Leana recently wrote about letting go of her remaining Hyatt Diamond Suite Upgrades (DSUs). I am in a similar position since I received a total of eight upgrade certificates after getting matched to Hyatt Diamond status last year. My family used one upgrade certificate at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport hotel before our cruise last January and the other at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines this summer.
Two of my DSUs expired, but I still had four more I could use before the end of February 2017. If time and money were no object, I have no doubt we would have reservations at four more Hyatts right now. But alas, that’s not the case. However, we do have two more Hyatt stays through the end of the year where we are putting those DSUs to good use!
Grand Hyatt Denver
While I have stayed at several Hyatt Place and Hyatt Regency hotels, this will be my first time staying at a Grand Hyatt. I grew up in the Denver area, and my family decided to move our yearly visit to the winter instead of the summer. My kids love the snow, so we might just have the chance to experience some during our visit in late November.
Instead of staying in the suburbs like we usually do, we decided to do something different and stay in Downtown Denver. We are not renting a car this time since we can take the new train from the airport right to downtown. The Grand Hyatt Denver is located very close to light rail stops and the 16th Street Mall.
Grand Hyatt Denver exterior
Image courtesy of Hyatt
I was able to use a DSU to upgrade my family to an executive suite at a cost of 6,000 points +$75/night. We will also be able to partake in the drinks and food in the Grand Club. Aside from the indoor pool, I think my family is most looking forward to the hotel’s elevated Skycourt:
Skycourt at Grand Hyatt Denver
Image courtesy of Hyatt
I hope it’s not too cold to enjoy the Skycourt and the nearby ice skating rink!
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa
After our amazing stay at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa in July, my husband and I have been trying to figure out how to get back there in December when he has a week off work. My in-laws live in South Texas, and the resort is sort-of on the way to their house. However, we could not find availability on points there due to the resort’s special holiday events.
However, the sister resort of Hyatt Lost Pines, the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, had rooms available during our travel dates. It gets the same rave reviews on Trip Advisor as Hyatt Lost Pines, but it’s located in the San Antonio area. When it went from a Category 5 hotel to a Category 4 on August 1, we decided to book a few nights and use a DSU certificate to stay in the Hill Country Suite for 7,500 points + $100/night.
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa
Image courtesy of Hyatt
I’m excited that the lazy river and pool are heated year-round, and my kids might want to try out this Flow Rider:
Image courtesy of Hyatt
If the weather is too yucky to swim outside, we can always go next door to the Hyatt Wild Oak Ranch Residence Club to use the indoor pool.
Indoor pool at Hyatt Wild Oak Ranch
Image courtesy of Hyatt
Sea World is two miles away, but we haven’t decided if we will add that to our agenda. It’s nice that it’s so close. We will probably use the Camp Hyatt for a date one night and see what other activities the resort offers during our stay.
It would be very hard to stay at this resort without the DSU. Regular rooms have two double beds (not queen beds) and we would have to sleep one kid on the floor. Having the extra space of a suite and the complimentary food from the Regency Club makes this hotel a great value for my family of five.
The One that Got Away
The Hyatt hotel that I REALLLLLLLLY wanted to visit this year before my diamond status expires is the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa. I have had my eye on this place for a few years now. The resort is expanding its pool area to include a lazy river and additional water slides that open in November. It also has its own private island beach accessible by boat. So dreamy!
Private island beach at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point
Image courtesy of Hyatt
Yes, this is the same resort that Leana is going to later this year. My husband and I have tried to make this work for us, since it costs the same amount of Points + Cash as the Hyatt Regency Hill Country. All we needed was airfare to Fort Myers (Fl) on miles. Unfortunately, finding free or cheap flights to Florida (or anywhere) during the last week of December is a tall order, so for now we will have to just dream about this hotel. Leana, please send me a postcard!
Don’t feel too sorry for us, though. We are planning a Florida beach getaway at a different hotel for Spring Break next year. We may still consider Hyatt Coconut Point at a future date, but without using a DSU we will have to either squish five of us in a room or get two rooms.
I’ll be sure to post reviews of the Grand Hyatt Denver and the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa after our stays. We’ve had a great year with the Hyatt Diamond benefits!
This post was written by Nancy, who is a regular contributor. She also runs a blog Savingforadream and has an awesome YouTube channel.
If you’ve found this content beneficial, please look at Support the Site page for ways you can help keep the blog running. Also, subscribe to receive free updates through email and recommend me to your family and friends. You can follow me on Twitter, like me on Facebook and download my free e-book
The post Hyatt Diamond Status-Good Till the Last Drop appeared first on Miles For Family.