Hey guys! Ever wondered how to use those United MileagePlus points for something other than flights? Well, you're in luck! You can actually book hotels with your United points, and I'm here to break down exactly how to do it. It's a fantastic way to stretch the value of your points and treat yourself to a sweet staycation or vacation without breaking the bank. So, let’s dive into the world of hotel bookings using United points – it’s easier than you might think!

Understanding United MileagePlus and Hotel Bookings

Before we get started, let's make sure we're all on the same page. United MileagePlus is the loyalty program for United Airlines. You earn miles by flying with United or its partners, using certain credit cards, and through various other partnerships. These miles can then be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and, yes, hotel stays. Understanding how to maximize the value of these points is crucial, and booking hotels can be a savvy move if you know the ins and outs.

Booking hotels with United points isn’t always the most lucrative redemption option. Generally, you’ll get more value per point when you redeem for flights, especially for premium cabin travel. However, there are situations where using your points for hotels can make sense. For example, if you have a stash of points that you're struggling to use for flights, or if you find a particularly good deal on a hotel, it might be worth considering. Plus, it can be a great way to use smaller balances of points that might not be enough for a flight. Think of it as another tool in your travel rewards arsenal.

Why Consider Booking Hotels with Points?

1. Flexibility: Sometimes, finding the perfect flight at the right time can be a challenge. Hotels offer more flexibility in terms of dates and availability, making it easier to plan your trip.
2. Last-Minute Bookings: Need a place to stay ASAP? Using points for hotels can be a lifesaver when you need a last-minute booking and cash prices are sky-high.
3. Special Occasions: Want to surprise someone with a weekend getaway? Redeeming points for a hotel stay can make it extra special without denting your wallet.
4. Points Expiration: If you have points that are about to expire, using them for a hotel stay is a great way to keep them from going to waste.
5. Supplementing Travel Plans: Already booked your flights? Using points for hotels can help you cover your accommodation costs and make your trip even more affordable.

Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Hotels with United Points

Okay, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Here’s how you can book hotels using your United MileagePlus points:

Step 1: Access the United Hotels Portal

First things first, head over to the United Airlines website. You'll need to log in to your MileagePlus account. Once you're logged in, navigate to the section for booking hotels. Usually, you can find this under the “Use Points” or “Rewards” section of the website. United often partners with third-party booking platforms to facilitate hotel bookings, so you might be redirected to a partner site. Don't worry; this is perfectly normal.

Step 2: Search for Your Desired Hotel

Once you're in the hotels portal, you can start searching for your desired hotel. Enter your destination, travel dates, and the number of guests. The portal will then display a list of available hotels in your chosen location. Make sure to use specific dates, even if you are flexible, to get an accurate idea of point costs. Sometimes, being off by a day or two can significantly affect the number of points required.

Step 3: Filter and Sort Your Results

With a plethora of hotel options available, filtering and sorting your results is crucial to find the perfect match. Use the filters to narrow down your options based on price, star rating, amenities (like free breakfast or a pool), and guest reviews. Sorting by “price (low to high)” or “guest rating” can also help you quickly identify the best deals and highly-rated hotels. Pay close attention to the details provided for each hotel, including the cancellation policy and any additional fees that may apply.

Step 4: Compare Hotel Options and Point Values

This is where the real work begins. As you browse through the hotel options, pay close attention to the number of points required for each stay. Compare this to the cash price of the hotel. To determine if it’s a good deal, calculate the value you're getting per point. Here’s the formula:

Value per point = (Cash price of hotel - Taxes and Fees) / Points required

For example, if a hotel costs $200 or 20,000 points, your value per point is $0.01 (one cent). Generally, a good redemption value is anything above 1 cent per point. However, your personal valuation may vary based on your travel goals and point balances.

Step 5: Select Your Hotel and Room Type

Once you've found a hotel that offers good value and meets your needs, select the hotel and room type you prefer. Be sure to read the room details carefully, including the bed type, size, and any included amenities. Some portals may offer different room categories at varying point costs, so take your time to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Step 6: Review and Confirm Your Booking

Before finalizing your booking, take a moment to review all the details. Double-check your travel dates, hotel name, room type, and the total number of points required. Make sure you understand the cancellation policy in case your plans change. Once you’re satisfied with everything, confirm your booking. You should receive a confirmation email with your reservation details. Keep this email handy, as you may need it for check-in.

Tips for Maximizing Your United Points for Hotel Bookings

To make the most of your United points when booking hotels, keep these tips in mind:

1. Be Flexible with Your Dates

If your travel dates are flexible, experiment with different dates to see if you can find lower point rates. Sometimes, shifting your stay by a day or two can significantly reduce the number of points required.

2. Compare with Other Hotel Programs

Before booking a hotel with United points, compare the cost with other hotel loyalty programs, like Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors. It's possible that you might get a better deal by transferring your points to a hotel program or using points you've accumulated directly with the hotel chain.

3. Check for Transfer Bonuses

Keep an eye out for transfer bonuses from United to hotel programs. These bonuses can increase the value of your points and make it more worthwhile to transfer and book with the hotel program directly.

4. Consider Cash Plus Points Options

Some booking portals offer cash plus points options, allowing you to use a combination of points and cash to pay for your hotel stay. This can be a good way to stretch your points further if you don't have enough to cover the entire cost.

5. Read Reviews and Ratings

Always read reviews and ratings from other travelers before booking a hotel. This can give you valuable insights into the quality of the hotel and help you avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Potential Downsides of Booking Hotels with United Points

While booking hotels with United points can be a convenient option, there are some potential downsides to consider:

Lower Redemption Value

As mentioned earlier, you typically get a lower redemption value for your points when booking hotels compared to flights. If maximizing the value of your points is your top priority, you might be better off using them for flights.

Limited Hotel Selection

The hotel selection available through the United hotels portal may be limited compared to other booking platforms. You might not find the exact hotel you're looking for, or the availability may be restricted.

No Elite Benefits

When booking hotels through third-party portals, you typically don't receive any elite benefits, such as room upgrades, free breakfast, or late check-out, even if you have elite status with the hotel chain. So, if you value these perks, booking directly with the hotel might be a better option.

Alternatives to Booking Hotels with United Points

If you're not convinced that booking hotels with United points is the best option for you, here are some alternatives to consider:

Transfer Points to Hotel Programs

As mentioned earlier, you can transfer your United points to partner hotel programs like Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors. This can be a good option if you find a better deal with the hotel program or if you want to take advantage of elite benefits.

Use a Travel Credit Card

Consider using a travel credit card that earns flexible points, such as Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards. These points can be transferred to a variety of hotel and airline partners, giving you more flexibility in how you redeem them.

Book Directly with Hotels

Booking directly with hotels allows you to earn points and elite night credits with the hotel's loyalty program. This can be a great way to build up your status and earn valuable perks for future stays.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Booking hotels with United points can be a useful strategy, especially when you need flexibility or have points you're struggling to use. Just remember to compare the value, consider the alternatives, and always read the fine print. Happy travels, and may your points take you to some amazing places! Using United MileagePlus points for hotels is a great way to diversify your travel rewards. United MileagePlus offers flexibility and options, making it a valuable asset for savvy travelers. Always compare the cash price and points required to ensure you're getting the best value. So next time you're planning a trip, consider United MileagePlus for your hotel bookings!