For the most part my posts cover deals applicable to a family, whether paid with points or cash. However, I am a great believer that all couples need to get away by themselves occasionally. So far, we have only gone for just one night at a time and always within driving distance. I am considering breaking that rule next year and flying to New York for two nights in September for our anniversary. I realize, it’s a very short trip, but I really don’t want to be away from my kids any longer than that.
My hotel points bonus list has two cards that would be ideal for that purpose: CITI Hilton Reserve Visa and Chase Hyatt Visa. Both come with 2 free nights after meeting minimum spending requirements. CITI card bonus nights are only valid on weekends. You can read more details on them in this post. As far as our flights there, Avios program probably would be the best candidate. It requires 15000 miles roundtrip from Tampa to New York on American Airlines, a partner of British Airways.
All you would need to do is apply for Chase British Airways Visa that comes with 50000 Avios after spending 2000 dollars in 3 months and 95 annual fee. I also wanted to narrow down the best hotels for your buck (or points) in 3 hubs served by American: New York, Chicago and Miami. Most people in U.S. live on the East coast within a short non-stop flight to one of those cities. I tried to find hotels with the highest cost, whether cash or points to maximize the value of the sign-up bonus. I randomly checked the rates for the second weekend of May.
New York
Hilton card:
The winner: Waldorf Astoria New York The hotel rate was 479 dollars or 80000 points per night.
Runner-up: Hilton Times Square Paid rate was 389 dollars or 80000 points per night.
Hyatt card:
The winner: Andaz 5th Avenue The rate was 489 dollars or 25000 Gold Passport points.
If your reservation falls on August 28th 2014 or later, the winner would be newly opened Park Hyatt New York, that runs at 30000 points or 775 dollars per night. That’s the one, I’ll probably be getting with Hyatt certificates. Hey, I have nothing against staying at Hyatts, especially when getting them for free!
Runner-up: Grand Hyatt New York The paid rate was 359 dollars or 25000 points.
Chicago
Hilton card:
The winner: Waldorf Astoria Chicago The hotel rate was 459 dollars per night or 80000 points.
Runner-up: The Wit Chicago The hotel rate was 289 dollars or 70000 points.
Hyatt card:
The winner: Park Hyatt Chicago The hotel rate was 475 dollars or 25000 points.
Runner-up: Hyatt Chicago Magnificent mile The hotel rate was 309 dollars or 20000 points per night.
Miami
Hilton card:
The winner: Hilton Bentley Miami- South beach The rate was 319 dollars or 60000 points.
Runner-up: Conrad Miami The rate was 299 dollars or 50000 points.
Hyatt card:
The winner: none
Let me explain. This is one place where it would probably pay to transfer Ultimate Rewards from Chase and save your certificates for a stay at a different city. That’s because you can reserve Hyatt Regency Coral Gables for 12000 Gold Passport points. It also happened to be the most expensive hotel in the area running at 229 dollars.
There was also Hyatt Miami at the Blue, that cost 169 dollars or 15000 points, but it was located 20 minutes away from downtown. My advice: don’t get the Hyatt card if you are heading to Miami.
Readers, have you ever done an out-of-state couple getaway? How did it go?
Click here to view various credit cards and available sign-up bonuses
Author: Leana
Leana is the founder of Miles For Family. She enjoys beach vacations and visiting her family in Europe. Originally from Belarus, Leana resides in central Florida with her husband and two children.
Jennifer, that sounds like fun! Having people you trust really helps. I do look forward to flying by ourselves and just wondering around New York and hopefully hitting some museums without any meltdowns (except my own!).
We did an out-of-country getaway when my son was 2. Three nights in the Bahamas. I was a wreck leaving him, but of course he was fine and got to spend some bonding time with grandparents. It was so nice getting couples time. We didn’t do much. My husband did some shark diving. I laid on the beach and sipped mixed drinks. Very relaxing. We try to do short getaways every few months. Keeps the husband happy. Thankful that my sister and parents are happy to take the kids.