Hotel Brands Offer Summer Promotions to Entice Travelers

Hotels are providing incentives like bonus points for loyalty program members and free nights.

Sam Kemmis, Meghan CoyleAug 17, 2020
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As summer travel slowly picks up, some hotel brands are providing bonus award points and other perks to draw customers. While none of these promotions offer can’t-miss deals, each provides a little extra reason to stay with one of these brands on a summer road trip.

Note that some of these promotions require a membership with the rewards program and registration prior to booking. We’ll keep this page up to date as we learn of more offers.

» Learn more: Coronavirus hotel and vacation rental cancellation and change policies

Best Western

Best Western is leaning into road trips as the popular summer vacation this year. With their "Hit the Road with Best Western" promotion, they are offering travelers who register for the promotion a $25 Best Western gift card after one stay this summer before Sept. 7. The gift card expires Dec. 31, 2020.

Choice Hotels

Choice is offering a "book 2 stays, earn a free night" promotion, but it comes with a big asterisk: The "free night" is in the form of 5,000-8,000 bonus points, which is (maybe) enough to book another night.

Given how restrictive Choice points are (and the somewhat misleading marketing of this promotion), we don’t recommend going out of your way for it unless you’re already planning to stay at a Choice property. In that case, head to this page to register, then book two stays until Sept. 7.

If an all-inclusive resort is calling your name, you may be able to earn 50,000 bonus points, a free night, a $200 resort credit, a welcome gift and more if you book one of Choice's all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, Central America or Mexico. The benefits vary by resort and there are some spending requirements to qualify for the bonus points and free nights. Kids stay free as well. You'll need to book by Sept. 30, 2020. This promotion is even good for travel through next summer and beyond, but you must complete your stay by Dec. 22, 2021.

Fairmont

If you’re looking for luxury digs, Fairmont’s true buy one, get one free offer is tough to beat. This promotion is available at eight hotels in major cities across the U.S. (as well as some international properties), and it’s as simple as it sounds: Book a two-night stay for the price of one.

Because of Fairmont’s complicated checkout flow, the "price per night" includes the free night. Be sure to confirm that the final total includes the promotional rate. You can also use this promo to book two rooms on a single night, though you’ll need to call the property to adjust the reservation after you book.

IHG

IHG is running a targeted promotion for some members that offers bonus points for stays through Sept. 8. The number of bonus points depends on the number of stays before that date:

  • 2x bonus points for the first two stays.

  • 3x bonus points for the third stay.

  • 4x bonus points for the fourth and subsequent stays.

Note that these are "stays," not "nights," and that not all IHG members will be offered this promotion. Check your email for a link to the registration page.

Marriott

Marriott is entering the summer promotion season a bit late, but you've got until October to take advantage of it. You must register for this promotion to start earning, so you'll want to do that as soon as possible to maximize the bonus points opportunities. Marriott Bonvoy members will receive 2,500 bonus points per stay, plus an additional 5,000 bonus points after the third stay between now and Oct. 18, 2020. There's no limit to the number of bonus points you can earn with this offer.

Radisson

Radisson has a "Dream Deals" promotion, which includes several parts:

  • Up to 15% off for stays in the U.S. booked by July 14 for stays through Aug. 31.

  • 5% extra off for Radisson Rewards members.

  • 2,500 bonus points per stay for Radisson Rewards members.

In other words, Radisson Rewards members get up to 20% off and 2,500 bonus points per stay in the U.S. (some international destinations are offering larger discounts). No registration is required.

Hyatt

Hyatt is offering savings and bonus points for World of Hyatt members. The promotion, running until Oct. 8 includes:

  • Free nights on sale. All members will get 15% of their redeemed points back as bonus points. The rebate applies to almost anything you can book with points, including award stays, Cash + Points stays, room upgrades, dining, spa services and Exhale classes. Cardmembers get an extra 10% of their redeemed points back, meaning they get 25% rebate. Registration is required.

  • Free parking. Award stays now come with free parking for all members during the promotion. Guests with Globalist status will also receive free parking on paid stays as well.

  • Triple points on dining. People who aren't staying at the hotel can qualify for 3x the points on dining at participating restaurants at Hyatt properties. Dine-in, takeout and delivery are all eligible for the promotion as long as diners aren't staying at the hotel. No registration is required.

Wyndham

Wyndham has two summer promotions that can be combined for maximum rewards.

  • Earn a free night when you stay two consecutive nights. Between now and Sept. 8, Wyndham members can register for this promotion and earn 7,500 bonus points (enough for a one-night award stay). The deadline to register and book a qualifying stay is Sept. 8, and the stay must be completed by Sept. 10.

  • Earn 2,000 bonus points on every stay through July 27. Requires registration before you book. Members can earn an additional 2,000 bonus points on every stay booked by July 27 and completed by July 28. The maximum number of bonus points that can be earned through this promotion is 10,000 points.

How to Maximize Your Rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2021, including those best for: