There’s something really satisfying about checking into a hotel where you’re staying for free—especially when it’s somewhere you’d never want to pay cash for. IHG One Rewards points can make that happen, and while they don’t always get as much attention as some other hotel points, they can still unlock great value—especially when you know how to get the most from IHG points with kids.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Hilton Honors—how to earn and redeem points, the best credit cards to maximize your stays, and how to get the most out of Hilton’s elite perks. Let’s dive in so you can start planning your next family getaway for nearly free!

If you’ve ever tried booking a hotel room for your family and realized you needed a second one, you know how fast costs can add up. That’s why Marriott’s Buy 2 Rooms, Get 50% Off the 2nd Room offer is such a great deal for families!

Who doesn’t love a free upgrade? Whether it’s a bigger room, a suite, or lounge access, getting upgraded at a hotel can make your stay feel extra special—without paying extra. And while elite status can definitely help, you don’t need to be a top-tier loyalty member to score a better room.

If you’ve got a Hilton Free Night Reward, you’re sitting on one of the best hotel perks out there. Unlike some hotel free night certificates that have a points cap, Hilton’s Free Night Rewards can be redeemed at almost any Hilton property worldwide—as long as there’s standard award availability. That means you can use them for stays that would otherwise cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars per night.

What if I told you there’s an easy way to get a free hotel stay every year—without even thinking about it? Many hotel credit cards offer free night certificates just for holding the card or hitting a spending threshold. And if you travel even a little, this benefit can easily offset the card’s annual fee and save you money on family vacations.

Why I Always Save My Points for These Two Travel Programs One of the biggest frustrations with points and miles? Figuring out how to actually use them for good redemptions. Some airline and hotel programs make it unnecessarily complicated—blackout dates, unpredictable pricing, and sneaky fees can turn what should be a nearly free trip into […]

If you’re a mom trying to stretch your points for family vacations, Hyatt is one of the best hotel programs out there. With family-friendly properties, incredible point value, and perks that make travel easier, Hyatt consistently ranks as a top choice for families looking to book hotel stays with points.

My husband travels often for work, and that’s how we first got deep into the Marriott ecosystem. Once you build loyalty with a single hotel program, the perks start to matter—things like room upgrades, free breakfast, and late checkout can make travel a whole lot smoother, especially for a family.