I am a member of (No particular order): RediCard(Red Roof), Priority Club(Holiday Inns), Gold Crowne Club(Best Western), Guest Privileges(Choice Hotels), Marriott, Radisson Gold rewards, Wingate U1, Hilton Honors. I work an alternate work schedule (4/10 hour days a week) about 75 miles from my home. I pay for three nights a week out of my own pocket. I am always looking for a better price with something free.

I recently signed up and stayed at Hampton Inn for 4 nights to earn the 50K promo. It cost me out of pocket, $40.00 additional over a rate I have at a Fairfield. I expect to earn six nights free. It depends on who has the best price and gives the most rewards. This year it was Hilton and their 50k promo. Last year it was Marriott and their stay 3/5k bonus.

I have changed my reservations to take advantage of a more fruitful promotion. IE-two motels about the same rate, one offers triple reward points/miles. In the last two days, I found a rate that was $10.00 less a night at a Red Roof Inn than the one I had at an Econo Lodge that offered 300 AA Miles. Plus I get enough points for about 1/10 of a night free. My 'Rewards' are about equal, the quality is about the same and I save over $10.00. I plan to use a Hilton card and get 3 points for each $ spent.

I am not what you would call a power traveler for miles, but I have received over 8 tickets w/AA in the last three years and over 20 nights free. For me, this is entertainment to try to get a better deal and get something for "nothing".