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Travelers have a reason to smile this summer: Lodging prices dropped in June 2025. And if you play your cards right, you can stretch your savings even further by using a co-branded hotel credit card.
The latest Consumer Price Index from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the price of lodging away from home fell 2.9% in June. This continues a multimonth trend of softening travel prices, with airfare also declining.
This is opportune news for vacationers and business travelers alike—and an even better opportunity to make your credit card rewards go further.
Why This Is the Perfect Time To Book Hotels (Even With Points)
Because many hotel loyalty programs use dynamic pricing, lower cash rates often mean lower points redemptions, too, making this an ideal time to stretch your stash.
Say a room that usually costs $300 a night is now $250. You might need fewer points to book it, or you could save your points altogether and pay with a hotel credit card to earn points in your favorite loyalty program. Either way, it’s a win.
The right hotel credit card can unlock perks like elite status, free nights and room upgrades—all while rates are lower than usual.
Which Hotel Credit Card Should You Pick?
- Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express*: This card offers automatic Hilton Honors Diamond elite status to cardholders, a high-tier level typically requiring dozens of paid nights. With perks like lounge access at select properties, statement credits and a Free Night Reward, its benefits outweigh its $550 annual fee.
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card*: You’ll get Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status automatically with this card for a reasonable $95 annual fee. This status grants you an additional 10% more points on every eligible hotel purchase and priority late checkout. The card also includes an annual free award night (up to 35,000 points), charges no foreign transaction fees and offers a welcome bonus: 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
- Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card*: For a $75 annual fee, this card provides Platinum status in Wyndham’s loyalty program and includes perks like early check-in, late checkout and an annual 7,500-point bonus—enough for up to one free night at participating properties.
Beyond rewards, flexibility is another important factor, especially if you need to cancel or adjust your plans. Some travel cards have built-in trip cancellation insurance, so you won’t lose points or money if your getaway hits a snag.
For example, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card all come with travel protection benefits, so you won’t need to stress over amending your trip.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card also comes with travel insurance, including trip delay reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, auto rental coverage and more.
Plenty of travel cards come packed with insurance perks, so make sure to pick a card that not only makes your trip financially possible but has your back when plans go awry.
Tips To Maximize Hotel Rewards During a Price Dip
- Redeem smartly. Lower rates often mean fewer points needed to book the same room. Compare both cash and points prices to find the best value.
- Look for promotions. Hotel chains frequently run seasonal promos. You can stack these with credit card earnings for outsized rewards.
- Use elite status perks. Cards that offer elite status can often get you late checkout, room upgrades or free breakfast—benefits that add up on discounted stays.
- Book through card travel portals. Some cards offer bonus rewards when you book hotels through their travel sites.
- Consider anniversary free nights. If your card offers an anniversary free night, now’s a great time to use it while prices are low and availability is higher.
Bottom Line
Hotel prices are falling across the board, with June 2025 showing a nearly 3% monthly dip. If you’ve been waiting to book a stay, now is the time to lock in savings—and boost your value with a credit card that offers substantial hotel rewards.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.