Use Wyndham Rewards Points to Book Timeshares
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Wyndham hotels have historically had a slightly different way to redeem points for hotels. While most hotel chains have an award chart that divides out hotels into categories with different amounts required to redeem a free night, Wyndham announced in 2015 that it was moving to a "flat" award chart, where all hotels cost the same amount: 15,000 points/night.
It might seem strange that a free night at a hotel in the Caribbean would cost the same amount as one at a Super 8 in the middle of nowhere, and apparently Wyndham execs thought the same. Wyndham announced earlier this year that it was going back to a tiered award chart with the following values:
- Tier 1: 7,500 points (or 7,500 points + cash)
- Tier 2: 15,000 points (or 3,000 points + cash)
- Tier 3: 30,000 points (or 6,000 points + cash)
Booking Wyndham Timeshares for as Low as 15,000 Points
While most people know Wyndham from its various hotel brands, the company is also one of the biggest owners/operators of timeshares. The typical timeshare comes with a full kitchen and one or more private bedrooms, which can often make them attractive for family travel. Wyndham's timeshares are bookable with Wyndham Rewards points.
Fortunately though, when Wyndham revamped its award chart, most timeshare properties were not affected. All timeshare properties, except three, stayed at the same Tier 2 level, costing just 15,000 points a night. Although, be aware that Wyndham prices its timeshares per bedroom per night. So, a 15,000-point property means you'll pay 15,000 points/night for a one-bedroom unit or 30,000 points/nights for a two-bedroom unit. The three properties that are now in the higher tier level include: Margaritaville Vacation Club–Wyndham Rio Mar, Wyndham Clearwater Beach Resort and Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort.
Unfortunately though, Wyndham timeshare properties are hard to book with points as timeshare owners have first booking rights and the properties are also subject to blackout dates. You also might find, for instance, availability for a three-night reservation, but not a two-night reservation. Tip: Play around with your dates if you are not finding availability.
How to Earn Wyndham Points
Wyndham doesn't offer a ton of ways to earn points, but there are a few. First of all, you can earn Wyndham Rewards points by actually (gasp!) paying for a hotel stay at any of its brands. Wyndham, Tryp, LaQuinta, Wingate, AmericInn, Ramada, Baymont, Microtel, Days Inn, Super 8, Howard Johnson, Travelodge and Hawthorn are some of its most recognizable brands. Caesars Entertainment is also part of Wyndham so that includes places like Caesars, Harrah's, Bally's, the Flamingo, Planet Hollywood, Paris, Rio, The LINQ and NOBU Hotel. You will earn 10 points per dollar spent at most Wyndham properties, and elite members earn even more.
Related: Earn Wyndham Elite Status with a Hotel Status Match
The easiest way to get Wyndham points is through its cobranded credit card with Barclays. There are two different Wyndham Rewards Visa Credit Card options: The no annual fee version will allow you to earn 15,000 bonus points and the annual fee version ($75 per year) will allow you to earn up to 30,000 bonus points. For most timeshare properties, paying just a $75 annual fee will net you two nights at one of Wyndham's Vacation Clubs.
Lastly, you can also earn Wyndham Rewards points by crediting your car rental to your Wyndham account at participating Avis and Budget locations and taking surveys through the Opinions Rewards Panel.
How to Book Wyndham Timeshares With Points
The good news is that if you do have a stash of Wyndham points, it is now much easier to book timeshares with those points. Previously, you had to call Wyndham to book and hope that you got a reservation agent who knew what you were talking about.
Now, you're able to find these timeshares at WyndhamHotels.com by using the Wyndham Resorts brand filter on the left of the screen.
Examples of Wyndham Timeshare Bookings
Let's run through a few real life examples of Wyndham timeshare bookings. First: the Wyndham Desert Blue Resort in Las Vegas. Compare 15,000 Wyndham Rewards points to a cash price of $207.29/night (plus tax).
Or, take the 1,330-square-foot Presidential Suite for 30,000 points/night.
Also consider Go Fast bookings, which is Wyndham's version of Cash + Points. You can typically use 3,000 Wyndham points to offset 50% of the nightly cost. (The Tier 3 properties cost 6,000 Wyndham points). One example is the Wyndham Sedona in Arizona, where I was offered these options when searching a random set of dates:
- $173.29/night
- Go Free: 15,000 Wyndham points/night
- Go Fast: 3,000 Wyndham points + $86.64/night
Paying the full Go Free amount gives you about 1.2 cents per point, which is in line with TPG's points valuation for Wyndham points. But, if you use the Go Fast option and spend 3,000 points to offset half the nightly cost, that gives you a value of 2.8 cents per point.
Alternatives to Wyndham Timeshares for Larger Families
Of course, I'm the large family expert, right? With a family of eight, we're always on the lookout for deals on lodging for large families.
Related: Tips for Booking Hotel Rooms for Large Families
There are a couple of hotel chains where you can book two-bedroom suites using hotel points. Another option is Airbnb and other similar peer-to-peer home rental chains. When our family of eight recently went to Lisbon and Barcelona, we found that the hotel prices were so expensive and the occupancy limits were so strict that even though we have a stash of more than a million hotel points, they were essentially worthless. We ended up booking three separate Airbnb rentals in a fairly expensive part of Europe for a total of two weeks for about $1,000.
If you've got your heart set on a timeshare though, you might also want to check out this guide on how to rent timeshares for cheap.
Bottom Line
Having the ability to use just 15,000 Wyndham Rewards points per room is a great deal and works well not only for large families, but for families who like to spread out a bit. There are definitely some hidden gems available and if you have the flexibility, you might be able to find a great property for very little points.
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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.