Huge Change to Wyndham Program—Many Hotels to Now Require 30,000 Points for a Free Night


Wyndham
One of Wyndham's better properties right near the Santa Monica pier.
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A few years ago, Wyndham changed their entire award structure where all nights would cost a fixed 15,000 points per night. It did not matter if you were staying at a Days Inn off the highway or a night resort in the Caribbean. While this wasn’t ideal for those who preferred to redeem their points at low level properties, it was a huge hit for those looking to maximize their points and wanted to stay at some of Wyndham’s top tier hotels.

a building with a sign on the front
One of Wyndham’s better properties right near the Santa Monica pier.

Then, back in October, there was a ton of speculation that Wyndham would change their award chart making three tier levels. Unfortunately, it looks like that rumor is coming true in April. Starting on April 3, all hotels will be grouped into one of three tiers:

  • Tier 1: 7,500 points for a free night
  • Tier 2: 15,000 points for a free night
  • Tier 3: 30,000 points for a free night

While there has not yet been an announcement of which properties will be grouped into which Tier, it looks like 200 properties or so will move up to that 30,000 point level. This means that if you were looking to use your points to stay at the Wyndham Grand Clearwater, Wyndham Santa Monica Pier, Wyndham Boston Beacon Hill, Wyndham Canterbury at San Francisco, The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel, Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort, or any of their properties in the Caribbean or Hawaii, you’ll want to make those reservations within the next 6 weeks.

Overall…

Come April 3rd, we will also see more changes, such as the full integration with LaQuinta properties, new earning and redemption partnerships, a Wyndham Rewards shopping portal, and bonus points earned on revenue stays for all members with status.

Personally, I am not thrilled to see the three tier structure put in place, but I am absolutely not surprised. This is definitely unfortunately for those who just recently earned Wyndham Reward points through credit card sign up bonus, credit card spend, hotel stays, etc. and assumed their 15,000 points earned would be worth a fixed 1 night stay. Of course, there are definitely some who will be benefiting at the 7,500 point tier level, but most point and miles enthusiasts probably aren’t looking to redeem their points at the lower level properties that cost less than $100 a night.

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JL100
JL100
5 years ago

there goes my Wyndham Grand Clearwater trips for 15k/night! Have to book some trips before April, but probably can’t book 2020! Man!

Dima
Dima
5 years ago

What do you think is the best use of 15k points for a weekend trip out of Boston (one night stay – Sat night)?

Tom
Tom
5 years ago

Do you anticipate the list to be made available before the April 3rd date?

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