Whether you see them in movies or know them from tourist guide books, some hotels around the world are part of popular culture. We know them by name, and many travelers add them to their must-visit lists.

Though these world-famous amazing hotels may not flaunt their affiliations with popular loyalty programs, you can earn and redeem points at these glamorous addresses.

Surprising to some, these famous luxury hotels are hidden loyalty program gems that can be booked with points.

The best aspirational properties for award stays

1. The Plaza (New York City, New York) - Accor Live Limitless (ALL)

Photo courtesy of The Plaza, a Fairmont Managed Hotel.

Perhaps New York’s most famous hotel, this Central-Park-facing address has been featured in many Hollywood movies and Big Apple tourist memories. Its official name is The Plaza, a Fairmont Managed Hotel, and because Fairmont participates in the Accor Live Limitless loyalty program, ALL points can be redeemed for a discount on the paid rate.

Take afternoon tea in The Palm Court, grab a bite to eat in the lower-level food court or just bask in the luxury of The Plaza’s world-famous accommodations. The Plaza has earned its rank as one of the most beautiful hotels in the United States.

2. Le Royal Monceau (Paris, France) - Accor Live Limitless (ALL)

Photo courtesy of Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris.

Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris has hosted royalty, celebrities and well-heeled visitors aplenty. The sumptuous accommodations reflect Le Royal Monceau’s connection to modern art, paying careful attention to natural light, international cuisine and classic Parisian joie de vivre.

Accor Live Limitless members can apply points to a reservation here to shave off the cost of a stay.

3. The Savoy (London, England) - Accor Live Limitless (ALL)

Photo courtesy of The Savoy.

The Savoy, a Fairmont Managed Hotel is known worldwide as simply The Savoy — one of London’s most famous hotels. Accor Live Limitless members can earn or redeem points for a room done in English Edwardian or stunning Art Deco style offering views of the Thames or other famous London landmarks.

4. Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace (Versailles, France) - Hilton Honors

Photo courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palace Versailles.

The Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace is more than a century old and located near the Palace of Versailles and Grand Trianon, making this luxurious retreat the perfect pairing with a visit to Louis XIV’s famous palace. Hilton Honors members can redeem points for a room here based on Hilton’s dynamic pricing model, which means the points rate fluctuates by the night and room type.

Guests who have the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card enjoy automatic Diamond status and bonus points that come with it. Terms apply.

5. Hotel del Coronado (near San Diego, California) - Hilton Honors

Photo courtesy of Hotel Del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton.

The legendary Hotel Del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton near San Diego is a family-friendly resort with a storied past. Since 1888, the hotel has hosted celebrities and royalty, and has starred in movies — you might remember it from “Some Like It Hot” as the spot where Marilyn Monroe paraded along the beach.

Guests of “The Del” may not realize that they can earn and redeem Hilton Honors points for a stay here.

6. The Venetian Resort Las Vegas and Palazzo at the Venetian Resort (Las Vegas, Nevada) - IHG Rewards Club

Photo courtesy of The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.

Did you know that the Venetian and Palazzo at the Venetian are part of the InterContinental Alliance Resorts group? This means that guests can earn and redeem IHG Rewards Club points when they stay on the famous Las Vegas Strip.

The number of points needed for an award night varies since the program operates on a dynamic pricing model.

7. Nemacolin (Farmington, Pennsylvania) - I Prefer Rewards

Photo courtesy of Preferred Hotels and Resorts.

This secluded retreat in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania is well-known for its fine dining, its impressive art collection, a lavish spa and outdoor activities like championship golf courses. The Nemacolin is surrounded by 2,000 acres of highlands, woods, meadows and mountains and has an onsite Wildlife Academy with buffalo and bears.

As a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts I Prefer program, the resort offers guests the chance to earn points or redeem them for gift certificates to use at the resort.

8. Grand Hotel Tremezzo (Lake Como, Italy) - I Prefer Rewards

Photo courtesy of Preferred Hotels & Resorts.

This magnificent hotel overlooks the serene and picturesque scenery of Lake Como. A seasonal hotel, Grand Hotel Tremezzo has a loyal following and offers a spectacular floating pool directly on the lake, as well as a private beach and hillside pool. Its palatial interiors and impeccable dining keep guests coming back year after year.

I Prefer members can take advantage of their program benefits when they stay here.

9. The Royal at Atlantis (Paradise Island, Bahamas) - Marriott Bonvoy

Photo courtesy of Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board.

The Royal at Atlantis is one of the most aspirational Marriott properties, and one of several Atlantis properties in the Bahamas that participate in Marriott Bonvoy. It’s a pleasant surprise to be able to earn and burn points during a stay on the island.

This is a Category 7 hotel in the program, which means a one-night stay costs between 45,000 and 70,000 points.

10. The Royal Hawaiian (Honolulu, Hawaii) - Marriott Bonvoy

Photo courtesy of The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort.

Known as the “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” The Royal Hawaiian is part of the Luxury Collection and a Category 7 hotel in the Marriott Bonvoy program, which means a one-night stay costs between 45,000 and 70,000 points. The resort dates back to 1927, and free historical tours of the resort unveil the rich history that has taken place here over the past century.

11. The Algonquin (New York City, New York) - Marriott Bonvoy

Photo courtesy of Marriott.

Open for more than a century, this legendary hotel has been designated as a New York City Historic Landmark. The Algonquin Hotel Times Square, Autograph Collection is a Category 7 hotel in the Marriott Bonvoy program, which means a one-night stay costs between 45,000 and 70,000 points per night.

12. The US Grant (San Diego, California) - Marriott Bonvoy

Photo courtesy of Marriott.

The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel is in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter and full of history. As a Category 6 hotel in the Marriott Bonvoy program, a one-night stay would cost between 35,000 and 60,000 points per night.

13. St. Ermin’s Hotel (London, England) - Marriott Bonvoy

Photo courtesy of St. Ermin's Hotel, Autograph Collection.

A member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, St. Ermin's Hotel boasts a rich history and posh level of service that make it a favorite for many visitors to London. Marriott Bonvoy members can earn bonus points for using a credit card like the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (which comes with Silver Elite status) or the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. Terms apply.

To redeem for a night at St. Ermin's Hotel, Autograph Collection, members need between 45,000 and 70,000 points.

14. Prince de Galles (Paris, France) - Marriott Bonvoy

Photo courtesy of Marriott.

The Prince de Galles in Paris is a member of The Luxury Collection, and its Avenue George V location cements its position as one of the most regal and high-end properties in town. For an award night at the Category 8 Prince de Galles, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Paris, Marriott Bonvoy members need between 65,000 and 100,000 points.

15. Hotel du Louvre (Paris, France) - World of Hyatt

Photo courtesy of Hôtel du Louvre.

Built in 1855, the hotel is close to the Musee du Louvre and has hosted celebrated artists and writers over the decades. Hotel du Louvre is part of the Unbound Collection by Hyatt and participates in the World of Hyatt program.

As a Category 7 property, a redemption night costs 25,000 - 35,000 points per night.

16. Hotel Martinez (Cannes, France) - World of Hyatt

Photo courtesy of Hôtel Martinez.

On the French Riviera and facing the Mediterranean Sea, Hotel Martinez is a world-famous, grande-dame hotel that is part of the Unbound Collection by Hyatt. It is a Category 8 hotel in the World of Hyatt program, and a standard room redemption night costs 40,000 points.

17. Hemingways Nairobi (Nairobi, Kenya) - World of Hyatt

Photo courtesy of Hemingways Nairobi.

A favorite of safari travelers before or after their adventure, as well as Nairobi visitors, Hemingways Nairobi is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, which participates in World of Hyatt. It is a Category 6 property in the World of Hyatt program, which means a redemption night would cost 21,000 - 29,000 points.

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