InnPoints Worldwide has launched a new StayCredits loyalty program that independent hoteliers can join and then customize their own rewards program. Participating hotels can choose from one of three options: The Standalone, The Chain and The Alliance. The Standalone is designed to be an individual hotel loyalty program that allows a single hotel property to set up a customizable credit and redemption system. Guests can redeem credit for free stays, discounts, upgrades, spa services or other incentives. The Chain is similar to the Standalone program except that the program includes unlimited hotel locations and guests can redeem credit for award stays at any location. Hotels that join the Alliance will become one of many StayCredits member hotels and guests staying at a hotel that participates in the Alliance can earn and redeem credit at any participating Alliance hotel. For more information, visit http://www.staycredits.com

Bottom line: The StayCredits program allows independent hotels to compete with hotel groups that offer an established loyalty program. By October, 150 hotels are expected to be in the program. The program is similar to Stash Rewards in that members can earn and redeem credits for stays across a network of participating hotels, but in addition to hotel nights, guests will also be able to redeem for other types of local awards that each hotel can offer individually, such as cocktails or a vacation package. For guests who like to stay at unique independent hotels but still want to earn free nights, StayCredits is a new player in the loyalty game.