Hilton vs Marriott Points: Whose Rewards are Better?

Hilton vs Marriott Points are a great way to save money on your next stay or vacation.  Dive into the details of hotel loyalty programs to learn which is best suited for your travel needs.

Hilton vs Marriott Points: Background

One travel benefit that we avail ourselves of is the fifth night free which is offered by both Hilton and Marriott when traveling on points. You essentially pay for the first four nights with your points and the fifth night is free.  Hence, whenever we can, we book longer five-night stays.

The programs have different membership levels which provide additional benefits to elite members.   One of my favorite benefits is free breakfasts or free stays based on the number of nights you stay each year.   Like airline miles, you are encouraged through the website and other marketing messages to reach the next membership level.   Other factors, such as status in the hotel chains’ vacation clubs can also translate into higher elite status. (see our post on best timeshares for families for more information on this topic).

Hilton vs Marriott Points: Brief Introduction

Both Marriott International and Hilton Hotels have very strong and popular programs. They span the globe with their hotel chain portfolios with brands that serve various travel needs from family-friendly to high-end business travel. But comparing the two programs (Hilton Honors versus Marriott Bonvoy) is not always apples to apples. After discussing the role of credit cards with these programs, we will compare each of the two programs in much more detail. 

Hilton vs Marriott Points: Credit Cards

Thanks to a variety of credit cards between these two loyalty brands, there are plenty of points on the horizon rewarding you for spending using the hotels’ branded credit cards. Both programs also offer a healthy welcome bonus when you first sign up for their cards, and you can spend a minimum amount of money in the first few months that you own the cards.  

However, when it comes to evaluating the differences in the programs, in this one case, Hilton Honors has a leg up on Marriott Bonvoy when it comes to their credit cards.  This is because you can be recognized in Hilton’s highest elite status category just for having the right credit card. 

Hilton Honors Credit Cards

Hilton Honors co-branded credit cards are popular with travelers but hold a special honor when it comes to elite status. This is one of the few hotel credit cards to offer such a speedy path to Top-Tier Diamond Status just for getting approved for its Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. With a $550 annual fee, this can make more sense than staying enough times in Hilton Honors hotels to earn it the hard way. Diamond benefits include potential room upgrades, breakfast credits and executive lounge access. Other Hilton Honors-earning credit cards include:

• The Hilton Honors American Express Card ($0 annual fee).
• The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card (formerly the Ascend card and now with an annual fee of $150).
• The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card (annual fee of $95).
• The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card (annual fee of $550).

Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards

While you won’t climb to the top of the elite status ranks via a Marriott Bonvoy credit card, there are still some benefits worth exploring, including a free anniversary redemption night. These are some of Marriott’s co-branded credit cards:

• The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card ($0 annual fee).
• The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card ($95 annual fee).
• The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card ($250 annual fee).
• The Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card ($250 annual fee).
• The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card ($650 annual fee). Terms apply.

Hilton vs Marriott Points: Using Bank Credit Card Reward Transfers

An interesting way to increase your point total with the hotel reward programs is to transfer points to the hotels from your regular bank credit card programs.  Both American Express and Chase Manhattan programs only transfer points to their affiliate hotel credit card companies.  Thus, American Express Membership Rewards will transfer points to both the Hilton Honors Program and the Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Program.  Meanwhile, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are only redeemable with the programs that Chase supports (Marriott Bonvoy, Hyatt, and IHG).

At the current time (Winter, 2023-24), American Express Membership Rewards members will also get a special bonus if they transfer their membership rewards points to the Hilton Honors Program.   AMEX is transferring points at a rate of 2600 Hilton points for 1000 Amex points, which is a 30% bonus over the regular transfer rate.

Hilton vs Marriott Points: Hilton Honors Program

With more than 7,000 hotels, there are lots of Hilton Honors-participating properties around the world (119 countries, to be exact). It has 18 brands covering everything from the budget to luxury sectors. Hilton Honors points can multiply quickly with frequent stays, especially with Hilton’s elite status that can come with benefits like space-available upgrades and food and beverage credits. 

Family and Business Travel Considerations

Let’s face it, redeeming your points for a family vacation can please everyone in the house. Whether you earn points from credit card spending or an on-the-go, road-warrior life, the ability to save money and reach bucket-list experiences more affordably is a perk of loyalty programs.

While Marriott has a leg-up for business travel, Hilton Honors makes it easier for families of Hilton Honors Members since it offers points pooling as well as more value-focused brands for kids, (e.g., Hampton Inns) earning it the top spot for families in our metrics.

Hilton Honors Perks for Families

With the Hilton honors program, you won’t have to rely on just one person to accrue enough points for a hotel redemption. Thanks to free family pooling, you can combine points from as many as 10 other member accounts to achieve enough points for redemption. 

There is no charge to pool points. Hilton Honors also has some popular brands for families like Embassy Suites, which includes free cooked-to-order breakfast for everyone.

All its rooms are suites with sofa beds in the living room and small kitchenettes. An evening reception with free drinks and snacks can be especially pleasing to parents.

Hilton Honors for Business Travelers

This program is highly respected in the meetings and conventions industry, and Hilton is making a concerted effort to double down on the business with its new brand focused on the events trade, Signia by Hilton. However, Hilton is number two to Marriott when it comes to popularity among business travelers. Hilton’s popular brands catering to business travelers include Hilton, DoubleTree, and Hampton Inn, all serving different business traveler price points.

Hilton Honors Membership Levels 

Hilton Honors has four membership tiers: Member, Silver, Gold, and Diamond. Here are the requirements for each tier:

• Member: This is the entry-level tier and is free to join. Members receive exclusive perks when they stay at Hilton’s more than 7,000 hotels worldwide, including resorts, luxury, and boutique hotels. Members earn points on their stays and can redeem them for free nights, travel with Hilton’s exclusive partners, and more.
• Silver: Members can achieve Silver status by completing four stays or ten nights in a calendar year. Silver members receive all the benefits of the Member tier, plus additional perks such as a 20% bonus on base points earned during stays.
• Gold: Members can achieve Gold status by completing 20 stays, 40 nights, or earning 75,000 base points in a calendar year. Gold members receive all the benefits of the Silver tier, plus additional perks such as a 80% bonus on base points earned during stays, free bottled water, and space-available room upgrades.
• Diamond: Members can achieve Hilton Diamond status by completing 30 stays, 60 nights, or earning 120,000 base points in a calendar year. Diamond members receive all the benefits of the Gold tier, plus additional perks such as a 100% bonus on base points earned during stays, executive lounge access, and diamond status extension. Breakfast benefits are still available internationally, but for domestic stays you now receive a food credit which doesn’t aways cover the full cost of breakfast.

Earn and Use Points:

Hilton Honors offers a variety of ways to earn and use points. 

Here are some of the ways to earn points:

• Hotel stays: You can earn points when you stay at one of Hilton’s more than 7,000 hotels worldwide.
• Points promotions: Hilton Honors offers limited-time, member-only promotions that allow you to earn points faster.
• Credit cards: Hilton Honors credit cards offer exclusive elite benefits and allow you to earn even more points.
• Lyft rides: Link your Hilton Honors and Lyft accounts to earn points on rides every day.
• Dining: You can earn points at your favorite restaurants and bars.
• Buy points: If you need more points to reach a reward, you can buy points to get there faster.

Here are some of the ways to use points:

• Free nights: You can use your points to book free nights at any of Hilton’s nearly 6,900 hotels and resorts worldwide, with no blackout dates.
• Experiences: You can use your points to get VIP access to concerts, dining, sporting events, and more.
• Shopping: You can shop with points on everyday purchases at Amazon.com and Hilton’s online mall.
• Rental cars: You can redeem your points for car rentals with Alamo, National, and Enterprise.
• Airline transfers: You can turn your points into airline miles with Hilton’s travel partners.

We use Hilton points extensively to book free nights at their many brands. However, we do not use them for the other options, as they do not have as much value to us.

Hilton vs Marriott Points: Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Program

Marriott Bonvoy is Marriott’s loyalty program that offers a variety of benefits to its members. It is free to join. The program allows you to earn points that can be redeemed for hotel stays, hotel perks (when you earn elite status), gifts or experiences. With over 8,000 hotels worldwide, this makes Marriott Bonvoy the largest Hotel Loyalty program. Therefore, you can easily earn and redeem points at a variety of locations. Additionally, Marriott Bonvoy offers exclusive member rates. Like Hilton, by joining Marriott Bonvoy, you can also earn points to redeem for a future stay when staying at a Marriott property.

Marriott Bonvoy Perks for Families

Like the Hilton Honors Program, Marriott Bonvoy allows members to transfer points without charge. But, unlike Hilton, only from one account to another, which makes it a bit more restrictive. Families will find some of Marriott’s brands have especially convenient perks like a partnership with Weber Grills at TownePlace Suites for impromptu barbecues, and the spacious accommodations at Residence Inn, which have kitchen and living room facilities

Marriott Bonvoy for Business Travelers

For business travelers, with so many hotels and brands within its portfolio, Marriott Bonvoy clearly wins higher marks. Among its many Marriott Bonvoy brands are Gaylord, which caters to large-scale group events. Also, Homes & Villas by Marriott International, which is a home-sharing and rental platform similar to Airbnb. There are also Residence Inn by Marriott (offering free breakfast and suite accommodations with kitchens). As well as TownePlace Suites by Marriott (also with free breakfast). The Gaylord Opryland Hotel, located next to the Grand Ole Opry, is a wonderful place to visit and stay.

Marriott Bonvoy Membership Levels…

Marriott Bonvoy has six membership tiers: Basic, Silver Elite, Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite, and Ambassador Elite. Here are the requirements for each tier:

• Basic: This is the entry-level tier and is free to join. Members receive exclusive perks when they stay at Marriott’s more than 8,000 hotels worldwide, including resorts, luxury, and boutique hotels. 
• Silver Elite: Members can achieve Silver Elite status by completing 10 qualifying nights in a calendar year. Silver Elite members receive all the benefits of the Basic tier. Plus additional perks such as a 10% bonus on base points earned during stays .
• Gold Elite: Members can achieve Gold Elite status by completing 25 qualifying nights in a calendar year. Gold Elite members receive all the benefits of the Silver Elite tier. Plus additional perks such as a 25% bonus on base points earned during stays, free enhanced in-room Internet access, and space-available room upgrades.
• Platinum Elite: Members can achieve Platinum Elite status by completing 50 qualifying nights in a calendar year. Platinum Elite members receive all the benefits of the Gold Elite tier. Plus additional perks such as a 50% bonus on base points earned during stays, guaranteed lounge access, and guaranteed room type.
• Titanium Elite: Members can achieve Titanium Elite status by completing 75 qualifying nights in a calendar year. Titanium Elite members receive all the benefits of the Platinum Elite tier. Plus additional perks such as a 75% bonus on base points earned during stays, 48-hour guaranteed availability, and United MileagePlus Premier Silver status.
• Ambassador Elite: Members can achieve Ambassador Elite status by completing 100 qualifying nights and spending $20,000 in a calendar year. Ambassador Elite members receive all the benefits of the Titanium Elite tier, plus additional perks such as a dedicated ambassador service, Your24™, and Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® President’s Circle®.

Hilton vs Marriott Points: Comparison of Tier Levels

Personally, we find the extra tiers in the Marriott Bonvoy Points program to be confusing. Thus, we prefer the simplicity of Hilton’s levels. Perhaps this is because we are Diamond, the top-tier in Hilton, and only Gold Elite with Marriott.

Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status Offerings

Nevertheless, the additional benefits of elite status makes Marriott a clear winner when comparing elie status.  Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy can pile on the perks with things like room upgrades, access to club lounges and breakfast benefits. Marriott’s top elite status levels are not available via a credit card. So, the program tends to be more generous with its perks.

Earn and Use Points

Marriott Bonvoy offers a variety of ways to earn and use points. 

Marriott Bonvoy points can be earned in several ways, including:

• Hotel stays: You can earn points when you stay at one of Marriott’s more than 8,000 hotels worldwide.
• Credit cards: Marriott Bonvoy credit cards offer exclusive elite benefits and allow you to earn even more points.
• Points promotions: Marriott Bonvoy offers limited-time, member-only promotions that allow you to earn points faster.
• Travel partners: You can earn points when you book flights, rental cars, and other travel services through Marriott’s travel partners.

Here are some of the ways to use points:

• Free nights: Use your points to book free nights at any of Marriott’s nearly 8,000 hotels and resorts worldwide. There are no blackout dates.
• Experiences: You can use your points to get VIP access to concerts, dining, sporting events, and more.
• Shopping: You can shop with points on everyday purchases at Amazon.com and Marriott’s online mall.
• Rental cars: You can redeem your points for car rentals with Alamo, National, and Enterprise.
• Airline transfers: You can turn your points into airline miles with Marriott’s travel partners.

Like Hilton, we don’t use Marriott points anything other than for the free nights. You just get better value when you use them at the hotels.

Hilton vs Marriott: Comparing Required Points for Hotel Stays

Both programs now use a dynamic pricing award model for determining the price of a hotel room. Marriott Bonvoy used to have an advantage when they grouped their hotels into categories with set redemption rates. However with dynamic pricing the number of points you need will change by date and room type. At some hotels with less demand, you might spend 10,000 – 20,000 points. Where as at a popular island resort during spring break, you can spend upwards of 100,000.

This means in determining how many points you’ll need for a hotel stay, it has become more complex. When deciding where to stay, we normally usually choose based on the class of the hotels and the points needed. We don’t just make a choice based on the brand.

Financial Values of Hotel Loyalty Points

The interesting thing about hotel loyalty points is that they can be treated as currency. In fact, they are often valued in divorce agreements and other legal documents. For more information about valuing and comparing points values, please see our post Valuing Travel Rewards Points.

Currently (December 2023) NerdWallet values Hilton Honors points at 0.5 cents apiece. While The Points Guy values Hilton Points at 0.6 cents apiece.   In either case, they are valued less than Marriot Bonvoy Points (currently valued at 0.84 cents by The Points Guy).   Other hotel loyalty points are valued by The Points Guy at 0.5 cents for IHG, 0.6 cents for Best Western, 1.1 cents for Wyndham, and a whopping 1.7 cents for Hyatt. These values do not suggest which is the better hotel loyalty program. However, the values can be important when evaluating point transfers from other programs. And also making decisions when to use points versus paying in cash.  

Comparing Luxury Hotels

Staying for five nights at a luxury hotel is usually quite expensive.  Both Hilton and Marriott have hotels that fall in the Luxury Category.  For Hilton it is the Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, LXR and a new chain, Signia by Hilton.  For Marriott it is the St. Regis, (number one in our opinion), the Ritz Carlton, the JW Marriott and a new chain Bulgaria.   

Despite the expensive room rates, sometimes over $1000 a night, the fifth-night free program that both Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy offers makes staying at these luxury hotels a little more affordable.  

If you try to compare these hotels it can be difficult.  You will get good service, and the quality of the rooms will be high quality.  Based on limited experience we have found the St. Regis and the Ritz Carlton to be superior to the Waldorf and the Conrad.  However, we believe the LXR brand will top JW Marriott, but we have no experience with the two new chains. So, this probably gives a little bit of an edge to Marriott. This is especially true with the St. Regis really being in a class of its own, similar to the Four Seasons. 

Transfer Points from Vacation Clubs to the Hotel Loyalty Programs

Both the Hilton Grand Vacations Club and the Marriott Vacation Club allow their members to convert their points to their respective hotel brands. However, there are some differences and restrictions in how they do so.

For the Hilton Grand Vacations Club, you can convert any number of your current year’s Club Points into Hilton Honors points on or before December 31 of that year. The conversion rate is 1 Club Point to 16 Hilton Honors points. If you own club points in their high-end properties, you can convert your HGV points at 32 to 1. You can use your Hilton Honors points to book stays at any property in the Hilton family of brands or redeem them for other rewards. Depending on your membership level, there are certain rules regarding how many points you can convert.

For the Marriott Vacation Club, you can convert your Vacation Club Points to Marriott Bonvoy points and take advantage of Marriott’s hospitality and accommodations. The conversion rate is 1 Vacation Club Point to 32 Marriott Bonvoy points. You can use your Marriott Bonvoy points to book stays at over 7,200 hotels and resorts within the Marriott portfolio of brands or redeem them for other rewards. Like the Hilton Grand Vacation Program, there are certain rules regarding how many points you can convert.

For more information about the Vacation Clubs please see our Best Timeshares for Families post. For more information about other Lodging choices, please see our Lodging Choices Post. And, for a general discussion of travel choices please see our Travel Choices Page.

Other Programs:

Here are some brief details of other hotel loyalty programs that we have used.

World of Hyatt

In addition to Marriott and Hilton, Hyatt also has a very popular hotel loyalty program.

• Compared to Hilton and Marriott, Hyatt has the smallest global footprint, with over 1,150 hotels in 70 countries, while Hilton has over 7,000 hotels in 119 countries and Marriott has over 8,000 hotels in 133 countries. Hyatt has fewer luxury brands, while Hilton and Marriott have more mid-range and budget brands.
• Hyatt has the most generous award chart, with free nights starting at 5,000 points and ranging up to 40,000 points. Hilton and Marriott have dynamic pricing, which means the number of points required for a free night varies by demand, location and time of year. Hilton has no blackout dates, while Marriott has peak and off-peak pricing and both Hilton and Marriott have a fifth night free benefit.
• Hyatt has the easiest elite status to achieve, with three tiers and a requirement of 10 nights, 25 nights or 60 nights for the highest tier. Hilton and Marriott have four and six tiers respectively, and require 10 nights, 30 nights, 40 nights or 60 nights for the highest tier. Hyatt offers more benefits for its top-tier Globalist members, such as suite upgrades, lounge access, free parking and waived resort fees. Hilton and Marriott offer more perks for their lower-tier members, such as elite bonuses, late checkout and free breakfast.

Hyatt, Hilton and Marriott each have co-branded credit cards that offer points, free nights, elite status and other benefits. Hyatt has one credit card option from Chase, while Hilton has four options from American Express and Marriott has two options from Chase and two from American Express. Hyatt’s credit card offers more value for its annual fee, while Hilton’s and Marriott’s credit cards offer more variety and flexibility

IHG Rewards Club

IHG Rewards Club is the loyalty program of InterContinental Hotels Group, which includes brands such as InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, and Holiday Inn. The program has four membership tiers: Club, Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, and Spire Elite. Members can earn points by staying at IHG hotels, using an IHG credit card, or participating in promotions. Points can be redeemed for free hotel stays, merchandise, or transferred to airline partners.

IHG One Rewards is the proprietary name of IHG’s loyalty program. Importantly, IHG’s award pricing structure is now 100% dynamic, which means that the reward night prices will fluctuate depending on tons of factors, including the cash price of the hotel, the seasonality of the location, etc.

For the most part, these changes have been beneficial, offering up award nights that were cheaper than in the past. This is similar to Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy but in contrast to the World of Hyatt.

In general, award nights will generally range from around 10,000 points per night up to more than 100,000 points per night at the most lavish, opulent, and expensive properties. You can also pay partially for a stay with Points & Cash.

The Ambassador program is a paid membership program that offers additional benefits to members who stay at InterContinental hotels. Benefits include guaranteed room upgrades, complimentary weekend nights, and a dedicated Ambassador service center.

While we like many of the IHG properties, particularly the InterContinental Hotels we have not had great success with their programs.  Perhaps, the key to these loyalty programs is the more you stay focused on a particular brand, the more benefit you get from the program.  I am sure people who stick with IHG more than we do, have better fortune with their loyalty program. 

Summary

In the competition between Hilton Honors versus Marriott Bonvoy, there is no clear winner. Both are sizable programs with brands for every budget and lifestyle. In the case of Marriott Bonvoy, you can even earn and redeem at vacation rental properties, which for many people tips the scale in its favor thanks to its plethora of brands.

Since all these programs are free to join, it’s a no-brainer to participate. If you travel frequently enough to earn elite status (or benefit from a credit card that gives it to you for free), these loyalty programs can save you money and reward you with fruitful perks.