Wyndham Sweet Spots: Maximize Your Points During Peak Travel Times

Wyndham Rewards offers some darling deals if you know where to look. But since the program isn’t as top of mind as other big hotel loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, it can sometimes fly under the radar.

It’s easy to earn Wyndham points from hotel or vacation club stays, but if your travel patterns don’t take you to those properties often, there are other ways to rack them up. Here are some of the top deals for redeeming your Wyndham Rewards points.

Domestic sweet spots

Majestic Hotel South Beach, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Points needed per night: 15,000.

If being in world-famous South Beach in Miami is your goal, this hotel is in the mid-tier category, going for 15,000 points per night. Situated along Ocean Drive, it’s easy to enjoy the bustling shopping, dining and bar scene on this Art Deco strip. It’s also a good deal: On some nights, the cash price of a room can run upwards of $500.

Days Inn by Wyndham Maui Oceanfront

Points needed per night: 30,000.

If you’d rather save your cash for luaus, tours or spa services during your Hawaiian vacation, this hotel in Maui, which goes for 30,000 points per night, is a great value.

While its price in points is at the highest award tier, it can still save you money when compared with the high rates charged at other properties at this popular vacation destination. On some nights, a room here can cost nearly $400.

The New Yorker, A Wyndham Hotel

Points needed per night: 30,000.

New York is known for sky-high hotel rates many times throughout the year, especially during holiday periods. This 8th Avenue hotel in Manhattan allows travelers to skirt the high prices and redeem 30,000 points instead. Of course, when rates are lower, it can be better to pay cash, but when rates climb, points are your friend.

For example, a night here over New Year’s Eve may cost you more than $700 plus tax.

» Learn more: How much are my Wyndham points worth?

Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach Resort

Points needed per night: 30,000.

This Wyndham property on Clearwater Beach in Florida, frequently called one of the best beaches in the country, is available for 30,000 points per night.

Even in the winter, nightly rates here climb past $600 and can make using points a steal.

Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort

Points needed per night: 30,000.

Representing Wyndham’s growing collection of luxury hotels — designed to appeal to meeting groups as well as vacationing families — this sprawling property in Puerto Rico is often much cheaper using points than other island resorts.

For 30,000 points per night, travelers can enjoy a beachfront location next to El Yunque National Forest, great for those who want to get out and explore nature. The resort’s three swimming pools and spa only add to the fun. Using points can be a great deal, especially when rates can climb to $800 per night during holiday periods.

» Learn more: Where to travel that you don't need a passport

International Wyndham Rewards sweet spots

Ramada by Wyndham Udaipur Resort and Spa

Points needed per night: 15,000.

Instead of staying in luxurious — but expensive — hotel brands like Taj and Oberoi when visiting Udaipur, this Wyndham property represents a true bargain at only 15,000 points per night. Cash rates here still aren’t as pricey as the competition, but using points to cover the average $175 per night cost can help you save your cash for local tours.

» Learn more: The complete guide to Wyndham Rewards elite status

Days Inn by Wyndham Ao Nang Beach Krabi

Points needed per night: 7,500.

When you’re visiting a tropical beach destination in Thailand, you’re probably more interested in the scenery outdoors than inside your room. That’s why this basic-yet-modern hotel in Krabi makes our list of bargains, especially given its location along Ao Nang Beach.

A one-night redemption here is only 7,500 points and provides ultimate value, especially when cash rates can be over $200 per night.

TRYP by Wyndham Mexico City World Trade Center Area

Points needed per night: 7,500.

If you have business in the area or want a hotel that’s closer to the airport — which can be helpful in Mexico City's thick traffic — this hotel is a bargain at 7,500 points per night. But it’s important to note that cash rates here aren’t that high either: Rooms can be had for under $100 a night.

Still, using points can represent value, and this corporate-focused hotel offers modern digs at a low price either way you slice it.

Dolce by Wyndham CampoReal Lisboa

Points needed per night: 15,000.

The countryside outside of Lisbon, Portugal, features rolling hills, golf courses, wineries and lovely resorts. Many of these properties can cost an arm and a leg, but not so if you’re using Wyndham Rewards. This resort, about a half hour from Lisbon, is available for 15,000 points per night, which is better than forking over cash for rates that can sometimes reach $533 (488 euros) on certain nights.

Keep in mind, however, that it’s always best to check the rates first to see if you can get a better deal by paying in cash or points.

» Learn more: Advanced tips for optimizing your Wyndham Rewards

What else you need to know

Where are Wyndham hotels?

Wyndham’s more than 9,000 hotels encompass two dozen brands and are located in approximately 95 countries. And its rewards program can deliver excellent value when you use your points wisely. From Hawaii to Europe and from luxury to budget, Wyndham Rewards has options for every type of traveler.

How to earn Wyndham Rewards points

When staying at a Wyndham hotel or vacation club property, you earn 10 points per dollar spent or 1,000 points, whichever is greater. Aside from staying at one of Wyndham’s many properties, you can earn points by spending on a Wyndham Rewards co-branded credit card. These include the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card ($75 annual fee) and the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card ($0 annual fee). Both of these cards come with a signup bonus that will instantly boost your Rewards point balance.

There’s also a business credit card, the Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Business Credit Card, that offers value for those with their own business. It comes with perks like 8x points earned at gas stations — one of the few credit cards to offer such a bonus when spending on fuel.

If you have a credit card with transferable points like Citi ThankYou Rewards or Capital One Miles, you can move them at a 1:1 ratio to Wyndham Rewards (though not all Citi cards are eligible for this rate). This is a great way to top up your Wyndham Rewards account without having to keep points in the program until you’re ready to use them.

» Learn more: The complete guide to earning Wyndham points

How to redeem Wyndham Rewards points

On Wyndham stays

Wyndham maintains an easy-to-understand, three-tiered award chart where the redemption levels start at 7,500 points, rise to 15,000 for mid-tier redemptions and max out at 30,000 points per night. To instead get a discount on the cash price — or if don’t have enough points for a reward night — you can also pay with a combination of points and cash at a reduced threshold of 1,500, 3,000 or 6,000 points per night, respectively.

To determine how many points you need, search the Wyndham website and indicate that you’re using points. Your search results will give details on using points or paying with points and cash, if available.

Vacasa and Caesars

Points can be used for hotels and vacation club properties directly on the Wyndham website or for vacation rentals booked through Vacasa. Vacasa rentals cost 15,000 points per bedroom per night. Members can also earn and redeem points at more than 30 Caesars Rewards properties.

» Learn more: How to redeem Wyndham points

Wyndham Rewards sweet spots, recapped

These are just a few of the solid deals offered by the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program, but you’ll always want to compare the cash rate with the points redemption. On some nights, the value can be exceptional, but on others, it may be better to save your points for another time and pay in cash.

One thing is for sure: Wyndham Rewards offers a wide range of hotels and vacation properties, all of which are available using the program’s popular points system.