Amazing $1,000 Hotel Experience Using Chase Ultimate Rewards Points (And More!): Here’s How I Did It

  • Caroline Lupini

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    Back in my days with top-tier Hyatt status (now called Globalist), I regularly stayed at Hyatt hotels. Hyatt tends to treat their top-tier elites quite well, so I had some amazing experiences!

    They were made even better by the fact that I didn’t pay cash for all of my stays — I have Chase credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve (and I used to have the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card), the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card and the World of Hyatt Credit Card that earn points that can be used for free Hyatt stays.

    I transfer my Chase Ultimate Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio to Hyatt, and then use those Hyatt points for stays that would have otherwise cost much more than I was willing to pay.

    Palacio Dahau — Park Hyatt Buenos Aires is my favorite Hyatt hotel I’ve stayed in so far — a two-night stay would have cost over $1,000, but instead, I was able to use my Chase Ultimate Rewards points and Hyatt points and stay for free. (Photo by Caroline Lupini/Million Mile Secrets)

    My Amazing $1,000 Stay at the Palacio Dahau — Park Hyatt Buenos Aires Using Chase Ultimate Rewards Points

    My number one Hyatt stay that I have ever booked by transferring my Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Hyatt was at the Palacio Duhau — Park Hyatt Buenos Aires.

    Palacio Duhau is located in the French district of Recoleta and is the ideal luxury accommodation solution for Buenos Aires. This is one of my favorite places to redeem my Hyatt points because it provides deep historical roots combined with contemporary art galleries and tranquil gardens, not to mention great value; I used this property as a relaxing oasis after returning from my bustling Buenos Aires adventures outside.

    This hotel is actually a complex of buildings that used to be the Neoclassical Palace and Posadas contemporary building, which is obvious from the facade and common areas. However, the individual rooms come with a current vibe and all modern conveniences. Don’t forget to explore the underground tunnels that serve as avenues between buildings as well as an eclectic art gallery.

    This hotel typically costs around $500 per night, including taxes, but can be booked for 25,000 Hyatt points per night. That’s a decent value of 2 cents per Hyatt point.

    I had some Hyatt points in my account from stays at other Hyatt properties and from spending on my World of Hyatt Credit Card, but I transferred the remaining points I needed for this stay from my Chase Ultimate Rewards balance at a 1:1 ratio. One of the reasons I love Chase Ultimate Rewards points so much is because of the awesome transfer partners like Hyatt.

    A Few of My Other Favorite Hyatt Stays

    While the Palacio Dahau is my number one value Hyatt booking with points, I’ve also stayed at some other amazing Hyatt properties. Here are a few of my favorites.

    Park Hyatt Tokyo

    Tokyo accommodations tend to run a little pricey, so Park Hyatt Tokyo is a great place to use Hyatt points. Not only that, but this property is located in the exciting Shinjuku district where you’ll find incredible dining options, vibrant nightlife and tranquil national gardens.

    You’ll love the sleek elegance and great views from the Park Hyatt Tokyo. (Photo courtesy of Hyatt)

    In my opinion, this is one of the best (and busiest) Tokyo locations; Shinjuku station is often said to be the busiest train station in the world, and from there, you can essentially get anywhere in Japan.

    This hotel costs 30,000 Hyatt points per night, which is a great deal for a hotel that can easily cost more than $700.

    Hyatt Centric French Quarter New Orleans

    Accommodations in the French Quarter can be pretty difficult to find, especially during Mardi Gras. So if you’ve got early plans to visit NOLA (especially during the spring), consider redeeming your points in advance and book at the Hyatt Centric French Quarter New Orleans.

    The Hyatt Centric French Quarter New Orleans isn’t the fanciest Hyatt on this list, but you can’t beat the location. (Photo courtesy of Hyatt)

    I love that this property is located just half a block from famous Bourbon Street because even on an ordinary day, Bourbon Street is full of vibrant parades and big brass bands. There’s so much to do outside of the hotel that the biggest pull is its location and curb appeal, but the rooms do deserve a shout out.

    This hotel costs 15,000 Hyatt points per night. Rates can be as low as $150 during the low season, which isn’t the greatest redemption, but can be well over $300 per night during the high season. Because it’s a category four hotel, it’s eligible for the anniversary free night you’ll earn with the World of Hyatt Card.

    Grand Hyatt Singapore

    If you’re looking to spend some points in Singapore, I recommend the Grand Hyatt Singapore. This luxury accommodation is located near the corner of Scotts and Orchard, about halfway between the downtown financial district and the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

    If you stay at the Grand Hyatt Singapore, you definitely don’t want to miss the Damai Spa. (Photo courtesy of Hyatt)

    You can enjoy a trip to the gardens or the bustling downtown district, then wind down at the onsite Damai Spa for a variety of European and far-Eastern treatments. This is a perfectly located accommodation, ideal for escaping the afternoon thunderstorms on either side of your Singapore outings.

    This hotel costs 20,000 Hyatt points per night, with rates typically around $250-$300.

    Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh Resort

    This property is great for anyone traveling to the horn of Egypt, but it’s especially prime for snorkelers and divers like myself. The Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh Resort is situated right at the confluence of the Gulf of Aqaba and the greater Red Sea, making it the perfect accommodation for one of the best diving and snorkeling spots on the globe.

    Even if you’re not big on snorkeling or diving, the Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh Resort will have something to keep you busy. (Photo courtesy of Hyatt)

    Again, I appreciated this redemption first because of the locale but the grounds have such an inviting, beach vibe that it’s great even for folks who aren’t into diving.

    This hotel costs only 5,000 Hyatt points per night — an absolute steal! Cash rates are typically around $120.

    An Upcoming Stay I’m Excited About: Grand Hyatt Baha Mar

    I haven’t made it to this property yet, but it’s a stay I’m super excited about. I love the Bahamas for its sparkling teal waters and white sandy beaches (and the diving!), and the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is a seaside resort that fits right into the locale. I am looking forward to exploring this property because there is something for every type of vacationer, including the onsite Baha Mar Casino, the Jack Nicklaus Signature Royal Blue Golf Course and an interactive art center called The Current.

    There are also several pools, an onsite spa and beach access. I can’t wait to dine at some of the 20+ dining options on-site, then relax on my beach-view balcony.

    I haven’t stayed at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar yet, but I can’t wait to lounge by this pool! (Photo courtesy of Hyatt)

    I booked this stay with a combination of points and cash. I got a great deal on a four-night stay in a two-bedroom suite for only $400 per night, but decided to extend my trip and booked two nights in a two-queen room with a 3,000-point Club Upgrade. The two additional nights cost a whopping $534 per night (for four adults), but the Club Upgrade with cash would have cost an additional $200 per night. I was happy to trade 6,000 points to keep $400!

    Best Cards to Get Access to Hyatt Points

    Chase offers the World of Hyatt Credit Card and cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards offer the ability to transfer to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. Here are the best cards if you want to earn more Hyatt points:

    If these options aren’t enough, there are even more ways to earn Hyatt points.

    Bottom Line

    There are so many great Hyatt properties where you can use Hyatt points for free stays, and if you don’t have Hyatt points you can always transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio.

    My absolute favorite Hyatt stay to date was at the Palacio Dahau — Park Hyatt Buenos Aires. I was only there for two nights, but at a hotel that costs $500+ per night, using Hyatt points was the way to go.

    Want to know more about using points to stay at Hyatt hotels for free? Check out our guides:

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