MilesBuzz! - Which budget hotel program?

Which hotel points program is best for the budget traveler, and why? When I travel for work, I try to stay at the Hilton family, because when I travel for leisure, they also have cheaper places (Hampton Inn, or Hilton Garden Inn). However, these cheaper places are no longer always so cheap. My secondary program is CP. I have a no fee Amex with HH and a no fee Visa with CP. Anyway, I'm willing to switch credit cards (if it's no fee), but I'm wondering if there are better budget options, particularly that would allow me to combine 4 or (somtimes) 5 star hotels on business travel, with 1 or 2 star hotels for my weekend m'bike jaunts. Thoughts? tls

By "CP" I believe you mean Choice Privileges.

Choice is a good choice because their properties are all over the place and they're usually less expensive than the local Hampton or Fairfield Inn. Plus, the quality is on a par with the others, but admittedly the variance is much wider.

They also usually run promos that, with a little effort, you can rack up some pretty astounding point totals (or miles --- they sometimes offer double and triple miles promos, too).

Their connection with the Preferred Hotel chain makes some really delicious properties available to you with those points, too.

For the really budget-conscious, they now include the EconoLodge and Rodeway properties in the program, so you can earn points and miles and stay credits while spending the absolute minimum possible.

On the downside, their elite tiers are fairly meaningless in terms of upgrades, and the only really nice perk is a jump on everyone else (if you're a Diamond) for award inventory.

Others, I'm sure, will tout the benefits of Trip Rewards and Priority Club, but staying with CP is not a bad option IMO.

I'd look at Trip Rewards. I stay at a Ramada on occassion when I have short overnight stays to save $. They always seem to have some type of stay 2 nights in a certain period and get bonus points type promotions. and they do have some nicer properties available to use those points at. It seems like you can get free stays there quicker than other programs and they are pretty easy to cash in.

The one big word of caution is to check out the hotels you are staying at carefully, there are some real dumps in this program.

When I can't get a Priceline room, I usually go with Microtel or Red Roof. They're V-E-R-Y budget, but generally consistent. Microtel has a flat 10 nights= 1 free program. Their queen singles are tiny, but include free internet. Red Roof is more stylish and has a point system based on money spent. One 4-night stay at the Red Roof Manhattan yielded a free night. I like Red Roof's remodeled rooms. You can tell it's a French chain now--they remind me of Novotel.

Lufthansa has several promotions right now making it a very attractive place to park your hotel stays:

5 Hilton stays = 20,000 total miles (Hampton Inn excluded)
Marriott = 1500 miles per night
Triprewards = 1000 miles per night

I have had good luck with both Choice and Best Western and most are 30%-50% less than Hampton Inns. Of course quality varies widely and it really helps to research FT and tripadvisor.com for info and specifics.

MisterNice

I'd look at Trip Rewards. I stay at a Ramada on occassion when I have short overnight stays to save $. They always seem to have some type of stay 2 nights in a certain period and get bonus points type promotions. and they do have some nicer properties available to use those points at. It seems like you can get free stays there quicker than other programs and they are pretty easy to cash in.

The one big word of caution is to check out the hotels you are staying at carefully, there are some real dumps in this program.

I agree. I have used TR exclusively for the past couple of years and their program seems very clear with no blackout dates and online booking available. 10 points for every dollar and redemptions ranging from 6-18k, meaning you get 1 free night at their first tier hotels every time you spend 600$.

You might check La Quinta. Also 10 points for every dollar spent, redemptions are 6k-8k-11k, and there are frequently hotels that have 2x or 3x points or other promos from time to time. This year I've earned 13k in regular points and 23k in bonus points over 15 nights.

The website identifies all of the recently remodeled hotels as well.

another vote for triprewards.

Thanks everyone; appreciate the responses. tls

Once you decide on which program(s) you will use, be sure to sign up for all bonuses available. They are listed on the Registration and Other Bonuses page, Points to Miles Programs section of my website below.

I really like all the promotions that Priority Club runs.. double and triple miles/points. I've given up on Trip Rewards..points rarely post without me following up and frequently told.. "that rate doesn't qualify for points/miles" ie if I find a good rate at a Ramada it turns out not to qualify for any points