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Travel is usually about sightseeing, trying local food and discovering new cultures. However, a new trend is emerging: Sleep tourism.
Hotels are catching on, creating rooms and experiences that help you get better sleep. Think blackout curtains, soundproof walls and meditation and wellness programs designed to help travelers recharge.
As rest-focused vacations rise in popularity, savvy travelers can turn to credit cards to help make the most out of their trip.
Why Sleep Tourism Is Growing
In 2024, rest and relaxation were among the top factors driving vacation choices, according to Hilton’s 2024 Travel Trends Report. After long workdays and constant connectivity via smartphones, many travelers aren’t looking for adventure-packed itineraries—they’re seeking a chance to recharge, unwind and finally get quality sleep.
On top of changing consumer behavior, hotels have noticed another interesting trend: guests often sleep better on vacation than at home. According to the Hilton report, two-thirds of Americans report improved sleep while staying in hotels.
That’s led hotels to invest in more sleep-friendly amenities. Some offer weighted blankets, blackout curtains, aromatherapy kits and even mattresses with smart technology that track sleep quality.
Some go beyond upgraded rooms, offering dedicated sleep retreats complete with meditation sessions, wellness programs and even sleep coaching. In today’s fast-paced and exhausting world, rest has become a luxury that travelers are willing to pay for.
Elite Credit Cards That Make Sleep Tourism Even Better
If you want to maximize your rest while traveling, the right credit card can make a big difference. Some premium cards give you perks like elite hotel status, complimentary room upgrades and credits for spa treatments or meals—little extras that can make your stay more comfortable and relaxing.
Here are three cards that do it exceptionally well:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: This card is a solid option among frequent travelers. In addition to access to over 1,400 airport lounges, including the Centurion Lounges, it comes with hotel benefits that make a difference during a vacation. Cardholders often get room upgrades when available, early check-in and late check-out at select hotels. Plus, a $100 hotel credit on eligible charges at Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection can cover expenses like spa treatment or in-room dining, which is perfect for unwinding after a long day of travel. The card earns 5 Membership Rewards® Points per dollar for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 per calendar year, 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel® and 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases. It also offers new cardholders a personalized offer as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases on the card in the first 6 months of card membership (approval required, welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer) (Terms apply, see rates & fees).
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: If Marriott is your go-to hotel chain, this card is hard to beat. It gives you 6 Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program, 3 Marriott Bonvoy® points per dollar at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 Marriott Bonvoy® points per dollar on all other eligible purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades or exclusive experiences. On top of that, you get complimentary Platinum Elite status, which includes perks like room upgrades when available and late check-out, plus up to $300 in annual statement credits for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide. It’s designed to make your stay smoother, and your sleep deeper. Additionally, cardholders will receive 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first six months of account opening (Terms apply, see rates & fees).
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Hilton fans will appreciate this option. Cardholders earn 12 Hilton Honors bonus points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 6 points on eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations, 4 points on eligible U.S. online retail purchases and 3 points for other eligible purchases. The card comes with Hilton Honors Gold status, which includes room upgrades when available, late check-out and daily breakfast for two. A $200 Hilton credit each year (via $50 quarterly credits) can be used toward spa services or dining, which adds another layer of comfort to your trip (Terms apply, see rates & fees).
Tips to Make the Most of Sleep-Focused Travel
- Book ahead: Use your card’s travel portal or concierge to snag rooms with sleep-friendly amenities.
- Use your perks: Take advantage of upgrades, late check-out and hotel credits—they can make a real difference in your comfort.
- Focus on wellness: Look for hotels that offer meditation, spa treatments, or other restorative programs.
- Track your Sleep: If you want to see if your trip is helping you catch up on rest, wearable trackers or hotel sleep programs can help monitor your progress.
Bottom Line
Vacations don’t have to mean 20,000 steps a day or a jam-packed schedule. Sometimes the best ones are when you relax in bed, order room service and do nothing.
Sleep tourism shows that taking time to rest can be just as rewarding. With the right hotel and credit card, you can enjoy luxury perks that make your stay more comfortable and restorative. Ultimately, the best part of your trip might not be the photos you bring home, but how refreshed you feel when you depart.
To view rates and fees for Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.