Skip to content

We tried Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott’s work-from-hotel programs — these are the pros and cons

March 08, 2021
10 min read
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.

I needed quiet. Desperately.

Between virtual kindergarten lessons, my wife's conference calls and construction in the apartment above us, I'd had it.

The idea of working from a hotel room never really appealed to me before. On past business trips, I had tried to find a comfy spot in the lobby, lounge or by the pool to squeeze in my work. But now, a few hours alone in a hotel room seemed like heaven.

Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott have all unveiled programs during the pandemic where they rent out unused hotel rooms for the workday. (There are also long-term stay programs for folks looking to relocate to hotels for a week or more.) The concept is the same for each chain, but each has its own unique quirks that I'll walk you through.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.

(Photo by Scott Mayerowitz/The Points Guy)

Booking

Bookings were easy to make in each of the three chains. Hilton and Marriott both had set up sites where you only needed one date since this was just a daytime stay. Hyatt required check-in and check-out dates, which seemed very odd -- and a bit confusing -- since it was just a few hours in the room.

Hilton: Rooms need to be booked through the WorkSpaces website.

Hyatt: Office for a Day rooms can be booked through the special site or by entering the special offer code "OFFICE" on Hyatt's website or mobile app.

Marriott: All bookings need to be made through the Day Pass website.

Sign up for our daily newsletter

Warning: These rates weren't always the cheapest.

For instance, the Hyatt House New York/Chelsea was offering an overnight stay for members that was $2 cheaper than the office rate. Sure, the office rate guaranteed a 7 a.m. check-in, but given how low occupancy rates are these days, I'm pretty confident the hotel wouldn't have turned me away at 9 a.m. I only saw two other guests during my stay.

(Screenshot courtesy of Hyatt)

I did search other Hyatt properties outside New York City and did find cases where the office rate was cheaper than the nightly one. So, it pays to shop around.

Similarly, with Hilton, my Workspaces rate was $81, plus tax, at the Millennium Hilton New York Downtown. The nightly rate was more when I booked the room a day prior. However, the morning of my stay, I noticed that bookings for that night had dropped to $76, plus tax.

The other strange thing was that my Hilton Workspaces reservation said official check-in wasn't until 10 a.m. That was peculiar when the working world -- pandemic or not -- tends to start earlier. Regardless, I was able to check-in at 8:30 a.m. and bet I could have done the same if I was booked on an overnight stay.

(Screenshot courtesy of Hilton)
(Screenshot courtesy of Hilton)

To test out the check-in time theory, my colleague Laura Motta and I both stayed at the AC Hotel by Marriott New York Downtown. I was on a Day Pass and she had a normal booking with a 4 p.m. check-in. But when she called early that morning and arrived at 8 a.m., there was no issue checking in early.

In most cases, the booking showed up in my loyalty account almost immediately. The one exception was the first of my two Marriott stays.

Having the booking there meant I was going to get my points and maybe even an upgrade -- more on that in a minute.

Points and Elite Status

For each stay, I earned my normal points off the base rate plus any elite bonus and welcome amenity.

At most Marriott properties, members earn 10 points per dollar spent on eligible hotel charges. At the New York Marriott Marquis, my base rate of $109 earned me 1,090 points. As a Titanium Elite member, I get an additional 75% bonus, so 818 points — plus 1,000 bonus points as my welcome amenity. In total, I got 2,908 Bonvoy points, which TPG currently values at $23.26.

The World of Hyatt program gives members 5 points per dollar spent at most properties. So my $99 base rate earned me 495 points plus a 30% bonus -- or 149 extra points -- as a Globalist member. Through a promotion that ended Feb. 28, I also earned an extra 990 points. Those 1,634 points are worth $27.78, according to our valuations.

The most-lucrative stay, however, was my Hilton one. My base rate was $81, earning 810 points. Then I got 810 extra points as a Diamond elite member and 1,000 points for my welcome amenity. There was another 2,000 points for the "Points Unlimited” promotion, which gives 2,000 bonus points for each stay and an additional 5,000 bonus points every five nights, But it gets even better. Hilton has another promotion giving members 10,000 bonus points after their first WorkSpaces stay at participating properties.

(Screenshot courtesy of Hilton)

For those who aren't following along with a calculator, that one stay netted me 14,620 Hilton Honors points, which TPG values at $87.72. (Given that most of my points came from the promotions, I might have actually profited by doing one of the $57 WorkSpaces rates I saw at another hotel.)

None of that includes the points I earned via my credit cards.

In all three cases, it was the card that I used at check-in that was ultimately charged. And each time, it properly coded as the hotel chain, earning me bonuses with my cobranded cards. (And yes, I have one for each chain.) So at each respective chain, I earned 4 points per dollar on my World of Hyatt Credit Card, 6 points per dollar on my Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (for hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program) and at the Hilton, I earned 14 points per dollar on my Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.

The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Hilton and Hyatt both clearly state that each chain's day rates will qualify for elite-night credit. And they did without any problems.

Marriott, on the other hand, explicitly states when booking: “Day Pass does not qualify for Elite Night Credits or select Elite Benefits depending on property.” However, in both of my stays, I did get credit.

Finally, I earned an extra 2.5% back on my Hilton stay by first going through Rakuten. That's $2.03, or 203 American Express Membership Rewards, my preferred option through the shopping portal. Rakuten does also include a rebate on Marriott bookings, but it can't be used here since all of its Day Pass rates can only be had via the Day Pass website.

(Screenshot courtesy of Rakuten)

Upgrades

For each chain, I picked hotels where there was a decent shot of an upgrade, given my top-tier status in each program.

I booked the cheapest possible room and crossed my fingers.

Marriott ended up being the most generous, in my limited experience. At the AC Hotel, I was given a corner room and at the Marriott Marquis, I was upgraded to a one-bedroom suite on the 38th floor overlooking Times Square.

I wasn't expecting anything as grand at the Hyatt House New York/Chelsea, but I did choose the hotel specifically because they have a number of studio and one-bedroom suites and Hyatt has traditionally treated Globalist members very well. The hotel was empty, but there was no upgrade.

Finally, I had great hopes for the Millennium Hilton New York Downtown. Sure, it was unlikely that I would get a two-bedroom suite, but a corner room with a great view was a high likelihood given the floorplan and my Diamond status. No such luck. I did end up 49 stories up in the air but otherwise had a very standard room.

(Photo by Scott Mayerowitz/The Points Guy)

Insights

The front desk staff didn't really understand the promos created by their parent companies. Everything they've ever been trained to do revolved around people spending the night. So this was a bit foreign. The apps and websites for Hyatt and Marriott seemed confused too. Only Hilton had the stay show up properly in the app for "0 nights."

Each hotel was supposed to offer bottles of water as part of the package. But in each case, I had to ask about it. At the Hyatt House, they didn't have any, but I was directed -- after asking -- to the lobby market to take one for free. The only exception was the Marriott Marquis that had prepared bags behind the front desk with water and snacks for day guests.

All of the hotel desks were fine, though some of the office chairs were well past their prime and didn't adjust to the proper height. That might be OK for an hour or two of work during a normal business trip but something to watch up for during a day-long stint at a hotel.

Finally, as somebody who used to collect hotel pens (you know I’m not the only one, right?), I was disappointed to see that none of the four hotel rooms I used as my office had pads or pens.

(Photo by Scott Mayerowitz/The Points Guy)

Bottom Line

Working from a hotel has taken on a new appeal for those of us living in cramped apartments. It was never enjoyable before, but the pandemic has changed how we think about many things in life.

Each chain has its own unique quirks to its program, but they are generally the same concept. Given low occupancy rates, a nightly stay might actually be a better value.

I wouldn't encourage doing this as an elite-status mattress run. However, the Hilton bonus for the first stay is substantially large enough that some people might be able to profit off it with a cheap enough rate and low taxes.

Honestly, I was just happy to have a different view and a bit of quiet.

Featured image by (Photo by Scott Mayerowitz/The Points Guy)
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Top offers from our partners

How we chose these cards

Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. If anyone on our team wouldn’t recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldn’t recommend it on The Points Guy either. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners.
See all best card offers

TPG featured card

Best luxury travel rewards card
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
4 / 5
Go to review

Rewards

5X points
5XEarn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
5XEarn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

Intro offer

Earn 80,000 Points
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Annual Fee

$695

Recommended Credit

670-850
Excellent/Good
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.

Why We Chose It

Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip.

Pros

  • The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at $1,600.
  • This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. (Enrollment required for select benefits.)
  • The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway.

Cons

  • The high annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost.
  • Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories.
  • The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards.
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month when you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at your choice of one or more of the following providers: Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM, The New York Times, and other participating providers. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax.
  • American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. Now there are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Card.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
  • $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back each year on an Equinox+ subscription, or any Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Enrollment required. Learn more.
  • $189 CLEAR® Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR® Plus at 45+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per year on your membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees
Apply for The Platinum Card® from American Express
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best luxury travel rewards card
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
4 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

5XEarn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
5XEarn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • Intro Offer
    Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

    Earn 80,000 Points
  • Annual Fee

    $695
  • Recommended 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.

    670-850
    Excellent/Good

Why We Chose It

Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip.

Pros

  • The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at $1,600.
  • This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. (Enrollment required for select benefits.)
  • The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway.

Cons

  • The high annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost.
  • Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories.
  • The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards.
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month when you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at your choice of one or more of the following providers: Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM, The New York Times, and other participating providers. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax.
  • American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. Now there are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Card.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
  • $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back each year on an Equinox+ subscription, or any Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Enrollment required. Learn more.
  • $189 CLEAR® Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR® Plus at 45+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per year on your membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees