The Best Hotel Rewards Programs for Business Travelers

HE Marketing
November 28, 2024
The Best Hotel Rewards Programs for Business Travelers

Do you travel a lot for work? Rack up the hotel nights or air miles and wished you could earn even more money back?

Well you can with the right hotel rewards program.

If you book your own accommodation or manage them for a business, you can earn anything from discounted rates to free nights.

But which is best? Which program is worth signing up to?

As global travel experts, we think these are the top hotel rewards programs around right now!

Engine Rewards

Yes, this is our rewards program. And yes, we are biased! Engine Rewards is a smart loyalty program that allows you to earn points on top of your usual hotel rewards points. You not only earn points by using the Engine booking platform, but you also earn all your usual rewards from the hotels you book with.

For example, if you book a Hilton stay through Engine, you not only earn points through Engine Rewards, you also earn points through Hilton Honors (if you’re a member).

It’s a smart way to make business travel pay more.

You earn points for booking hotels through Engine.com and can redeem them on discounted rates or free nights at your favorite hotel. There are no limits on when and where you can redeem rewards and you can use your points for business or pleasure.

The loyalty program is simple and your points can be tracked and redeemed via your customer dashboard.

Take advantage of Engine.com's stackable rewards program and start earning double on your work trips. It's free to join, free to use, and we will even give you a free $50 credit to use towards any hotel stay. Please note, the $50 credit is only for the first person from your company to join.

Hilton Honors

App Download: Google Play // iOS

Program Highlights:

  • Highest flexibility in earning and redeeming points.
  • No blackout dates.
  • Earn extra hotel points with lyft and at participating restaurants.

Hilton Honors is one of the best-known hotel rewards programs for business travelers as well as vacationers.

As a Hilton Honors member, you can earn points for every dollar spend on eligible stays. You can redeem them on free nights, room upgrades and other perks depending on the hotel.

The program offers four tiers:

  • Member - Everyone.
  • Silver - Silver members need to stay between 10-39 nights per year.
  • Gold - Requires 40-59 stays per year.
  • Diamond - Members with 60 or more bookings per year are placed into diamond.

The more nights you stay, the higher your tier.

Each tier provides increasing benefits like free Wi-Fi, late checkout, and bonus points.

Diamond members enjoy exclusive perks like complimentary breakfast and lounge access.

As an added benefit, Hilton has partnered with leading airlines, travel companies and other providers so you can earn and redeem points using their brands too.

Hilton brands include - Tribute Portfolio, TownePlace Suites by Marriott, Fairfield by Marriott, Le Meridien, Renaissance Hotels, Four Points by Sheraton, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Moxy Hotels, JW Marriott, Marriott Executive Apartments, St. Regis, The Ritz-Carlton, Marriott Vacation Club, Sheraton, Marriott, Delta Hotels by Marriott, Gaylord Hotels, Residence Inn by Marriott, The Luxury Collection, Protea Hotels by Marriott, Edition, Homes & Villas by Marriott International, Design Hotels, AC Hotels by Marriott, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, Aloft Hotels, Element by Westin, Westin Hotels & Resorts, Courtyard by Marriott, Autograph Collection, W Hotels.

Sonesta Travel Pass

App Download: Google Play // iOS

Program Highlights:

  • Accelerated Elite Status Achievement: Sonesta Travel Pass allows members to attain elite status more rapidly. For example, Silver status is achieved after just 10 nights or 10,000 points, and Gold status at 20 nights or 20,000 points. This is notably quicker compared to many other hotel loyalty programs.
  • Status Match Opportunities: Travelers holding elite status with other hotel loyalty programs can request a status match with Sonesta Travel Pass, facilitating access to comparable benefits without starting from scratch.

The Sonesta Travel Pass also offers rewards for hotel stays. It differs from Hilton Honors in that it’s based on dollar amounts and/or nights rather than just nights stayed.

Otherwise, it’s a similar tiered program with Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels.

Bronze is the entry level with no requirements. Silver requires 10 nights or 10,000 points, Gold, 20 nights or 20,000 points and Platinum 40 nights or 40,000 points.

Each tier offers increasing benefits like early check-in, late checkout, welcome gifts, preferred parking or free Wi-Fi.

Platinum members enjoy exclusive perks like complimentary breakfast and lounge access.

There are also regular deals and offers from partnership brands, a meeting planner perks program for business travelers and other incentives.

Sonesta brands include - Sonesta ES Suites, Sonesta Simply Suites, Sonesta Select, Sonesta Hotels and Resorts, Signature Inn, Classico Collection, and MOD Collection.

Radisson Rewards

App Download: Google Play // iOS

Program Highlights:

  • Discount Booster: This unique feature allows members to choose an increased discount on bookings—up to 20%—in exchange for earning fewer points on that stay. This flexibility enables members to prioritize immediate savings over point accumulation when it suits their travel needs.

The Radisson Rewards program offers perks for staying at any Radisson Hotel and Resort worldwide.

Members earn points both for dollars spent and nights stayed. You can then redeem points for members-only room rates, free nights, room upgrades, award nights and other incentives.

The program has three tiers:

  • Club
  • Premium
  • VIP

Club is entry level with no qualifying criteria, Premium requires 5 nights or 3 stays per year and VIP 30 nights or 20 stays.

Each tier offers increasing benefits like free Wi-Fi, discounts on breakfast or other meals, late checkout, and priority check-in.

VIP members enjoy exclusive perks like complimentary breakfast, 24-hour VIP customer support, lounge access and other benefits.

There are also partner benefits, booster schemes and other incentives depending on where in the world you’re staying and your tier.

Radisson brands include - Country Inn & Suites, Park Inn, Park Plaza, Radisson Individuals, Radisson Red.

Marriott Bonvoy

App Download: Google Play // iOS

Program Highlights:

  • Extensive Global Portfolio: With over 8,000 properties across 30 brands in approximately 140 countries and territories, Marriott Bonvoy provides members with a vast array of options, from budget-friendly business accommodations to luxury resorts.
  • Transferable Points to Airline Miles: Marriott Bonvoy points can be transferred to over 40 airline partners, typically at a 3:1 ratio. Additionally, for every 60,000 points transferred, members receive a bonus of 5,000 airline miles, enhancing the value for those who prefer air travel rewards. As a business traveler, this gives you tremendous flexibility in how you deploy your rewards benefits.

Marriott Bonvoy is a global rewards program run by the very well-known hotel brand.

Members earn points for dollars spent and earn similar rewards to the others in this list. Marriott offers rewards for individuals and businesses, which is a neat angle.

The program offers five tiers: Member, Silver Elite, Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, and Titanium Elite.

Qualify for Member level with 0-9 nights per year, Silver Elite with 10 nights, Gold Elite with 25, Platinum Elite with 50 and Titanium Elite with 75 nights.

Each tier provides increasing benefits like free Wi-Fi, late checkout, lounge access, and bonus points. Titanium Elite members enjoy exclusive perks like complimentary breakfast and dedicated concierge service.

There’s also an exclusive Ambassador Elite level where you’ll need to say 100+ nights and spend over $23,000 in a year.

Marriott has partnered with other companies, including Uber and Uber Eats, United Airlines and others so you can earn rewards using multiple brands.

Marriott brands include - Fairfield Inn & Suites, The Luxury Collection, Homes & Villas by Marriott International, Renaissance Hotels, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, TownePlace Suites, Marriott Vacation Club, St. Regis, Protea Hotels, JW Marriott, Westin, AC Hotels, W Hotels, Delta Hotels, Gaylord Hotels, Marriott Executive Apartments, City Express, Four Points, Edition, Residence Inn, Courtyard Hotels, SpringHill Suites, Sheraton, Aloft Hotels, Le Meridien, Marriott Hotels, Element.

IHG One Rewards

App Download: Google Play // iOS

Program Highlights:

  • Access to a Vast Network: Redeem points at over 6,000 properties worldwide, covering luxury, extended stays, and budget-friendly options.
  • Flexible Reward Options: Choose benefits that match your travel style, including early check-in, late check-out, or complimentary food and beverage credits.

IHG One Rewards is the loyalty program run by IHG Hotels & Resorts. It covers both vacationers and business travelers and offers a range of rewards depending on your tier.

IHG offers 3 points for every $1 spent in a qualifying hotel stay, meeting or event in any one of 6,000 participating venues.

The program has 5 tiers: Club, Silver Elite, Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, and Diamond Elite.

Anyone can be a Club member while Silver Elite members need 10 qualifying nights or 10,000 points, Gold Elite 20 nights or 40,000 points, Platinum Elite 40 nights or 60,000 points and Diamond Elite 70 nights or 120,000 points.

Each tier provides increasing benefits like free Wi-Fi, late checkout, guaranteed room availability, room upgrades, special welcome, lounge access, and bonus points.

There’s also an interesting rollover perk for Gold Elite and above where you can roll over nights to the next year.

Diamond Elite members enjoy exclusive perks like complimentary breakfast and dedicated concierge service.

IHG Brands include - Regent, Intercontinental, Vignette, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn, Garner, Avid, Atwell Suites, Staybridge and Candlewood Suites.

Wyndham Rewards

App Download: Google Play // iOS

Program Highlights:

  • Guaranteed Minimum Points per Stay: Members earn 10 points per dollar spent or a guaranteed minimum of 1,000 points per qualifying stay, whichever is greater. This ensures that even short, low-cost stays contribute meaningfully toward free nights. For frequent business travelers, this point-style can add up very quickly.

Wyndham Rewards is the loyalty program for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Vacationers and business travelers can earn points for every dollar spent on eligible stays.

Points can be redeemed for free or discounted nights at any of Wyndham's brand hotels and resorts.

Wyndham Rewards also offers a Wyndham Rewards Earner® Cards program, where you can redeem fewer points for rewards at a faster rate.

The program has four tiers:

  • Blue - Open to everyone.
  • Gold - Gold members need to stay a minimum of 5 nights.
  • Platinum - Platinum is activated after 15 nights.
  • Diamond - You achieve diamond after 40 nights booked.

You can redeem points for discounted or free nights, Caesars Rewards®, and other incentives from partner brands.

Wyndham brands include - AmericInn, Baymont, Days Inn, Dolce Hotels, Hawthorn Suites, Howard Johnson, La Quinta, Microtel Inn & Suites, Ramada, Super 8, Travelodge and Wingate.

Best Western Rewards

App Download: Google Play // iOS

Program Highlights:

  • Points Never Expire: Unlike many loyalty programs, Best Western Rewards points remain valid indefinitely, providing members with flexibility in planning redemptions.
  • No Blackout Dates: Members can redeem points for free nights at any Best Western property worldwide without facing blackout periods, ensuring availability during peak travel times for both business trips and leisure getaways.
  • Status Match...No Catch®: Best Western offers a straightforward status match program, allowing members of other hotel loyalty programs to receive equivalent status within Best Western Rewards without additional requirements.

Best Western Rewards is a loyalty program that offers perks for stays at Best Western Hotels and Resorts worldwide.

You can earn 10 points for every dollar spent on eligible stays or earn airline miles instead.

The program has five tiers: Blue, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Diamond Select. Blue is open to all while you need 5 nights for Gold, 7 for Platinum, 15 for Diamond and 25+ for Diamond Select.

Points can provide room upgrades, free nights, shopping or meal vouchers or be loaded onto a Best Western Travel Card. There are also offers on activities, days out and other rewards too.

Best Western also partners with airlines and travel companies, allowing you to earn and redeem points through different channels as well as room stays.

Best western brands include - Best Western Plus, BW Premier Collection, WorldHotels, SureStay Plus, SureStay Collection and SureStay Studio.

Extended Stay America Extended Perks

App Download: Google Play // iOS

Program Highlights:

  • Exclusive Member Rates: Members receive discounted rates on bookings, providing immediate savings for business trips.
  • Partner Discounts: Access to discounts with affiliated partners, such as waived delivery fees with DoorDash and savings at retailers like Target, enhances the overall travel experience.
  • Complimentary Early Check-In and Late Checkout: For stays of seven nights or more, members enjoy the flexibility of early check-in and late checkout, accommodating varying travel schedules.

The Extended Perks program works a little differently in that it offers instant discounts, member rewards, early check-in and late check-out and other rewards.

It’s more reminiscent of H-E-B Points Club Rewards or the Kroger Plus Card where membership is the main qualification.

Members can receive discount rates on room stays, streamlined check-in, entry into monthly prize draws and other perks.

There are also partner perks from the likes of Target, Nature Made and other well-known brands.

Red Roof Inn RediRewards®

App Download: Google Play // iOS

Program Highlights:

  • Early Check-In and Late Check-Out: Subject to availability, these options offer added flexibility to align with travel itineraries and business meetings.
  • Room Upgrades: When available, members may receive complimentary room upgrades, enhancing comfort during work trips.
  • Flexible Booking Options: Members often have access to flexible cancellation policies and the ability to modify bookings with ease, accommodating the unpredictable nature of business travel.

Red Roof Inn RediRewards is a more traditional hotel rewards program where you earn points for dollars spent.

It’s a very branded program with RediPoints, RediSave, RediShop and RediAccess.

RediPoints are earned on dollars spent, with 10 points per dollar. You can then redeem them at Red Roof Inn brands at varying rates.

For example, you’ll need 8,500 points for a free night at a Red Roof Inn and 14,000 points for a free night at The Red Collection.

You can also redeem points in the RediShop or get discounts and offers from partner brands via RediAccess.

You can also qualify for free bottled water, room discounts, bonus points, late check-in and other rewards.

Red Roof Inn brands include: Red Roof Inn, Red Roof Plus+, The Red Collection, and HomeTowne

Choice Privileges

App Download: Google Play // iOS

Program Highlights:

  • Extensive Hotel Network: With over 7,000 properties worldwide across various brands—including Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, and Cambria Hotels—business travelers have a wide selection of accommodations in numerous locations.
  • Corporate Booking Tools: Choice Hotels offers business-friendly services like corporate account management and group booking options, simplifying travel planning for companies and their employees.
  • Partnerships with Airlines and Car Rentals: Members can earn additional rewards through partnerships with airlines and car rental companies, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Choice Privileges is a loyalty program that covers the entire Choice hotels brand. You earn points for every dollar spent on eligible stays, which can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, and other perks.

Earn 10 points for every dollar spent and access rewards. There aren’t tiers like other loyalty programs and the rewards are more varied.

For example, you could earn standard discounts on rooms rates or free nights. You can also get set discounts for specific stays at specific dates like a limited reward.

You can also earn air miles, earn with partners and even donate your points to charity.

Choice brands include - Cambria Hotels, Ascend Hotel Collection, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Clarion Pointe, Everhome Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Studios, WoodSpring Suites, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn.

Article written by
HE Marketing

Meet the Engine Marketing Team, where creativity is combined with strategy to craft engaging and informative content. Our team is dedicated to curating stories and articles that provide valuable insights into the world of travel, accommodation, and hospitality.

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