Many major upscale hotel chains have incentive certificate programs with various tiers, allowing planners to offer flexible awards with added amenities. Here are the three biggest:

MARRIOTT INCENTIVE AWARDS — Marriott's portfolio consists of more than 20 categories of awards, from domestic and international travel to weekend or weekday stay awards, offered at more than 2,600 locations around the world, including Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Vacation Club International, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Courtyard, SpringHill Suites, and Fairfield Inn. Marriott also offers several nonstay awards that can satisfy award winners with a day at the spa, a special dinner for two, or a round of golf. Also available: Marriott Cheques and the Marriott TravelCard. The Marriott TravelCard is a prepaid credit card available in denominations of $50, $75, $100, $250, and $500. Both the cheques and TravelCard can be used at any Marriott property. www.marriott.com/incentives

HYATT REWARD CERTIFICATES — Products include Hyatt Stay Certificates, redeemable for prepaid stays at participating Hyatt Hotels and Resorts worldwide; Hyatt Check Certificates, redeemable at Hyatt Hotels and Resorts worldwide for a variety of eligible Hyatt services including dining, greens fees, spa services, and lodging (available in denominations from $25 to $500); and Hyatt Weekend Certificates, redeemable at participating Hyatt Hotels and Resorts in the continental United States and Canada for two- or three-night weekend getaways including breakfast each morning. www.hyatt.com

FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS — Fairmont Ovation Rewards, the company's new individual incentive travel product, was rolled out in January. Fairmont offers three distinct collections in three different room types for the Ovation Rewards program. Companies can also purchase add-on gift certificates in the sum of $25 and/or $100, which can be redeemed for items such as dinner, golf, and spa treatments. www.fairmont.com/ovationrewards