Discover Bilts Home Away from Home Hotel Collection
Bilt has recently launched its innovative Home Away from Home hotel collection, designed to offer premium travel experiences to its members with Gold status and above, regardless of whether they hold the Bilt Mastercard®. This new initiative stands out in a market where luxury hotel programs are typically reserved for the highest-tier credit card holders. Programs like American Express’ Fine Hotels + Resorts and Chase’s The Edit provide exclusive perks, but Bilt aims to democratize access to luxury accommodations.
To gain firsthand experience, I booked a stay at the Ritz-Carlton in Portland, Oregon, through the Home Away from Home collection. This article will share insights from my stay and highlight the benefits of booking through Bilt’s new program.
Before finalizing my reservation, I compared prices and benefits across four platforms: Bilt’s Home Away from Home, Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, Chase’s The Edit, and direct booking with Marriott. Interestingly, the cash price for the Ritz-Carlton was consistent across the three luxury collections at $667 per night, slightly higher than the direct rate of $654 with Marriott. However, the additional value offered by the luxury programs—over $100 in perks—made the choice to book through Bilt a straightforward decision.
It’s important to note that not all properties in the Home Away from Home collection are available for booking with points. Bilt is actively working to expand the list of properties that can be booked using points, so it’s wise to verify availability if you’re planning to use this option.
Booking is simple through Bilt’s travel portal, accessible via bilt.com or the Bilt app. When searching for hotels, members with Gold status will see Home Away from Home properties highlighted in their results. You can also filter your search to display only these premium options.
One of the standout features of the Home Away from Home collection is the inclusion of early check-in and late checkout, subject to availability. My early flight meant I arrived at the hotel well before the standard check-in time. I informed my travel concierge, and to my delight, my room was ready upon arrival—eliminating the need to wait around.
Each Home Away from Home stay includes a daily breakfast credit for up to two guests, though the amount and usage can vary by property. At the Ritz-Carlton, I received an $80 breakfast credit that could be applied to either the hotel restaurant or room service, excluding tax, tip, and alcohol purchases.
Additionally, a $100 property credit is included with each booking, which can be used for various expenses at the hotel. I found this particularly useful for enjoying appetizers and drinks at the hotel bar before heading out for the evening.
I had booked a deluxe king room but was pleasantly surprised with an upgrade to a high-floor room featuring stunning mountain views. While the monetary difference may not have been substantial, the elevated perspective greatly enhanced my overall experience.
When booking through Bilt’s portal, members earn 2 Bilt Points per dollar spent, with an additional 2 points per dollar if using the Bilt Mastercard, totaling 4 points for every dollar spent. To qualify for points, cardholders must use their Bilt card at least five times during each statement period.
Moreover, I was able to earn Marriott Bonvoy points for my stay, which can be a hit-or-miss when booking through third-party platforms.
After my reservation was confirmed, I was assigned a dedicated travel concierge through Virtuoso, who provided valuable recommendations for my trip. She ensured my room was ready for early check-in, suggested a restaurant that participated in Bilt Dining (allowing me to earn even more Bilt points), and made dinner reservations on my behalf. Communicating with her was seamless, thanks to a chat feature accessible through the Bilt app.
Bilt has also announced plans to introduce personalized neighborhood guides later this year, which will offer tailored local recommendations to enhance your travel experience.
The Home Away from Home collection is an impressive addition to the Bilt Rewards program, particularly for travelers seeking premium accommodations without being tied to a specific luxury credit card. The combination of property credits, daily breakfast, and a dedicated concierge service makes booking through this collection an attractive option. As Bilt continues to enhance its offerings, Home Away from Home is certainly a program worth keeping on your radar for your next getaway.
For more information about the Bilt Mastercard and its rates and fees, visit the Bilt website.
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