SOME CARD INFO MAY BE OUTDATED
This page includes information about these cards, currently unavailable on NerdWallet. The information has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been provided or reviewed by the card issuer.
Mattress runs, the process of booking a cheap stay at a hotel in order to earn elite status, have long been a staple of the savvy traveler looking to earn elite status. Travelers who value the perks of such status can take advantage of benefits like room upgrades, free breakfast, early check-in and late check-out and complimentary internet.
Over the years, requirements for elite status have changed, which begs the question: Are mattress runs still worth completing?
Let’s take a look at how to do a mattress run and whether it’s a good option for you.
Why do travelers do mattress runs?
Hotels have a variety of ways someone can earn hotel status, which include stays completed, nights stayed or base points earned. These numbers typically reset at the end of each calendar year.
Some travelers will book a stay for a night at a hotel room, whether or not they actually plan to sleep in the room. The idea is that the price of the hotel booking will cost less than the future value of the benefits the newly minted elite member will receive later.
The point of a mattress run is to complete a stay, earn elite night credits and improve your elite status level at a specific hotel chain. It can be done at all major hotel chains, such as Marriott, Hyatt, IHG and Hilton, though it doesn’t always make sense to mattress run when you have other options.
» Learn more: The best hotel elite status programs
By signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
When should you do a mattress run?
There are situations when completing a mattress run could be a good idea. If you and your family have a big vacation coming up, such as a week-long stay in Paris, it may be worth booking a cheaper hotel in your hometown before your trip to earn status (this assumes your current status level is near the threshold for the next level). This could potentially unlock valuable benefits like free breakfast and executive lounge access, and may ultimately save you money on your vacation.
Another situation in which it may make sense is in the case of, say, a big anniversary. Certain hotel chains, such as Hyatt and Marriott, offer their elite members the benefit of guaranteed suite upgrade certificates. These certificates can be worth thousands of dollars when used properly, and can turn a good vacation into an unforgettable experience.
But if you’re not planning on spending much time in your room or taking advantage of hotel amenities, being an elite member isn't going to mean much. The same is true if you don’t have any cheap hotel options nearby that’ll help you earn status. Spending $100+/night to earn elite status that will grant you free breakfast is never a good idea.
Ways to maximize your mattress runs
If you’re going to go ahead with a mattress run, there are ways to make the most of your stays so that you spend as little money as possible.
Get credit cards with free elite night credits
Plenty of hotels chains have co-branded credit cards. Two standout: Marriott and Hyatt. These companies will give you elite night credits for simply holding their branded credit cards.
» Learn more: The best hotel credit cards right now
Stack promotions to earn extra elite night credits
Hotel chains will sometimes run limited-time promotions that offer double elite night credits during your stays. This means, for example, that a five-night stay will earn you 10 nights toward elite status. This can effectively halve the cost of your mattress run, though these promotions are not always available and have specific end dates.
Hyatt, Marriott and Hilton have all run a promotion like this previously.
» Learn more: Your guide to earning bonus points with hotel promotions
Pick low-cost rooms for the cheapest mattress runs
This may seem like a no-brainer, but because the point of your mattress run is to earn elite status, you’re going to want to spend as little money out of pocket as possible. This means you’ll want to avoid high-end luxury brands at your chosen hotel chain, such as Marriott’s St. Regis, Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria and Hyatt’s Park Hyatt.
Instead, focus on properties that can be cheaper, such as Courtyards for Marriott, Hampton Inn for Hilton and Hyatt Place for Hyatt.
The bottom line
Mattress running can be worth it in the right situations, but it doesn’t always make sense. If there are no options around you for cheap hotels, it may be a better idea to use an alternative method, such as holding certain credit cards, in order to achieve the elite status you desire.
You'll also want to check your current status situation to ensure you're within striking distance of that next elite tier.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2026:
- Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
- Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Luxury perks: American Express Platinum Card®
- Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Explore more on
Article sources
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary,
trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed
studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with
industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness
and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high
standards for journalism by reading our
editorial guidelines.
