Business or Pleasure: Here’s the Fast Track to Free Hotel Rooms

Are you a four-star hotel traveler, or do you go for simple, clean and convenient? Whatever you’re after, these two new card offers can get you free rooms in record time — earning 75,000 welcome bonus points (for regular travelers) or 100,000 welcome bonus points (for business accounts) after meeting a modest spending level. They give cardholders access to low rates, upgrades and free rooms within a network of more than 6,700 hotels worldwide.

The options for this rewards program are stunning — especially since a recent merger between Marriott and International Hotel Group. Under this umbrella are the Ritz-Carlton chain, W Hotels, Westin hotels, Courtyard hotels, Residence Inns and many more. Here are the best hotel rewards cards to come along in a long while:

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

Why we love it: This card (replacing the Marriott Rewards Premier Plus card) rakes in 75,000 bonus points after hitting a relatively modest spend threshold of $3,000 within the first three months, and then just continues to reward the card holder — with 6 bonus points per dollar spent at hotels under their massive umbrella and a free room on every anniversary with the account.

More highlights:

  • Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on this card within the first three months of opening the account. (That’s anywhere from 1 to 10 nights, depending on the hotel you choose!)

  • Every year, on your account anniversary, get a free night award (up to a 35,000 point value).

  • Earn 6 points for every dollar you spend at the hotels in the Marriott Bonvoy network.

  • Earn 2 points for every dollar spent on all other purchases.

  • Earn unlimited reward points.

Note: This card has a $95 annual fee.

Click here to apply and to compare it with other offers.

Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card

Why we love it: This card (replacing Starwood Preferred Guest business card) rings up an astonishing 100,000 bonus points after spending just $5,000 within the first three months after opening the account. (Our CEO jumped on the opportunity, noting that it’s pretty easy to spend $5,000 on a business card.) You’ll need to act fast to get in on this deal. It ends April 24.

Highlights of this offer:

  • Rack up 100,000 welcome points after using this card for $5,000 in purchases within the first three months.

  • Earn 6 points per dollar spent at hotels in the Marriott Bonvoy network.

  • Earn 4 points per dollar at American restaurants and gas stations, as well as cellphone services from U.S. providers and 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

  • Get a free hotel night on each card account anniversary (for a room worth up to 35,000 points) at participating hotels in the Marriott Bonvoy network.