As you make your summer travel plans, one of the most important decisions to make is where to stay.

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Booking with a large hotel chain might be tempting if you have a chance to earn rewards or free nights through the hotel’s loyalty program. But smaller independent hotels can also offer rewards and other incentives to woo summer travelers.

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“Just like premium credit cards, boutique hotels can have exclusive perks,” says Chris Ligan, vice president of Auric, a credit card processing company. “Savvy travelers know that getting their rewards on credit cards doubles up when they get the creature comforts of boutique hotels.”

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These tips can help you decide whether independent hotel loyalty programs are the right option for booking a summer vacay.

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