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20+ Best Ways To Use a Hyatt Category 1-4 Free Night Certificate

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Michael McHugh
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Michael McHugh

Former Content Contributor

63 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 15U.S. States Visited: 32

Michael fell in love with points and miles back in 2014 and since then has built up a vast knowledge of award programs and has striven to show readers how to receive the maximum value when using their...
Edited by: Keri Stooksbury
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Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

29 Published Articles, 3029 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45U.S. States Visited: 28

With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now Editor-in-Chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...

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The World of Hyatt, Hyatt’s loyalty program, is a fan favorite among many award travelers, in particular, those who earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points because Hyatt is a direct transfer partner of Chase. Why do travelers like Hyatt? The primary reason is because of the value you can receive when booking Hyatt hotel rooms with Chase points.

Compared to other hotel programs like Hilton and Marriott, the points required to book a hotel room relative to the cash price for the same room are low, so you can receive solid value with the points that you use.

Another reason travelers like the Hyatt program is that you can earn free night certificates from your hotel stays or your credit card spending. Hyatt provides its members with these avenues to earn free nights, so why not take advantage of them?

In this article, we’ll show you how to earn a Category 1-4 night certificate as well as the best hotels to redeem the certificate at around the world.

How To Earn a Hyatt Free Category 1-4 Night

Park Hyatt Siem Reap pool
Relax at the Park Hyatt Siem Reap. Image Credit: Hyatt

With the World of Hyatt program, you have 3 main ways to earn Category 1-4 free night certificates.

The first way to earn a free night certificate is to stay at 5 different Hyatt brands (known as the 5-Brand Free Night Award or Hyatt Brand Explorer). There are 25 brands in the Hyatt portfolio so you’ll have the opportunity to earn 5 free night certificates in this manner. Hyatt brands include:

Staying 30 qualifying nights or earning 50,000 Base Points in a calendar year is the second way to earn a free Category 1-4 certificate.

Another way to earn a free night is to stay at Hyatt properties for 60 qualifying nights or earn 100,000 Base Points in a calendar year. The free night that you earn this way is actually a Category 1-7 night instead of only a Category 1-4 night.

The last (and easiest) way to earn a free Category 1-4 night certificate is by holding The World of Hyatt Credit Card, which actually gives you 2 ways to earn a free night. The first is to simply be a cardmember. Every year that you pay the annual fee, you’ll earn a Category 1-4 free night certificate. The second way is to spend $15,000 on the card in a year as by hitting this threshold, you’ll earn an additional Category 1-4 free night certificate!

Bottom Line: The World of Hyatt program has a number of ways to earn a Category 1-4 free night certificate that you can use to book a complimentary hotel stay. The best way is to simply be a cardholder of the World of Hyatt card.

Hyatt Award Chart

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World of Hyatt Award Chart
Hotel CategoryOff-Peak Points per NightStandard Points per NightPeak
Points per Night
13,5005,0006,500
26,5008,0009,500
39,00012,00015,000
412,00015,00018,000
517,00020,00023,000
621,00025,00029,000
725,00030,00035,000
835,00040,00045,000

You can use your Hyatt Category 1-4 free night certificate during off-peak, standard, or peak nights.

3+ Best Category 1-4 Hotels To Book in the U.S. and Canada

The hotels in this article were first categorized by region, then a sample of prices was taken throughout the year for each hotel. By taking an average of the sampling pricing, you can now see what your average cent-per-point value would be for each of these stays.

The way to extract the most value is to book these U.S. and Canadian properties when the cash price is high.

1. Thompson Chicago (Illinois)

Thompson Chicago
The Thompson Chicago is a great Category 4 option. Image Credit: Hyatt

Thompson Chicago is in the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago, providing you easy access to amazing restaurants, plenty of things to do, and even views of the lake. This hotel has a destination fee of $17 per night, but it’s waived when you use a free night certificate.

The Thompson Chicago is a Category 4 hotel that averages $393 per night, netting you 2.6 cents per point in value.

2. Andaz Savannah (Georgia)

Andaz Savannah pool
The pool at Andaz Savannah. Image Credit: Katie Seemann

Heading south to Georgia, there is Andaz Savannah. This hotel would be an ideal place to check out the city’s antebellum architecture and historic district, as it’s within walking distance to many of Savannah’s popular attractions, including the riverfront and Forsyth Park.

The Andaz Savannah is a Category 4 hotel that averages $367 per night, giving you 2.4 cents per point in value.

3. Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego (California)

GrandHyattSanDiegoBedDetail
Manchester Grand Hyatt is a Category 4 Hyatt hotel in San Diego. Image Credit: Nick Ellis

Another Category 4 hotel in San Diego is the Manchester Grand Hyatt. This huge, waterfront hotel has 2 outdoor pools, a fire pit, lawn games, sports courts, a spa, and a fitness center.

Rooms average about $384 and there’s a $39 per night destination fee, which gives you a 2.8 cents per point value.

Hot Tip: Check out our full review of the Manchester Grand Hyatt hotel for more information.

JdV by Hyatt Locations

tommie Austin
The tommie Austin has modern decor with an industrial vibe. Image Credit: Hyatt

13 of the 18 JdV by Hyatt hotels in the U.S. and Canada are Category 1-4, including expensive options in big cities like San Francisco and Chicago:

Honorable Mentions

Here are a few additional intriguing hotels where you can use your Category 1-4 free night certificate.

Bottom Line: The U.S. and Canada is one of the best regions in terms of the number of opportunities to book a Category 1-4 hotel. 

2 Best Category 1-4 Hotels To Book in the Caribbean and Latin America

1. Park Hyatt Mendoza (Argentina)

Park Hyatt Mendoza
The Park Hyatt Mendoza is a great Category 3 property. Image Credit: Hyatt

For those looking to experience the wine region in Argentina, the Park Hyatt Mendoza is the place to stay in the heart of the country’s wine region known for its Malbecs.

The Park Hyatt Mendoza is a Category 3 hotel that averages $260 or 12,000 points (standard) per night, netting you 2.2 cents per point.

2. Hyatt Regency Mexico City

Hyatt Regency Mexico City
Rooms at Hyatt Regency Mexico City offer sweeping city views. Image Credit: Hyatt

Located in the upscale Polanco neighborhood in the heart of Mexico City, the Hyatt Regency Mexico City is close to shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

The cash costs for this Category 3 hotel average $273 per night or 12,000 points (standard), giving you 2.3 cents per point in value.

2 Best Category 1-4 Hotels To Book in Europe

Compared to other regions, using a Category 1-4 free night in Europe is going to be tough. There aren’t many properties where the value is more than 2 cents per point, however, there are still some great options worth considering.

1. Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile (France)

Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile
Some rooms at Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile have views of the Eiffel Tower. Image Credit: Hyatt

Just north of the Arc de Triomphe, you’ll find the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile hotel. What is great about this hotel is that some rooms have incredible views of the Eiffel Tower, making any trip to Paris that much better.

The Étoile averages $331 or 15,000 points (standard) per night — a 2.2 cents per point in value for your free night certificate.

Hot Tip: Dig into our guide on the best hotels in Paris to book with points for more options. You can also use points and miles to fly to lots of destinations in Europe, including France!

2. Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere (Austria)

Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere
Enjoy beautiful city views at Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere. Image Credit: Hyatt

In Austria’s capital, Vienna, there’s an Andaz property worth keeping your eye on. The Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere is located just outside Vienna’s Old Town and would be an excellent place to use your Category 1-4 free night certificate.

The Andaz Vienna is a Category 3 hotel averaging $218 per night, giving you 1.8 cents per point in value.

2 Best Category 1-4 Hotels To Book in Africa and the Middle East

This region, like Europe, is another one that’s not well represented with Category 1-4 properties that offer valuable redemptions.

With that said, there are a few hotels that may be worth considering if you’re in Africa or the Middle East.

1. Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla (Jordan)

Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla
Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla is a Category 3 hotel. Image Credit: Hyatt

Hyatt has 2 properties in Jordan, and the Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla hotel is the one you’ll want to check out.

Situated in the port city of Aqaba, this Hyatt Regency is home to an ancient fort, archaeological museum, beaches, windsurfing, water sports, and scuba diving.

The Aqaba Ayla averages $228 or 12,000 points per night, so you should be able to receive about 1.9 cents per point in value.

2. Hyatt Regency Casablanca (Morocco)

Hyatt Regency Casablanca
Hyatt Regency Casablanca. Image Credit: Hyatt

If you’re wanting to check out Morocco, the Hyatt Regency Casablanca is a property to book on your trip. Casablanca is a French colonial port city with beautiful architecture, beachfront cafes, bars, hotels, and restaurants.

This Category 3 property in Casablanca averages $201 or 12,000 points (standard) per night. As a result, you can get about 1.7 cents per point in value.

Bottom Line: Africa and the Middle East do not have a vast selection of Category 1-4 hotels that offer more than 2 cents per point. 

3 Best Category 1-4 Hotels To Book in Asia

Asia is another region where you can use your Hyatt free night certificates for great value.

1. Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui

Hyatt Regency Hong Kong
You can use your free night certificate to visit Hong Kong. Image Credit: Hyatt

Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui is located in the Kowloon section of the city near lots of popular attractions and mass transit, making it easy to get around. Guests will enjoy the modern decor, fitness center, pool, and beautiful city views.

Rooms here average about $218 per night, giving you a 1.5 cents per point value.

Hot Tip: You can also use points for your flight to Hong Kong.

2. Hyatt Regency Tokyo (Japan)

Hyatt Regency Tokyo
The lobby at Hyatt Regency Tokyo. Image Credit: Hyatt

The Hyatt Regency Tokyo is a great hotel to stay at during your trip to Japan. You’ll be able to check out the many izakayas, or bars, throughout the city, the Toyosu fish market, and the amazing food scene.

Historically room rates hover around $387, giving you about 2.6 cents per dollar in value. However, currently, prices have dropped, most likely because of COVID-19, so it may be best to wait a while to use your certificates in Japan.

Hot Tip: You can save additional money by using miles to fly to Japan. If you’re going during a popular time like Cherry Blossom season, be sure to book far ahead of time.

3. Grand Hyatt Taipei (Taiwan)

Grand Hyatt Taipei
Enjoy a fantastic location with a direct link to Taipei 101. Image Credit: Hyatt

Island hop over to Taiwan, and you’ll find the Grand Hyatt Taipei. Taipei is known for its night markets, the National Palace Museum, and the 509-meter bamboo-shaped skyscraper Taipei 101.

You’ll have to pay $220 or 15,000 points per night to stay at this hotel, getting about 1.5 cents per point in value.

3 Best Category 1-4 Hotels To Book in Australia and the Pacific

Rounding out the list of Category 1-4 properties lands you in the Australia and Pacific region. All in all, this isn’t a region with a ton of sweet spots, so keep that in mind when you’re looking to redeem your Category 1-4 free night certificate.

1. Hyatt Centric Melbourne (Australia)

Hyatt Centric Melbourne
Hyatt Centric Melbourne is a great spot for foodies. Image Credit: Hyatt

Hyatt Centric Melbourne is a modern hotel inspired by the local food scene. Centrally located, this Category 4 hotel has an average price of $285 per night, giving you a 1.7 cents per point value. However, we found many nights that cost well over $400 offering a value of over 2.5 cents per point!

2. Grand Hyatt Melbourne (Australia)

Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Grand Hyatt Melbourne. Image Credit: Hyatt

The Grand Hyatt Melbourne is centrally located within walking distance of many of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. This luxury hotel has multiple dining locations, a fitness center, a rooftop tennis court, and a pool.

This Category 4 hotel averages about $254 per night, giving you a 1.7 cents per point value.

Hot Tip: There’s a third Category 4 location in Australia that’s worth mentioning. Hyatt Regency Sydney recently dropped to a Category 4 hotel. It averages about $239 per night, offering a value of 1.6 cents per point.

3. Hyatt Regency Saipan (Mariana Islands)

Hyatt Regency Saipan
Hyatt Regency Saipan. Image Credit: Hyatt

Head to the South Pacific and you’ll find the Hyatt Regency Saipan on the largest of the Northern Mariana Islands. Saipan is known for its beautiful beaches, mountains, golf courses, diving, snorkeling, and hiking.

The Hyatt Regency Saipan averages $200 or 12,000 points per night, giving you a value of 1.7 cents per point.

Bottom Line: The Australia and Pacific region is another weaker region that doesn’t offer a ton of Category 1-4 hotels. 

Final Thoughts

Hyatt is a major hotel operator that continues to compete with the big brands of Hilton and Marriott. Many Hyatt elite members appreciate having their loyalty rewarded by being able to tap into the redemptions on this list.

Though Hyatt gets a bad rap for not having property coverage in many parts of the world, this list confirms that you have plenty of free nights available worldwide, just not always at a phenomenal value.

So when the time comes to redeem your Category 1-4 free night certificate, make sure to leverage this list to receive top value for your Hyatt free nights.

The information regarding The World of Hyatt Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I join the World of Hyatt? Is there a fee to join?

The World of Hyatt program is free to join.

What are the World of Hyatt elite status levels?

Hyatt offers 3 elite tiers: Discoverist, Explorist, and Globalist. You can earn Hyatt elite status in many ways including staying at Hyatt hotels or being a World of Hyatt cardmember.

What are the different Hyatt brands?

Hyatt now has 25 different brands:

  • Alila
  • Alua Hotels & Resorts
  • Andaz
  • Breathless Resorts
  • Caption by Hyatt
  • Destination by Hyatt
  • Dreams Resorts & Spas
  • Grand Hyatt
  • Hyatt
  • Hyatt Centric
  • Hyatt House
  • Hyatt Place
  • Hyatt Regency
  • Hyatt Vacation Club
  • Hyatt Zilara
  • Hyatt Ziva
  • JdV by Hyatt
  • Miraval
  • Park Hyatt
  • Secrets Resorts & Spas
  • Sunscape Resorts & Spas
  • Thompson Hotels
  • The Unbound Collection
  • UrCove by Hyatt
  • Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts

How do I contact World of Hyatt?

You can email Hyatt customer service at worldofhyatt@hyatt.com or call 888-344-9288.

Can I earn World of Hyatt points with a credit card?

Hyatt offers 2 excellent co-branded credit cards — the World of Hyatt card and the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card.

You can also transfer points to Hyatt from Ultimate Rewards-earning cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card.

Do World of Hyatt points expire?

If there’s no activity in your Hyatt account in 24 months, your Hyatt points will expire. Any earning or redeeming point activity resets the clock.

How many Hyatt points do you need for an award stay?

With the updated Hyatt award chart, you can book a standard room for 5,000 to 40,000 points per night.

Premium Suites require a bit more points at 10,000 to 80,000 points per standard night.

Can Hyatt points be transferred?

Members of the Hyatt program are allowed to transfer their points to another person by submitting a points transfer form.

Hyatt points can also be transferred to airlines, but the transfer ratio is horrible.

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About Michael McHugh

Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Michael took his first international trip in 2013 with friends to the Bahamas. Although he didn’t travel much in his younger years, on that trip, he caught the travel bug and has been hooked ever since.

Michael first caught wind of the points and miles game in 2014 while at a bar in Washington, DC where the conversation amongst friends was quickly derailed because of an alert on a friend’s phone about a mistake fare.  That’s where the love affair with points and miles began.

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