Using points to secure complimentary hotel stays is an excellent way to cut down on your travel expenses. Even more rewarding is optimizing your redemptions to obtain an award night with zero additional points.
It might sound too good to be true, but it isn’t. Many of the leading hotel chains provide the option to receive the fourth or fifth night free when booking award stays. The key is understanding how to arrange these bookings.
Related: Top hotel rewards programs globally: Which one suits you best?
Securing a free night on extended award stays
Three prominent hotel loyalty programs provide a complimentary night when you book longer award stays:
In simple terms, you will receive a complimentary night when you redeem your points for four or five consecutive nights at a single hotel.
The specifics of this benefit differ across programs. However, to qualify for the free night, you must remain at one hotel for the entire duration and use points for payment. Keep in mind that this benefit is not available when using free night certificates or points-and-cash reservations. The upside is that the discount is automatically included, eliminating the need for an agent or the hassle of rebates.
Marriott Bonvoy ‘Stay for 5, Pay for 4’
With Marriott Bonvoy, enjoy a free fifth night for every four consecutive nights you book using points. This benefit applies to all members and encompasses all Bonvoy properties. Furthermore, there’s no limit on the number of free nights you can earn; every fifth night qualifies.
The discount is applied automatically when you book an award stay of at least five nights. Just a note: If some nights during your stay are priced differently, Marriott will credit the least expensive night rather than the actual fifth night you intended.
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Similarly, if you choose an upgraded room, the fifth-night-free benefit will only be valid for the standard award rate, meaning you will have to pay extra or use a Nightly Award Upgrade (previously known as Suite Night Award) for the enhanced room category during your entire stay.
Hilton Honors: Free fifth night on reward stays
Hilton’s fifth-night-free offer is similar to Marriott’s, although a bit more restrictive. You’ll receive every fifth night free when redeeming points for stays of up to 20 nights. The important detail is that this benefit is accessible only to Hilton Honors elite members (Silver and higher).
Fortunately, earning Hilton status is straightforward. You can attain entry-level Silver status with the no-annual-fee Hilton Honors American Express Card (check rates and fees). Higher tiers of status can be unlocked through other Hilton co-branded credit cards and The Platinum Card® from American Express (enrollment is necessary).
The discount is also automatically applied online, but ensure you log in to your account before searching to access the lower rates. Additionally, this perk applies only to standard rooms.
IHG One Rewards: Fourth-night-free offer
IHG provides the most generous and exclusive free night offer. You can enjoy a complimentary night when booking four consecutive nights — unlike the five required by others. However, this benefit is exclusive to holders of the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card, or IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card. Therefore, even with IHG One Rewards elite status, you may not have access to this offer.
You can utilize the fourth-night reward for an unlimited number of stays each year. The discount is automatically reflected online if you are signed in to the account associated with your card.
Related: Instructions on obtaining your fourth reward night free when redeeming IHG points
Conclusion
If you’re scheduling a four-night award stay with Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors, or a three-night award stay with IHG One Rewards, consider adding an extra night (if it fits your travel plans).
This benefit not only allows you to extend your vacation but also ensures early check-in or late checkout at no additional cost. Plus, it contributes one more night towards qualifying for elite status.
To learn about the rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex Card, click here.
