Pointshound Partners
Pointshound is a fairly new hotel booking engine that gives you frequent flyer miles in your choice of several airline programs. This is a great option for people who don’t travel enough to get any benefits from joining hotel loyalty programs but still want to earn some miles and book using a secure credit card payment system. The one frustrating thing I have found is that many smaller hotels and lodges want you to email your credit card details which is very insecure as you don’t know who will have access to them. Even if the lodgekeepers are honest, it doesn’t mean someone passing by or cleaning the waste bins may not see it. I like being able to use either Paypal or
First you need to join Pointshound. It’s free and if you use my link, both you and I will get a bonus 250 points when you book your first room.
Here’s how to find eco-lodges to book on Pointshound. Let’s use the example of Montverde, Costa Rica which is famous for its cloud forest, Respendant Quetzals and great birding. I have chosen to earn United miles since that is the next goal I need to achieve for a future trip. (Not my real dates, just being used as an example).  Pointshound supports 3 of the airlines (AA, UA, US) on my Top 8 Frequent Flyer Programs for Eco-tourists.
Booking Pointshound
Since I have been researching this town for my upcoming trip, I know that it’s easy and cheap to get a taxi for the short ride to the park entrance but if your lodge is too far out of town you will be limited on dining choices. The first screen you see will be sorted on popularity and show which airline program you chose and a list of how many miles you will earn.
Pointshound booking
It’s a good idea to check out the map view to see what location suits you. I also like to check the reviews on Trip Advisor to be sure the hotel is well located and there aren’t too many complaints, especially from people with at least 10 reviews overall.
Map View
As I scan the locations, prices and descriptions, Cala Lodge jumps out at me for being an attractive small lodge but close to town which is important since we aren’t renting a car but using public transport on this trip. The reviews on Trip Advisor are good and I am pleased to see that one of the owners is a knowledgeable birding guide.
Select the lodge you want and you will see this screen that tells you the price and how many miles you earn. Choose the room you want, in this case the standard room will do.
Pointhound booking
Lastly, fill out the screen and see the confirmation of the price and how many miles you will earn, also which account they will credit to (which I blacked out here). Be sure to check the cancellation policies and make sure you are comfortable with them. For more information about Pointshound, see their FAQ page.
Pointshound booking