How to Stay at Luxury Hotels for FREE!
Last June, we had the most amazing time at The W Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, and the best part? It was completely FREE! Yep, you read that right. And we're here to spill the beans on how you can snag a similar luxury stay for yourself.
So, picture this: 3 nights of pure indulgence in one of Kuala Lumpur's most luxurious spots. Our secret? We sweet-talked the reservation desk via email, mentioning our excitement about celebrating Lemon's 41st birthday there. Lo and behold, they upgraded our room to a breathtaking view of the iconic Petronas Towers! 🌆
But wait, it gets even better. They tossed in complimentary WIP access – that meant two free drinks and a mouthwatering appetizer during happy hour, plus breakfast every single day. The staff? Absolute gems! They made us feel like royalty, remembering our names like old pals by the end of our short stay.
We're already itching to go back because we had THAT good of a time. Honestly, we'd 100% stay there again even if we had to pay for it. So, want in on our secret to staying at this gem for free?
We worked some credit card magic! We grabbed a hotel branded credit card, scored a signup bonus by spending $3,000 in the first 3 months and voilà – 3 nights on the house. We did this just before the holidays, using the card for our regular expenses and holiday purchases to hit the bonus. Easy as pie!
The Secret to Free Hotel Stays: Hotel-Branded Credit Cards
Many hotel chains offer branded credit cards that can help you earn free stays through points and rewards. Here's a detailed guide on how to utilize these cards to maximize your travel benefits:
1. Choose the Right Hotel-Branded Credit Card
Different hotel chains, like Marriott, Hilton, and IHG, offer their own credit cards with unique benefits. Research and select a card that aligns with your travel preferences. Some cards offer higher point rewards for hotel stays, dining, and other purchases, which can quickly accumulate and be redeemed for free nights.
2. Understand the Sign-Up Bonuses
One of the biggest perks of hotel-branded credit cards is the sign-up bonus. Many cards offer significant bonus points if you meet a minimum spend requirement within the first few months of card ownership. For example, you might receive 100,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months.
3. Hitting the Minimum Spend
To qualify for the sign-up bonus, you need to hit the minimum spend within the specified time frame. Plan your spending strategically by using the card for everyday purchases such as groceries, gas, and dining out. You can also pay bills with your credit card or make planned big-ticket purchases to reach the threshold.
4. Redeeming Points for Free Stays
Once you've earned enough points, it's time to redeem them for free hotel stays. Log in to your card’s rewards portal to browse available hotels and check the number of points required for a free night. Book your stay directly through the portal to ensure you use your points effectively.
5. Taking Advantage of Additional Benefits
Many hotel-branded credit cards offer additional perks, such as free anniversary nights, complimentary elite status, and no foreign transaction fees. These benefits can enhance your travel experience and save you money. For instance, elite status often includes room upgrades, late check-out, and free breakfast.
6. Spend Responsibly
It's crucial to manage your credit card responsibly. Only spend what you can afford to pay off in full each month to avoid interest charges. Carrying a balance can quickly negate the value of your rewards. If you can't pay your balance in full, reconsider whether a rewards card is the right choice for you.
There are many hotel branded credit cards that offer sign up bonuses which can score you free stays. Our strategy has been to sign up for one a few months before a trip, hit the minimum spend to receive the rewards and then use them while we are traveling. For a list of hotel branded credit cards click the button below.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
While hotel-branded credit cards offer excellent benefits, be aware of potential pitfalls:
High Annual Fees: Some cards come with hefty annual fees. Ensure the benefits outweigh the cost.
Redemption Restrictions: Pay attention to blackout dates and hotel category restrictions that might limit your ability to redeem points.
Overspending: Don't overspend just to earn points. Stick to your budget and use the card for regular expenses.
Disclaimer
We do not recommend getting a credit card if you cannot pay your balance in full each month. Spend responsibly and ensure you understand all terms and conditions before signing up.
By following these tips and strategies, you can leverage hotel-branded credit cards to enjoy free stays and luxurious experiences across Europe, making your travels even more rewarding and memorable! Happy travels!
Mo Money, Less Problems.