No Status Required: How to Book a Studio or Suite Every Award Stay!

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I’ve shown you how to earn hotel elite status by having certain credit cards and save money with perks like free breakfast.  And if you’re lucky, get upgraded to a fancier room or suite!

But if you don’t have hotel status, there’s still a way to book suites for free with points!  You just need to know which brands to look for!

I’ll show you where you’ll get a studio or suite as a standard award room, with no status required!

Which Hotels Offer Suites Without Having Status?

Most major hotel chains include extended-stay brands geared to business travelers or folks who spend long stretches on the road.  And a few offer condominium-like vacation ownership resorts which are available to book with points.

And sometimes you’ll pay fewer points than a standard, smaller room at more upscale brands within the chain.

If you’re traveling with your family or a large group, prefer extra space, or are staying for an extended period, these brands offer suites or studios as a standard award room.

These are also terrific options if you’re trying to save money, because many offer free breakfast and in-room kitchen facilities.  So you can skip the restaurant meals and cook in your suite!

1.   Choice Hotels Suites You Can Book Without Status

Link:   Choice Hotels

Comfort Suites

Link:   Comfort Suites You Can Book With Points Without Having Status

Comfort Suites hotels include larger rooms with living areas, in-room fridges and microwaves, and free hot breakfast.  Some offer kitchenettes and pull-out couches, so it’s a good pick for families.

There are dozens of Comfort Suites locations, mostly in the US.

Mainstay Suites

Link:   Mainstay Suites

With over 30 locations in the US and Canada, Mainstay Suites offer apartment-like suites with full kitchens, living and working areas, and on-site fitness and laundry facilities.  Continental breakfast is included.

Suburban

Link:   Suburban

Suburban is an extended-stay brand with more than 60 locations in the US and Canada.  Their studio suites include well-equipped kitchens.  However, breakfast is NOT included.

2.   Hilton

Link:   Hilton Hotels

Embassy Suites

Link:   Embassy Suites You Can Book With Points Without Having Status

You can save a lot of money at Embassy Suites hotels.  Every room is a 2-room suite, with microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, and wet bar.  And each morning, guests get a free cooked-to-order hot breakfast.

And every evening, there’s a free reception in the lobby with complimentary beverages (including alcohol) and light appetizers like nachos, cheese & crackers, and veggies & dip.  I know folks who’ve made a dinner out of it!  😉

There are over 200 Embassy Suites locations in the US, Canada, and Latin America.

Homewood Suites

Link:   Homewood Suites You Can Book Without Status

With over 300 locations in the US, Canada, and Mexico, Homewood Suites is a good choice if you’re traveling with family or a large group.  Every room is a suite, and has a full kitchen.  And hot breakfast is included free every morning.

Plus, there’s an evening social from Monday through Thursday, with complimentary drinks and light dinner!

Home2 Suites

Link:   Home2 Suites

Home2 Suites is a newer extended-stay brand with over 100 locations in North America.  These hotels are typically bright and modern, and folks like that they’re pet friendly.

Free breakfast is included and every room has a kitchen.

3.   Hyatt

Link:   Hyatt Hotels

Hyatt House

Link:   Hyatt House Suites You Can Book With Points Without Status

Hyatt House hotels are a terrific value!  That’s because most of their locations are Hyatt category 1 to 3, and cost just 5,000 to 12,000 Hyatt points per night.

Each suite includes a full kitchen, and there’s a complimentary hot breakfast each morning, including a Build-Your-Own-Omelet bar.  Some locations offer a free evening social from Monday to Thursday.  And happy hours, too!

Hyatt Residence Club

Link:   Hyatt Residence Club

Hyatt Residence Club is a vacation ownership (timeshare) brand.  Even though you won’t find every location from this brand listed on the Hyatt award chart, you can use Hyatt points to book an award stay!

And you’ll usually get a fully-furnished residence with all the amenities of home.

There are 16 locations in the US and Puerto Rico.  Available award nights aren’t as easy to find as regular Hyatt brands, and you’ll often pay a lot of points.  But it could be worth it to stay in a 2-bedroom condominium that sleeps 6!

For example, I found available 2-bedroom units at the Hyatt Beach House in Key West in October for 25,000 Hyatt points per night.

Note:   Because these are timeshares, you’ll likely be asked to attend a sales presentation.  Attendance is not required.

4.   IHG

Link:   IHG Hotels

Candlewood Suites

Link:   Candlewood Suites You Can Book Without Elite Status

Candlewood Suites is an extended-stay brand geared to folks who like to do-it-themselves.  There’s a fully equipped kitchen in every suite, an outdoor grill for guests to use (they’ll let you borrow utensils), free guest laundry, and a pet-friendly policy.

Free breakfast is NOT included.  But you can buy grocery essentials at their on-site Candlewood Cupboard to prepare in your suite.

Holiday Inn Club Vacations

Link:   Holiday Inn Club Vacations

Holiday Inn Club Vacations can be a terrific option for families or large groups.  This vacation ownership chain includes 14 locations, mostly in popular tourist or beach destinations.

You can book villas using IHG points, or a combination of cash & points.  Million Mile Secrets team member Jasmin used her Chase IHG free anniversary night at the Holiday Inn Orange Lake Resort in Orlando to book a 2-bedroom villa that slept 8, with a full kitchen, living & dining room, in-suite laundry, and patio.

And the resort is massive, with multiple pools, waterfalls, a lazy river, and numerous restaurants, bars, and daily activities.  Breakfast is NOT included.

Note:   You WILL be offered a timeshare presentation at these resorts.  If you’re not interested, just firmly and politely decline. 🙂

Staybridge Suites

Link:   Staybridge Suites to Book Using Points and No Status

Another family favorite, Staybridge Suites 200+ locations offer a free hot breakfast buffet daily, full kitchens, and an evening social 3 nights a week which includes complimentary beverages and a light meal.

The chain is also pet friendly, and includes guest laundry and fitness facilities.

5.   Marriott

Link:   Marriott Hotels

Marriott Vacation Club

Link:   Marriott Vacation Club

Marriott Vacation Club is a vacation ownership (timeshare) brand, but you can use Marriott points to book award stays.

There are locations in popular resort destinations like Hawaii, Lake Tahoe, Florida, and the Caribbean.  Depending on the resort, you may be able to use points to upgrade to a 1 or 2-bedroom villa, much like a condominium unit.

Like other timeshare brands, be aware you may be offered a sales presentation. 

Residence Inn

Link:   Residence Inn

There are lots of Residence Inn locations – over 700 worldwide.  And they’re a good pick if you like to eat!  Suites include fully-equipped kitchens, and grocery delivery is free.

Plus, full hot breakfast is included, and they rotate selections daily so you’re not eating the same thing every day.  And at most locations, there’s an evening social called The Mix, including complimentary drinks, local food, theme nights, and more.

SpringHill Suites

Link:   SpringHill Suites Don’t Require Elite Status

With 325+ North American locations, SpringHill Suites was voted one of the top hotel chains for families by Parents Magazine.  While suites at this chain don’t include a full kitchen, they have microwaves, fridges, and separate areas for sleeping and working.

Breakfast is included daily and there are on-site dining options.  And there are outdoor fire pits for socializing and relaxing with friends and family.

TownePlace Suites

Link:   TownePlace Suites

TownePlace Suites 275+ locations in the US and Canada are primarily geared to extended-stay business travelers.  Suites include full kitchens, closets designed by The Container Store, and in-room workstations.

There’s on-site laundry open 24/7, pets are welcome, and guests can enjoy cooking on outdoor grills.  Breakfast is included daily.

6.   Starwood Hotels Where You Can Book Suites Without Status

Link:   Starwood Hotels

Element

Link:   Element

Element hotels are a boutique, extended-stay brand with a focus on healthy living and environmentally friendly practices.  There are 70+ locations worldwide, each including a 24/7 fitness center and indoor pool.

Suites include full kitchens with energy-efficient appliances.  And breakfast with healthier options like smoothies and wraps is included.

7.   Wyndham Hotels Where You Don’t Need Status to Book a Suite With Points

Link:   Wyndham Hotels

Hawthorn Suites

Link:   Hawthorn Suites

You’ll find most Hawthorn Suites locations in the US, with a few in the Middle East.  Like all Wyndham hotels, you’ll pay 15,000 Wyndham points per night.

Suites are fully-equipped with kitchens.  There are on-site laundry and fitness facilities, and some locations have a pool.  Hot breakfast is included, and you’ll save money (and maybe meet new friends) at the evening social hour with complimentary drinks and snacks.

A friend stayed at the Hawthorn Suites West Palm Beach and said the suites were very spacious, similar to an apartment.  And the breakfast had a big variety of hot and cold items.

Bottom Line

You don’t need elite status to stay in a spacious suite with the amenities of home.  Because there are a number of hotel brands which offer studios or suites as a standard award room.

Many of these hotels include free breakfast, and some even offer a complimentary evening reception with free drinks, snacks, or light dinner.

While not always fancy, these hotels are a terrific option for families who need more space.  And you’ll save money with free food & drink and by preparing meals in your suite.

Have you stayed at any of these brands?  I’d love to hear about your experience!