Buying hotel points can feel a bit like buying Monopoly money—tempting when it’s on sale, but questionable in actual value. Yet under the right circumstances, buying points can unlock luxury stays for a fraction of the cash rate—if you know how to do the math.
At Gondola, we track hotel loyalty point values in real time and help travelers make smarter decisions about when to buy, use, or skip points altogether. Here’s your guide to knowing exactly when it’s worth buying hotel points—and how to use them to your full advantage.
What Are Hotel Points Actually Worth?
Before you spend a single dollar on points, it’s critical to understand what they’re worth. Here are the average point valuations we use at Gondola to help our members determine whether a redemption—or a purchase—is worth it:
- Hyatt: 2.19¢ per point
- Marriott Bonvoy: 0.94¢ per point
- IHG One Rewards: 0.68¢ per point
- Hilton Honors: 0.58¢ per point
Gondola Tip: If you’re being offered a “discounted” point purchase at a rate higher than these valuations, it’s usually not a good deal—unless you’re planning a specific booking where the value you’ll get from redeeming those points is greater than what you paid.
When It Is Worth Buying Hotel Points
1. During a Bonus Points Promotion
When hotel programs offer 30% to 50% bonus points, the effective cost per point drops—sometimes below the average redemption value.
Example:
A 50% Marriott bonus sale can bring your cost to around 0.83¢ per point.
If you redeem those points for a stay where you’re getting 1.2¢ per point, that’s a solid win.
Gondola Tip: Only buy points during a promo if you already have a high-value redemption in mind.
2. To Top Off Your Account for a Redemption
Let’s say you have 132,000 Marriott points and need 135,000 to book five nights (with the 5th night free). Buying 3,000 points—even at full price—may still be cheaper than paying cash for one of those nights.
3. For High-Value Luxury Redemptions
Points often deliver the most value at luxury resorts or during peak travel periods. Example:
- The Kimpton Seafire Resort in Grand Cayman can cost over $800/night, but may be available for 70,000 IHG points—a redemption worth 1.1¢/point or more.
- If you’re able to buy IHG points at 0.5–0.6¢, you’re getting 5-star luxury for up to 60% off the cash price.
Gondola Tip: Use our search engine to find high-value redemptions and calculate whether buying points gives you an edge.
❌ When It’s Not Worth Buying Hotel Points
Avoid buying points if:
- You’re buying them speculatively, with no specific booking in mind
- Your redemption will give you less value than paying cash
- You’re booking budget hotels where nightly cash rates are already low
How Gondola Helps You Decide
Gondola takes the guesswork out of the decision by:
- Showing real-time point valuations for each booking
- Comparing cash vs. points value instantly, including taxes and fees
- Monitoring for price drops and helping you rebook to save
- Helping you stack hotel points, credit card points, and 3% Gondola Cash for max rewards
Final Thoughts: Buy Hotel Points With Purpose
Buying hotel points can unlock incredible travel value—but only if you’re strategic. Don’t buy just because there’s a promotion. Buy when it unlocks a redemption worth more than what you paid.
With Gondola, you’ll always know:
- What your points are worth
- When to book with cash vs. points
- When a deal is really a deal