The main hotel programmes
Most big hotel groups run their own points scheme. These are the ones that matter most for UK travellers:
| Programme | Hotels include | Free night on longer stays |
|---|---|---|
| Marriott Bonvoy | Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, W, Marriott, Sheraton | 5th night free for all members |
| Hilton Honors | Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, Hilton, DoubleTree | 5th night free for Silver members and above |
| IHG One Rewards | InterContinental, Kimpton, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn | Mainly for US cardholders |
| ALL Accor | Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, Novotel | No, points work like money off |
Most programmes now use dynamic pricing, so the number of points for a night goes up and down with demand, much like a cash price. That's why the same hotel can be great value one week and poor value the next.
How to get hotel points from the UK
- Move Amex Membership Rewards points. From the Amex Gold or Platinum, points move to Hilton Honors at 1:2, Marriott Bonvoy at 2:3, Radisson at 1:3 and ALL Accor at 3:1. Amex sometimes runs transfer bonuses, so it pays to wait for one.
- Use a hotel credit card. The Marriott Bonvoy American Express earns Marriott points directly on everyday spending.
- Stay and earn. Book direct with the hotel group and you earn points on every paid stay.
Where hotel points go furthest
Remember that points stays usually mean a standard room. Some hotels let you pay extra points for a bigger room, but the best value is almost always in the standard room.
Six stays worth saving for
These are well-known hotels where points regularly make sense, because cash prices are high. Points prices change with dates and demand, so always check before you plan.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
- Programme
- Hilton Honors
- Best for
- A once-in-a-lifetime trip
Spread across two islands, the Conrad Maldives is famous for its overwater villas and Ithaa, its underwater restaurant. Maldives cash prices are among the highest anywhere, which is exactly where points work hardest.
Pair it with the 5th night free on a points stay, and move Amex points across at 1:2 during a transfer bonus.
W Maldives
- Programme
- Marriott Bonvoy
- Best for
- A lively, design-led resort
A bolder, more social take on the Maldives, with private overwater villas and a buzzy feel. Marriott's 5th night free applies to every member on points stays, so a five-night trip is the smart way to book it.
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
- Programme
- Hilton Honors
- Best for
- A luxury weekend in Europe
Set in a row of historic canal palaces on the Herengracht, this is one of Amsterdam's most special hotels. It's a short hop from the UK, so you can pair it with an Avios flight on Reward Flight Saver for a points-funded weekend.
The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai
- Programme
- Marriott Bonvoy
- Best for
- Winter sun with a beach on the doorstep
A beachfront resort on Jumeirah Beach Residence. Dubai's winter season is when cash prices peak, so points can stretch well here. It's also an easy stop on the way to Asia or the Maldives.
Conrad New York Downtown
- Programme
- Hilton Honors
- Best for
- More space in an expensive city
An all-suite hotel near the Hudson River in Lower Manhattan. New York hotel prices are high most of the year, and a suite gives you far more room than a typical city hotel. Book it alongside a Virgin Atlantic or British Airways reward flight.
InterContinental London Park Lane
- Programme
- IHG One Rewards
- Best for
- A special night in London
Overlooking Hyde Park Corner and Green Park, in one of London's best locations. London prices jump during big events and the summer, which is when a points stay makes the most sense.
Should you use points on hotels or flights?
If your points are flexible Amex Membership Rewards, flights usually give better value. Moving them to Avios at 1:1 for a business class seat often works out far better than a hotel stay.
Hotel points shine when you earn them directly, from stays or a hotel card, or when Amex runs a strong transfer bonus. Many people use Avios for the flight and hotel points for the room. Read our guide to the smartest ways to spend your Avios.
Booking tips
- Search the points price and cash price side by side. If cash is low, save your points.
- Book five nights with Marriott or Hilton to get one of them free.
- Find the stay before moving Amex points. Transfers can't be reversed.
- Wait for a transfer bonus if you're not in a hurry. They can add 30% or more.
- Book direct with the hotel group so your stay counts for points and status.
Which card earns the most?
See every UK card that earns Avios, Virgin Points or Amex points.
Frequently asked questions
Which hotel points are best for UK travellers?
Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy are the easiest to collect from the UK, because Amex Membership Rewards points transfer to both. They also both offer a free 5th night on points stays.
Do I earn points on a points stay?
Usually not on the room itself, but you may still earn on extras you pay for, depending on the programme.
Can I use points for a suite?
Some hotels let you book premium rooms with extra points, but standard rooms give the best value.
Do hotel points expire?
Most programmes keep your points active as long as you earn or spend some every couple of years. Check your programme's rules.