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.

Ever wonder if you’re actually getting a good deal when you use your points? You’re not alone. I get this question a lot—and the truth is, not all points are created equal. A quick calculation can help you decide whether to hit redeem or save those points for something better.