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The 12 Best Hyatt Luxury Hotels to Book With Points for Maximum Value

BY 

Michael McHugh

- UPDATED: May 4, 2021   |    2

1. Travel  / 
2. Hotels

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When evaluating the luxury brands within the Hyatt portfolio, one thing is apparent — the value members receive by booking expensive cash hotels with a relatively low number of points. That’s simply not the case with other brands when you’re talking about booking similar luxury properties.

This article will be part of what we’re calling our “best ways to book luxury hotels” series. Not only are we covering Hyatt in this article, but we’ll also evaluate what’s offered by the Hilton Honors, IHG Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy programs in other articles in this series.

For this analysis, we made a few assumptions:

1. The travel dates are during peak travel time, confirmed by Google Travel, for the city that hotel is in
2. We took the cash cost of the hotel during a weekend night from 2 separate months
3. We averaged the cents per point value from the 2 dates to come up with a value for the hotel during peak travel

The goal here is to evaluate the value a traveler would receive booking luxury Hyatt hotels. In January of 2020, we valued Hyatt points at ~1.6 cents per point and used a floor of 2.5 cents per point in value for hotels to make this list.

Cash rates will fluctuate throughout the year, so the value you receive will likely be different than what’s shown here. This guide is meant to merely provide ideas of hotels that could present value for your hard-earned Hyatt points.

With that out of the way, let’s start with one of the best ways to unlock value in the Hyatt program and that’s by being a cardholder of the World of Hyatt Credit Card. We’ll then dive into the luxury Hyatt hotels that made our list. From there, you’ll learn about how to earn Hyatt points via point transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards.

World of Hyatt Credit Card

When you’re talking about co-branded hotel credit cards, there are several options. No matter your brand loyalty, each chain offers credit cards that entice you to spend on its cards.

For travelers loyal to Hyatt, the great news is that Hyatt offers a fantastic co-branded credit card in the Hyatt Credit Card. It has a moderate annual fee card that also comes with 5 elite night credits and a Category 1-4 free night certificate.

The card earns 4x points at Hyatt and 2x points on airfare, dining, local transit, and gym memberships. If you use this card at Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member, you’d earn 5x points as a loyalty member and 4x points as a cardmember resulting in up to 9x points at Hyatt.

Heavy spenders can earn additional benefits from this card. With every $5,000 spent, the cardmember earns 2 elite night credits. When cardmembers spend $15,000 in a cardmember year, they’ll receive a second Category 1-4 free night certificate.

Bottom Line: It’s important to note that this is a Chase card that is subject to the Chase 5/24 rule. As such, you’ll want to factor that into your credit card strategy.

Hyatt Award Chart

World of Hyatt recently announced it would delay a significant change to implement peak and off-peak pricing to the standard award chart shown above. These changes will take effect in 2021, giving you plenty of time to take advantage of standard award pricing.

Best Luxury Hyatt Hotels

The Talbott Hotel (Chicago)

Chicago is one of the best U.S. cities to visit during the summer. Not only can you find incredible food and drinks but there’s plenty to see and do. Places like Millennium Park are always fun to walk around, and if you’re into sports, it’s hard to beat experiencing a pro game in the city.

Located in the Gold Coast neighborhood, you’ll find a JdV by Hyatt property in The Talbott Hotel. It’s right off the Magnificent Mile and is within walking distance to many top-notch restaurants.

Cash rates during peak travel time for this hotel exceed $600 per night, and with only 12,000 points per night required, you’re almost guaranteed insane value — like more than 5 cents per point insane value!

Hot Tip: What’s also great about The Talbott Hotel is that you can use your Category 1-4 free night certificate that comes with the Hyatt Credit Card.

Category: 3

Points Required: 12,000 points per night

June-August Rate: $629 per night

Points Value: 5.24 cents per point

Ventana Big Sur, An Alila Resort (Big Sur, CA)

The California coast has some of the best ocean views, not only in the U.S. but across the world. When you throw in a minimally-developed coastline that is flanked by forests, you know you’ve landed in Big Sur.

Ventana Big Sur is a property located south of San Francisco that is now bookable through Hyatt with Alila joining the Hyatt portfolio. It’s an adult-only resort on Highway 1 in Big Sur that offers a perfect getaway place for a quiet vacation.

Summer is peak travel time for this area with cash rates exceeding $1,000 per night. While this hotel does require 30,000 points per night, you’re still receiving nearly 4 cents per point in value.

Hot Tip: The Ventana Big Sur is an adult-only property. For those of you with kids, we recommend using Google Hotels to find kid-friendly in the area. 

Category: 7

Points Required: 30,000 points per night

May-July Rate: $1,188 per night

Points Value: 3.96 cents per point

Park Hyatt New York

There is a myriad of hotel options from all major brands in New York City. Whether you’re looking for a luxury, boutique, or a more affordable property, the World of Hyatt program has you covered for your stay in the city.

In Midtown, you’ll find a well-known Hyatt hotel in the Park Hyatt New York. It’s a couple of blocks off Central Park and within walking distance of the world-class food and drink scene of the city. Madison Square Garden is also fairly close if you’re wanting to catch a show or Knicks or Rangers game.

As you’d imagine, cash rates for a luxury hotel in New York aren’t cheap, especially during peak travel time over the summer. $1,000+ per night is what the average cash rate is with 30,000 points per night required for an award night. With that said, 3.5 cents per point is a ton of value.

Category: 7

Points Required: 30,000 points per night

May-August Rate: $1,120 per night

Points Value: 3.73 cents per point

Hotel Lincoln (Chicago)

With JdV by Hyatt joining the Hyatt fold, there’s another Chicago property that you can book with points. While not as convenient to downtown Chicago as The Talbott Hotel, Hotel Lincoln is just off Lincoln Park in the Old Town neighborhood.

Peak travel time for Chicago is over the summer where you’ll see prices of nearly $400 per night. When you consider only needing 12,000 points per night, you’re looking at more than 3 cents per point in value during your stay in the Windy City.

For the frequent Hyatt hotel stayers out there, you can use the Category 1-4 free night certificate that you earn after staying at 5 different Hyatt brands.

Category: 3

Points Required: 12,000 points per night

June-August Rate: $378 per night

Points Value: 3.15 cents per point

Carmel Valley Ranch (Carmel, CA)

Heading back to the west coast for this one, but this time, in Carmel Valley. If you’ve been wanting to see this area of the U.S., why not book Carmel Valley Ranch and Ventana Big Sur on the same trip?

Carmel Valley Ranch is located just east of Monterrey and about 45 minutes north of Big Sur. Located in central California’s wine country, you can play championship golf, relax at the spa, and access an on-site creamery.

Like Ventana Big Sur, the cash rates during peak travel at Carmel Valley Ranch aren’t cheap. At nearly $800 per night, this property would set you back some serious cash. However, that’s where points come in; 25,000 points per night are what you need to book this property, netting you more than 3 cents per point in value.

Category: 6

Points Required: 25,000 points per night

June-July Rate: $785 per night

Points Value: 3.14 cents per point

Great Scotland Yard Hotel (London, England)

The Unbound Collection is continuing to add properties, which is great news for travelers. As of December of 2019, the Great Scotland Yard in London is bookable. London has a multitude of sites to see and highly-rated restaurants to enjoy. It’s also home to some of the top cocktail bars in the world.

Located in the Westminster neighborhood, Great Scotland Yard is in a prime location for London. The hotel is within walking distance of the River Thames, St. James Park, Green Park, and Hyde Park. Its location is also convenient if you want to catch an Arsenal or Chelsea match.

You’re looking at more than $750 per night during peak summer travel dates. Yes, that’s a lot of cash to pay, but the good news is that you can use 25,000 points per night to receive more than 3 cents per point in value.

Category: 6

Points Required: 25,000 points per night

May-July Rate: $757 per night

Points Value: 3.03 cents per point

Hot Tip: Looking for an entire trip on points and miles? Couple a London hotel booked with points and a flight to London booked with points, and you have yourself a great vacation for minimal cash. 

Park Hyatt Sydney (Australia)

One of the most popular Hyatt hotels to redeem points at is the Park Hyatt Sydney. This hotel continually receives rave reviews, and when you look at pictures of the property, it makes sense.

Overlooking Sydney Harbour is where you will find the Park Hyatt Sydney. Guests have an opportunity to book rooms that offer sweeping views of the harbor, including a view of the Sydney Opera House.

Guests will need 30,000 points per night to book the Park Hyatt Sydney. Cash rates are nearly $900 per night netting you nearly 3.0 cents per point in value.

Category: 7

Points Required: 30,000 points per night

December – February Rate: $892 per night

Points Value: 2.97 cents per point

Bottom Line: If you want ultimate luxury in an incredible city, look no further than the Park Hyatt Sydney. 

Alila Jabal Akhdar (Al Khutaym, Oman)

Oman is a Middle Eastern country that has been made popular in recent years by #AvGeeks who have flown Oman Air business class. The capital city of Muscat, deserts, and oases are common places to see for travelers who visit this country.

The Alila Jabal Akhdar is a recent addition to the Hyatt portfolio. This beautiful hotel is an Alila property in the Al Hajar Mountains with sweeping views of the surrounding mountain range.

$715 per night is the average cash rate during peak travel time. The good news is that 25,000 points per night will get you a room at this hotel. When you take the cash rate and points per night required, you are coming out with nearly 3 cents per point in value.

Category: 6

Points Required: 25,000 points per night

November – April Rate: $715 per night

Points Value: 2.86 cents per point

The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch (Scottsdale, AZ)

When the rest of the U.S. is experiencing winter, Scottsdale is in peak weather form. This city just north of Phoenix is flooded with resorts, golf courses, and hikes to keep you entertained during your stay.

The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch is part of the Destination by Hyatt brand. Destination by Hyatt is another new addition to the Hyatt family joining the previously-mentioned Alila brand.

At 12,000 points per night, The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch is one of the cheapest points hotels to make our list. Cash rates are not bad either are just under $350 per night giving you 2.85 cents per point in value.

Category: 3

Points Required: 12,000 points per night

January – March Rate: $342 per night

Points Value: 2.85 cents per point

Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme (France)

Another international city that receives a ton of love is Paris. Yes, Paris can be touristy but it is also one of the top food, art, and sightseeing destinations in the world.

The Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome is one of the most popular Hyatt point redemption hotels in the world. This Park Hyatt is in the heart of Paris and gives guests easy access to everything the city has to offer.

You will need to shell out some serious cash to book this hotel as it averages more than $800 per night during peak dates. 30,000 points per night land you a room at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome netting you nearly 2.7 cents per point in value.

Category: 7

Points Required: 30,000 points per night

May – July Rate: $804 per night

Points Value: 2.68 cents per point

Bottom Line: Luxury plus location is what to expect when you stay at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome. 

Park Hyatt Tokyo (Japan)

Tokyo continues to rise in popularity as a destination for U.S.-based travelers. With countless Michelin-starred restaurants, temples, public gardens, art, and shopping, it is no wonder why Tokyo is a city to experience.

Not only does the Park Hyatt Tokyo offer incredible views of downtown Tokyo, but hotel guests are also welcomed with a pool, fitness center, and on-property dining.

The Park Hyatt Tokyo is a category 7 hotel that requires 30,000 points per night. With cash rates hovering at $800 per night, you will receive 2.66 cents per point in value.

Category: 7

Points Required: 30,000 points per night

April – July Rate: $799 per night

Points Value: 2.66 cents per point

The Laurel Inn (San Francisco)

San Francisco is a city flooded with hotels from all major brands. With that said, some travelers may be looking for a boutique hotel for their stay in San Fran.

The Laurel Inn is a JdV by Hyatt property that has now been brought into the Hyatt fold. JdV by Hyatt is a boutique hotel brand that is a nice addition to the existing Hyatt portfolio.

San Francisco hotels tend to be expensive, and at $515 per night, the Laurel Inn is not cheap. 20,000 points per night get you a free night at this hotel, meaning your points will be worth more than 2.5 cents per point in value.

Category: 5

Points Required: 20,000 points per night

April – December Rate: $515 per night

Points Value: 2.58 cents per point

Bottom Line: It is refreshing to see Hyatt offer more boutique hotels that you can book with points. In key hotel markets like San Francisco, being able to redeem a reasonable number of points for this quality of the hotel is great news. 

Other Ways to Earn Hyatt Points

Hyatt is also one of the most valuable travel partners of the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, though it won’t deliver the outsized returns that are possible when transferring to airlines to book expensive business class flights.

However, Hyatt doesn’t require the gargantuan number of points that are required to book the same luxury-style properties offered by Hilton and Marriott. So while the cash rates are equivalent for luxury properties across Hilton, IHG, and Marriott, the number of Hyatt points required is significantly less, resulting in more value.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card and Chase Sapphire Reserve® card are 2 of the best Chase Ultimate Reward credit cards. Each offers high-earn rates in select categories and comes with travel benefits that make it worth holding on to the cards.

Business owners may find value in the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, also a Chase Ultimate Rewards credit card. Like the personal credit cards above, this card has high earn rates in select bonus categories that help you quickly earn Chase points that can be transferred 1:1 to Hyatt.

Final Thoughts

Now that luxury properties from Hyatt’s recent acquisitions are bookable online, the World of Hyatt program becomes even more valuable. When you add JdV by Hyatt, Alila, Destination by Hyatt, and Thompson to the Park Hyatt and Unbound Collection, World of Hyatt members have more options than ever before.

With all of these new properties and the overall value of Hyatt, we rank Hyatt number 1 in our list of hotel programs. Marriott is a close second followed by Hilton in third and IHG in fourth.

The big knock on Hyatt is its lack of a global footprint. While that’s still true when compared to Hilton and Marriott, the gap is closing. Hyatt is not only increasing its portfolio but is adding unique luxury and boutique hotels around the world that make for interesting redemptions.