How to Stay in London Hotels on Points

By Bryce Casson, Founder · Cardocrat · Updated June 2026
The short answer: London cash rates stay high all year, so points pay off whenever you go. IHG has the deepest central-London footprint, with Hilton and Marriott strong, so the cards that reach them, Chase or Bilt for IHG and Amex for Hilton and Marriott, are the ones to hold.

Why London rewards points year round

London is one of the few global cities that barely has a low season, so central hotels stay expensive from January to December. That steadiness makes it a reliable points city: you are rarely stuck choosing between a cheap cash rate and burning points, because the cash rate is high almost every week of the year.

The cards and transfer partners to use

IHG One Rewards has an unusually deep London presence, from Holiday Inn to Kimpton and InterContinental, and IHG is reached only through Chase Ultimate Rewards or Bilt at 1:1, so a Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Bilt card is the London workhorse. Hilton and Marriott fill in the rest, reached with Amex, plus Chase or Bilt for Marriott. See which cards transfer to hotels.

Co-brand cards for the city

The IHG Premier card suits the city brand depth, earning IHG points, a fourth-reward-night-free perk on award stays, and an annual free night. The Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy Boundless cards cover the other chains. Compare live award costs on rooms.aero. See best cities for hotel points.

Frequently asked questions

Is London a good city to use hotel points?
Yes, one of the best abroad. Central London cash rates stay high in every season, so an award night consistently offsets a large cash rate. IHG, Hilton, and Marriott all have deep London footprints to redeem in.
Which hotel points are best in London?
IHG One Rewards has the deepest London presence and is reached through Chase or Bilt, with Hilton and Marriott close behind via Amex, Chase, or Bilt. Hold a Chase or Bilt card for IHG and an Amex for the rest.

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Bryce Casson

Bryce Casson, Founder of Cardocrat. Every card is ranked by what it actually returns, with all points valued at a flat 1 cent and offers verified against issuer sources. About the author.