Best credit card for hotel reward points

Because the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio houses so many different hotel chains, from extended stay options such as TownePlace Suites to luxury properties like The Ritz-Carlton, the CardName tops our list for the best credit cards for hotel rewards.

Not only does this card earn users up to 17 points per dollar spent at more than 7,000 participating Marriott Bonvoy properties, but it also earns two points for every dollar spent on everything else (and three points per $1 on up to $6,000 combined spending at gas stations, grocery stores and on dining each year), making it great to use on more than just hotel stays. Earning two points on "other" purchases is an solid rate, even for the best rewards credit cards. So whether you're shopping for groceries, booking plane tickets, or a hotel stay, this card will earn you bonus rewards on it all. Plus, it offers an excellent welcome bonus opportunity to new cardholders as well as a Free Night Award every year after your account anniversary. And because so many different hotels fall under the Bonvoy brand, it's great for a wide range of people.

The best credit card for hotel rewards will depend greatly on your personal travel habits and preferences though. Families or business travelers could benefit most from a card affiliated with IHG Rewards since that brand operates properties catering to each of these groups. Meanwhile, luxury travelers may prefer to get a Marriott Bonvoy co-branded card since The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and W Hotels fall under the Marriott umbrella.

We believe all the cards listed above provide good value and excellent benefits. However, the best credit card for hotel rewards will be the one that provides perks you'll actually use. Start by looking for cards affiliated with the hotels you stay at most frequently and then compare the benefits and fees of each one to make your selection.

Hotel credit cards are typically affiliated with a specific brand's loyalty program. For instance, the World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors are all hotel loyalty programs that have co-branded credit cards affiliated with them. There are also some travel rewards credit cards, such as the CardName, that let you earn points which can be transferred to multiple hotel loyalty programs.

Although each card will have its own terms, all hotel credit cards typically work in the same way. Cardholders earn points for purchases, and those points can be redeemed towards hotel stays, upgrades or other perks through a hotel's loyalty program.

Most co-branded credit cards offer extra points for purchases made at the brand's properties. For example, the CardName discontinued offers three points per dollar spent on all purchases outside of bonus categories, but money spent at participating Hilton properties will earn seven points per dollar.

Each hotel credit card will have its own set of benefits, but these benefits generally fall into the following categories:

• Rewards points
• Elite status
• Travel and purchase perks

Rewards points are offered universally by hotel credit cards. These points are awarded based on how much you spend, and they can be redeemed through a hotel's loyalty program. For example, the CardName earns points for the IHG Rewards program while the CardName earns points for the Marriott Bonvoy program.

There are also some general travel rewards cards that will earn transferable points. The CardName is a good example. It earns Chase Ultimate Rewards® points which, as of this writing, can be transferred the IHG Rewards, World of Hyatt and Marriott Bonvoy programs.

Elite status is the next benefit of having a hotel credit card. Many cards, such as the CardName, provide cardholders with complimentary elite status within a hotel loyalty program and provide a fast-track to higher status levels. Having elite status can mean receiving perks ranging from free water upon check-in to complimentary upgrades to late check-out times.

Beyond rewards points and elite status, hotel credit cards can come with an assortment of other valuable perks. These benefits may vary significantly by card but could include purchase protection, trip delay insurance, free rewards nights and access to airport lounges.

Yes, hotel credit cards are worth it, that is if you regularly stay in hotels when you travel. If you're more of an Airbnb-er or a prefer to stay in a friend's guest bedroom, you might not befit as much from a hotel credit card, but even if you only stay in a hotel a couple times a year, a no-annual-fee credit card might still be worth it.

Hotel credit cards earn rewards every time you make a purchase so they're a great way to help offset the cost of your next hotel stay. Co-branded cards offer bonus rewards at particular hotel chains, so if you're loyal to a particular brand, a co-branded hotel card can really help you save. Plus, many hotel loyalty programs can help you earn things like room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, service credits, free high-speed internet, late check out and even free night stays. These things might not matter much to the occasional hotel traveler, but if you spend a lot of time in hotels these types of perks can be invaluable.