How to Book Hotels With Points : Simple, Real‑Life Wins
⭐ Why Booking Hotels With Points Is So Much Easier Than You Think
Our hotel in Athens Greece - Booked on Hyatt Points
Booking hotels with points is one of the easiest ways to save hundreds of dollars on travel — and you don’t need elite status or a huge stash of points to start. In this beginner‑friendly guide, I’ll show you exactly how to book hotels with points, which programs offer the best value, how to find award nights, and real examples of the redemptions we’ve booked. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a cruise, or a weekend getaway, this step‑by‑step breakdown makes it simple to stretch your points and travel for less.
How to earn points quickly → Credit Card Points and Miles Guide
See all my real hotel stays booked on points → Hotel Stay on Points
1. Choose the Right Hotel Program (Start With These 4)
These are the four major programs beginners should focus on:
⭐ Hotel Points Cheat Sheet for Beginners
If you want the simplest path: start with Hyatt or Hilton.
Packing for Your Trip?
Here are my favorite travel essentials:
Cabana Life — Sun‑safe outfits
Athleta — Comfortable travel clothing
Cook Unity — Easy meals before/after your trip. I have them ordered to arrive when we get home.
Away - Lightweight luggage
2. Earn Points the Easy Way (No Flying Required)
Most beginners earn hotel points through credit card welcome bonuses — not travel.
The easiest ways to earn:
Hotel credit cards (Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Hyatt)
Flexible points cards (Chase, Amex, Capital One, Citi)
Shopping portals + dining programs
Everyday spending
Why flexible points matter
Cards like Chase Sapphire or Amex Gold let you transfer points to hotel programs. This gives you:
More options
Better value
Easier redemptions
3. Find a Hotel You Want to Book (The Fun Part)
Go to the hotel brand’s website and search like you normally would.
What to look for:
Award availability (a toggle or filter)
Point price per night
Cash price (so you can compare value)
Room types available on points (some brands offer suites!)
Pro tip for families
Hyatt and Hilton often release standard suites on points — a huge win for parents who need doors, space, or a second bathroom.
4. Compare Cash vs. Points (The 30‑Second Math Trick)
Use this simple formula:
Value per point = Cash price /Points required
You don’t need to be perfect — just look for above‑average value.
Quick cheat sheet:
Hyatt: aim for 1.5¢+
Marriott: 0.7¢+
Hilton: 0.5¢+
IHG: 0.6¢+
If the value is low, pay cash. If the value is high, book with points. I’ll be honest, I rarely do this. I like free hotel rooms, but this will help guide you as you learn the value of your points. This is not a set rule - you do you!
5. Transfer Points (If Needed)
If you’re using Chase, Amex, Capital One, or Citi:
Find the hotel you want.
Check the exact number of points required.
Transfer only what you need.
Transfers are usually instant (Hyatt, IHG, Hilton).
Important: Transfers are one‑way. Once you move points to a hotel program, you can’t move them back.
6. Book Your Hotel Night (Just Like a Normal Reservation)
Once you have the points in your account:
Log in to the hotel website
Search your dates
Toggle “Use Points”
Select your room
Complete the booking
You’ll get a confirmation email just like a cash booking.
Why this is amazing
Most hotel programs waive resort fees on award stays — saving you $30–$60 per night. (Be warned Marriott does not)
7. Use These Beginner-Friendly Booking Tips
✔ Book early
Award rooms are limited, especially for family‑sized rooms.
✔ Be flexible with dates
Sometimes shifting one night saves thousands of points.
✔ Look for 5th Night Free
Hilton and Marriott offer this on award stays.
✔ Don’t forget free night certificates
Hotel credit cards often give you 1–2 free nights per year.
8. When to Pay Cash Instead of Points
Use points when:
Cash price is high
Points price is low
You’re booking a suite
You’re staying during peak season
Pay cash when:
Cash price is cheap
You’re earning elite nights
You want to save points for a bigger trip
9. ⭐ My Real Hyatt Wins (Actual Stays I Booked on Points)
Hyatt Stays on Points
Want to see how far your points can really take you?
I’ve stayed at dozens of hotels around the world using points — from boutique city stays to luxury resorts and family‑friendly properties. Each review includes what I paid in points, the cash price, and whether the redemption was worth it.
👉 Browse all my hotel reviews booked on points Hyatt • Marriott • Hilton • IHG • Boutique + more
If you’re learning how to book hotels with points, these real examples make it so much easier to understand what’s a good deal, what to avoid, and how to stretch your points for maximum value.
10. Final Step: Start With One Simple Goal
Pick one of these to get started:
Book your next weekend trip with points
Use a free night certificate
Transfer Chase points to Hyatt for a family hotel
Try a 5th Night Free redemption
Small wins build confidence fast. You will see how easy this hobby can be!
About the Author
Hi, I’m Julie — the traveler behind No Point Left Behind. I started this blog after realizing how many families were overpaying for hotels, cruises, and flights simply because no one had ever shown them how easy points and miles can be. Now I share the exact strategies we use to book hotels on points, find cruise deals, and plan stress‑free trips. If you love honest reviews, real numbers, and practical tips you can actually use, you’re in the right place.
