Hotel credit cards can transform your travel experience by offering rewards points, free nights, elite status, and other perks tailored to frequent hotel guests. Whether you’re a business traveler, a luxury seeker, or a budget-conscious explorer, there’s a card that fits your needs. Below, we explore the top hotel credit cards for May 2025, highlighting their key features, benefits, drawbacks, and ideal user profiles. This guide also includes strategies for choosing the best card based on your travel habits and preferences.

1. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

• Annual Fee: $550
• Welcome Bonus: 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months (offer ends January 8, 2025).
• Rewards Rates:
  • 14X points on eligible purchases at Hilton hotels and resorts.
  • 7X points on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, car rentals, and U.S. restaurants.
  • 3X points on all other purchases.
• Key Benefits:
  • Automatic Hilton Diamond Status: Enjoy top-tier perks like room upgrades, executive lounge access, and an 100% points bonus on stays (enrollment required).
  • Annual Free Night Award: Redeemable at any Hilton property, with no price limit, potentially worth hundreds of dollars at luxury resorts like the Waldorf Astoria.
  • Up to $250 Hilton Resort Credit: Covers eligible charges at Hilton resorts annually.
  • Up to $200 Flight Credit: Quarterly credits for flights booked with the card.
  • Priority Pass Select Membership: Access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide (enrollment required).
• Drawbacks:
  • High annual fee may deter infrequent travelers.
  • Hilton points have a lower average value (around 0.6 cents each) compared to some other programs.
  • Benefits are most valuable for frequent Hilton guests.
• Best For: Loyal Hilton travelers who stay frequently at Hilton properties and can maximize the card’s premium perks to offset the $550 annual fee. A user on X noted earning 500,000 points in just a few months, highlighting the card’s earning potential for heavy travelers.

2. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

• Annual Fee: $650
• Welcome Bonus: 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months (offer ends May 14, 2025).
• Rewards Rates:
  • 6X points on eligible purchases at Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
  • 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines.
  • 2X points on all other purchases.
• Key Benefits:
  • Automatic Platinum Elite Status: Includes room upgrades, late checkout, and a 50% points bonus on stays (enrollment required).
  • Annual Free Night Award: Up to 85,000 points, redeemable at most Marriott properties.
  • $300 Dining Credit: Up to $25 monthly credits for dining at restaurants worldwide.
  • 25 Elite Night Credits: Helps you achieve higher elite status tiers faster.
  • Priority Pass Select Membership: Lounge access for you and two guests.
• Drawbacks:
  • High annual fee requires significant Marriott loyalty to justify.
  • Some benefits, like the dining credit, require consistent use to maximize value.
  • Marriott’s dynamic pricing can make point redemptions less predictable.
• Best For: Marriott loyalists who value luxury perks and frequently stay at high-end Marriott properties like St. Regis or Ritz-Carlton.

3. The World of Hyatt Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $95
• Welcome Bonus: Up to 60,000 Bonus Points (30,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months, plus 2X points on up to $15,000 in purchases in the first 6 months).
• Rewards Rates:
  • Up to 9X points total at Hyatt hotels (4X bonus points plus 5X base points).
  • 2X points on dining, direct airline ticket purchases, local transit, and fitness clubs.
  • 1X point on all other purchases.
• Key Benefits:
  • Annual Free Night: One free night at a Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel each account anniversary, often worth more than the annual fee.
  • Automatic Discoverist Status: Includes priority check-in and a 10% points bonus on stays.
  • Bonus Elite Nights: 5 elite night credits annually, plus 2 additional credits for every $5,000 spent.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers.
• Drawbacks:
  • Smaller hotel network compared to Hilton or Marriott, limiting redemption options.
  • Lower welcome bonus compared to premium cards.
• Best For: Travelers who prefer Hyatt’s boutique and luxury properties and want a low annual fee with a valuable free night benefit.

4. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

• Annual Fee: $95
• Welcome Bonus: 60,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months, redeemable for $750 in travel through Chase Travel℠.
• Rewards Rates:
  • 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
  • 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries.
  • 2X points on all other travel purchases.
  • 1X point on all other purchases.
• Key Benefits:
  • Flexible Rewards: Points can be redeemed through Chase Travel℠ at 1.25 cents each or transferred to hotel partners like Marriott Bonvoy, IHG One Rewards, and World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio.
  • $50 Annual Hotel Credit: For stays booked through Chase Travel℠.
  • 10% Anniversary Points Bonus: Earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases from the previous year.
  • Travel Protections: Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance and auto rental collision damage waiver.
• Drawbacks:
  • No automatic hotel elite status, unlike co-branded cards.
  • Highest rewards rates require booking through Chase Travel℠, which may not suit those who book directly with hotels.
• Best For: Travelers seeking flexibility to book across multiple hotel brands and value transfer options to maximize point value.

5. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

• Annual Fee: $150
• Welcome Bonus: 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first 6 months.
• Rewards Rates:
  • 12X points on eligible Hilton purchases.
  • 6X points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations.
  • 3X points on all other purchases.
• Key Benefits:
  • Complimentary Gold Status: Includes room upgrades, daily food and beverage credits, and an 80% points bonus on stays (enrollment required).
  • Free Night Reward: Earn after spending $15,000 annually, with no point cap on redemption.
  • Up to $200 Hilton Credit: Quarterly credits of up to $50 for Hilton purchases.
  • 10 Priority Pass Visits: Airport lounge access (enrollment required).
• Drawbacks:
  • Annual fee is higher than some entry-level cards.
  • Benefits are less robust than the Aspire card, making it less appealing for heavy spenders.
• Best For: Occasional Hilton guests who want strong rewards and elite status without a premium annual fee.

6. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $99
• Welcome Bonus: 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
• Rewards Rates:
  • Up to 26X points total at IHG hotels (10X from card, 10X from IHG Rewards, plus 6X from Platinum status).
  • 5X points on travel, gas stations, and restaurants.
  • 3X points on all other purchases.
• Key Benefits:
  • Automatic Platinum Elite Status: Includes room upgrades and a 50% points bonus on stays.
  • Annual Free Night: Up to 40,000 points, redeemable at most IHG properties.
  • Fourth Night Free: When redeeming points for a four-night stay.
  • Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Up to $100 every four years.
• Drawbacks:
  • IHG’s hotel portfolio is less luxurious than Marriott or Hilton.
  • Free night is capped at 40,000 points, limiting use at premium properties.
• Best For: IHG loyalists, such as Holiday Inn or InterContinental fans, seeking a low-cost card with strong rewards and a free night.

7. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $95
• Welcome Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, worth $750 in travel.
• Rewards Rates:
  • 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
  • 2X miles on all other purchases.
• Key Benefits:
  • Flexible Redemptions: Miles can be redeemed for any travel purchase at 1 cent each or transferred to hotel partners like Wyndham or Choice Privileges.
  • Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Up to $100.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees: Great for international hotel bookings.
• Drawbacks:
  • Limited hotel transfer partners compared to Chase or Amex.
  • No hotel-specific elite status or perks.
• Best For: Travelers who want simplicity and flexibility without committing to a single hotel brand.

Choosing the Right Hotel Credit Card

Selecting the best hotel credit card depends on your travel habits, spending patterns, and preferences. Here are key factors to consider:

1. Hotel Brand Loyalty:
   • If you frequently stay with one chain (e.g., Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt), a co-branded card like the Hilton Aspire or Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant offers targeted perks like elite status and free nights.
   • For flexibility across brands, general travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture are better, allowing redemptions or transfers to multiple hotel programs.
2. Annual Fee vs. Value:
   • Premium cards (e.g., Hilton Aspire, Marriott Brilliant) have high fees but offer credits and free nights that can offset costs if fully utilized. For example, the Hilton Aspire’s $250 resort credit and free night can exceed the $550 fee in value.
   • Low-fee cards like the World of Hyatt or IHG Premier are ideal for budget-conscious travelers who still want meaningful perks.
3. Rewards Flexibility:
   • Co-branded cards lock you into one hotel program, which may limit redemption options if the brand has fewer properties in your travel destinations.
   • General travel cards provide versatility but lack brand-specific benefits like elite status.
4. Credit Score Requirements:
   • Most hotel cards require good to excellent credit (FICO score of 670 or higher). Premium cards like the Amex Platinum or Hilton Aspire may demand scores above 700.
5. Spending Habits:
   • Cards like the Hilton Surpass reward everyday spending (e.g., 6X at U.S. supermarkets and gas stations), making them suitable for non-travel purchases.
   • If you spend heavily on travel and dining, the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Amex Platinum offers strong rewards in those categories.

Maximizing Your Hotel Credit Card

To get the most value from your hotel credit card:

• Leverage Welcome Bonuses: Meet spending requirements to earn sign-up bonuses, which can be worth hundreds of dollars in free nights. For example, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant’s 185,000-point bonus could cover multiple nights at high-end properties.
• Use Credits and Perks: Maximize annual credits (e.g., Hilton’s $200 flight credit or Chase’s $50 hotel credit) to offset fees.
• Book Strategically: Use co-branded cards for brand-specific bookings to earn maximum points, and consider general travel cards for third-party bookings through issuer portals.
• Aim for Elite Status: Cards offering automatic status or elite night credits (e.g., Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant’s 25 credits) can unlock valuable perks like upgrades and bonus points.
• Understand Point Values: Hotel points vary in value (e.g., Hyatt points are worth ~1.8 cents each, Hilton ~0.6 cents). Research redemption values to ensure optimal use.

Drawbacks of Hotel Credit Cards

• Limited Redemption Options: Co-branded cards restrict rewards to one hotel brand, which may not suit travelers who prefer variety.
• Annual Fees: Premium cards can cost $550-$650, which may not be worth it for infrequent travelers.
• Dynamic Pricing: Many hotel programs use dynamic pricing, making point redemptions less predictable.
• Credit Requirements: High credit scores are often needed, limiting accessibility for some applicants.

Conclusion

The best hotel credit card for you depends on your travel frequency, brand loyalty, and willingness to pay an annual fee. For Hilton loyalists, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers unmatched perks like Diamond status and a free night, ideal for frequent travelers. Marriott fans will benefit from the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card’s premium benefits, while budget-conscious travelers may prefer the World of Hyatt Credit Card for its low fee and valuable free night. For flexibility, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card provide versatile rewards without brand restrictions. Evaluate your travel habits, compare annual fees against benefits, and leverage welcome bonuses to maximize value. With the right card, your hotel stays can become more rewarding and luxurious.