One of the most underutilized hotel points strategies that can sometimes stretch points further than they could go otherwise is found in $+ points bookings. I find that Wyndham Rewards $+points are one of the best options for stretching the value of hotel points (& ideal for gifting) across a large number of hotels while not limiting you to using them on family. By comparison, only a small number of Hyatt properties have any greater value with $+points bookings vs strictly points bookings, & Choice Hotels points can't be gifted to non-family.
Used most effectively for hotels, you could save greater than $350/night with cash+points Wyndham Rewards, using 3k points per night, at a value per point of over 12 cents.
Generally speaking, you'll often find the highest value options at any high-end Wyndham Vacations Properties that charge 3k/night + around 50% of the nightly stay for $+ points bookings, & especially at a peak season or holiday where the cash rates tend to be highest. They'll typically only be available on 2+ nights & properties that aren't Wyndham Vacation Resorts (in filters on a search) will typically not offer 50% off for $+points bookings. The majority of US-based Wyndham Vacation Resorts properties appear to offer 50% off on cash + points rates, while it appears to be the minority in the other countries I checked (though not as rare as viable $+points on standard rates options as Hyatt).
Here's what you'd pay if paying in $ as a member of Wyndham at the following property:
Image courtesy https://www.wyndhamhotels.com
Image courtesy https://www.wyndhamhotels.com
Here's the same room on the same dates, with the backing of 15k points:
All images on this article courtesy https://www.wyndhamhotels.com
The below examples do not by any means represent all the best options, but just a small sampling. Points values vary by date. All of the below options are close to 50% off using $ + points like many Wyndham Vacation properties that have $ + points within the US. Generally, if I give a range of value, I'll show the higher cost option of the 2, not both aspects of the range, where you can get better value per point but will also need to pay more in $:
Mid-High $ Cost & Savings Depending on Season: National Harbor, Maryland ($.12/pt; saving $360.55/night for 3k points/night)
Mid-High $ Cost & Savings Depending on Season: Park City, Utah ($.086/pt; saving $258/night for 3k points/night in early April & saving more if you can find availability in peak ski season)
High $ Cost & High $ Savings Example: Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands ($.08/pt; saving $239/night for 3k points/night)
Low-High $ Cost & $ Savings Depending on Season: Oceanside, CA 2 bedroom suite ($.052/pt; saving $312/night for 6k points/night)
Medium $ Cost, Medium Savings Examples: Williamsburg - Club Wyndham Governor's Green Peak Timing ($.058/pt; saving $173/night for 3k points/night)
Low-Medium $ Cost & Savings Depending on Season: Newport, RI ($.041/pt; saving $122/night for 3k points/night)
Low-High $ Cost & Savings Depending on Season: Avon, CO 2 bedroom suite ($.055/pt; saving $328.95/night for 6k points/night)
Low-Medium $ Cost & Savings Depending on Season: Lake Havasu, Arizona ($.034-$.055/pt; saving $101.44-$163.59/night for 3k points/night in small sampling)
Low $ Cost, Low Savings Examples: Williamsburg - Club Wyndham Governor's Green Off Peak Timing ($.0185/pt; saving $55.55/night for 3k points/night)
Low $ Cost, Low Savings Examples: Williamsburg - Club Wyndham Patriots' Place Off Peak Timing ($.016/pt; saving $48.83/night for 3k points/night
How to Locate Wyndham Vacation Properties with 50% off the Rate
How to Find Availability
Here's a map of around 50% off options that is best viewed on desktop/laptop. While a small worldwide sample, it includes all US states not West of Texas. Typically the 2 optimized filters on the left will be "$+Points 50% Options Visible" & "1 or 2 bedroom available...":
Reviews:
It's generally best to check multiple review sources prior to booking.
Hotels:
It's good to check reviews on TripAdvisor (viewable on the Wyndham website typically) & Google Maps as well.
Related: