These are the best hotels and loyalty programs that won 'On the Ground' TPG Awards this year
The world of loyalty rewards is in constant evolution, from the airlines driving loyalty in the skies to the hotel and lifestyle brands rewarding you on the ground.
There was a lot going on in the world of points hotels this past year, as was detailed in our recent list of the best new hotels that opened in 2025, as well as TPG's 2025 Trends Report. From the major chains launching new brands left and right to exciting new partnerships beginning (and some ending), plus a broadening trend of outdoor-centric hotels being all the rage, there was a lot for our team of hotel experts to unpack ahead of this year's TPG Awards.
But everyday loyalty programs that extend beyond the travel landscape are making their own mark on the industry, too.
With five hotel award categories for 2026, we set out to honor the properties and programs that went above and beyond this year, wowing our editorial team and proving that loyal members are continuing to stay loyal. Additionally, we added a new category dedicated to honoring the Best Everyday Rewards Program that is leaning into rewarding and elevating the experiences people have in their day-to-day lives.
There were so many incredible hotel openings in 2025, and choosing the top new properties was not an easy decision. But below, you'll discover three hotels — two brand-new, the other an icon reimagined — that are worth planning an entire trip around. And while most of these awards were decided by our team of subject matter experts, two categories — Best Hotel Elite Status and Best Hotel Loyalty Program — were selected using a data-backed methodology.
Without further ado, these are the hotels and loyalty programs that wowed us this year in our On the Ground TPG Awards category.
Best Hotel Elite Status: World of Hyatt Globalist
Once an industry leader, always an industry leader, it would seem — because Hyatt has once again taken the cake for Best Hotel Elite Status, with the coveted World of Hyatt Globalist status showing no signs of slowing down in its popularity.
From its beloved confirmed upgrade program to unbeatable complimentary breakfast benefits (up to two adults and two children included) and other perks like guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout, bonus point earnings and the Guest of Honor award, Globalist continues to set the standard for what travelers want in an elite status.
"The benefits are unmatched by other programs, and I love knowing any issues I have during a stay will likely be quickly solved by the My Hyatt Concierge team," said Katie Genter, TPG's own points and miles expert.
The Best Hotel Elite Status award was determined through a specific data analysis, wherein we analyzed two important areas of a program's offerings for frequent travelers:
- Return on spending at properties within a given portfolio (30% of the final score)
- A detailed numerical analysis of the benefits you unlock after qualification (70%)
Best Hotel Loyalty Program: Marriott Bonvoy
For the second year in a row, Marriott Bonvoy won Best Hotel Loyalty Program. As one of our data-driven awards, the assessment was based on a numerical analysis of four key areas (each of which was weighted equally). This included:
- A program's worldwide footprint (25% of the final score)
- The ability to earn points via stays and other activities (25%)
- The value of redeeming points (25%)
- The attainability and value of the program's elite status offerings (25%)
With its enormous global footprint (the company touts over 30 brands with 9,000-plus properties and counting) and a relatively attainable path to valuable elite statuses — especially when using one of its many cobranded cards — Marriott continues to be a very popular loyalty program for frequent travelers.
And despite a spate of devaluations in 2025, coveted perks like the famous fifth-night-free benefit (where members get the lowest-priced night for 0 points when booking five or more consecutive reward nights) and several dozen transfer partners keep members coming back to Marriott to plan their travel.
Best New All-Inclusive Points Hotel: W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive
The world's first W-branded all-inclusive resort is a game changer for the industry; not only does it bring big-brand power to the segment, but it also proves that all-inclusive resorts can straight up be cool.
It is among the towering palm trees and pristine beaches at W Punta Cana that guests will find a truly elevated all-inclusive experience, like an experiential, multicourse tasting dinner; wellness- and healing-focused activities; gorgeous design details (including a picture-perfect infinity pool overlooking the beach); and some of the friendliest staff in the Dominican Republic. It also pushes the all-inclusive sector into the future, leaving us wondering: Which well-known brand will push the envelope next?
Best New or Renovated Points Hotel: Waldorf Astoria New York
After years of closure and renovation, the Waldorf Astoria New York — the hotel that created much of the luxury hotel experience as we know it — is back in business. Though the hotel has reduced its room count, it didn't skimp on grandeur, and one of the highlights of the renovation is the meticulous detail that went into restoring the legendary New York icon.
Passing through is like stepping back in time, though you'll find plenty of new details as well, including updated rooms exuding Upper East Side style, bars and restaurants from chef Michael Anthony and celebrated mixologist Jeff Bell, as well as a Guerlain Spa, the return of The Grand Ballroom and on-property residences.
Best New Outdoor Experience on Points: Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge
One thing was very clear last year: 2025 was the year when major hotel companies placed Mother Nature at center stage. We saw multiple outdoor-focused hotel collections emerge across points hotel companies, as well as the debut of nature-centric hotel brands that give travelers access to the great outdoors — while still enjoying the luxuries of an elevated hotel. And right now, no one does that better than Under Canvas.
The brand debuted one of its newest properties last year, nestled along the Columbia River Gorge with sweeping views of Mount Hood and access to some of the most premier outdoor adventure experiences in the Pacific Northwest.
According to Carly Helfand, TPG's director of points, miles and credit card content, the upscale glamping resort sets itself apart not only because of its absolutely stunning location and pristine views, but because the hotel supplies every single thing a guest could need in the tent — and nothing else.
"It's minimal, nothing extraneous; you still feel like you're in nature, but you've got all the right stuff there," Carly said about her stay at the property shortly after it opened. "That applies to the whole property. There's just enough connectivity, just enough programming and stuff to do when you're around, but not so much that you aren't encouraged to go take advantage of the surrounding area."
Every year, the TPG Awards honor excellence in credit cards, loyalty programs and travel. Please click here to read more about our winner-selection process and methodology for the 2026 TPG Awards.
Best Everyday Rewards Program: Bilt Rewards
TPG also introduced a new category this year to honor the best everyday rewards program, and Bilt Rewards is taking home the prize.
While Bilt's credit cards and their ability to earn you points on rent (and now, mortgage) get a lot of attention, the program also offers several other avenues for earning its lucrative, transferable points when you're not traveling — even if you don't have one of the issuer's cards.
Through Bilt, you can rack up points on everything from dining out to prescriptions, with opportunities that cover nearly every phase of life and stage of the day. In 2025 in particular, Bilt introduced several new ways to earn and redeem points for everyday expenses, like the ability to earn while shopping online through Rakuten and to use points to cover Lyft rides.
The past year has been an exciting one in the hotel landscape, while programs like Bilt are helping folks maximize their spending on everyday items and experiences. Here's hoping that 2026 will be just as exciting as new properties open up and loyalty programs continue to innovate.