We went to Kauai over Valentine’s Day week, which made for a very romantic getaway. Using our miles and points made it even better!
Winter Getaway to Kauai – Trip Report Index:
- Part 1 – Using Miles and Points to Get to Kauai
- Part 2 – Only $10 for 2 One-Way United Flights From Austin to Kauai
- Part 3 – Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
- Part 4 – Grand Hyatt Garden Suite for 87% Off
- Part 5 – 3 Free Nights & a Partial Ocean View Upgrade at the Grand Hyatt Kauai
- Part 6 – Activities in Kauai
- Part 7 – Adopting a Little Girl
- Part 8 – The Many Pools of the Grand Hyatt Kauai and more…
- Part 9 – Southside Eats
- Part 10 – More South Kauai Eats!
- Part 11 – Shave Ice Bigger Than Your Face and More Yummy Meals!
- Part 12 – Flight From Kauai to Austin
- Part 13 – Conclusion and Blog Giveaway
Grand Hyatt Kauai – Garden View Suite
For 3 nights of our 6-night stay at the Grand Hyatt in Kauai, we used Points + Cash and a Diamond Suite upgrade to stay in a Garden View Suite. The Garden View suite regularly costs $1,468 per night!
But we only paid ~$198 per night ($150 per night + 12,500 Hyatt points per night Points + Cash + $25 resort fee + ~13% tax). So we paid ~$596 and 37,500 Hyatt points for 3 nights.
For the other 3 nights we used 22,000 points (old Hyatt award chart rates). The current rate is 25,000 Hyatt points per night.
The staff were very welcoming when we arrived. They gave us a lei greeting and whisked away our luggage.
The lobby was beautiful. I loved the Art Nouveau details.
We were so excited to begin our holiday!
The suite had 3 separate rooms: a living area, a bathroom, and a bedroom. I loved our suite because it was very homey.
Living Area
You could see the living area when you walked in. There was a table and chairs, sectional sofa, and a wet bar.
The living room had a big flat screen TV. But it didn’t get much use.
French doors separate the bedroom from the living area. I could close the doors while Daraius worked.
The rooms were bright and airy. And they weren’t cluttered with decorations.
We were really looking forward to a relaxing stay. The hotel had lots of activities, but we had other plans.
Daraius thought the chairs were very comfortable!
The living area had a bar with a coffeemaker, microwave, and a refrigerator. The refrigerator was empty, leaving space for drinks or fresh fruit from Costco or a nearby grocery store.
There was also a sink, paper towels, wine glasses, an espresso maker, a microwave, and mugs.
Enjoying a bottle of wine would be easy with the wine glasses!
There was Keurig coffee maker with various types of coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
Each day we received 2 free bottles of water.
There was a table and 4 chairs, which we used as a desk. There was a large flat screen TV.
The living room had a wraparound sofa. It was the perfect size for guests or children.
Outdoor Patio
Off the living room, was a patio with a partial ocean view. The patio even included a lounge chair.
I loved how green the grass was!
Bathroom
The bathroom was very spacious and spa-like.
I liked the jetted tub and was looking forward to a relaxing bubble bath.
The bathroom had double sinks, lots of counter space, a jetted bathtub, a shower, and a separate toilet room.
The bathtub was very inviting. But I was surprised by how small and narrow the tub was.
We received Coco Mango amenities, designed by the Hyatt Grand Kauai Anara Spa.
There was a walk-in shower.
There was a hand shower and a rain shower.
The toilet had its own room.
There was a Toto Washlet with a heated seat!
Bedroom
The bedroom had a poster bed.
The bedroom was a little small but cozy and inviting. The bed was very comfortable. There was a bench at the foot of the bed.
The bathroom was to the right of the bedroom.
A flat screen TV was mounted on the wall, and there was lots of closet space.
The closet was large enough to put all of our stuff.
The other closet had two robes
There was also an iPhone charger on one nightstand.
How You Can Do It, Too!
We redeemed 20,000 United Airlines miles each and 17,500 American Airlines miles each for 1-way flights in coach to and from Austin and Kauai, Hawaii. We could have redeemed our miles for First Class seats but we like saving those for longer flights.
We used 41,295 Citi ThankYou points to pay for our car rental.
Daraius transferred 103,500 Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Hyatt points for 3 nights in a Garden View room. And 3 nights in a Garden View suite at the Grand Hyatt Kauai.
How Many Points You Need:
- Points Only: 150,000 Hyatt points for 6 nights
- Points + Cash: 75,000 Hyatt points and $1,188 for 6 nights
- Just like Daraius & Emily: 66,000 Hyatt points for 3 nights in a Garden View room, before the Hyatt award chart change. But now it is 75,000 Hyatt points. And 37,500 Hyatt points + $596 and a Diamond Suite upgrade for 3 nights in a Garden View Suite.
How to Get the Points:
The easiest way to get points for Kauai is by applying for credit cards.
Here’s my post on the best way to get Hyatt points.
1. Chase Hyatt Card
You can save some Chase Ultimate Rewards points and get 2 free nights at any Hyatt worldwide after you spend $2,000 within the first 3 months on the Chase Hyatt card.
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
You get 40,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points when you spend $4,000 within 3 months on the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to certain airlines and hotels at a 1:1 ratio. So 40,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points becomes 40,000 airline miles or 40,000 hotel points.
3. Chase Ink Cards
The Chase Ink Plus and Chase Ink Bold card currently get you 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $5,000 within 3 months.
Do you know the 3 ways you may qualify for a business credit card?
Note: You can apply for 1 personal and 1 business card from Chase at the same time. But you do NOT have to wait 6 months between Chase applications.Bottom Line:
Daraius and I booked a Garden View Suite using Points + Cash and a Diamond Suite upgrade. The other 3 nights we used 22,000 points (old Hyatt award chart rates) for a Garden View room. Now you pay 25,000 points per night.
The Garden Suite at the Grand Hyatt in Kauai was very nice! I enjoyed having a separate living area so Daraius could concentrate on his work while I relaxed.
The bathroom was also luxurious, with a jetted tub, full walk-in shower, and heated toilet seat!
I never wanted to leave the suite, but we had lots of activities planned for Kauai. Stay tuned to see what you can do in Kauai.