Get the Points

DOES YOUR hotel rewards program offer the opportunity to drive a Ferrari F430 around a racetrack in Spain? The Hilton HHonors program does——for 170,000 points. You could also job-shadow an Oregon winemaker . . . for 420,000 points. Points are also redeemable for more practical purposes, like free nights at a hotel or car rentals.

HHonors (hilton.com) is the only rewards program offering the opportunity to accrue points and frequent flyer miles, dubbed “double dipping.” Earn points through hotel stays, flights and use of contributing credit cards (Visa signature card from Citibank, platinum credit card from American Express). You also may purchase points ($.0125 per point) if you are just short of a goal. Feeling generous? Donate your points to a charitable organization and they’ll be converted into dollars.

Other hotel chains offer similar programs. With the sagging economy and rising gas prices, they’re extra incentive to travel and save money. But points systems can be confusing. Here’s what else is being offered.

Hyatt (goldpassport.hyatt.com): The Gold Passport membership program has three membership levels: gold, platinum and diamond. As you move up the ladder, the benefits and bonus points add up. The diamond member receives perks such as a complimentary room upgrade and access to an exclusive reservation telephone line. All Gold Passport members can use their points for free nights (the most popular), airline miles or car rentals.

Marriott (marriott.com/rewards): The Rewards pro gram recently introduced the Visa signature card as part of the strategy, offering customers 25,000 bonus points and a free night’s stay just for signing up. Again, points can be used toward free nights, airline miles or car rentals. But they also offer rewards like HHonors does——golf and spa packages, for example——or the purchase of a Wii.

Radisson (radisson.com): Goldpoints Plus claims to give you the most for your points with a calculation system that does the math online, nights X money spent = rewards earned, comparing Radisson with five other hotels. As expected, Radisson always comes out on top. A Goldpoints Plus Visa card is available, allowing customers to earn bonus points. Redeem your Gold Points for the usual: nights, miles and rentals.

Sheraton (starwoodhotels.com): Starwood Preferred Guests have the chance to exchange points for Moments, unique opportunities available online that can be bid on, in addition to using points for the regular amenities. Past Moments include a Justin Timberlake package where one lucky guest watched him warm up before the concert. The Sheraton is connected with the American Express credit card, and cardholders can earn membership reward points.

Do you like what you read? Subscribe to San Diego Magazine »