See live hotel award availability with the Bilt Rewards app and website
Editor's Note
In January, Bilt Rewards added live award flight availability powered by Point.me. Then, in September, Bilt added live hotel award availability through a new integration with Awayz.
These two integrations let Bilt Rewards members easily search for award flights and nights they could book with their Bilt Rewards points. When the Awayz integration with Bilt launched in September, Bilt members could only search for live award availability with World of Hyatt and IHG One Rewards. But now that Marriott is a Bilt transfer partner, members can also search for live award availability with Marriott Bonvoy.
Here's what you need to know about Awayz and the white-label version of Awayz that Bilt members can use on the Bilt app and website.
Use Awayz with Bilt Rewards
Bilt Rewards members can use the Awayz hotel award search engine on the Bilt app or website to see live award availability at Bilt transfer partner hotels worldwide. You must be a Bilt member to use Awayz in the Bilt app or website, but you don't need to have the Bilt Mastercard® (see rates and fees).
Although Bilt Rewards only has three hotel transfer partners, Bilt members can avoid searching for upcoming award stays directly with World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy and IHG One Rewards. Instead, members can use the integration with Awayz in the Bilt Rewards app or website to see Bilt transfer partner hotels in a simple map format. Doing so can let you get the best value if you plan to transfer Bilt points to a hotel partner for an upcoming stay.
To use this integration, log in to your account on the Bilt Rewards website (or app, though in this article, we'll assume you'll use the website).
Click on "Rewards" at the top, select the "Travel" tab and then click on the "Hotels" tab. From here, select the "Transfer partners" tab. Then, use the built-in Awayz-powered search to find award nights you can book with Bilt points. You can search by location or enter a specific hotel name.
Once you click "Search," you'll get a list and map of live award availability and pricing for World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy and IHG One Rewards properties.
If you see a property you want to book, you can browse the available award rooms or check the 12-month award calendar if you have flexible dates. This award calendar may let you snag an inexpensive award stay if you have flexibility in your schedule.
However, don't search too many times to try out the tool. Bilt members only get 50 hotel award searches included per month, and these searches can go quickly.
Related: How long do Bilt Rewards points take to transfer?
The full Awayz product
It's worth trying out the white-label Awayz integration in the Bilt Rewards app. Especially if you also have other transferable currencies — such as American Express Membership Rewards or Citi ThankYou Rewards points — you may want to utilize a free trial, purchase a 72-hour trip pass for $4.99 or enroll in a premium subscription for $8.33 per month (with annual billing).
When you use the full web-based Awayz search with a free trial, trip pass or premium subscription, you can easily compare paid rates and award rates for Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt, IHG One Rewards, Wyndham Rewards, Choice Privileges and Accor Live Limitless properties.
You can even add your credit cards to your wallet so that Awayz considers benefits you may get from select cards, such as the IHG fourth-night reward. However, the IHG fourth-night reward will not show if you use Awayz in the Bilt Rewards app, even if you have an eligible IHG One Rewards credit card.
Related: Should you use the Bilt Mastercard? Why it's a game changer for renters
Bottom line
I love that Bilt Rewards has partnered with tools that make award travel easier to search and book regardless of your points and miles knowledge. Bilt Rewards members can use integrated versions of Point.me for flights and Awayz for hotels to check live award availability.
Of course, you'll want to check all your redemption options before transferring Bilt Rewards points to an airline or hotel partner. Sometimes, you may find that redeeming Bilt Rewards points for travel through the Bilt Rewards travel portal provides better value. You'll get a redemption value of 1.25 cents per point when you book travel through the portal.
See Bilt Mastercard rates and fees here.
See Bilt Mastercard rewards and benefits here.