Most hotel loyalty programs don’t cost customers a dime: Sign up, earn (and burn) points, get the loyalty member rate and free WiFi. Easy. But what if you asked customers to pay an annual fee for added benefits?
It’s been a boon for Amazon, when, in 2005, it launched Amazon Prime, which, for $139 a year, gets members a slew of benefits, none bigger than free, fast shipping and ancillary benefits like Prime Video. As of 2025, there are an estimated 240 million Amazon Prime members worldwide.
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Wyndham Hotels & Resorts just went full emulation. The Parsipanny, N.J.-based franchisor of brands, including Days Inn, Super 8, La Quinta and Microtel, has debuted a $95 travel subscription called Wyndham Rewards Insider, which unlocks a slew of perks: automatic Gold-level status, concierge services, the ability to double-dip on points with select partners and savings on hotels, flights, car rentals, cruises and more.
Now, and through the end of the year, new subscribers to Wyndham Rewards Insider receive their first 14 months for the price of 12, plus a 7,500 Wyndham Rewards point bonus.
Wyndham is called it “a first-of-its-kind travel and entertainment subscription” and they may be right. No other large hotel company currently has an ancillary paid program adjacent their core loyalty program product. There are hotel-branded credit cards that come with annual fees.
“The world of travel rewards is changing. People today want more than just points—they want breadth, flexibility and value they can feel across every aspect of their journey,” said Scott Strickland, chief commercial officer for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Historically, such benefits were reserved only for the travel elite, off-limits to those without high-fee, premium credit cards. Wyndham Rewards Insider flips that script, putting the power back in the hands of everyday travelers—all for less than the cost of a night out.”
Strickland makes an important distinction: In many cases, it’s affluent travelers who win the travel-perk game because they can afford the high annual credit card fees. For example, the travel perks from the American Express Platinum Card are many, and should be: the annual fee is $895.
The bulk of Wyndham’s 8,000 hotels globally cater to price-conscious consumers who want value and a comfortable stay that doesn’t break the budget. Wyndham’s new paid program gives members perks at a lower entry point.
Here’s a breakdown of the benefits, which includes a notable partnership with Ticketmaster with qualified purchases earning 2 points per dollar spent and up to 50,000 points annually:
- Savings of 10% or more off standard rates on qualified stays at over 8,000 hotels.
- Automatic upgrade to Wyndham Rewards GOLD level membership.
- Larger points accelerator (earn 50% more points) for Gold, Platinum and Diamond members.
- Up to 5% on domestic flights.
- Up to 15% on international flights.
- Up to 30% on cruises.
- 10% or more on car rentals.
- Up to 15% on tours and activities.
- Up to 15% on car transfers and limo services.
- Earn and redeem with Ticketmaster across 50,000+ concerts and live events.
- Exclusive ticket savings at theme parks and aquariums—including Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, LEGOLAND California Resort and more.
- White-glove concierge services with access to sought-after concerts and VIP experiences.
“Bringing Ticketmaster into Wyndham Rewards is a game-changer—turning points into the most unforgettable live experiences across music, sports, theater and more,” said Mike Shiwdin, GVP, loyalty and guest engagement for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Add in all the discounts and extra points—not to mention the exclusive perks—across other categories and partners, and the value of Insider becomes undeniable. Whether you travel two nights a year or two hundred, we designed it to be the easiest travel decision you make all year.”
Is Wyndham Rewards Insider a game-changer? It’s too early to tell, but likely will start a trend among hotel companies to offer its members a paid program that gives them a little more than the free program does.
