When people think of hotel loyalty programs, the first thing that comes to mind is usually free nights. While redeeming hotel points for a complimentary stay is the most common option, many travelers are unaware that some of the world’s largest hotel chains also allow you to use points for unique experiences that money can’t always buy. This can include VIP concert tickets, private dining with renowned chefs, backstage passes, exclusive sporting events, wellness retreats, and cultural activities curated by the hotel brand.
The practice of redeeming hotel points for experiences has grown rapidly in recent years. Brands like Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and World of Hyatt have expanded their rewards catalogs to include auctions, fixed-price events, and special packages. These are designed to give loyal guests more than just accommodation — they offer memories, access, and perks that are unavailable to the general public.
Redeeming points for experiences isn’t just a luxury; in many cases, it offers better value than using them for hotel stays, especially when the experience has a high cash value or is otherwise sold out. For example, attending a sold-out concert with front-row seating or gaining access to a celebrity meet-and-greet could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
In this guide, we’ll focus on the facts and actual mechanics of how to redeem hotel points for experiences, looking closely at three major loyalty programs, what types of events they offer, how the redemption process works, and tips for maximizing your value. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to turning your points into unforgettable experiences instead of just another night in a standard room.
Several hotel loyalty programs lead the way in offering exclusive experiences in exchange for points. Each has its own redemption platform, rules, and range of available activities. Here’s a factual breakdown of the most prominent ones.
Marriott’s Bonvoy Moments platform is one of the most well-developed experience redemption systems in the hotel industry. It offers two main types of redemptions:
Auction-style moments where members bid points against other members, and
Fixed-price moments where the point cost is set in advance.
Experiences range from private dining with Michelin-star chefs to VIP sports packages for events like the Super Bowl, Formula 1 races, or tennis championships. Concert experiences often include luxury suite access, premium seating, and sometimes meet-and-greet opportunities with artists.
To redeem:
Visit the Marriott Bonvoy Moments website.
Filter experiences by category (sports, music, culinary, lifestyle).
Choose between auction bidding or fixed redemption.
Complete the redemption process — once booked, these are typically non-refundable.
Fact to Note: Marriott often partners with major event venues, making it possible to access sold-out shows and premium hospitality suites exclusively through points.
Hilton’s platform is called Hilton Honors Experiences and works similarly to Marriott’s program. It includes both auctions and fixed-price redemptions. The categories cover concerts, sporting events, cultural festivals, and unique dining opportunities.
One of Hilton’s strengths is its partnership with Live Nation, giving members access to thousands of concerts worldwide. Some packages include soundcheck access, signed merchandise, and VIP lounge entry. Hilton also partners with sports organizations like McLaren Racing in Formula 1 and Major League Baseball for behind-the-scenes tours and premium game seating.
To redeem:
Log into your Hilton Honors account.
Navigate to the Experiences section.
Browse and either place a bid or redeem instantly.
Receive confirmation with all event details.
Fact to Note: Hilton’s Live Nation partnership often makes it one of the easiest ways to score last-minute VIP concert tickets in major cities.
Hyatt offers the FIND Experiences program, which focuses heavily on wellness, cultural immersion, and culinary adventures rather than mainstream sporting and music events. Examples include private surfing lessons in Bali, vineyard tours in California, or guided photography sessions in Europe.
Unlike Marriott and Hilton, Hyatt’s platform typically works on a fixed-price model without auctions. The redemptions often cater to smaller groups or one-on-one sessions, providing a more intimate experience.
To redeem:
Visit the World of Hyatt FIND Experiences page.
Select your preferred experience by region or category.
Redeem instantly with the listed points or pay a cash-plus-points option.
Receive booking confirmation directly from the vendor or Hyatt.
Fact to Note: Hyatt’s FIND program tends to cater to niche interests, making it ideal for travelers looking for personal enrichment activities rather than large-scale entertainment.
From a value perspective, the worth of a hotel point varies by brand. For example:
Marriott Bonvoy points often average around 0.7 cents each for hotel stays, but premium experiences can yield much higher value.
Hilton Honors points are typically valued at about 0.5 cents per point but can deliver 1 cent or more in unique event redemptions.
Hyatt points generally have higher hotel redemption value (around 1.7 cents), so it’s worth comparing if an experience offers equivalent or better returns.
Simply knowing that experiences exist is not enough — the key to getting the most from your points lies in strategy. Here are fact-based, actionable methods for ensuring maximum value.
Most major hotel loyalty platforms release new experiences periodically. For example, Marriott Bonvoy often adds new Moments at the start of each month. Subscribing to email alerts or checking the platform regularly can give you an advantage in booking high-demand events before others.
In auction-style redemptions, the winning bid determines the final point cost. These can sometimes be bargains if competition is low, but they can also end up more expensive than fixed-price offers. On the other hand, fixed-price redemptions ensure you know exactly what you’re spending.
Fact-based Tip: Marriott and Hilton auctions sometimes close with surprisingly low winning bids for less-popular events, especially in smaller cities.
Before redeeming, research the retail price of the experience. If an event ticket sells for $1,000 and costs 80,000 points, you’re getting 1.25 cents per point — which could be better value than a free night redemption.
Example:
A Hilton package for two to see a major band in a VIP suite could retail at $1,500 but cost only 120,000 points, giving each point a value of 1.25 cents (well above the average).
Elite members sometimes get early access to experiences before the general loyalty base. This is particularly common with Marriott and Hilton, where higher-tier members receive 24- to 48-hour priority booking windows.
Unlike hotel room bookings, experience redemptions are often non-refundable. Always confirm your schedule before committing points.
If you’re traveling for leisure or business, see if there’s an experience available at your destination during your stay. This allows you to use points without incurring additional travel expenses.
Fact-based Example: Hyatt’s FIND experiences can often be booked in the same city as your Hyatt stay, making it easy to incorporate into an existing itinerary.
Some experiences, particularly lower-demand ones, can be overvalued in points. If the retail ticket is $100 but costs 40,000 points, the redemption value is poor (0.25 cents per point). Always compare before confirming.
If you have a co-branded hotel credit card, you may have access to special redemption rates or exclusive experiences not available to general members. For example:
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® Amex cardholders sometimes get exclusive Moments listings.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire cardholders may see early access to Live Nation events.
Redeeming hotel points for experiences can turn a standard loyalty program into a gateway for unforgettable moments. Whether it’s watching your favorite band from a VIP suite, enjoying a private meal prepared by a world-class chef, or learning a new skill in an intimate workshop, these redemptions can deliver exceptional value — both financially and emotionally.
The facts are clear: Marriott Bonvoy Moments, Hilton Honors Experiences, and World of Hyatt FIND Experiences each cater to different types of travelers and interests. Marriott and Hilton excel in large-scale entertainment and sporting events, while Hyatt focuses on curated, niche activities that emphasize cultural and personal growth.
To get the most from your points, it’s essential to research cash values, monitor listings regularly, and be strategic about bidding or booking. Elite status and credit card perks can give you an edge in securing popular experiences, while careful planning ensures you don’t overspend in points for something you could pay less for in cash.
Ultimately, the true value of redeeming points for experiences goes beyond cents-per-point calculations. It’s about creating memories that a hotel room alone can’t provide. By approaching the process with a clear understanding of your loyalty program’s offerings and redemption rules, you can unlock opportunities that will make your travels truly extraordinary.
Lina Zhou is a globe-trotting travel writer from Chengdu, China. With a passion for hidden gems and cross-cultural experiences, she shares practical tips, visa guidance, and immersive stories from every corner of the world. When not exploring, she’s sipping tea while planning her next adventure.
A comprehensive guide on maximizing credit card rewards for airline miles t...
In-depth Air France Business Class review from Paris CDG to JFK covering se...
Uncover the most valuable airline and hotel transfer partners to get the hi...
