Spent money to save money - bought hotel points

[disneysteve]

We are mainly Marriott users when we travel. That said, we don't always stay at Marriotts as they aren't always convenient to our destination or don't have the best deal so we belong to various other hotel reward programs too.

I got a notice that our Hyatt points were expiring at the end of the year. We didn't really have any time or desire to go anywhere to use them by 12/31, but the email said one option was to purchase points to reactivate our account for another 24 months. The minimum purchase is 1,000 points for $24. We had enough points in our account for 2 free nights so I decided it was worth spending $24 to preserve 2 nights worth of points (and get 1,000 more in the process).

Now I just have to make a point of booking a Hyatt stay sometime in the next year or so to actually use those points. Even if we just do a local getaway weekend, I'm sure we can manage that.

[bjl584]

How many points equals one free night?

I've never really been one to follow how these programs work.

Lately when we have travelled we've booked with Airbnb
I like having a whole house and a kitchen

[disneysteve]

How many points equals one free night?

Nights start at 5,000 points. I did a quick search and found a number of hotels in our area at that point level. We had just over 10,000 points so 2 free nights, but the points are set to expire on 12/31. I figured it was worth $24 to keep them active. We'll plan a weekend somewhere. Instead of free, it'll cost us $24 which is still a great deal.

As I said, we mainly use Marriott, which is why our Hyatt account has been inactive for 2 years (along with COVID of course, but we still managed to hit Platinum with Marriott for 2021 despite that).

I'm a big fan of these loyalty programs. If you work the plans well, you can score a lot of free stays if you travel often and even more if you pair it with their affinity credit card.

[ua_guy]

I have friends who fly a couple of legs just to maintain or achieve a certain airline club status. Similar to this with hotel status. If it's meaningful to their travels, more power to them.

[disneysteve]

I have friends who fly a couple of legs just to maintain or achieve a certain airline club status. Similar to this with hotel status. If it's meaningful to their travels, more power to them.

You can definitely play the game to your advantage sometimes.

Years ago, we were IHG/Holiday Inn regulars. They were running a promotion to get double points starting with your 2nd stay. We had an upcoming trip planned to an upscale hotel with family so had 2 rooms booked in my name. I searched around and found the cheapest nearby property I could and we went there for one night just so that the expensive trip would be eligible for double points. By spending $69 for that night we earned 4 free nights from the big trip.

[rennigade]

I had to do something similar with American airline rewards. AA has a shopping portal though so I just went through their portal and bought a $4 bath towel at Kohl's. It worked and renewed my points for 18 months I believe. Wife also renewed hers just so we were both on the same page.

[disneysteve]

I had to do something similar with American airline rewards. AA has a shopping portal though so I just went through their portal and bought a $4 bath towel at Kohl's. It worked and renewed my points for 18 months I believe. Wife also renewed hers just so we were both on the same page.

They often have a deal to get a magazine subscription with points, too. I've done that one in the past. Spend a couple hundred points for a magazine to reactivate the account and preserve the rest of my points.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

that's a good deal to preserve points

[QuarterMillionMan]

Today on CNBC, Marriott & MGM joins rewards and Bonvoy members will be able to book at 17 MGM locations which is huge bonus.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Can't wait for mgm

[disneysteve]

Today on CNBC, Marriott & MGM joins rewards and Bonvoy members will be able to book at 17 MGM locations which is huge bonus.

I hadn’t heard that but don’t really watch the news. I’m not sure that will impact us at all. I think the nearest MGM property is in National Harbor, MD. We have been to that casino a couple of times but that’s it. If they have a hotel (I’m not even sure if they do) we’d never have a reason to stay there. Still more choices is always a good thing.

[QuarterMillionMan]

Marriott and MGM link loyalty programs in a bid on business travelers (cnbc.com)

[disneysteve]

Marriott and MGM link loyalty programs in a bid on business travelers (cnbc.com)

Looks like the Borgata in Atlantic City is an MGM property so that’s the closest. I don’t see us going there either as we never really cared for the place but you never know.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

that's kind of neat