Today’s tip comes my friend, fellow travel writer and AFAR contributor Ramsey Qubein (@DailyTravelTips). Here’s his fantastic way to earn free hotel rewards points:
“You can earn free hotel loyalty points by declining housekeeping at many hotels on stays of two nights or more. The idea was pioneered by Starwood, and many other hotel brands have gotten in on the act.
The way it works is that you notify reception the day before that you would like to decline housekeeping service the following day. This helps the hotel better manage its staff and supplies while also rewarding you with, typically, bonus points or food and beverage credits to use during your stay. You can still request extra towels, toiletries and other in-room amenities, which is why this is so cool. If you don’t mind an unmade bed and a half-full trash can, you could pad your mileage balance faster than you think. Sheraton Hotels, for example, gives out 500 SPG points per day for this. Just say no six times, and you’ll have a free night at a Category 1 property on weekend nights. What a great deal!
Other hotel brands that participate include (at select locations) DoubleTree by Hilton, Gaylord, Kimpton, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Marriott, and Sheraton, among others. It’s not just bigger brands either; Provenance Hotels—with properties in places like Nashville, New Orleans, Portland, and Seattle—offers $5 to spend on dining or in the minibar each day you’re not using housekeeping.”
I take advantage of this all the time because I rarely use housekeeping. I do it when I check in.
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