I should have figured this one out ages ago, but better late than never. I was trying to book a hotel in Asheville recently for a visit in mid-October. If you are a North Carolina fan, you know that fall is high season in that area, as everyone wants to see the leaves change and get a bit of cooler weather after our hot summer.

I had my eye on a pottery show near Asheville and kept finding $499 a night and higher rates at the hotels we typically book. I tried every discount available (senior, AAA, government rate) and checked all the competing hotel sites. No go.

Then I got an email from Marriott, reminding me about my Marriott points. Gee, I thought, maybe I have enough to book a room in Asheville.

I quickly found out that indeed I did and I was able to get a room at one of my favorite spots for FREE. Yes, free. After booking three nights in Asheville, I saved a whopping $1500.

Lesson learned. Book with points during high season and be sure to enroll in hotel loyalty programs. They can save you big $$ and make you feel so smart – all at the same time!

Happy travels.