When you hear “business travel,” you may think of the corporate cliche: a harried professional in an expensive suit, conducting international Zoom calls while getting a shoeshine at the airport. But owners and employees at businesses of all sizes (need to travel — for client or customer meetings, investor pitches, supplier check-ins, vendor visits, trade shows, conferences, professional development, and so on.
The expenses add up quickly. For small businesses, a hotel loyalty program is just one way to maximize the business’ travel budget. Omni Hotels & Resorts recently launched a program designed specifically for small and midsize businesses, and several other brands offer programs aimed at SMBs.
Not sure which option is right you and your team? Below, I’ll evaluate six major loyalty programs, focusing on their discounts, perks, hotel variety, ease of use, and drawbacks.
Jump to:
- Best for Affordability
- Best for U.S. Coverage
- Best for Global Reach
- Best for Loyalty Rewards
- Best for Premium, Personalized Stays
- Best for Custom Tools and Reporting
For Affordability: Choice Hotels Business Essentials
Choice Hotels Business Essentials is ideal for cost-conscious businesses that need flexible, economical, and project-specific solutions.
- Enrollment Cost: Free enrollment with no annual spend requirement.
- Potential Savings: Low or discounted rates on over 7,000 hotels worldwide, ideal for economy and mid-tier pricing.
- Traveler Perks: Virtual Pay for hassle-free billing, flexible cancellation policies, and access to project discounts for longer stays.
- Loyalty Rewards: Members earn Choice Privileges points on both business and personal travel.
- Hotel Variety: Brands ranging from economy (Econo Lodge) to upscale (Cambria).
- Ease of Use: Project booking portal simplifies planning for large groups or long stays.
- Drawbacks: Limited perks for luxury travelers and fewer high-end hotel options compared to competitors.
For U.S. Coverage: Wyndham Business
Wyndham Business provides convenience and competitive rates in extensive U.S. locations.
- Enrollment Cost: Free to join with no contract requirements.
- Potential Savings: Up to 15% off standard rates at over 6,000 properties, covering nearly every city and town across the U.S.
- Traveler Perks: Additional rewards like a Wyndham Business card offering 75,000 points for sign-up (enough for up to 10 free nights).
- Loyalty Rewards: Points can be redeemed for stays or partner perks.
- Hotel Variety: Primarily economy and midscale brands like Days Inn and La Quinta.
- Ease of Use: Virtual payment options and flexible travel policies.
- Drawbacks: Limited luxury and boutique options, making it less appealing for businesses with upscale needs.
For Global Reach: IHG Business Edge
IHG Business Edge caters to businesses seeking comprehensive travel management tools and global reach.
- Enrollment Cost: Free enrollment with no minimum annual spend.
- Potential Savings: Guaranteed discounts at over 6,000 hotels globally.
- Traveler Perks: IHG One Rewards elite status upgrades (Silver Elite after one stay), access to partner offers.
- Loyalty Rewards: Allows travelers to earn rewards across both business and personal bookings.
- Hotel Variety: Strong presence in global markets with brands like Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and InterContinental.
- Ease of Use: Customizable portal with seamless booking options across various channels (app, web, phone).
- Drawbacks: Complex portal navigation may require extra effort and training for new users.
For Loyalty Rewards: Hilton for Business
Hilton for Business delivers international coverage and loyalty benefits for both the business and its employees.
- Enrollment Cost: Free enrollment with no minimum spend required.
- Potential Savings: Up to 18% off at participating Hilton properties worldwide.
- Traveler Perks: 7,500 Hilton Honors Points awarded after your first qualifying stay; earn 5,000 additional points for every 10 nights booked across the company.
- Loyalty Rewards: Points can be used for free stays, transferred to personal Hilton Honors accounts, or shared with employees.
- Hotel Variety: Properties ranging from budget (Hampton by Hilton) to luxury (Waldorf Astoria).
- Ease of Use: Simple program management using a self-serve dashboard.
- Drawbacks: Limited focus on advanced expense management compared to IHG or Marriott.
For Premium, Personalized Stays: Omni Select Business
Omni Select Business prioritizes tailored solutions and thoughtful perks in major U.S. destinations.
- Enrollment Cost: Free to join. No setup fees or hidden costs.
- Potential Savings: 9% off standard rates and competitive pricing at 50+ properties.
- Traveler Perks: Welcome drinks, free Wi-Fi, and bonus Select Guest loyalty credits for stays.
- Loyalty Rewards: Double Omni Credits on the first three stays (redeemable for free nights).
- Hotel Variety: Primarily urban business hubs and resort destinations.
- Ease of Use: Simple online sign-up and personalized traveler communication.
- Drawbacks: Limited number of locations, restricting options for travel outside major cities or resort destinations.
For Custom Tools and Reporting: Marriott Bonvoy Business Access
Marriott Bonvoy Business Access supports upscale stays with elite perks and integrated travel planning tools.
- Enrollment Cost: Free enrollment with no up-front costs.
- Potential Savings: Discounts on Marriott’s global portfolio of 8,000+ hotel properties.
- Traveler Perks: Fast-track eligibility for Gold Elite status, offering room upgrades and late checkouts.
- Loyalty Rewards: Points transferable to over 40 airlines and redeemable for hotel bookings.
- Hotel Variety: Selection covers midscale to luxury accommodations.
- Ease of Use: An all-in-one travel platform with customizable travel policies, virtual payment options, and automated expense management tools.
- Drawbacks: Higher pricing compared to competitors may be a barrier for budget-conscious businesses. Additionally, the platform’s advanced analytics and tools may be excessive for small businesses with modest travel needs.
Final Recommendation
When selecting a loyalty program, consider your company’s travel needs, budget, and preferred perks. Those who appreciate premium service can’t go wrong with Omni or Marriott Bonvoy. If your team is jetting off to international trade shows, IHG or Hilton offer outstanding management tools and worldwide reach. Budget-conscious businesses, on the other hand, will benefit most from programs like Wyndham or Choice Hotels.
Take the time to assess your travel patterns and choose the program that aligns with your company’s goals. (And maybe throw in a shoeshine, just for fun.)
