How to Redeem Points for Boutique Hotels

There’s always a sense of satisfaction when you use points for a hotel redemption. This is especially true when you find yourself facing excruciatingly high cash prices. But what happens when there are plenty of boutique options with nary a Hilton in sight?

Happily for travelers, there are still ways to redeem points for boutique hotels. Let’s take a look at how to use points on boutique hotels through travel portals and statement credits and the different hotel loyalty programs that offer boutique hotel partnerships.

Perhaps the simplest method for redeeming points toward a boutique hotel involves booking through your card issuer's travel portal. Many major credit cards feature their own individual travel portals, including Capital One, Citi, Chase and American Express.

However, not all travel portals and credit cards will offer equal value, and you’ll want to double-check this before booking. For example, those who have the Chase Sapphire Reserve® can redeem their Chase Ultimate Rewards® points for boutique hotels at a value of about 1.5 cents each through Chase’s travel portal, though this is on the higher end compared to other card issuers.

One of the best features you’ll find when looking to redeem your points through a travel portal comes from the Citi Prestige® Card. Although this card is no longer open to new applicants, those who currently hold the card can enjoy their fourth night free on most hotel stays booked through the Citi travel portal. This benefit can be used twice per year and can even be used when redeeming points toward your stay.

Some credit cards allow you to redeem points for statement credits against travel charges that you’ve put on the card. It can be especially valuable to use the feature for bookings made with boutique hotels, as there are few restrictions for these redemptions.

Several different credit cards offer the ability to redeem points as a statement credit after you’ve made a travel purchase, including:

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Redeem points against travel purchases made within the last 90 days. You’ll receive a value of 1 cent per mile for your Capital One Miles.

• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card: Redeem points for a flat value of 1 cent per point toward any purchases.

• Citi Double Cash® Card: Redeem Citi ThankYou points at a rate of 1 cent each with this card, which earns 1% cash back on all purchases, then another 1% back when you pay them off. Plus, through the end of 2025, cardholders can get 5% cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked through the Citi Travel portal.

The most valuable part of using a statement credit purchase eraser to book a boutique hotel involves the ability to triple dip on your rewards. You'll earn points on the booking you’ve made, and you can also stack shopping portals and website loyalty programs to maximize your earnings.

Let’s say you’re looking to book a hotel in Dubrovnik, Croatia, using your Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. By opting to go through the Rakuten shopping portal to access Hotels.com, you’ll also receive 1% cash back for your purchase.

Finally, since you’re paying with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, you’re earning 2 Capital One Miles per dollar spent.

Altogether, you’re earning through Hotels.com, Rakuten and Capital One with a single boutique hotel booking — and you can still opt to redeem your Capital One Miles against your purchase.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Some hotel chains have made an effort in recent years to pump up their portfolios of boutique hotels and shed those run-of-the-mill, chain hotel vibes. This includes new acquisitions and partnerships, both of which help travelers find new places to stay.

Not every hotel chain has a boutique offering, but a majority of them do, including Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and IHG.

Marriott features the Autograph Collection, which is a 200-plus strong portfolio of boutique and luxury hotels located around the world. The Curio Collection, Hilton’s answer to Marriott, includes over 130 boutique properties. Examples include the The Art Hotel Denver, Curio Collection by Hilton which feels more like a museum than anything, thanks to its curated artwork throughout the common spaces and within the rooms. Yes, that property (and most Hilton properties) are bookable on Hilton Honors points and Hilton free night certificates.

Hyatt has also bolstered its portfolio with luxury boutique properties, including hotels owned and operated by Mr and Mrs Smith.

» Learn more: Top Marriott boutique hotels you can book with points

There are plenty of reasons why you’d want to book a boutique hotel, especially if you’re looking for a smaller, more personalized touch during your vacation.

But boutique doesn’t mean you’ll need to pay cash; there are plenty of ways for savvy travelers to redeem points for boutique hotels. This includes using your card issuer’s travel portal, taking advantage of a credit card with a purchase eraser feature and booking with a major hotel chain’s own boutique hotel offerings or partnerships.

The information related to Citi Prestige® Card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.