One complaint you won’t hear from award travel enthusiasts is that there aren’t enough places we want to go. Today, TPG Senior Points & Miles Correspondent Nick Ewen stretches that list even further as he shares his favorite Hyatt properties for award redemptions.
To borrow from a well-known phrase, value is in the eye of the beholder. This is especially true when it comes to redeeming your points and miles for flights and hotel stays. The awards you covet might be of little interest to someone else, and vice versa. Still, some properties tend to offer strong redemption options, so in light of Hyatt’s fantastic 20% refund promotion for Hyatt Credit Card holders, I wanted to take you through my list of 10 Hyatt properties that are worth every point.
In compiling this list, I utilized a number of factors in determining which Hyatt properties offer the “best ” value:
Category
Typical revenue rates
Uniqueness (amenities, location, etc.)
Remember too that there are a number of benefits to redeeming Hyatt Gold Passport points that apply to all properties, including complimentary internet for all guests regardless of the booking method, and no resort fees, which can set you back up to $60 per night on paid stays or Cash + Points awards.
Of course, you likely have a different way of defining what makes a redemption valuable, so feel free to include your favorite Hyatt properties in the comments below! These are my picks:
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
This first property is one of the jewels of the Park Hyatt brand (and as you’ll soon see, there are many!). Located on a private island just 55 km north of the equator, the resort consists of just 50 villas, all with floor to ceiling windows and many with private plunge pools. Two on-site restaurants and a variety of activities will keep you busy, though you can always retreat to one of the 5 private villas or the 80-foot tranquility pool at the resort’s luxurious Vidhun Spa.
This is a Category 7 property, requiring 30,000 Gold Passport points for a free night. Paid rates in March start at $889 a night, giving you a value of 2.96 cents per point.
Andaz Maui
This resort finally opened its doors on September 1, 2013 after several delays, giving travelers a terrific new option on the island of Maui. Spread across 15 acres of pristine beachfront Wailea property, the hotel provides a variety of accommodations across its 290 guest rooms and suites. You can enjoy the usual amenities of the Andaz brand (including complimentary snack and non-alcoholic drinks from the minibar) with the look and feel of a world-class beach resort, complete with excursions, several dining options, an on-site spa, and no resort fee. TPG visited this property earlier in the year and a had a great experience.
This is a Category 6 property, requiring 25,000 points for a free night. Paid rates in March start at $549 a night, giving you a value of 2.2 cents per point.
Park Hyatt Sydney
Another luxurious Park Hyatt property is found in Sydney, boasting a fantastic waterfront location with views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the city’s world famous opera house. With only 155 rooms, the hotel feels much more like a luxurious residence than a chain hotel. You can dine in one of two on-site restaurants, lounge by the rooftop pool and sun deck, or indulge in a treatment at the hotel’s spa. TPG reviewed this property last year as part of his first trip to Australia.
This is a Category 7 property, requiring 30,000 points for a free night. Paid rates in March start at $768 a night, giving you a value of 2.56 cents per point.
Park Hyatt Mendoza
Though this property doesn’t have the allure of top-tier locations within the Park Hyatt brand, it’s nevertheless a great value using points, as one of only two Park Hyatts that fall within Category 2. Located in the city center of Mendoza, the hotel is close to the region’s renowned vineyards and wineries, while just 90 minutes from Aconcagua Mountain and many major Argentinean ski resorts. The 186 guest rooms and suites provide views of the Andes and the city, and the on-site spa, casino, and multiple restaurants and bars will keep you busy and full throughout your stay.
This is a Category 2 property, requiring just 8,000 points for a free night. Rates in March start at $183 a night, giving you a value of 2.3 cents per point.
Grand Hyatt Santiago
Another South American property that offers terrific value for award redemptions is the Grand Hyatt Santiago, which is also in Category 2 . The hotel provides numerous on-site amenities, including the three-story free-standing AKO Spa, a large pool with cascading waterfall, and a variety of cuisine options. Enjoy views of the city, gardens, or Andes Mountains from the 310 guest rooms and suites, or upgrade to the Club level to gain access to the 16th floor lounge and complimentary breakfast, hors d’oeuvres, and bar service. Local ski resorts, the coastline, and Santiago’s vineyards are all within an hour’s drive of the hotel.
Rates in March start at $242 or 8,000 points per night, giving you a value of just over 3 cents per point.
Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort
This resort just opened in December of 2013, and as a Category 4 property with typically very high revenue rates, it’s a great option for redeeming Gold Passport points. Located on the northern edge of Culebra Bay in the northwest part of Costa Rica, this hillside resort is expertly blended into its surroundings, and provides understated luxury with the typical amenities of a world-class resort. The 153 rooms include forest or water views, solid woods and carvings to reflect the local culture, and walk-in rain showers (plus the Andaz standard complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic drinks from the minibar!). While many adventure activities are nearby, you can stay entertained on property as well, with a spa, three restaurants, and two cascading pools. TPG reviewed this property shortly after it opened, so check out his review for more details.
This is a Category 4 property, requiring just 15,000 points for a free night. Paid rates in March start at $450 a night, giving you a value of 3 cents per point.
Hyatt Escala Lodge at Park City
While the Park Hyatt in Beaver Creek, Colorado may get more press, the Hyatt Escala Lodge at Park City is another Category 4 property located within the Canyons Ski Resort just outside of Park City, Utah. With ski-in, ski-out access, you have the utmost flexibility to explore the 176 trails spanning 4,000 acres of mountainside terrain. Standard rooms start at 380 square feet and include kitchenettes, granite bathroom countertops, and stone fireplaces. You can also take advantage of complimentary transportation to downtown Park City and the 100+ shops, galleries, and restaurants just a few minutes away.
This is a Category 4 property, requiring 15,000 points for a free night. Paid rates in March start at $499 a night, giving you a value of 3.3 cents per point.
Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome
Another top-tier redemption that offers great value is the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme. With a great location on Rue de la Paix just north of Place Vendôme, many of Paris’ most alluring attractions are close by, including the Champs-Élysées, Jardin des Tuileries, the Seine, and both the Louvre and Orsay Museums. The 153 rooms include luxurious appointments like wood paneling, bronze accents, soaking tubs, and stone-enclosed rain showers. The Ed Tuttle-designed decor throughout the hotel is a blend of contemporary and classic, and dining options include the Michelin starred Pur’ from Chef Jean-Francois Rouquette. I stayed at this property back in 2013 and will be visiting again this May/June.
This is a Category 7 property, requiring 30,000 points for a free night. Paid rates in March start at $729 a night, giving you a value of 2.43 cents per point.
Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
The city of Hong Kong has no shortage of luxury hotels, and while the Grand Hyatt doesn’t match the likes of the Ritz-Carlton or Four Seasons, it’s nonetheless a great value on points. The property is located along the waterfront of Hong Kong Island, and is connected to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, making it ideal for business travelers. On the other hand, vacationers will love the 50 meter outdoor pool, jogging path, and Plateau Spa. The 539 rooms and suites boast views of the harbor or lush garden, and the Grand Club includes the usual amenities like complimentary breakfast, all day snacks, and evening canapés and drinks.
This is a Category 6 property, requiring 25,000 points for a free night. Paid rates in March start at $516 a night, giving you a value of 2.06 cents per point.
Park Hyatt New York
The final property on this list is the new flagship hotel of the Park Hyatt brand. Occupying the first 25 floors of the One57 tower in Manhattan, the property first opened in August of last year, and is located across the street from Carnegie Hall and just a block from Central Park. The 210 guest rooms start at 475 square feet (massive by New York standards), and include walk-in rain showers, separate soaking tubs, and Nespresso coffee makers. The Back Room at One57 serves world-class cuisine, while the full-service Spa Nalai and indoor pool (both on the 25th floor) give you an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city. TPG reviewed this hotel in December, describing it as his “favorite Hyatt property in the Big Apple.”
This is a Category 7 property, requiring 30,000 points for a free night. Paid rates in March start at $675 a night, giving you a value of 2.25 cents per point.
Bottom line
Though Hyatt’s worldwide portfolio is relatively limited, with just 549 properties as of December 31, 2013, there are plenty of great awards to pursue. The Hyatt Gold Passport program offers impressive value, which is one of the reasons why TPG often recommends Hyatt as a strong option for redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards. If you have a chance to visit one of these properties, take it!
What are your favorite hotels for Hyatt award redemptions?