I‘ve never had the experience of working for a company which required a lot of travel but if I did, I would make sure to own a Hotel Rewards Credit Card. These types of credit cards are perfect for travelers who enjoy special perks and privileges that most guests never receive. Most hotel credit cards also have great bonus offers and rewards programs so high price hotels aren’t as expensive.
The best hotel rewards credit cards vary by issuer but almost every high-class hotel is represented by one or two credit cards. We’ve compiled a list of the best hotel cards below and each of these cards are a great fit if you stay at hotels often (at least a handful of times a year). If you own a card that is not on this list, let us know and we’ll give it a nice review to see if it’s worthy.
Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express – Up to 25,000 bonus Starpoints are earned on the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express and it also includes an introductory purchase APR of 2.9% for the first six months. Starpoints are earned on every purchase (five Starpoints for hotel stays) and the annual fee of $65 is waived for all first year cardholders
This card made the top spot because of it’s flexibility and perks. American Express is well known for providing excellent customer support as well as extended perks and warranties. Just as important is the Starwood brand, as it includes hundreds of quality hotel chains across the world. Unlike all other cards on this list which restrict you to one brand, rewards can be redeemed virtually anywhere.
Marriott Rewards® Premier Credit Card – The first of two Marriott cards to make our list, the Marriott Rewards Premier Visa Signature Card offers 50,000 bonus points after making one purchase; good for one free night stay. Points are earned on all purchases and 5x points are awarded when you use your card on Marriott stays, 2x points spent on qualifying airline, dining, and rental car purchases and 1x point on everything else. The Marriott Rewards Premier Visa Signature Card has an $85 annual fee but it is waived for the first year. Plus receive an anniversary bonus of one free night stay at a category 1-5 hotel every year!
Capital One® Orbitz® Visa® Platinum – The Capital One Orbitz Visa Platinum Card offers specific travel rewards for those that book through Orbitz.com. Three points are earned for every dollar spent through Orbitz.com and one point is earned for every dollar spent on all other purchases. A 0% intro APR on purchases is given until February 2013 and the standard purchase APR is 13.9% – 19.9% APR. There is no annual fee.
Citi® Hilton HHonors™ Visa Signature® Card – I’ve had the pleasure of staying at a Hilton hotel a few times in my life and if I traveled more, this would definitely be my hotel of choice. The Citi Hilton HHonors Visa Signature Card offers 40,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first four months, good for a free night stay at a category six hotel or three night stay at a category 2 hotel. Up to six points are earned for every dollar spent on this card and even with a big up-front bonus, this card has no annual fee.
Marriott Rewards® Credit Card- 30,000 points are earned after making one purchase, that’s enough for 6 Free Nights at a category 1 location plus an additional two free night stays upon account approval. This card carries similar benefits to the Marriott Premier card you see above, just on a smaller scale. Triple points are earned during all Marriott stays and one point on everything else. The Marriott Rewards Visa Signature Card has a smaller annual fee of only $45, which is kindly waived for all first year cardholders.
Ritz-Carlton® Rewards Credit Card – For the cardholder who doesn’t mind paying a large annual fee, the Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card gives 50,000 bonus points after making just one purchase. A $100 hotel credit for qualifying spa or entertainment purchases is also given for every two night stay and automatic Gold status is earned right away; which offers a 25% bonus on annual points earned with free room upgrades and late checkout. Complimentary airport access can also be found on the Ritz-Carlton Card but it has a very steep $395 annual fee.
The Hyatt Card – The Hyatt Card dishes out a free two night stay immediately following your first purchase with the card. Three points are earned for every dollar spent at Hyatt hotels and 1 point is earned for every dollar spent on all other purchase. No foreign transaction fees are charged for Hyatt cardholders and there are no internet or redemption fees when you cash in your points. But, there is a $75 annual fee.
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I think this is a pretty interesting deal. Although this encourages a lot of travel, and spending, I could say, this is very attractive to those who want to live in comfort yet being able to save their money in a different way through rewards. I just wonder if this will be available for all the branches all over the world. How I wish I will have that luxury in life because I will never miss this chance to avail.
The two that stand out are Starwood and Hyatt — because they have the lowest point requirements for free nights. Marriott and Hilton can require 50% or more points than either. Why? Starwood and Hyatt are smaller chains, so it’s tougher to earn points via stays. So they gear the programs to be easier to earn points via credit card spend.