I meant it in that the typical cost of a hotel room is regardless of membership in the hotel chain’s loyalty program. If I’m going to stay in a hotel regardless of all other factors and I research the lowest rate I can possibly pay, I don’t see an opportunity cost (or any downside) to joining that hotel’s loyalty program and earning points for that stay. If anything, membership might include a lower (members only) rate. Granted, if one chooses to earn points in other ways, credit cards for example, there very well may be an opportunity cost.

Do you see an opportunity cost for earning points for hotel stays?