Hotel Credit Cards that offer more than just a free night
LOS ANGELES, June 28, 2011 — For travelers choosing which Credit Cards to take with them on vacation this summer, hotel credit cards may play second fiddle. But travelers should think twice. In fact, CreditDonkey.com has recommendations that will have you earning rewards faster than just about any other category during peak leisure season.
For this credit card analysis, CreditDonkey chose three of the most popular hotel credit cards on the market today. They then assumed a family of four would spend $3,000 on their hotel bill ($500 per night for 6 nights) and will book their travel by June 30, 2011. They also chose popular destinations to provide each hotel program a chance to "wow" them with their destination specific benefits since all three of these locations are always at the top of American traveler's summer destination list. Lastly, they based all of their hotel night rewards on the top hotel reward category because they are most coveted.
Good News! This is the best time of the year to establish credit because the deals are leisure focused and the credit card sign-up bonuses are most lucrative.
Hilton Hotels
Hilton HHonors VISA Signature coupled with the earnings of Instant Hilton HHonors Gold Membership promotion. The Hilton HHonors program typically has a summer promotion that falls May – August, and this summer doesn't disappoint. On the Hilton Hotels "up to 40% off," CreditDonkey tallied their hotel bill, and at $3,000, Hilton will take 15% off the top as long as you book online and charge the credit card immediately. The Instant VIP Gold is a great perk, because the elevated status goes into effect immediately and might score an upgrade in one of their Hawaii properties. Even without the upgrade you will earn 86,875 Hilton HHonors points and 2550 miles toward your favorite airline program.
Benefit: $450 cash savings, + (1) night in top hotel reward category (using 50,000 points), + a bankable 36,875 HHonors points and 2550 miles.
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Starwood Hotels
The Starwood Preferred Guest program has the "4th night Free" promotion, which will save $500 off the top of the hotel bill when you book. By registering for this promotion by June 30, 2011 and coupling these savings upon booking with the Starwood Preferred Guest Card from American Express with the participating Caribbean hotels "Sunsational Savings" discount valid at participating hotels, you also receive $100 F&B credit for use during your stay. Add those earnings with the standard hotel point earning and sign-on bonuses for the Starwood Preferred American Express and you receive 20,000 Starpoints.
Benefit: $500 Cash discount paid as a free night, $100 F&B Credit, + a bankable 20,000 Starpoints.
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Marriott Hotels
The CreditDonkey pick of the summer is Marriott Rewards VISA Signature from Chase. Marriott Hotels shortened the registration window for this promotion to a slim "by June 30, 2011." Lucky travelers who register and book by June 30, 2011 are in for great rewards. First, participating hotels are offering 50% off the rack rate. In addition to that discount, you will also receive these great on-property benefits: a $50 resort credit and a 50-minute spa treatment of your choice. Plus, you'll also receive all the rewards and points that come with the sign-on bonus and use of the credit card. Travel must be booked by June 30 for stays through December 31, 2011. And although this next perk doesn't fit in the overall vacation criteria, it is fantastic. These rewards are in addition to a Free Reward night received after every 2nd paid stay during the period.
Benefit: $1500 savings, (1) Free Category 4 room night (received as a sign-up bonus on the credit card) + $50 resort credit and 50 minute spa + a bankable 42,000 Marriott Reward Points.
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With hotel costs taking the lion share of any family's budget, these summer offers really stretch your vacation dollar this summer.
About CreditDonkey
CreditDonkey provides credit card comparison analysis. For comprehensive information on credit cards, visit http://www.creditdonkey.com/hotels.html
Contact:
Cathleen Lewis
310-567-2238
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