Hotel programs, compared
World of Hyatt, Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy side by side: what a point is worth, how each prices awards, what the certificates cover, and which to focus on.
Three hotel programs matter most to travelers in the United States, and each is good at something different. Hyatt has the most valuable points of the three, Hilton the least restricted free night certificates, Marriott the widest choice of hotels. The right one depends on where the trips go and which bank points are already being collected.
World of HyattThe highest-value points of the three, a published award chart and generous top status.1.65¢ per pointRead the guide →
Hilton HonorsEasy status, the fifth night free, and card certificates with no price cap.0.4¢ per pointRead the guide →
Marriott BonvoyA vast footprint, three banks that transfer in, and certificates that can be topped up.0.75¢ per pointRead the guide →Values per point are typical values, explained in What is a point worth?. Points are not comparable across programs: each chain prices nights in its own units, so a 30,000-point Hyatt night and a 120,000-point Hilton night can cost the same in real terms.
Side by side
| World of Hyatt | Hilton Honors | Marriott Bonvoy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical value per point | 1.65¢ | 0.4¢ | 0.75¢ |
| Award pricing | Published chart: 8 categories, 5 price levels | Dynamic, from 5,000 points | Dynamic, no chart |
| Standard night range | 3,000–75,000 points | 5,000 to about 250,000 points | From about 12,000 points |
| Long-stay perk | None | Fifth night free (Silver and above) | Fifth night free on points-only stays |
| Resort fees on awards | Waived | Waived on all-points stays | Charged at many resorts |
| Card certificate | Category 1–4 hotel | Any standard room reward, no price cap | Up to 35,000, 50,000 or 85,000 points, plus 25,000 of one’s own |
| Top status | Globalist (60 nights) | Diamond Reserve (80 nights and $18,000) | Ambassador (100 nights and $23,000) |
| Status from a card | Discoverist | Up to Diamond (Aspire) | Up to Platinum (Brilliant) |
| Bank transfers in | Chase (1:1 Reserve, 4:3 others), Bilt (1:1) | Amex (1:2), Bilt (1:1) | Amex, Chase, Bilt (1:1) |
Sources and dates for each figure are in the individual guides.
Which to focus on
For value
Collect Hyatt
1.65¢per point, the highest of the three
For anyone earning Bilt or Chase Sapphire Reserve points, which move to Hyatt at 1:1, Hyatt is usually where bank points do best in hotels (other Chase cards transfer at 4:3). Globalist is the most generous top status of the three, if 60 nights a year is realistic.
Best with Bilt or Sapphire Reserve
For certificates
Hold Hilton cards
No capon what a Free Night Reward covers
The Aspire’s annual certificate can book a standard room at a 250,000-point resort, and the card brings Diamond status. Hilton points themselves are better earned than bought.
Best for resort weekends
For reach
Use Marriott where it’s strong
1 in 5nights free on points-only stays
In secondary cities and much of Asia, Marriott often has the widest choice of hotels. Five-night stays and topped-up certificates are where it shines.
Check cents per point every time
Free night certificates, compared
| Card | Annual fee | Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| World of Hyatt Credit Card | $95 | Category 1–4 each year; another after $15,000 of spending |
| Hilton Honors Amex Aspire | $550 | Any standard room each year; more after $30,000 and $60,000 |
| Hilton Honors Amex Surpass | $150 | Any standard room after $15,000 of spending |
| Marriott Bonvoy Boundless | $95 | Up to 35,000 points each year |
| Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful / Bevy | $250 | Up to 50,000 points after $15,000 of spending |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant | $650 | Up to 85,000 points each year |
| Marriott Bonvoy Business | $125 | Up to 35,000 points each year; another after $60,000 |
World of Hyatt Credit Card
The cheapest certificate to hold, and Hyatt’s most useful card.
Full review →
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire
An uncapped annual certificate plus Diamond status.
Full review →
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
A 35,000-point night for $95, usable on nights up to 60,000 with a top-up.
Full review →
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass
Gold status and a certificate for heavier spenders.
Full review →The Atelier Take
Hyatt for the points, Hilton for the certificates, Marriott for the map: most travelers do best with bank points and one hotel card from the program that fits their trips.