Wyndham Rewards Optimization for Beginners

Although not as buzz-worthy as hotel loyalty programs like Hilton and Marriott, Wyndham Rewards offers considerable value when redeeming points for free hotel nights. With about 9,000 hotels around the world and a diverse set of hotel brands, Wyndham Rewards delivers lots of value for travelers.

The program offers plenty of ways to use your points, including booking free nights at Wyndham hotels, Wyndham Vacation Clubs and Ceasars Entertainment hotels, as well as Wyndham vacation rentals around the world.

NerdWallet currently values Wyndham Rewards points at 0.9 cent each, which places them among the some of the most valuable hotel points on the market.

Here’s a beginner’s guide on how to start redeeming your Wyndham Rewards points for free nights, plus how to evaluate redemption values.

Where can you stay with your points?

Wyndham Rewards currently has 19 brands within its loyalty program. Although you may recognize many of the Wyndham Rewards budget brands, such as Super 8 and Days Inn, the program also includes a handful of luxury brands such as Dolce, Tryp and Esplendor. This means you have lots of options when it comes to using your Wyndham Rewards points for award nights.

You can also use your points at Caesars Entertainment hotels and a handful of vacation rentals and vacation club resorts.

How to get started using your points

Booking free nights using your points is simple through both Wyndham’s website and its mobile app. Here’s a quick walkthrough of the booking process.

Booking award nights online

The first step of booking a free night is to log in to your Wyndham Rewards account. On Wyndham’s homepage, you'll find a sign-in link in the upper right-hand corner.

Once you are logged in to your account, you can begin your hotel search. You'll need to type in your destination city along with your check-in and check-out dates. Additionally, be sure to select “Use Wyndham Rewards points instead” under the “Special Rates” option.

On the results page, you can view all available hotels and filter properties by brand, price and amenities.

After you have chosen a hotel, you can click on the rate to view available room types and more details about the hotel.

» Learn more: Your guide to the Wyndham Rewards award chart

What to consider when redeeming points

As with any points, you’ll want to make sure you are getting a good deal when using them. When considering redemption options, you can easily calculate the value per point by comparing the nightly cash rate to the nightly cost in points.

Here’s a quick example:

The nightly cash rate at the Dolce by Wyndham Sitges Barcelona is approximately $140 including taxes and fees. Alternatively, you can pay 15,000 points per night.

A simple calculation of the nightly cash rate divided by the nightly points rate shows the value you are receiving per point. In this example, it works out to be 0.9 cents per point ($140 divided by 15,000 equals $0.0093).

At NerdWallet’s Wyndham Rewards points valuation of 0.9 cent each, this redemption is right on target and is considered a good use of points.

Note: You will always want to use the nightly cash rate including taxes and fees in this calculation. When you book a reward night, taxes and fees are usually included in the reward night rate, so you won’t pay these extra.

» Learn more: The complete guide to redeeming Wyndham Rewards points

A few program sweet spots

Although you may be most familiar with Wyndham’s budget hotel brands in the U.S., the program offers plenty of luxury properties around the world where you can book free nights with your points. Here are some excellent ways to use your points at some standout properties.

Silverado Resort and Spa

Located in Napa, California, this hotel is one of Wyndham’s elite properties in the U.S. The hotel features two PGA championship golf courses, five restaurants and other amenities including tennis courts, swimming pools and a 16,000-square-foot spa.

To enjoy a relaxing stay at this great property you can expect to pay over $250 or 30,000 points per night.

The Mining Exchange, A Wyndham Grand Hotel & Spa

At 30,000 points per night, this historic hotel is another standout property in the Wyndham Rewards program. Located in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs, this refined hotel offers a glimpse of the past with all of the modern amenities you’d expect during a comfortable stay.

The property gets its name from its historical building, which was used as a stock exchange for local mining companies.

Ramada Khao Lak Resort

This beachfront resort is the perfect place to unwind while exploring Thailand’s Andaman Sea coastline. Whether your travel goals include sipping poolside cocktails or exploring tropical islands, this hotel makes a great basecamp.

For 15,000 points per night, you’ll enjoy direct beach access, stylish rooms and complimentary breakfast.

The Dolce by Wyndham Sitges, Barcelona

This stylish, sun-soaked resort is an excellent escape from the hustle and bustle of Barcelona. Located in the historic town of Sitges, the Dolce by Wyndham Sitges Barcelona is just minutes away from award-winning Mediterranean beaches.

The property features almost every amenity you can think of, from a full-service spa and multiple pools to fitness centers and golf.

Whether you spend your day exploring the vibrant streets of Barcelona or relaxing at the pool, this resort is a great way to spend 15,000 points per night. And it’s yet another example of why travelers who have ignored Wyndham Rewards should take a look at all this program has to offer.

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