Joining a free hotel loyalty program like Choice Privileges could save you over $4,000 in just two years, according to a new WalletHub study evaluating the best hotel rewards programs of 2025. In a year when travelers are navigating rising inflation and high summer travel costs, WalletHub’s analysis offers a practical guide to maximizing value from hotel stays across the United States.
WalletHub assessed nine of the largest hotel chains in the U.S., comparing their loyalty programs using 21 key metrics. These included the value of reward points, how easily they can be redeemed, blackout dates, expiration policies, and the availability of award nights across hotel brands. The results are especially timely for cost-conscious travelers seeking ways to stretch their budgets without compromising on comfort or convenience.
Choice Privileges Takes the Crown
According to the report, Choice Privileges earned the top spot, receiving a WalletHub Rating of 64 out of 100. It was praised for providing substantial savings, flexible redemption policies, and a strong overall value proposition. This makes it the most cost-effective program for travelers who prioritize returns on spending without paying extra for premium memberships.
WalletHub’s calculator, featured alongside the study, enables users to personalize the rankings based on their travel habits, including how often they stay at hotels and how much they spend annually. This tool highlights why Choice Privileges works especially well for frequent travelers and those who stay at mid-range properties like Comfort Inn or Quality Inn.
Significant Savings for Members
Across the board, the top five hotel rewards programs save members an average of 11% on hotel stays, with the best performers offering savings up to 14%. These savings are based on points earned and redeemed for free nights or discounts. WalletHub emphasized that these percentages could translate into hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars in yearly savings, especially for families or business travelers who book regularly.
The study notes that using the Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard®, which pairs with the loyalty program, can help the average cardholder save up to $4,148 over two years. That’s more than the annual cost of many vacations, making this credit card one of the most valuable tools for budget-minded travelers in 2025.
Loyalty Program Features Compared
The study compared major U.S. hotel chains including Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards, Best Western Rewards, and Wyndham Rewards. Here’s a snapshot of standout features:
| Hotel Program | WalletHub Score | Points Expire? | All Brands Redeemable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choice Privileges | 64/100 | Yes (after inactivity) | No |
| Wyndham Rewards | 62/100 | Yes | Yes |
| Hilton Honors | 61/100 | Yes | Yes |
| Best Western Rewards | 58/100 | No | Yes |
| IHG One Rewards | 56/100 | Yes | No |
What Makes a Good Hotel Rewards Program?
WalletHub’s methodology considered a variety of practical factors that can make or break a loyalty program’s usefulness. These include:
- Ease of earning and redeeming points
- Flexibility in booking blackout dates
- Whether points expire due to inactivity
- Availability of award nights across all hotel brands
- Additional savings from co-branded credit cards
For example, Best Western Rewards was the only program that guarantees points will never expire due to account inactivity, offering a long-term advantage for occasional travelers. Meanwhile, Marriott Bonvoy and IHG One Rewards were among the few that did not allow members to use points across all their property brands, limiting redemption flexibility.
Ranking Breakdown of 2025 Hotel Rewards Programs
WalletHub’s detailed comparison included six ranking categories for each major hotel loyalty program: geographic coverage, value of rewards, earning policies, redemption options, elite status levels, and other notable features. Here’s how each program performed:
| Hotel Rewards Program | Geographic Coverage Rank | Rewards Value Rank | Earning Policies Rank | Redemption Options Rank | Status Levels | Other Features Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Choice Privileges | 5 | 1 | T-2 | 8 | 1 | 5 |
| World of Hyatt | 7 | 3 | T-2 | 2 | 7 | T-1 |
| Wyndham Rewards | 3 | 4 | T-2 | 5 | 5 | 9 |
| Marriott Bonvoy | 1 | 6 | T-2 | 7 | 9 | 4 |
| Sonesta Travel Pass | 8 | 2 | T-8 | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Hilton Honors | 2 | 9 | T-2 | 4 | 4 | T-1 |
| Drury Rewards | 9 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Best Western Rewards | 6 | 7 | T-8 | 6 | 2 | 3 |
| IHG One Rewards | 4 | 8 | T-2 | 9 | 6 | 7 |
This table offers a more granular view into the strengths and weaknesses of each program. While Choice Privileges led in value and status levels, Drury Rewards dominated in earning and redemption options, despite a more limited geographic reach. Meanwhile, Marriott Bonvoy ranked highest for global coverage but fell behind in value and flexibility. These comparisons help travelers choose based on what matters most—whether that’s saving money, earning fast, or staying global.
Tips for Maximizing Rewards in 2025
Travelers can make the most of loyalty programs by following a few key strategies:
- Sign up for programs even if you don’t travel frequently—membership is free and can offer perks like early check-in or room upgrades.
- Use a hotel-branded credit card that aligns with your travel style to earn points faster.
- Book directly through hotel websites or apps to earn points on every stay.
- Track your points to avoid expiration and redeem them strategically for maximum value.
John Kiernan, WalletHub editor, noted that combining a good loyalty program with a savvy credit card can result in huge savings. “It isn’t too late to save on summer travel,” he said, encouraging travelers to look beyond airline miles and focus on hotel benefits for even greater returns.
In a travel season where every dollar counts, WalletHub’s 2025 rankings provide a helpful roadmap for anyone planning hotel stays in the coming months. Whether you’re booking a cross-country road trip or a luxury weekend getaway, joining the right loyalty program can make your travel budget go further than ever.
