FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Which Hotel points program should I invest in? (Infrequent traveler)
Old Sep 12, 2019, 7:34 pm
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Ben Slowen
 
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 12
Question Which Hotel points program should I invest in? (Infrequent traveler)

Hi everyone. I'm fairly new to credit card rewards. I currently have one reward-earning card (Chase Ink Cash), and only have 3 cards overall. In addition to collecting UR points, I think investing in a hotel program couldn't hurt. The problem is that currently, I don't travel much at all, and I don't travel for work, unfortunately. So my best chance for racking up hotel points would be through SUBs. But which program should I focus my energy on? (I’m not including Hyatt because I figure UR points are a good use that.) My goal is to gather points for the occasional “aspirational trip”, where I can get good value through the use of points.

Here's what I've gathered so far (and please let me know if my evaluation is wrong):

Hilton
-- I won't travel enough to earn Status through stays at any hotel chain. It seems the only status worth anything that is obtainable through a credit card is Hilton.
-- Free breakfasts, late checkout, 5th night free is nice.
-- Room upgrades seem unlikely?
-- “Once in a lifetime” SUBs limit ability to earn points though.

Marriott
--No shot at meaningful status, no room upgrades.
-- I can earn points by applying for cards more than once.
--Versatile points, 5th night free, anniversary night all nice.

IHG
-- Points might be further devalued soon with dynamic pricing.
-- IHG Platinum Elite seems fine on paper, but from what I hear, room upgrades don't get you much in terms of quality. (Is Intercontinental Ambassador worth anything?)
-- 4th night free! And anniversary night.

Any recommendations on which direction I should go? Or are there factors that I haven't taken into account yet?
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