Hyatt Hotels and Resorts has joined the growing roster of more than 11,000 hotels in the Rewards Network Hotels program.

Rewards Network, formerly iDine, offers one of the most extensive hotel rewards programs in the industry. With the addition of the Hyatt family of hotels, members now have an additional choice of 106 U.S. destinations. By booking hotel reservations online at www.rewardsnetwork.com or calling 877-491-3463, Rewards Network members can book a room and earn Cashback Rewards or up to seven airline miles for every dollar spent on the room rate.

It should be noted that the seven miles per dollar earned are in addition to any mileage earned directly through Hyatt.
“Hyatt partnered with Rewards Network because the program was very easy to implement, and we are able to retain control of brand, inventory and pricing,” said Joan Lowell, vice president — Electronic Distribution, Hyatt.

Hyatt joins other industry heavyweights such as Marriott, Intercontinental, Hilton and Omni in the program.

Rewards Network is, quite simply, the most lucrative means of acquiring airline miles through hotel stays. Though this magazine has consistently touted the value of hotel points, there remain a large number of travelers who use hotel loyalty programs simply to earn airline miles.

And basic math bears out the assertion that Rewards Network offers the best deal. In the case of Hyatt, for example, an airline program member who opts to earn miles instead of Gold Passport points will generally earn 500 miles per stay. With Rewards Network, not only will that customer still earn the 500 points, but because his or her credit card is registered with Rewards Network, an additional 700 miles are tacked on to a stay of $100, resulting in a total of 1,200 miles.