The 2017 J.D. Power North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study released the second week of July showed that once again two Marriott International brands—The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott—tied for first for guest satisfaction in the luxury category as rated by their guests. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts was only a point behind.

The annual study polled 63,000 guests between June 2016 and May 2017 to determine overall satisfaction on things like reservation, check-in/ check-out, guest room, food and beverage, hotel services and price.

The study found that those who use a brand’s mobile app and sign up for rewards programs report higher guest satisfaction. With that in mind, we surveyed the hotels in each group to determine just how rewarding those programs are.

Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton Rewards (The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott)

  • Lounge access
  • Breakfast for two
  • Late checkout
  • Transfer points with Marriott Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest for status at more locations

Upper Upscale: World of Hyatt

  • Earn and redeem points at more than 600 locations
  • No blackout dates at Hyatt hotels
  • Use points for airline miles or car rental awards
  • Share points with other World of Hyatt members

Upscale: Hilton Honors* (Hilton Garden Inn)

  • Guaranteed discount
  • Digital check-in
  • Free Standard Internet Access
  • Quick reservations and check-in

Upper Midscale: Gold Key Club (Drury Hotels)

  • Trade points for American Airlines or United miles
  • Donate points to American Red Cross
  • Give points for a free night as a gift
  • Trade in for gift cards

Midscale: Wyndham Rewards (Wingate by Wyndham)

  • Go Meet program allows meeting planners to earn rewards for booking group events
  • Best available rate
  • Discounts at Avis, Budget and Six Flags
  • In addition to earning points, you can buy them

Economy: Hello Rewards (Americas Best Value Inn)

  • Free night every 7 stays
  • Express check-in and check-out
    Late check-out
  • Room upgrades

Extended Stay: IHG Rewards Club (Candlewood Suites)

  • Free Internet
  • Exclusive rates
  • Reward nights count
  • Use points anywhere, even if one of 5,200 IHG hotels are not available

*Hilton Honors is also the rewards program for Staybridge Suites, top in Upper Extended Stay category

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