Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to miss out on perks. While loyalty programs are often associated with luxury hotel chains, many cheap hotels and budget-friendly accommodation providers also offer programs that help you save money, earn rewards, and enjoy exclusive benefits.

Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a backpacker, or a family planning vacations a few times a year, joining the right loyalty program can make a huge difference in your overall travel expenses.

This guide covers Cheap Hotels and Accommodation loyalty programs you should know, how they work, and tips to maximize their value.

Why Join a Hotel Loyalty Program?

• Save money – Earn points on stays that can be redeemed for free nights.
  
  
• Exclusive discounts – Members often get cheaper rates than non-members.
  
  
• Free perks – From free breakfast to Wi-Fi or late check-out.
  
  
• Flexibility – Use points across multiple brands or booking platforms.
  
  

? Even if you don’t travel often, signing up is usually free and can still save you money.

Top Loyalty Programs for Cheap Hotels and Accommodation

Here are some of the most useful loyalty programs for budget-conscious travelers.

1. Hotels.com Rewards

• How it works: For every 10 nights booked, you earn 1 free night (valued at the average of your previous 10 stays).
  
  
• Best for: Travelers who book across different hotel brands.
  
  
• Extra perks:
  
  
• Member-only secret prices (up to 15% off).
  
  
• Flexible redemption—no blackout dates.
  
  
• Why it’s great: Perfect for budget travelers since it works with both cheap and mid-range hotels worldwide.
  
  

2. Wyndham Rewards

• Brands covered: Days Inn, Super 8, La Quinta, Travelodge, Microtel, and more.
  
  
• How it works: Earn points with every stay; redemptions start at just 7,500 points for a free night.
  
  
• Best for: Families and road trippers looking for affordable stays.
  
  
• Extra perks:
  
  
• Free nights at 9,000+ properties worldwide.
  
  
• Ability to combine points with cash.
  
  
• Why it’s great: Budget-friendly chains in almost every U.S. city and many international destinations.
  
  

3. Choice Privileges

• Brands covered: Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Econo Lodge, Clarion, Sleep Inn, Rodeway Inn.
  
  
• How it works: Earn points per stay; redeem for free nights starting at 8,000 points.
  
  
• Best for: Travelers in North America and Europe looking for affordable brands.
  
  
• Extra perks:
  
  
• Exclusive discounted member rates.
  
  
• Points can also be redeemed for gift cards.
  
  
• Why it’s great: Widely available in budget-friendly cities and roadside destinations.
  
  

4. IHG One Rewards

• Brands covered: Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Candlewood Suites.
  
  
• How it works: Earn points on every stay; redeem for free nights or perks.
  
  
• Best for: Travelers who want budget and mid-range hotels with global presence.
  
  
• Extra perks:
  
  
• Free Wi-Fi for members.
  
  
• Flexible points + cash redemptions.
  
  
• Why it’s great: Holiday Inn Express is one of the most popular cheap hotel options worldwide.
  
  

5. Accor Live Limitless (ALL)

• Brands covered: Ibis, Ibis Styles, Adagio Aparthotels.
  
  
• How it works: Earn reward points on stays, food, and drinks.
  
  
• Best for: Travelers in Europe, Asia, and Australia.
  
  
• Extra perks:
  
  
• Points can be redeemed for discounts on future stays.
  
  
• Access to sales and private member offers.
  
  
• Why it’s great: Ibis and Ibis Styles are some of the best budget hotels in Europe.
  
  

6. Best Western Rewards

• Brands covered: Best Western, SureStay Hotel Group.
  
  
• How it works: Earn points on stays; redeem with no blackout dates.
  
  
• Best for: Road travelers and families.
  
  
• Extra perks:
  
  
• Free night redemptions start at just 5,000 points.
  
  
• Exclusive member-only discounts.
  
  
• Why it’s great: Best Western hotels often provide free breakfast and parking, making them extra budget-friendly.
  
  

7. Radisson Rewards

• Brands covered: Park Inn by Radisson, Radisson Blu (budget to mid-range options).
  
  
• How it works: Earn points for stays, dining, and events.
  
  
• Best for: Travelers in Europe and Asia.
  
  
• Extra perks:
  
  
• Free room upgrades (based on availability).
  
  
• Discounts for members.
  
  
• Why it’s great: Park Inn hotels often have affordable prices in city centers.
  
  

8. OYO Wizard Membership

• Brands covered: OYO Hotels (budget hotels across Asia, Middle East, and Europe).
  
  
• How it works: Paid membership (small annual fee) that gives exclusive discounts.
  
  
• Best for: Budget travelers in India, Southeast Asia, and emerging markets.
  
  
• Extra perks:
  
  
• Up to 10% extra discount on bookings.
  
  
• Exclusive member-only deals.
  
  
• Why it’s great: OYO is already cheap, and membership makes it even more affordable.
  
  

9. Agoda Rewards

• How it works: Earn AgodaCash for every booking; redeem against future stays.
  
  
• Best for: Travelers in Asia.
  
  
• Extra perks:
  
  
• Insider deals for members.
  
  
• Stackable discounts with credit card promos.
  
  
• Why it’s great: Agoda has excellent cheap hotel coverage in Asian destinations.
  
  

10. Expedia Rewards

• How it works: Earn points on hotel bookings, flights, and packages.
  
  
• Best for: Travelers who book bundles (flight + hotel).
  
  
• Extra perks:
  
  
• 10%+ off on member-only prices.
  
  
• Redeem points on hotels, flights, and activities.
  
  
• Why it’s great: Flexible rewards across all types of travel, not just hotels.
  
  

Tips to Maximize Hotel Loyalty Programs

1. Join multiple programs – Since joining is free, sign up for several to maximize options.
   
   
2. Stack discounts – Combine loyalty points with promo codes, cashback, or credit card rewards.
   
   
3. Stay consistent when possible – If you travel often, stick to one brand to rack up points faster.
   
   
4. Redeem points smartly – Use them in expensive destinations for the best value.
   
   
5. Look for partnerships – Some programs let you transfer points to airlines or use them for experiences.
   
   

Who Benefits Most From These Programs?

• Frequent travelers – Rack up points quickly for free stays.
  
  
• Families – Save money on long vacations with free nights and perks like breakfast.
  
  
• Backpackers – Enjoy discounts at budget hotel chains worldwide.
  
  
• Business travelers – Earn points on work trips and redeem them for personal vacations.
  
  

Final Thoughts

When it comes to cheap hotels and accommodation, loyalty programs aren’t just for luxury travelers—they’re a powerful tool for budget-conscious explorers. Whether you’re staying at a roadside motel, a family-friendly chain, or an international budget brand, joining the right loyalty program can mean free nights, exclusive discounts, and added perks.

From Hotels.com Rewards for flexibility to Wyndham Rewards for families and Accor Live Limitless for Europe, there’s a program for every type of traveler. The key is to sign up (it’s free), compare benefits, and use your rewards wisely to stretch your travel budget further.

So, before you book your next trip, don’t just look at the nightly rate—check the loyalty program too. It might be the secret to turning your cheap hotel stay into an even cheaper (or free!) one.