English edition · checked 2026-10-18

Hotel points or cash? Compare the same stay

Use the cash rate and points rate for the exact stay. Include fees, benefits and points you would earn on a cash booking, then decide whether the redemption fits your plans.

Start with the same stay

Compare identical dates, property, room, occupancy and cancellation terms. A refundable cash rate is not a fair comparison with a non-refundable points rate unless you account for that difference.

A simple comparison

Take the cash price you would actually pay, subtract charges that still apply to the award, and compare the remainder with the number of points required. The result is an implied value for this booking only. It is not a permanent value for every point in the programme.

Add the benefits and costs you would use

Check resort fees, taxes, parking, breakfast and other charges that remain due.
Consider whether a cash stay earns points or qualifying nights, and whether the award stay earns the benefits you expect.
Compare change and cancellation terms, not just the headline price.
For multiple nights, check programme discounts or certificates separately.

Choose for the trip, not for a target value

If the points price is high and the cash rate is low, paying cash may preserve points for another stay. A high cash rate does not automatically make an award good value if you would not otherwise buy that room. Hotel award prices and conditions can vary by date and property.

Official sources

Keep reading: Marriott Bonvoy profile · Hilton Honors profile · Free-night certificates