Choosing the right hotel loyalty program can unlock thousands of dollars in free stays, upgrades, and perks. But with so many options, how do you pick between the big three—IHG One Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, and Hilton Honors?

I've stayed at hundreds of hotels across all three chains, earned elite status multiple times, and learned exactly which program delivers the best value for different types of travelers. Here's everything you need to know to make the right choice.

The Quick Answer

Best for beginners and fourth-night-free benefits: IHG One Rewards
Best for luxury travelers and variety: Marriott Bonvoy
Best for earning points fast and free breakfast: Hilton Honors

Can't decide? You don't have to pick just one—many savvy travelers maintain status in multiple programs. But let's dig deeper so you can prioritize where to focus your energy.

Portfolio Size: Where Can You Actually Stay?

The number of hotels matters less than having options where you actually travel.

IHG One Rewards: 6,500+ Properties

IHG operates the world's largest hotel group by room count with brands including:

• Luxury: InterContinental, Kimpton, Six Senses
• Upper-upscale: Hotel Indigo, EVEN Hotels, Vignette Collection
• Mid-range: Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Staybridge Suites
• Budget: Holiday Inn Express, Candlewood Suites

The advantage? IHG dominates secondary cities and suburban areas where you'll find limited luxury options. Their footprint in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East is particularly strong.

Marriott Bonvoy: 8,800+ Properties

Marriott's portfolio spans 30 brands, giving you the most variety:

• Ultra-luxury: Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Edition
• Luxury: W Hotels, JW Marriott, Le Méridien
• Premium: Marriott Hotels, Westin, Sheraton, Renaissance
• Extended stay: Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites
• Budget-friendly: Fairfield Inn, Moxy

The advantage? Marriott has more luxury options than any competitor. You'll find Marriott properties in nearly every major city worldwide.

Hilton Honors: 7,600+ Properties

Hilton's 22 brands offer solid coverage across price points:

• Luxury: Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, Signia
• Upper-upscale: DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Curio Collection
• Mid-range: Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Garden Inn
• Budget: Hampton Inn, Home2 Suites, Tru

The advantage? Hilton excels at mid-tier business hotels in the U.S. Hampton Inn properties alone make Hilton attractive for road trips.

Points Earning: How Fast Can You Rack Up Free Nights?

IHG One Rewards Earning Structure

• Base earning: 10 points per $1 at IHG hotels
• Elite bonuses: Up to 50% more (5 additional points per $1 at Spire Elite)
• Credit cards:
  • IHG One Rewards Premier: 26 points per $1 at IHG (5X base + 21X bonus)
  • IHG One Rewards Traveler: 17 points per $1 at IHG (5X base + 12X bonus)

Real-world example: A $150 night at Holiday Inn Express earns 1,500 base points. With Platinum Elite status (30% bonus) and the Premier card, you'd earn 5,400 total points—worth about $27 in value.

Marriott Bonvoy Earning Structure

• Base earning: 10 points per $1 at Marriott hotels
• Elite bonuses: Up to 75% more (7.5 additional points per $1 at Ambassador Elite)
• Credit cards:
  • Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant: 12.5 points per $1 at Marriott (6X base + 6X bonus + .5X elite)
  • Marriott Bonvoy Business: 12.5 points per $1 at Marriott

Real-world example: That same $150 night at a Marriott earns 1,500 base points. With Platinum Elite (50% bonus) and the Brilliant card, you'd earn 4,275 points—worth about $30 in value.

Hilton Honors Earning Structure

• Base earning: 10 points per $1 at Hilton hotels
• Elite bonuses: Up to 100% more (10 additional points per $1 at Diamond)
• Credit cards:
  • Hilton Honors Aspire: 34 points per $1 at Hilton (14X base + 20X elite bonus)
  • Hilton Honors Surpass: 22 points per $1 at Hilton (12X base + 10X bonus)

Real-world example: That $150 night at a Hilton earns 1,500 base points. With Diamond status (100% bonus) and the Aspire card, you'd earn 5,100 points—but Hilton points are worth less at about 0.5 cents each, so roughly $25.50 in value.

Winner: Hilton Honors for point quantity, but they're worth less per point

Point Value: What Are Your Points Actually Worth?

This is where things get interesting. Earning a lot of points means nothing if they're not valuable.

Average Point Values

• IHG One Rewards: 0.5-0.7 cents per point
• Marriott Bonvoy: 0.7-1.0 cents per point
• Hilton Honors: 0.4-0.6 cents per point

Why Marriott often wins on value: Marriott's luxury portfolio lets you stretch points further at high-end properties. A Category 7 property (85,000 points peak) might cost $500+ per night—delivering over 1 cent per point in value.

IHG's sweet spot: Mid-tier properties offer excellent value. A 35,000-point Holiday Inn redemption for a $175 room gives you 0.5 cents per point—not amazing but consistent.

Hilton's challenge: You'll need more points for the same stay. A Hampton Inn that costs 40,000 Hilton points might only be 20,000 IHG points—but Hilton's faster earning rate helps balance this out.

Typical redemption costs across property types:

IHG One Rewards: Budget properties start at 10,000 points, mid-range properties cost 30,000-50,000 points, and luxury properties require 70,000+ points.

Marriott Bonvoy: Budget properties start at 7,500 points, mid-range properties cost 25,000-50,000 points, and luxury properties require 85,000+ points.

Hilton Honors: Budget properties start at 15,000 points, mid-range properties cost 40,000-70,000 points, and luxury properties require 95,000+ points.

Elite Status: Which Perks Actually Matter?

Let's be honest—most hotel elite status perks sound better on paper than they work in practice. Here's what actually delivers value.

IHG One Rewards Elite Tiers

Gold Elite (10 qualifying nights or IHG credit card)

• 40% earning bonus
• Priority check-in and late checkout (2pm)

Platinum Elite (40 nights or IHG Premier card)

• 50% earning bonus
• Room upgrades (when available)
• Guaranteed 4pm late checkout

Diamond Elite (70 nights)

• 50% earning bonus
• Enhanced room upgrades
• Lounge access (at participating hotels)
• Weekend free night certificate at milestone

Spire Elite (100 nights or $20,000 spend)

• 50% earning bonus
• Best available room guarantee
• Guaranteed suite upgrades (when available)
• Personal concierge
• Annual choice benefit

The reality: IHG's upgrades are inconsistent. Holiday Inn properties rarely have lounges, and "when available" means you'll get upgraded less often than at Marriott or Hilton. The real value? That fourth-night-free benefit on award stays (available at all elite levels) saves serious money on longer trips.

Marriott Bonvoy Elite Tiers

Silver Elite (10 nights or Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card)

• 10% points bonus
• Late checkout (2pm)

Gold Elite (25 nights or Marriott Business card)

• 25% points bonus
• Room upgrades
• Enhanced room upgrades (suites excluded)

Platinum Elite (50 nights or Marriott Brilliant card)

• 50% points bonus
• Suite upgrades (including suites)
• Club lounge access
• Enhanced room upgrades
• Guaranteed 4pm checkout

Titanium Elite (75 nights)

• 75% points bonus
• Enhanced suite upgrades
• Milestone bonus choice
• Your24 (choose check-in time)

Ambassador Elite (100+ nights + $23,000 spend)

• All Titanium benefits
• Your24
• 48-hour reservation guarantee
• Annual choice benefit
• Dedicated ambassador

The reality: Marriott delivers the most consistent suite upgrades among the big three. Platinum and above regularly score suites at luxury properties. Lounge access works well at international properties but is hit-or-miss in the U.S.

Hilton Honors Elite Tiers

Silver (4 stays or 10 nights or Hilton Honors card)

• 20% points bonus
• 5th reward night free on points stays

Gold (20 stays or 40 nights or Hilton Surpass card)

• 80% points bonus
• Space available room upgrades
• 2 bottles of water daily
• Complimentary breakfast

Diamond (30 stays or 60 nights or Hilton Aspire card)

• 100% points bonus
• Enhanced room upgrades (including suites)
• Executive lounge access
• Complimentary breakfast
• Premium internet
• Milestone bonus

The reality: Hilton's complimentary breakfast at Gold is the standout perk among all hotel programs. It works at most Hilton brands and saves $15-30 per person daily. The 100% earning bonus at Diamond paired with Aspire's 14X means you'll earn points incredibly fast.

Quick elite status comparison:

Entry-level elite (via credit card): IHG offers Gold at 10 nights, Marriott offers Silver at 10 nights, and Hilton offers Silver at 4 stays.

Mid-tier elite: IHG Platinum requires 40 nights, Marriott Gold requires 25 nights, and Hilton Gold requires 20 stays.

Top-tier elite: IHG Spire requires 100 nights, Marriott Titanium requires 75 nights, and Hilton Diamond requires 30 stays.

Best upgrade benefits: IHG upgrades are inconsistent across properties. Marriott delivers reliable suite upgrades at Platinum and above. Hilton offers enhanced upgrades at Diamond.

Best food perks: IHG provides lounge access at limited hotels. Marriott offers lounge access at Platinum and above. Hilton wins with complimentary breakfast starting at Gold status.

Credit Card Strategies: Fast-Track Your Status

The fastest way to elite status? Hotel credit cards that grant instant status and earn bonus points.

IHG Credit Card Options

IHG One Rewards Premier ($99 annual fee)

• Automatic Platinum Elite status
• Anniversary free night (up to 140,000 points)
• Fourth night free on award stays
• 26 points per $1 at IHG
• 5 points per $1 at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants

Worth it? Absolutely. That anniversary night alone typically covers the fee, and Platinum Elite without spending a single night is tough to beat.

IHG One Rewards Traveler ($0 annual fee)

• Automatic Silver Elite status
• Fourth night free on award stays
• 17 points per $1 at IHG

Marriott Credit Card Options

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ($650 annual fee)

• Automatic Platinum Elite status
• Anniversary free night (up to 85,000 points)
• $300 Marriott Bonvoy statement credit
• Priority Pass lounge access
• 6X points at Marriott, 3X on dining and flights

Worth it? If you value Platinum status and actually use that $300 credit, the effective annual fee drops to $350. The anniversary night and Priority Pass sweeten the deal.

Marriott Bonvoy Business ($125 annual fee)

• Automatic Silver Elite status
• Anniversary free night (up to 50,000 points)
• 6X points at Marriott, 4X at restaurants, gas stations, wireless, U.S. shipping

Worth it? Yes for business travelers. That 50K anniversary night at the lower annual fee is excellent value.

Hilton Credit Card Options

Hilton Honors Aspire ($550 annual fee)

• Automatic Diamond Elite status
• Free weekend night reward (annually)
• $250 airline credit
• $250 Hilton resort credit
• Priority Pass lounge access
• 14X points at Hilton

Worth it? The credits effectively drop your fee to $50, plus you get Diamond status without setting foot in a hotel. If you stay at Hilton resorts, this is a no-brainer.

Hilton Honors Surpass ($150 annual fee)

• Automatic Gold Elite status
• Free weekend night reward (annually)
• 12X points at Hilton, 6X on dining/grocery/gas

Worth it? Gold Elite gets you that valuable breakfast benefit. The anniversary night covers your fee at most properties.

Special Benefits: The Hidden Value

IHG's Fourth-Night-Free Advantage

All IHG elite members get the fourth consecutive night free on award stays. This works at any elite level (even Gold from the credit card) and applies globally.

Why it matters: Booking four nights at 40,000 points per night would cost 160,000 points—but with the fourth night free, you only pay 120,000. That's a 25% discount on every four-night stay.

Marriott's Fifth-Night-Free Standard

Marriott gives you the fifth consecutive night free on points stays—no elite status required.

Why it matters: Less impactful than IHG's fourth-night benefit, but still valuable on week-long stays. You need to book five nights to see savings.

Hilton's Fifth-Night-Free (With a Twist)

Hilton offers the fifth reward night free starting at Silver Elite status.

Why it matters: Similar to Marriott, this benefits longer stays. Combined with Hilton's faster point earning, extended trips become more affordable.

The Verdict: Which Program Should You Choose?

Choose IHG One Rewards If You:

• Travel to secondary cities and suburbs frequently
• Book stays of exactly four nights regularly
• Want consistent mid-tier properties (Holiday Inn Express is everywhere)
• Prefer the highest-value anniversary night (140,000 points vs Marriott's 85,000)
• Don't mind less consistent upgrade experiences

Best card: IHG One Rewards Premier for instant Platinum Elite and that incredible anniversary certificate

Choose Marriott Bonvoy If You:

• Love luxury hotels and want variety
• Care about consistent suite upgrades
• Travel internationally where lounge access matters
• Want the largest portfolio with 30+ brands
• Are willing to pay more for premium cards

Best card: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant for Platinum Elite and comprehensive benefits

Choose Hilton Honors If You:

• Stay at mid-tier properties (Hampton Inn, Garden Inn, DoubleTree)
• Value free breakfast highly
• Want to earn points fastest (100% Diamond bonus + 14X from Aspire = insane earning)
• Book many U.S. road trips
• Like generous redemption rates at budget properties

Best card: Hilton Honors Aspire for Diamond Elite and essentially free annual fees after credits

Advanced Strategy: Playing Multiple Programs

You don't have to choose just one program. Here's how savvy travelers maximize value:

The Business Traveler Combo: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant for work trips + IHG Premier for personal travel. You'll have Platinum Elite at Marriott for client meetings and Platinum Elite at IHG for family vacations.

The Budget Maximizer: Hilton Honors Surpass for everyday travel with free breakfast + IHG Traveler (no annual fee) for occasional Holiday Inn Express stays.

The Luxury Collector: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant + Hilton Honors Aspire. Diamond and Platinum status at the two largest luxury portfolios means you're covered everywhere.

My Personal Take

After years of testing all three programs, here's where I've landed:

I maintain Marriott Bonvoy Platinum through the Brilliant card because their suite upgrade game is unmatched at luxury properties. Scoring a suite at The Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis using only Platinum status is genuinely exciting.

I keep the IHG Premier card active purely for that anniversary night and fourth-night-free benefit. When I'm doing a week in Europe hitting smaller cities, IHG properties are often the best (or only) option, and that fourth night free adds up fast.

I don't actively maintain Hilton Honors status anymore because I rarely stay at their properties—but if I were doing more U.S. road trips or booking extended stays, the free breakfast at Gold Elite would bring me back immediately.

The real answer? It depends on where you actually stay. Check your travel patterns for the last year: Which chain had properties where you traveled? That's your answer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer points between IHG, Marriott, and Hilton?

No, hotel points are not transferable between programs. However, some credit card points (like Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex Membership Rewards) can transfer to Marriott Bonvoy at limited ratios.

Which program has the easiest path to elite status?

Hilton Honors requires just 30 qualifying stays (not nights) for Diamond status, making it the fastest to achieve. IHG Platinum requires 40 nights. Marriott Platinum requires 50 nights. Credit cards offer the fastest shortcut—all three programs offer instant elite status through co-branded cards.

Do elite status benefits transfer when staying on points?

Yes! All three programs honor elite benefits even on award stays. You'll still get room upgrades, late checkout, lounge access, and other perks when booking with points.

Which anniversary free night certificate is most valuable?

IHG's certificate (up to 140,000 points) offers the highest ceiling, potentially covering ultra-luxury InterContinental properties. Marriott's (up to 85,000 points) covers most luxury properties. Hilton's varies by card—Aspire offers a Weekend Night that works at any Hilton property without restrictions.

Can I use hotel points for flights or other travel?

Marriott Bonvoy lets you transfer points to 40+ airline partners at a 3:1 ratio (3 hotel points = 1 airline mile). IHG partners with several airlines for transfers at varying rates. Hilton allows transfers to several airlines but at poor ratios. Generally, you're better off using hotel points for hotel stays.

How long do points last before expiring?

IHG One Rewards points expire after 12 months of inactivity. Marriott Bonvoy points expire after 24 months of inactivity. Hilton Honors points expire after 24 months of inactivity. Any earning or redemption activity resets the clock for all three programs.

Which program is best for family travel?

IHG One Rewards wins for families due to their extensive Holiday Inn Express network with free breakfast (for elite members) and suites at Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites. Marriott's Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites also work well for families needing space and kitchens.

Do these programs offer status matches?

Historically, all three have offered status matches at various times, though policies change frequently. Marriott has been most active with status matches to Platinum Elite. Check each program's current status match policies before planning your strategy.

Ready to start earning hotel points and elite status? Pick up one of these cards to fast-track your journey:

• IHG One Rewards Premier – Best value anniversary night
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant – Instant Platinum Elite + luxury perks
• Hilton Honors Aspire – Diamond status + $500 in credits

The best hotel loyalty program is the one with properties where you actually travel. Start there, add a credit card for instant elite status, and watch those free nights pile up.