One of the often overlooked benefits of hotels’ co-branded credit cards are the free night certificates that many come with. In exchange for an often nominal annual fee, you're able to redeem these for a significantly subsidized (read: not truly free!) redemption if you're able strategize these well.

With many hotel programs extending the expiration dates on these free night certificates, many of us find ourselves with a number of certificates and looming expiration dates.

 
All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by MileValue.

In the coming weeks we’ll be looking at different types of credit cards and their reward programs, with an aim to introduce you to those frequently used by travelers. Such a topic can be divided into three categories: transferable programs, airline and hotel branded cards, and fixed point value cards.

We've got a special treat for you today, MileValue readers! Meet Mike Hammari, who will be writing a series of guest posts about a cross-country trip he is currently in the middle of. Who needs miles when you've got feet? Those weary feet still need a decent place to rest. Mike is covering some of his hotel stays with points and is excited to have an audience listening that cares more about rewards than what brand of shoe he's wearing. Really though, Mike, tell us what shoes you chose...

Anything below in italics is a comment from me.

By Amy M. Gardner and Keith R. Sbiral

This is Part III of our series on how we used miles and points to make possible a 10 week, round-the-world trip in 2018. 

If you missed Part I, you can check it out here.You can find Part II (on airlines) here. 

In Part III we will discuss hotels and accommodations.  For more information on photography, photographers, and places we traveled, please check out reddotbluedot.com.

The brand new PointBreaks list allows us to book hotel rooms beginning today, for stays through September 30th, 2018 for as little as $25 per night.

This post will tell you how to book any hotel on the list of IHG Reward Club’s PointBreaks hotels for as little as $25 to $75 per night, even the ones that ordinarily cost a lot more.

What’s my strategy to make the most of PointBreaks?
What are some top properties on the newest PointBreaks list?

IHG Rewards Club Pointbreaks
IHG Rewards Club is the loyalty program for InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Holiday

The brand new PointBreaks list allows us to book hotel rooms beginning today, for stays through July 31st, 2018 for as little as $30 per night.
InterContinental Mendoza (Argentina wine country): on a previous list

This post will tell you how to book any hotel on the list of IHG Reward Club’s PointBreaks hotels for $30 to $90 per night, even the ones that ordinarily cost a lot more.

What’s my strategy to make the most of PointBreaks?
What are the top properties on the newest PointBreaks list?

IHG Rewards Club Pointbreaks
IHG Rewards Club is the loyalty program for

The brand new PointBreaks list allows us to book hotel rooms beginning tomorrow morning, Monday, October 30, for stays through January 31st, 2018 for $30 per night.
InterContinental Mendoza (Argentina wine country): on a previous list

This post will tell you how to book any hotel on the list of IHG Reward Club’s PointBreaks hotels for $30 per night, even the ones that ordinarily cost $200 or more per night.

What’s my strategy to make the most of PointBreaks?
What are the top properties on the newest PointBreaks list?

IHG Rewards Club Pointbreaks
IHG Rewards Club is the loyalty program

The brand new PointBreaks list allows us to book hotel rooms beginning Monday , for stays July 31st, 2017 through October 31st, 2017 for $30 per night.
InterContinental Mendoza (Argentina wine country): on a previous list

This post will tell you how to book any hotel on the list of IHG Reward Club’s PointBreaks hotels for $30 per night, even the ones that ordinarily cost $200 or more per night.

What’s my strategy to make the most of PointBreaks?
What are the top properties on the newest PointBreaks list?

IHG Rewards Club Pointbreaks
IHG Rewards Club is the loyalty program for

The IHG Rewards Club Select Credit Card just increased its sign up bonus to 80,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first three months. This is the highest offer ever, and a must have for several reasons.

80,000 IHG points are enough for 16 free nights at the PointBreaks rate.
The card offers an anniversary free night certificate every year that can be used at any IHG property worldwide, including fancy InterContinental Hotels, subject to availability.