The 20 Best Hotels To Book With Points for Fall Travel [2023]

As we say goodbye to summer and hello to fall, you may be considering a trip to take in the beauty of this season. And as with any vacation, you might be looking for accommodations where you can use your hard-earned points to redeem a free night.

If that’s you, then look no further than the hotels on this list, which are all close to amazing places to see fall foliage this year.

How These Hotels Made the List

Seeing fall foliage across the U.S. is a worthwhile experience and a bucket list item for many travelers. However, you may be unfamiliar with the areas that you hope to visit. We’re here to give you guidance on where to stay.

The hotels on this list are each in or near places to see fall foliage, as outlined in our guide to where to see fall foliage. Brands include Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, and IHG, and the properties can be booked with hotel loyalty points.

They are listed first by loyalty program and then in alphabetical order by state. We also included the price of an award night.

The 5 Best Hilton Honors Hotels for Fall Travel

Hilton Honors members can earn Hilton Honors points at the following 5 properties, as well as redeem Hilton Honors points for an award stay.

1. Hampton Inn Bar Harbor (Maine)

Closest Airport: Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB)

Hampton Inn Bar Harbor is a seasonal hotel open from May through October. Thanks to Maine’s location in the Northeast, fall foliage is at its peak in late September, so this hotel is a perfect place to stay to see the colors change.

Less than a mile from Acadia National Park, the hotel’s location means you can view the mountains from the hotel or on a hike.

Amenities at this hotel include complimentary hot breakfast and parking, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. There are no dining options at Hampton Inn Bar Harbor, though the hotel is just 2 miles from downtown and the waterfront. Don’t forget to get some Maine lobster during your visit!

Redeem Hilton Honors points starting at 69,000 points per night at Hampton Inn Bar Harbor.

2. Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder (New Mexico)

Closest Airport: Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF)

Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder is a highly-rated Hilton resort in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The city is about 1 hour and 40 minutes away from Taos, New Mexico, and the Enchanted Circle Scenic Bypass.

In addition to the casino, you can enjoy a round of golf at Towa Golf Club or spend time at Wo P’in Spa. Amenities included with your spa treatment include a hot tub, sauna, and steam room. There is also an indoor pool and outdoor pool.

Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder has 6 on-site dining options, including a Starbucks. Restaurants include Iguana Cafe, which serves Mexican cuisine, and Turquoise Trail, where you can enjoy Southwestern-style dishes.

Redeem Hilton Honors points starting at 50,000 points per night at Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder.

3. The Duniway Portland, A Hilton Hotel (Oregon)

Closest Airport: Portland International Airport (PDX)

The Duniway Portland is a convenient starting point for exploring Oregon in the fall. Portland is near the beginning of the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway Loop.

Amenities at this boutique hotel include electric vehicle charging stations, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. Some nearby attractions include the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall and Lan Su Chinese Garden.

The hotel features a restaurant, lounge bar, and coffee bar. The main restaurant, Mayrose Restaurant, is an American brasserie and bar. Mayrose Coffee Bar features coffee and espresso from local coffee roasters.

Redeem Hilton Honors points starting at 47,000 points per night at The Duniway Portland.

4. Black Fox Lodge Pigeon Forge, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (Tennessee)

Closest Airport: McGee Tyson Airport (TYS)

Pigeon Forge is a city in the Tennessee portion of the Great Smoky Mountains. Black Fox Lodge Pigeon Forge is an ideal location for fall foliage and is only 3 miles from Dollywood.

There is free parking, a seasonal outdoor pool, a fitness center, and 3 restaurants and bars at this hotel. Fox Den Bar serves craft beer, wine, and seasonal cocktails. Fox Den Breakfast is available for buffet-style or à la carte dining, and Fox Den Restaurant specializes in brick-oven pizzas and handmade burgers.

Redeem Hilton Honors points starting at 45,000 points per night at Black Fox Lodge Pigeon Forge, Tapestry Collection by Hilton.

5. Killington Mountain Lodge, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (Vermont)

Closest Airport: Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport (RUT)

Killington Mountain Lodge is in a good location to take in all of the beauty of Vermont in the fall. Hiking and biking trails are close to the hotel, so you can easily ditch the car and get out into nature.

This hotel has an indoor pool, fitness center, and on-site restaurant. There’s also a large hot tub to enjoy during the colder fall months.

Although the hotel is less than a mile from local restaurants, you can choose to stay in and drink and dine at the hotel’s bar and restaurant. The Wobbly Pickle Lounge is a full-service bar that serves seasonal cocktails, beer, and wine. The Wobbly Pickle Restaurant serves pub food.

Redeem Hilton Honors points starting at 36,000 points per night at Killington Mountain Lodge, Tapestry Collection by Hilton.

The 5 Best IHG One Rewards Hotels for Fall Travel

Those with IHG One Rewards membership can earn IHG One Rewards points and redeem IHG One Rewards points at the following properties.

1. Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver (Colorado)

Closest Airport: Denver International Airport (DEN)

Denver, Colorado, is a great vacation destination all year, and fall is no exception. The Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver is an ideal hotel to serve as a home base in the city during your fall visit.

Located in downtown Denver, the 189-room boutique hotel was recently renovated and is close to great bars and restaurants. Lariat Loop Scenic Byway is 20 minutes away by car and includes stops such as the Colorado Railroad Museum and Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave.

Complimentary amenities include morning coffee and tea service, loaner bikes, and the Kimpton Kids Program. The fitness center is open 24/7.

Panzano restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch and serves Northern Italian cuisine. The restaurant uses locally grown and organic ingredients.

Redeem IHG One Rewards points starting at 51,000 points per night at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver.

2. Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman (Montana)

Closest Airport: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)

Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman is convenient for a visit to Yellowstone National Park or Big Sky. The boutique hotel is the former home of the Bozeman National Guard.

Amenities include morning coffee and tea service, a rooftop bar and pool, and in-room yoga mats. You might even be able to catch a show at Armory Music Hall, which is in the hotel.

Dining and bar options include Fieldings, which serves American cuisine, the whiskey bar Tune Up, and rooftop bar Sky Shed.

Redeem IHG One Rewards points starting at 52,000 points per night at Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman.

3. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Manchester-Airport (New Hampshire)

Closest Airport: Manchester Boston Regional Airport (MHT)

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Manchester-Airport is a low-frills hotel that’s perfect for a points hotel stay near New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

This hotel features an indoor pool and hot tub, a fitness center, and a full complimentary breakfast where kids eat free. There is no on-site full restaurant at this hotel.

Redeem IHG One Rewards points starting at 20,000 points per night at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Manchester-Airport.

4. Holiday Inn Express Springdale – Zion Natl Pk Area (Utah)

Closest Airport: St. George Regional Airport (SGU)

The Holiday Inn Express Springdale – Zion Natl Pk Area in Springdale, Utah, is just over a mile from Zion National Park‘s southern entrance.

Breakfast is complimentary at this hotel. Amenities include an outdoor heated pool and hot tub and on-site laundry facilities. The fitness center offers floor-to-ceiling windows of the Zion Canyon.

Redeem IHG One Rewards points starting at 50,000 points per night at Holiday Inn Express Springdale – Zion Natl Pk Area.

5. Kimpton Hotel Vintage Seattle (Washington)

Closest Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Kimpton Hotel Vintage Seattle is a boutique hotel in downtown Seattle and an hour away from Olympic National Park. It’s also a 10-minute walk to Pike Place Market.

Amenities available to all guests include complimentary use of hotel bicycles. Guests can also request a minifridge in their room.

Italian restaurant Tulio is the hotel’s only dining option, but in downtown Seattle, there’s no shortage of appetizing places to eat. Tulio is open for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner everyday. You can also enjoy room service from the restaurant during its usual business hours.

Redeem IHG One Rewards points starting at 35,000 points per night at Kimpton Hotel Vintage Seattle.

The 5 Best Marriott Bonvoy Hotels for Fall Travel

If you’re a member of Marriott Bonvoy, you can earn Marriott Bonvoy points and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points at these hotels.

1. The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe (California)

Closest Airport: Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)

The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe is near popular ski resorts such as Heavenly and Northstar at Tahoe. But despite its popularity as a ski-in, ski-out resort, it’s also in an ideal location to enjoy the beautiful fall season. Each guest room even features a fireplace!

The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe, technically in Truckee, California, offers a fall retreat perfect for residents of the San Francisco Bay Area. In fact, Lake Tahoe is actually located in both California and Nevada (where the casinos are).

When not enjoying a hike directly from the hotel, you can enjoy a round of golf, time at the spa, or indulge in food at one of the hotel’s restaurants. Among the dining options is Living Room, a casual restaurant that serves craft cocktails and light bites. The star of the show is Manzanita, a fine-dining restaurant that serves California cuisine.

For kids and families, ask the front desk about getting a s’mores kit. You can roast marshmallows and enjoy the fun treat outside at the fire pits.

Redeem Marriott Bonvoy points starting at 65,000 points per night at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe.

2. The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Marriott (Illinois)

Closest Airport: Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

Chicago is one of the big cities on our list that’s as much a home base for leaf-peeping day trips as it is a jumping-off point to explore other areas. The high-rise hotel The Gwen is on Michigan Avenue in the heart of the city, just a block from the Magnificient Mile.

Amenities at The Gwen include complimentary use of Gwen bicycles, coffee and tea service daily, and a 24-hour fitness center. Dining options include Kostali by Naha, a Mediterranean restaurant, and Upstairs at The Gwen, a rooftop venue that serves small bites and craft cocktails.

For fall foliage views on a long road trip from Chicago, you can check out Shawnee National Forest. From there, you can try the short hike on the Observation Trail for panoramic views.

Redeem Marriott Bonvoy points starting at 35,000 points per night at The Gwen.

3. Inn at Bay Harbor, Autograph Collection (Michigan)

Closest Airport: Pellston Regional Airport (PLN)

Located in a resort town in Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay, the Inn at Bay Harbor is in one of several stops along the Tunnel of Trees scenic road trip on M-119 in Michigan.

There is a 45-hole golf course, spa, and afternoon tea among the amenities available at this Autograph Collection hotel. There are also poolside cabanas to enjoy during warm weather and e-bikes that you can rent to explore.

Restaurants include Vintage Chophouse | Wine Bar, The Sagamore Room (which serves breakfast either à la carte or buffet-style), and The Inn Café. The Cabana Bar is open in the summer for lunch and dinner.

Redeem Marriott Bonvoy points starting at 34,000 points per night at Inn at Bay Harbor, Autograph Collection.

4. Marriott’s Willow Ridge Lodge (Missouri)

Closest Airport: Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF)

Marriott’s Willow Ridge Lodge is a family-friendly villa resort in Branson, Missouri, on the Missouri side of the Ozark Mountains.

Rooms range from guest rooms to 2-bedroom villa suites. Each room comes with a kitchen or kitchenette with a full-size refrigerator. There’s both an indoor and outdoor pool as well as a hot tub and fitness center on the property. There’s also a games room and complimentary on-site parking.

In addition to nearby restaurants, the hotel has its own restaurant, available between Memorial Day and Labor Day (unfortunately it’s not an option during the fall). The Marketplace Express offers Starbucks coffee, snacks, and sundries.

Redeem Marriott Bonvoy points starting at 33,6000 points per night at Marriott’s Willow Ridge Lodge.

5. AC Hotel Asheville Downtown (North Carolina)

Closest Airport: Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)

AC Hotel Asheville Downtown is less than 20 minutes by car from the iconic Biltmore Estate and other beautiful places to spend the day in the fall.

The hotel’s amenities include a fitness center, dry cleaning service, and convenience store.

There are 2 restaurants to choose from at AC Hotel Asheville Downtown. Capella on 9 has a tapas-style menu with handcrafted cocktails and is open in the late afternoon into the night. AC Kitchen serves a European-inspired breakfast every day from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Redeem Marriott Bonvoy points starting at 53,000 points per night at AC Hotel Asheville Downtown.

The 5 Best World of Hyatt Hotels for Fall Travel

World of Hyatt members can earn World of Hyatt points and redeem World of Hyatt points for stays at these properties that are ideal for leaf peeping.

1. Hyatt Place Fayetteville/Springdale (Arkansas)

Closest Airport: Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA)

Fayetteville, Arkansas, is located in the Ozarks where colors change in late October into early November. Arkansas Tourism has several suggested scenic drives in the Arkansas Ozarks.

Hyatt Place Fayetteville/Springdale is less than 20 minutes from XNA and even closer to the University of Arkansas. Parking is also free.

Favorable amenities include free breakfast, in-room Chromecast, and a 24/7 gym. On-site dining is available in some form or another 24 hours a day. Guests can get a hot breakfast at Breakfast Bar in the morning, a specialty coffee or cocktail with small bites at The Bar, or grab something quick to go at The Market.

Redeem World of Hyatt points starting at 6,500 points per night at Hyatt Fayetteville/Springdale, a Category 2 property.

2. Hyatt Place Mystic (Connecticut)

Closest Airport: Bradley International Airport (BDL)

Hyatt Place Mystic is a pet-friendly accommodation option just 10 minutes from Stonington, Connecticut. The hotel is around a 2-hour drive from Boston and New York.

Stonington is home to 3 vineyards along the Connecticut Wine Trail, a collection of 22 wineries and vineyards from all around the state. The wineries host events, such as live music and trivia games, and food trucks throughout the year, with the fall being no exception.

Amenities at Hyatt Place Mystic include free breakfast, free parking, an on-site restaurant, and a 24/7 dining menu. Breakfast is served at the aptly named The Breakfast Bar, while you can sit down with a burger, sandwich, salad, or more at the Placery. For quick bites, The Market serves prepackaged meals and bottled drinks.

Redeem World of Hyatt points starting at 12,000 points per night at Hyatt Place Mystic, a Category 4 property. This property would also be a good use of a Category 1-4 free night certificate.

3. Miraval Berkshires (Massachusetts)

Closest Airport: Bradley International Airport (BDL)

Miraval Berkshires is a wellness retreat that offers shared shuttle service from both BDL and Pittsfield Municipal Airport (PSF).

Miraval offers an all-inclusive experience that includes all meals, snacks, coffee, smoothies, and nonalcoholic beverages. There is a daily schedule of wellness activities that you can choose from either before you arrive or when you get there. You also receive a $175 nightly credit that you can use toward the spa or other fee-based activities.

Redeem World of Hyatt points starting at 40,000 points per night (single occupancy) at Miraval Berkshires.

4. Hyatt Centric Downtown Minneapolis (Minnesota)

Closest Airport: Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)

Hyatt Centric Downtown Minneapolis is in the heart of downtown and close to major attractions. You could even catch a regular-season Minnesota Twins game at Target Field, which is within walking distance to the hotel, during your fall trip.

On-site amenities include room service, a fitness center, and a concierge. The hotel has 1 dining venue, SIX15 Bar & Lounge, which serves breakfast, dinner, and artisanal cocktails.

Redeem World of Hyatt points starting at 9,000 points per night at Hyatt Centric Downtown Minneapolis, a Category 3 property.

5. Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa (New York)

Closest Airport: Burlington International Airport (BVT)

Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa, is in New York’s Adirondack Mountains on Lake Placid. It has been rated a top resort in Lake Placid by Tripadvisor and is also a Small Luxury Hotels of the World property.

The spa at Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa is one of the most well-known spas in the area. As such, we highly recommend making an appointment well before your check-in date. The spa offers salt therapy and a salon. Additional amenities include a fitness center and a heated lap pool and sauna.

There are 2 dining options: The View and The Cottage. The View is the resort’s fine dining establishment, while The Cottage serves specialty comfort foods, soups, and sandwiches.

Redeem World of Hyatt points starting at 21,000 points per night at Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa, a Category 6 property.

How To Earn Hotel Loyalty Points

You can always earn hotel loyalty points — and elite status — the good old-fashioned way: by staying in hotels. But there are other ways to earn hotel points that you can later use to redeem for free nights.

Co-branded hotel credit cards are the easiest way to earn a lot of points at one time. Credit cards are available in personal and business versions for each of the brands on this list, and we have dedicated guides to learn more about the best Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott cards. Some card benefits include automatic elite status and free night certificates in addition to the points bonus you’ll earn after meeting any minimum spend requirement.

Hotel dining programs are another great way to earn hotel points. You can sign up for your preferred hotel brand’s dining program and earn points every time you use your linked card on dining purchases.

You can transfer points from partners such as select airlines and transferrable points earned from credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® or The Platinum Card^® from American Express directly to your loyalty account.

And lastly, you can always buy hotel points if you need to top off your account for redemption.

Final Thoughts

Fall around the U.S. is a beautiful time of year and the perfect excuse for domestic travel. And it’s a perfect excuse to break out those hotel points you’ve accumulated.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, click here.