Your complete guide to Club 1 Hotels — including free Gold Rewards subscription for TPG readers
Since we write about travel basically every single day here at TPG, we're often asked which is the best website to use if you want to save money on hotel bookings. The truth is, there isn't one "best" site. There are different answers for different situations: Do you have access to Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts perks? Do you need to earn/use elite status perks? How far in advance are you booking? Is it last minute? Where are you going? Which credit cards do you have? Are you sure you aren't using points or free night certificates?
In short, there simply isn't one, single hotel booking site for all situations — but there are a few sites that we recommend checking to quickly get a handle on the best prices.
One of the hotel booking sites we've utilized as a resource for the last few years is Club 1 Hotels. Club 1 Hotels offers access to wholesale rates at more than 1.5 million hotels around the world, and the site can offer as much as 60% off published prices. And to sweeten the deal even more, the company has its own loyalty points program to add to the mix — along with a special offer for a free, one-year Gold Rewards subscription, just for TPG readers who join through this link.
Let's dive into Club 1 Hotels to see how the site may fit into your post-pandemic travel plans.
How Club 1 Hotels offers discounts on hotels
Club 1 Hotels is a leading travel company with the world's largest collection of members-only wholesale hotel rates and direct contracts that are not available to the public. This allows the site to offer its users steeper discounts than other online travel agency sites in certain situations.
While the only way to see what's available is to check for yourself, at times we've found Club 1 Hotels to have the lowest available price at some of the Hyatt all-inclusive properties, including the Hyatt Ziva Cancun — which comes highly recommended from TPG's Summer Hull.
In doing a quick search for values on Club 1 Hotels, we found a good deal on the Ritz-Carlton, Cancun. Checking dates in July, the Club 1 Hotels price for an ocean view room with two beds was $236.23 per night versus Ritz-Carlton's own member rate of $490 per night for the same room. That's a pretty steep discount if you're just looking for a great price without the perks of Marriott status or the opportunity to earn Bonvoy points.
What does a subscription cost?
Club 1 Hotels has recently removed its previous paid membership requirement, so now anyone can easily register and access savings — all while still earning ClubONE loyalty points. But if you'd like to earn more points and utilize other features such as concierge service and airport lounge subscription, you have the following options to upgrade your membership:
- $149 per year Annual Concierge Service Subscription: In addition to a personalized concierge service, users can also choose either 5% back in ClubONE points on every hotel booking or the Best Rate Guarantee on every hotel booking, all year.
- $149 per year Gold Loyalty Subscription: Users will earn 5 ClubONE points for every $1 USD spent on hotels, resorts and car rental bookings — and TPG readers can sign-up for a one-year Gold membership at this link.
- $199 per year Platinum Loyalty Subscription: Users will earn 10 ClubONE points for every $1 USD spent on hotels, resort and car rental bookings.
- $79 per year Airport Lounge Subscription upgrade: Users who choose to upgrade to an airport lounge subscription will have access to over 1,200 lounges in 500 cities across 140 countries. This category of upgrade also comes with a $30 credit for large-luggage shipping worldwide from LuggageFree.
Note that we currently have a special offer just for TPG Readers to receive a complimentary Gold-level subscription when registering for a new account. Existing members can use this link to receive the complimentary upgrade.
If you decide not to get a paid subscription, you will still earn 2 ClubONE loyalty points for every $1 USD spent — which can be used for future bookings on the site.
For those who like Disney like, know that Club 1 Hotels even has access to Disney World Resorts — and yes, they are sometimes cheaper via Club 1 Hotels than booking through Disney. We haven't personally booked a Disney Resort through Club 1 Hotels, so we can't speak to the process of linking the booking to your My Disney Experience, but it is worth checking to see if you might be able to save a few dollars on your next Disney Resort booking. Plus, Club 1 Hotels offers discounts on Disney theme park tickets, attractions and more.
Related: 11 changes to expect at Disney World in 2021
There are booking fees when using Club 1 Hotels, so be sure you're comparing apples to apples by looking at the all-in prices at checkout from different sites.
Look for non-points luxury resorts, home rentals and rental cars
If you have your heart set on a hotel/resort stay at a property that isn't part of a points program, Club 1 Hotels could be your conduit to savings. For example, you'll find properties from high-end hoteliers like Aman, Four Seasons, Belmond, Mandarin Oriental, Six Senses, Shangri-La and others.
Club 1 also has a database of over 175,000 serviced apartments, homes, villas and other residences in some of the world's most popular destinations. Depending on your travel plans, this could be a great alternative to other vacation-rental sites.
Finally, if you're in the market for a rental car, sort options from Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz, National, Sixt and others.
Related: 11 common rental car mistakes — and how to avoid them
When to skip Club 1 Hotels
There are certainly times and reasons to not use Club 1 Hotels. For example, if you need to earn credit toward elite status or want to utilize the perks of existing hotel elite status, that's not the time to use the site. In those cases, book directly with the hotel chain.
There are also times when Club 1 Hotels won't have the hotel you want, or it will cost more than booking directly (though they do have a Best Rate Guarantee — which we'll get to in a minute).
Nevertheless, it always makes sense to investigate the booking options for your travel dates to see if Club 1 Hotels will fit your plans.
Club 1 Hotels Best Rate Guarantee
While no site always has the best rates, Club 1 Hotels does have a Best Rate Guarantee. If you spot a lower rate at the same hotel with the same room type (refundable and non-refundable) up to one day prior to arrival, Club 1 Hotels will beat that rate with the following discounts:
- $10 per night savings at 3-star hotels up to $20
- $15 per night savings at 4-star hotels up to $45
- $20 per night savings at 5-star hotels up to $60 or up to $100 on reservations of $900+
To make a Best Rate Guarantee claim, email memberservices@club1hotels.com, and they state they will confirm your booking the same day.
Finally, it's worth noting that the Club 1 Hotels website is better than it was a few years ago. We can definitely see that they've made a lot of improvements and added some new features to enhance the user experience.
Bottom line
Finding the best deals in travel is about having lots of different tools at your disposal. One of those tools is having a list of websites to check when you need to book a hotel with cash, and in out mind, Club 1 Hotels should be on the list of sites to check (here are some other tools). They aren't a one-size-fits-all solution, but with a free one-year Gold Rewards subscription, they are certainly worth a look.
Summer Hull contributed to this post.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.