10 Times Faster Rewards than Marriott

With a phone call to Marriott Rewards we set up a typical situation for earning a free-night. Take a $209 room at Marriott Suites. This would earn a traveler 627 points in their reward program. Of the seven levels to earn a free night in the Marriott program, the lowest requires 7,500 points. With the sample price of $209 a night, it would require a little more than 11.9 nights at a total price of $2,500 to compile enough points to earn your free stay.

Compare this to earning a free-night stay at bed and breakfasts across the country. And while we're at it let's look at a few other additional values. A good bed and breakfast is tough to beat when it comes down to uniqueness, the bang for your buck, and guest pampering. And if you are interested in stretching that travel dollar more, here are a couple things to consider:

Across the nation, more than 1,500 B&B inns will give guests a free second-night stay with the purchase of the first night. They do this for a simple reason. They want exposure for their property. The typical bed and breakfast doesn't have the large advertising budget that a standard hotel does. So, they look to earn word-of-mouth exposure and added promotion through this popular program.

The Buy-One-Night-Get-One-Night-Free program from iLoveInns.com can save an average of $140 savings on a two-night stay. It far surpasses hotel chains that require you to stay 10 or more nights to get one night free, or properties that offer you $25 and $50 gas coupons.

Depending on the individual bed and breakfast or country inn, a traveler can save as much as $650. Plus, the buy-one-get-one promotion is an immediate reward.

Second, when you factor in food, the cost of your vacation is further reduced because typically your bed and breakfast room rate includes breakfast as the name indicates. In addition many innkeepers also provide assorted snacks/drinks and business services, such as sending a fax or printing an important document.

Money and Memories Go Further with Bed and Breakfast Trips

Armed with this knowledge, for instance, take this Craftsman-Style California Bed and Breakfast, the Inn at Seventeen Mile Drive in the heart of the Monterey Peninsula.

Choose from rooms with views of the sea or garden in the main house of this three-building bed and breakfast. Or, enjoy the oak and redwoods in the chalet and cottage rooms. Unwind in the spa beneath the towering trees or the gardens whose guests also include the occasional deer and monarch butterfly. Maybe sip some champagne near the fountains and koi ponds. With the Buy-One-Night-Get-One-Night-Free program, guests will save anywhere from $145 to $290 at this lovely property.

A stellar experience to go with a great savings. So, take a look at options like that California bed and breakfast and the more than 1,500 other inns in the free-night program the next time you are looking to earn rewards.