Not sure where to post this because there are so many hotel programs. But I wanted to get an idea which one could work best for me.

My traveling in the states would be primarily NY, CA, DC and FL. Outside the US Europe and the Caribbean.

Any suggestions?

Hi getdev. FlyerTalk can be confusing in your early days with us. I'm going to move this question on to MilesBuzz, as that is the best forum to compare and contrast loyalty programs.

You've given some ideas of destinations; it would be great if you would add how many nights a year you spend in hotels and what kind of budget you have - low, mid, high. There are definitely different chains for different pocketbooks.

SanDiego1K
Senior Mod

Consider using more that one. Many chains have free credit card offers that can give you one or more free nights when you get the card. They are listed in the Credit Card section > Free Cards page of my website below. So get them all.

I would look at teh hotel web sites and see what choices each has. Pay attention to the total hotel list, not just the higher end.

2 recent threads >
http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=819348
http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=819349

Welcome to Flyertalk! It really depends on the number of stays/nights, class ($$) of hotels, ans other factors. It pays to join multiple programs since the programs are free. That way you can decide which prgram you wany as your main choice, but can also take advantage of special promotions in the other programs as well.

I totally agree on this one - there is no membership fee and it gives you an opportunity to try out several if frequent travel is new to you.

I ultimately settled on Starwood both because I really like their hotels (primarily the Westin brand) and because I find their rooms to be the most comfortable of all of the big 'chains' - but some people find other amenities to be more important than comfort-while-sleeping, so do a bit of experimenting.

One thing I will recommend - purely from a points perspective - is to get whatever hotel program's credit card is offered if you're going to become a VIP-level guest. Not only do you rack up ridiculous amounts of points, but I find that I get extra accommodation upgrades and other unpublished 'perks' when I charge my stays to that card. Have been platinum with Starwood for just over a year now and have almost 90k points racked up between stays and putting the stays on their branded AMEX.

related - i have no idea which program lets you earn the fastest / has the cheapest awards. (most award nights at lowest redemption level) im sure its been figured out somewhere on FT. anyone know?

There is absolute no consensus on FT regarding this. It really depends whether you factor in 'to the point earnings the base earnings only or all the different bonuses/promotions as well.

I am the top tier in all five. Personally I prefer Hyatt, InterContinental, and Starwood. Hilton and Marriott are far less rewarding.

San Diego 1K,

thanks for the advice. Generally 1 international a year and at least 2 domestic a year. My budget is low. Total time in hotels-probably 15 to 18 days inclucing holidays and weekend.

HoltJu2,

Hilton was going to be my first choice. Hyatt is actually second. However, if the rewards are better I'm willing to explore Hyatt a bit more.

Pgary,

What is your website? Someone mentioned to me that you had one. But I thought it was on your tagline when you posted.

UAMike73,

I've been hearing that alot. Not only with airlines, rental car programs and hotels. If you get the card that they sponsor or are behind you will build points much faster. I didn't realize that signing up for them was free. So I think "best sense is bought sense". Try several and figure out what I like. What other brands are in Starwood?

Grlittle,

I appreciate that. I've actually done that now for the past 5 to 6 years, however in my experience I seem to spend 5 to 6 hours in total on the computer for just one trip trying to find the best deals for all and it seems like the difference becomes neglible. Since I can't pay an assistant to do things like that for me I don't know if that is the best way to go.

It is. Just click on it.