The Art of Hotel Hopping: Exploring More, Spending Less

Have you ever faced the dilemma of choosing the perfect hotel for your trip, only to be overwhelmed by the multitude of options available? We’ve all been there, and we have a solution – hotel hopping! During our recent anniversary trip to Seattle, we decided to try something different. We stayed at three different hotels – The Renaissance, The W, and The Astra – each for one night, and it turned out to be a fantastic experience. Let’s dive into the benefits and potential downsides of hotel hopping.

Benefits:

1. Flexibility in Rates: Hotels often have varying rates based on the day of the week or demand. Hotel hopping allows you to choose a different hotel each night based on the most favorable rates.
2. Earn Elite Points: Many hotel chains offer loyalty program members point bonuses for each stay, especially for top-tier elites. For instance, Marriott rewards us with 1,000 points for each domestic stay. By staying at least 25 times a year, we accumulate 25,000 Bonvoy points, enough for a free night. It’s a sweet deal!
3. Better Chance for Suite Upgrades: Suite upgrades depend on availability, and your chances of snagging an upgrade are higher if you’re only staying for a night or two.
4. Brand-Hopping Rewards: Some hotel chains reward you for staying at different brands within their portfolio. For instance, Hyatt offers one free night for every 5 brands you stay at. If you stay at three different hotels during one vacation, you’re only 2 stays away from a free night.

Current Marriott Promotion: Marriott currently has a promotion running where you can earn 1,500 bonus points on each stay with no earning limits. Additionally, you get an extra 3,000 bonus points for every three hotel brands you explore. Register now through November 22, 2023 and stay between September 12, 2023 to December 6, 2023. This is an excellent reason to give hotel hopping a try.

Negatives:

1. Not Ideal for Families: Hotel hopping may not be the best plan if you’re traveling with children, as it involves frequent changes of location, which can be challenging with kids in tow.
2. Check-In and Check-Out Gap: There’s usually a gap between hotel check-out (typically 11 am or 12 pm) and check-in (usually 3 pm or 4 pm). However, having elite status can help by allowing you to use late check-out privileges to minimize the downtime. You can also usually drop your bags at the next hotel if there’s a gap.
3. Complexity for Business Travelers: For work-related trips, multiple hotel stays may complicate budgeting and expense management.

In summary, hotel hopping requires some effort, but it can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to explore more destinations, earn loyalty rewards, and potentially save money on your travels. So, if you’re up for an adventure, consider giving hotel hopping a try on your next trip!