Top Boutique Hotels Affiliated with Major Brands — Book with Points!

Fans of independent and boutique hotels may think big names such as Hyatt or Marriott International don’t offer much when it comes to character-filled accommodations. However, as these global powerhouses continue to expand — Marriott, the world’s biggest hotel brand, has more than 8,000 properties — they diversify with dozens of sub-brands and partnerships, consequently enhancing their appeal.

Many fascinating properties in these vast portfolios would be unrecognizable as part of a chain, save for one thing: they’re almost always redeemable with loyalty program points, whether earned through stays or everyday spending. More importantly, a few of these options aren’t technically hotels — more on that below.

For travelers who have a stack of loyalty points and seek a unique hotel experience to spend them on, the ever-expanding offerings of major hotel brands present excellent opportunities.

Here’s a closer look at the options, program by program.

Marriott Bonvoy

Members may not realize that Bonvoy points can be utilized at more than 120 of the independently owned Design Hotels globally. For instance, AnaYela in Marrakesh is a 300-year-old palace converted into a guesthouse built around a courtyard and heated pool. Additionally, the stylish properties of Grupo Habita span Mexico and the U.S.

A safari offers another surprising way to utilize Bonvoy points. The JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, a luxury tented camp, is set to open this spring along the banks of the Talek River in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. This retreat, featuring 20 suites and a spa, marks the brand’s first safari camp. Meanwhile, the ultra-luxurious small-ship line The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection represents another innovative offering for Bonvoy members.

Hilton Honors

Brand enthusiasts can find distinctive properties under the LXR Hotels & Resorts banner, including the visually stunning Crockfords Las Vegas. An exquisite choice in the Hilton family includes one of the overwater bungalows at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, which underwent extensive renovation in 2022.

World of Hyatt

Hyatt added considerable indie appeal in 2018 with its acquisition of Alila Hotels & Resorts and Thompson Hotels. Properties like Schloss Roxburghe, a 300-acre country estate in Scotland dating back to the 12th century, showcase the brand’s commitment to expanding its luxury portfolio. This estate reopened in January with 78 rooms, suites, and cottages, complemented by a new 12,000-square-foot spa, enhancing the array of lodging options.

Hyatt points may also cover cruises to Antarctica or the Galápagos Islands through a partnership with Lindblad Expeditions, boasting a fleet of 16 small ships operated by naturalists and National Geographic photographers.

Furthermore, the brand recently acquired Mr & Mrs Smith, a collection of boutique luxury hotels, expanding its offerings in this category. Among the Italian properties in this portfolio are Como Castello Del Nero, a 12th-century castle set amidst vineyards, olive groves, and gardens, and the stunning new Lake Como property Passalacqua.

IHG One Rewards

Loyal fans of IHG Hotels & Resorts might be aware that the company added Six Senses to its portfolio in 2019. Less commonly known is the emerging Vignette Collection, which brings together distinctive properties focused on community programs and social responsibility.
Additionally, IHG’s luxury brand Regent Hotels & Resorts is experiencing a significant global relaunch, reflected in openings in Cannes, France, and Hong Kong. A new retreat in Canggu, Bali, is also set to open soon.

ALL – Accor Live Limitless

Well-regarded in Europe but still gaining ground in the U.S., Accor’s loyalty program allows access to iconic hotels across North America. Fairmont properties, such as The Plaza in New York City and Fairmont Chateau Whistler in British Columbia, contribute to Accor’s robust offerings, which also include 21c Museum Hotels and SLS hotels.

Choice Privileges

While Choice Hotels International is better associated with budget offerings, its points program presents opportunities for memorable high-end stays. Through collaboration with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Choice loyalists can enjoy access to 443 of the brand’s more than 650 properties, such as The Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C., and The Leela Palace Udaipur in India.

A version of this story first appeared in the May 2023 issue of iBestTravel under the headline “Wait, This Is a Chain Hotel?”