This year the National Park Service turns 100, making it a great time to visit and appreciate all the National Parks have to offer! But, what if you’re like me? I love to hike and get out to explore the natural beauty, but I don’t like to camp. I’d camp if it was the only option or part of a really incredible experience I didn’t want to miss. Otherwise, I much prefer to come back to a cozy room with a bed and a hot shower.
The dilemma is many of the National Parks are accessed by gateway towns with nothing much else nearby. Hotel prices are often high, especially during peak seasons, which is why I like to use hotel points for free nights at National Parks. If you’re new to hotel loyalty programs, check out my informational post for beginners and pin the infographic below for your reference.
In this post, you’ll find the hotels available in each town that have hotel rewards programs. Interestingly, in doing this research, popular hotel loyalty brands like Starwood, Hyatt, and Club Carlson have little to no presence in the gateway cities near the following National Parks. Instead, hotel programs like Choice, Wyndham, and Best Western, in addition to IHG and Hilton, have many properties in ideal locations for National Park trips.
The tricky thing with Choice, Wyndham, and Best Western, though, is their points can be more difficult to earn. The best route is through paid stays, taking advantage of frequent promotions, and getting elite status to earn a higher percentage of points. Best Western and Choice also have partners like Avis Car Rental, which helps to earn hotel points when renting a car. Choice and Wyndham both offer co-branded credit cards but there are several other travel rewards and co-branded hotel credit cards that I’d deem way more valuable, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or SPG American Express.
Choice also partners with American Express Membership Rewards. Amex points transfer to Choice at a 1:1 ratio. This isn’t the best way to get the most value from your Amex points, but perhaps for the right redemption, it could make sense. Always compare the value you’re getting from each point and compare it to what a paid stay would cost.
Below you’ll find popular National Parks with their gateway town and a list of hotel options. Please keep in mind for hotel reward programs like Choice and Best Western who don’t have set hotel categories and/or award charts, every effort was made to find the correct number of points for peak summer stays. All numbers were accurate at the time this post was published.
How to Use Hotel Points for Free Nights at National Parks
Arches National Park & Canyonlands National Park
Moab, Utah is the gateway city for both of these stunning Utah National Parks. Surrounded by orange sandstone rock formations, Moab is ideally located. Arches is just 5 minutes from town and Canyonlands is just 25-30 minutes away. Moab is a full-service town with hotels, restaurants, gas, tour operators, and shops for all your basic necessities. It’s a lively town to stroll through in the evenings after a day out in the nearby parks.
| Hotel | Program | Points Per Night |
| Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn | Best Western | 36,000 |
| Best Western Plus Greenwell | Best Western | 32,000 |
| Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites | IHG | 35,000 |
| Hampton Inn Moab | Hilton | 30,000-50,000 |
| Homewood Suites Moab | Hilton | 30,000-50,000 |
| Fairfield Inn & Suites Moab | Marriott | 25,000-30,000 |
| Super 8 Moab | Wyndham | 15,000 |
| Days Inn Moab | Wyndham | 15,000 |
| Quality Suites Moab | Choice Privileges | 20,000 |
| Comfort Suites | Choice Privileges | 30,000 |
| Sleep Inn Moab | Choice Privileges | 25,000 |
| Rodeway Inn & Suites Landmark Inn | Choice Privileges | 20,000 |
Zion National Park
Springdale, Utah is situated right just footsteps from the park’s entrance and visitor center. The town runs along the main road with shops, places to eat, and accommodations. The town has few, if any, big name chain restaurants or hotels. Expect to find local eateries, inns, and B&Bs. There is a free shuttle that runs along the main road carrying people to and from Zion’s entrance. Below, find the hotels near Zion National Park you can book with points.
| Hotel | Program | Points Per Night |
| Holiday Inn Express Springdale | IHG | 20,000 |
| Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale | Hilton | 30,000-50,000 |
| Quality Inn Springdale | Choice Privileges | 20,000 |
Acadia National Park
Bar Harbor, Maine is surrounded by the National Park gem of the east coast, Acadia. The town sits on the Atlantic coast on Mount Desert Island. Picture a quintessential New England harbor with sailboats tethered to piers in Frenchman’s Bay and quaint streets lined with specialty shops and restaurants. While the Bar Harbor area is home to numerous privately owned guesthouses and hotels, there are a few options for those who want to book an award stay with hotel points.
| Hotel | Program | Points Per Night |
| Holiday Inn Resort Bar Harbor | IHG | 35,000 |
| Hampton Inn & Suites Bar Harbor | Hilton | 30,000-60,000 |
| Quality Inn Bar Harbor | Choice Privileges | 20,000 |
| Days Inn Bar Harbor | Wyndham | 15,000 |
Grand Teton National Park
Jackson, Wyoming is just a few minutes from the National Park and has a distinctive feel of a wild west frontier town. The mountains, lakes and natural landscapes within the National Park offer an endless number of outdoor adventures, particularly during the summer months when the town is at its busiest. Don’t be fooled by this western town’s cowboy-esque exterior. The extremely wealthy and celebrities, alike, have homes in and around the Jackson area. Expect to find spas, restaurants, and even art galleries that cater to upscale seasonal residents.
| Hotel | Program | Points Per Night |
| Homewood Suites Jackson Hole | Hilton | 40,000-70,000 |
| Hampton Inn Jackson Hole | Hilton | 30,000-60,000 |
| Quality Inn & Suites 49’er | Choice Privileges | 25,000 |
| Super 8 Jackson Hole | Wyndham | 15,000 |
Yellowstone National Park
West Yellowstone and Gardiner, Montana, as well as Cody, Wyoming are gateway communities leading into 3 of Yellowstone’s 5 entrances. Yellowstone is open year-round, but be sure to check the town and entrance you intend to use as all entrances aren’t open all year. In Cody, WY, you’ll be just a few miles from Yellowstone’s eastern entrance. After a day of hiking, you can channel your inner cowboy/girl by learning more about Buffalo Bill and heading out to the rodeo. Gardiner, MT has the most in the way of essential services. Nearest to Yellowstone’s north entrance, get your camera ready for plentiful wildlife sightings. West Yellowstone, MT is a tiny town with just the basics. It’s just a mile from the west entrance and has convenient access to Old Faithful.
| Hotel | Program | Points Per Night |
| Best Western Weston Inn West Yellowstone | Best Western | 20,000 |
| Best Western Desert Inn West Yellowstone | Best Western | 16,000 |
| Holiday Inn West Yellowstone | IHG | 35,000 |
| Days Inn West Yellowstone | Wyndham | 15,000 |
| Best Western By Mammoth Hot Springs Gardiner | Best Western | 28,000 |
| Comfort Inn Yellowstone North Gardiner | Choice Privileges | 30,000 |
| Rodeway Inn & Suites Gardiner | Choice Privileges | 25,000 |
| Super 8 Gardiner | Wyndham | 15,000 |
| Best Western Premier Ivy Inn & Suites Cody, WY | Best Western | 28,000 |
| Comfort Inn at Buffalo Bill Village Resort Cody, WY | Choice Privileges | 30,000 |
| Rodeway Inn Cody, WY | Choice Privileges | 25,000 |
| Holiday Inn at Buffalo Bill Village Cody, WY | IHG | 35,000 |
| Super 8 Cody, WY | Wyndham | 15,000 |
Glacier National Park
Whitefish and Kalispell, Montana are west of the park and provide access to the alpine forests, glacier-fed lakes, and mountains within the park. The famous Going-to-Sun-Road is roughly 30 miles from this entrance. Whitefish has its share of small shops but also has a larger Safeway. Kalispell is even more commercial with big name brands like Target and Starbucks. Whitefish has adventures for all seasons from skiing to zip-lining to hiking. Kalispell is a bit further from the park, with perhaps not as much charm. But, at only 40 minutes from Glacier’s western entrance, it’s a convenient choice nonetheless.
| Hotel | Program | Points Per Night |
| Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge Whitefish | Best Western | 20,000 |
| Hampton Inn Whitefish | Hilton | 30,000-50,000 |
| Hampton Inn Kalispell | Hilton | 30,000-50,000 |
| Hilton Garden Inn Kalispell | Hilton | 40,000-70,000 |
| Homewood Suites Kalispell | Hilton | 40,000-70,000 |
| Best Western Flathead Lake Inn & Suites Kalispell | Best Western | 16,000 |
| Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Kalispell | IHG | 35,000 |
| Comfort Inn Big Sky Kalispell | Choice Privileges | 25,000 |
| Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Kalispell | Choice Privileges | 25,000 |
| Super 8 Kalispell | Wyndham | 15,000 |
| Travelodge Kalispell | Wyndham | 15,000 |
Olympic National Park
Port Angeles and Sequim, Washington are gateway towns to the park situated on the Olympic Peninsula. Port Angeles is just minutes from the visitor center while Sequim is about an hour away. With access to the straits and channels leading to the Pacific Ocean, ferries to the islands and nearby British Columbia, beaches, and kayaking are all accessible. Both towns offer downtown areas with shops and markets.
| Hotel | Program | Points Per Night |
| Quality Inn Uptown Port Angeles | Choice Privileges | 30,000 |
| Days Inn Port Angeles | Wyndham | 15,000 |
| Super 8 Port Angeles | Wyndham | 15,000 |
| Quality Inn & Suites Sequim | Choice Privileges | 25,000 |
| Econo Lodge Sequim | Choice Privileges | 10,000 |
| Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Sequim | IHG | 25,000 |
| Days Inn & Suites Sequim | Wyndham | 15,000 |
Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Cherokee, North Carolina are your best options for using hotel points on a visit to Great Smoky Mountain National Park. This is the most visited National Park in the United States. Expect to find a large, sprawling town in Gatlinburg with all basic amenities and attractions like Ripley’s Believe or Not Museum. Cherokee is only 25 minutes from the park’s entrance on the North Carolina side and, as its name suggests, has deep Native American roots. Where Gatlinburg is a town all to itself, the food and lodging amenities in Cherokee exist for tourism only.
| Hotel | Program | Points Per Night |
| Best Western Gatlinburg – Numerous Locations | Best Western | 16,000-24,000 |
| Choice Privileges Hotels Gatlinburg, TN & Cherokee, NC-Numerous Locations | Choice Privileges | From 20,000 |
| Wyndham Gatlinburg, TN & Cherokee, NC-Numerous Locations | Wyndham | 15,000 |
| Hampton Inn Gatlinburg | Hilton | 40,000 |
| Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg | Hilton | 40,000 |
| The Park Vista DoubleTree Gatlinburg | Hilton | 40,000 |
| Holiday Inn Club Vacations Gatlinburg | IHG | 35,000 |
| Courtyard Gatlinburg | Marriott | 30,000 |
| Fairfield Inn & Suites Gatlinburg | Marriott | 30,000 |
| Fairfield Inn & Suites Cherokee | Marriott | 35,000 |
| Hampton Inn Cherokee | Hilton | 30,000 |
| Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Cherokee | IHG | 25,000 |
Yosemite National Park
Oakdale, Mariposa, Oakhurst, and Mammoth Lakes, California all offer hotel lodgings with loyalty programs. Oakhurst is the closest at just 22 miles from Yosemite’s southern entrance. The remaining gateway towns are between 30-40 miles from a Yosemite entrance. Oakhurst is primarily for basing yourself in proximity to the park. To immerse yourself in the area’s natural beauty, you’ll need to head into the National Park itself.
| Hotel | Program | Points Per Night |
| Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn Oakhurst | Best Western | 28,000 |
| Comfort Inn Yosemite Oakhurst | Choice Privileges | 25,000 |
| Sierra Sky Ranch, An Ascend Hotel Collection Member Oakhurst | Choice Privileges | 20,000 |
| Comfort Inn Yosemite Valley Gateway Mariposa | Choice Privileges | 25,000 |
| Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station Motel Mariposa | Best Western | 32,000 |
| Best Western Plus High Sierra Mammoth Lakes | Best Western | 32,000 |
| Quality Inn Mammoth Lakes | Choice Privileges | 25,000 |
| Rodeway Wildwood Inn Mammoth Lakes | Choice Privileges | 10,000 |
| The Westin Monache Resort Mammoth Lakes | Starwood | 12,000 |
| Travelodge Mammoth Lakes | Wyndham | 15,000 |
| Best Western Okus Rama Inn Oakdale | Best Western | 24,000 |
| Holiday Inn Express Oakdale | IHG | 15,000 |
Rocky Mountain National Park
Estes Park, Colorado is located at the east entrance to the park. The town’s roots are based in tourism. You’ll find everything you need for a comfortable visit to the National Park. Free shuttles transport visitors through the town directly to the park’s visitor center. Expect to find a wide selection of places to eat and outdoor activities. There are shops that rent gear for all of your adventure needs. As for chain hotels, there are a few in town you can book with points.
| Hotel | Program | Points Per Night |
| Best Western Plus Silver Saddle | Best Western | 28,000 |
| Comfort Inn Estes Park | Choice Privileges | 30,000 |
| Rodeway Inn Estes Park | Choice Privileges | 20,000 |
| Econo Lodge Estes Park | Choice Privileges | 8,000 |
Looking for more ways to save money on your National Park trip? Check out 5 Ways to Save Money at National Parks!
Are you planning a visit to the National Parks? Which hotel loyalty program do you use?
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Absolutely fantastic posting! Lots of useful information you got here for travellers….Thanks for Sharing such informative content…
Thanks, Maggie!
I’ve just returned from a trip to the National Parks and although I like to save money, I have found that it is worthwhile to spend the money to stay at the lodges or cabins inside the parks. It gives you a whole different experience. I was able to see both the stillness and peacefulness of the park at sunrise and sunset and watch the nearby animals without crowds of people. Plus, most in-park lodges have their own personalities and are located in the most scenic locations, with excellent access to in-park transportation and facilities.
I always book directly with the concessionaire and for the most popular ones as soon as reservations open up.
Thanks for offering a different viewpoint, Clare! It would certainly be nice to see the park quiet in the morning and at night. The lodge at Zion NP looked very nice. Unfortunately, we booked our trip last minute and this wasn’t an option. I also like saving on accommodations by using points to afford excursions that might not otherwise be possible. Thanks for sharing another option for people to consider for their NP trip! It’s so appreciated. 🙂
This is fantastic! I did a lot of national park visits when I was a kid, via RV or (gasp) in a tent. When I go back I’d love to have a hot shower and a room not on wheels this time 🙂 Love the points graphic too, I bookmarked that for later!
Thanks, Eileen! A tent! (shock, horror…joke!) I have those same childhood memories, thus the reason for a comfy room to come back to! Glad the infographic will be useful! 🙂
Wow, this article is probably one of the best I have read on the topic of redeeming and maximising your points, as well as using them to benefit from free hotel nights.
I salute you for all the efforts. I pinned it! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing, Svetoslav! Hope it will be helpful for anyone wanting to use points for National Park stays!
We have visited only one of the National Parks listed here and that is Yellowstone. We love National Parks, they are veritable treasure troves of natural beauty in all its splendour. And yes many a time accommodation with easy access to the parks is an issue. Your post packs in a lot of information on the accommodation available near each National Park and how to use hotel points. Very useful information,, will store this for easy reference.
Thanks so much! It can be so tricky to know where to stay if you’re not camping or in an RV. Glad the post will be useful for you. 🙂
That is so cool that you can do that! I always learn a new travel hack or two after reading your posts!
Thanks, Anna! Hope you can put a few of the hacks to good use! 🙂
We love staying in that actual park when possible but it seems like you really have to plan ahead as places fill up so fast during high season. Staying in a nearby hotel is good idea too so you can get to the park ASAP in the morning. We’re mostly Hilton and IHG people so I am happy to see several options near Great Smoky Mountain National park. Hoping to road trip there this summer!
Have an awesome trip to Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Alana! We booked our National Park road trip last minute and couldn’t stay in the parks we visited. We were really happy with IHG, too. The Holiday Inn Expresses we stayed at were consistently nice and cozy and were situated close to the parks for an easy early morning arrival.