward nights in Starwood hotels, transfer to frequent flyer programs, book a flight etc..
If you have any
plans for a reward night at any of these 450 hotels in the near future, you should consider booking them now even if the plan is tentative (you can always cancel without any penalty)
This is a category 4 hotel in the SPG portfolio, hence would need a minimum of 10,000 points /
night for a reward night.
You can earn bonus rewards points on all Marriott and Starwood stays with either credit card and redeem your points
for a reward night with either program too.
I find the higher - end Starwood properties to be overpriced and not worth the large number of Starpoints
needed for a reward night.
But, when you have points to
spend for a reward night, you should consider these options first to maximize the value of your IHG points.
1.11 The Montcalm Club points are not redeemable for cash or any other form of credit and can only be redeemed
for a reward night stay, in accordance with the Terms and Conditions of the programme.
The most important change is the introduction of the new top tiers — which means you would need 60,000 IHG
points for a reward night at these InterContinetal (IC) hotels.
One instance where transferring your Marriott Rewards to Starpoints would give you good valuation is
for reward nights at low - tier hotels.
However, it seems to be REALLY hard to find availability
for reward nights.
It might initially feel like you are losing points, but, most Starwood properties require fewer points
for reward nights and you might be able to actually increase the current value of your Marriott points.
Earn Hilton Honors Bonus Points on everyday purchases from groceries to phone bills, then redeem your points
for reward nights and more.
This may come in handy if you don't have sufficient points
for a rewards night.
For a reward night at Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur, you need a minimum of 4,619 Taj Inner Circle points, and the low season seems to be July.
One instance where transferring your Marriott Rewards to Starpoints would give you good valuation is
for reward nights at low - tier hotels.
This is a category 3 hotel and you could redeem 12,000 Hyatt Gold Passport points
for a reward night.
2 of them are category 1 hotels and the remaining 3 are Cat 2 hotels, which means you just need 2,000 - 3,000 Starpoints
for a reward night at Cat 1 hotels and 3,000 - 4,000 Starpoints for a reward night at Cat 2 hotels.
One of the best uses of the IHG points is to redeem
for reward nights at PointBreaks hotels, you just need 5,000 IHG points for a reward night at PointBreak hotels.
The best part is they are Cat 1 and Cat 2 hotels, which means you only need 2,000 - 3,000 Starpoints
for a reward night at Cat 1 hotel and 3,000 - 4,000 points for a reward night at Cat 2 hotel.
The main reason for buying points is to make up for a lack of points
for a reward night.
A top category hotel in Hilton portfolio need 95,000 points
for a reward night.
This compares very favorably to other chains who advertise the low point numbers needed
for a reward night — but have the majority of hotels in the upper categories, making them unattainable for many!