Continuing with my post requests: My (loyal) reader Nancy has asked me to cover the best Category 1 Hyatt redemptions. I actually Googled this topic, and not surprisingly, there were quite a few posts on the subject. But I plan to add a different angle. What I want to do here is focus only on best “bang for your buck” redemptions within USA. I seriously doubt many of my readers are heading to Armenia (though, Kardashian clan apparently visited it!), or other off-the-beaten path places that happen to have a Category 1 Hyatt.
Being able to redeem 5,000 points for a hotel night at a decent property is a tremendous bargain. As much as I hate to use Ultimate Rewards for hotels (I usually save those for mileage transfers), it’s hard to argue with value in this particular case. If you happen to stay during major holidays, you’ll most likely make out like a bandit.
For the most part, Category 1 Hyatt property would be a decent place for an overnight airport stay before an early flight. That said, there are some hotels that could make a good base for an actual family vacation. I wanted to select popular tourist destinations, and only feature Hyatt properties that will fit at least 4 people in one room. My reader Clint has pointed out in the comments section that most Hyatt House and Hyatt Place properties will fit 6. Even better!
First, here is a complete list of Category 1 properties. Without further ado:
1.If you are heading to Illinois, specifically Chicago, you should consider transferring Ultimate Rewards to Hyatt program, for realz. Here are the properties:
Hyatt House Chicago/Naperville/Warrenville
Hyatt House Chicago/Schaumbur
Hyatt Place Chicago/Hoffman Estates
Hyatt Place Chicago/Itasca
Hyatt Place Chicago/Lombard/Oak Brook
Hyatt Place Chicago/Naperville/Warrenville
Hyatt Place Chicago/Schaumburg
Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, Chicago
As you probably have figured out, none of these hotels are located in downtown Chicago. Still, most of them will provide a good base to explore the area.
2.Hyatt house Colorado Springs
I absolutely love Colorado Springs, so I hope you at least consider taking a vacation there. The scenery is spectacular, and there is so much to do! Here is a photo:
That’s me and my friend who lives there. The photo was taken 10 years ago, BC (before kids). I am wearing my green coat that I brought from Belarus. I’m cheap and refused to take it to Goodwill in spite of everyone’s hints. Soviet fashion at its finest!
This place would make a good base to explore Niagara Falls as well as the surrounding area. You could even consider taking a day trip to Finger Lakes region.
Update: it’s now a category 2.
Obviously, if you are coming to Florida solely to see Mickey, you would do better staying closer to Disney parks. But if you are looking to visit Space center in Cape Canaveral and just want to go to Magic Kingdom for one day, it could make sense to set up camp in this hotel. It also would come in handy if you have a super early flight.
5.Hyatt Place Fort Myers/at The Forum
I honestly feel that this area of Florida is highly underrated. While this hotel isn’t located on the beach, it’s within a half hour drive from Sanibel island and Fort Myers beach. Sanibel and Captiva islands are probably my favorite places in the state, and I’m always looking for an excuse to come here. A popular magazine “Islands” just profiled Sanibel, so go and visit before the hordes of tourists arrive.
Hyatt in Fort Myers would also make a good base to visit Naples Zoo as well as Marco Island.
This is actually a place my reader Nancy mentioned in her comment. I looked it up and it sure does look nice! It’s located close to a beach, which is always a plus when you are traveling with kids. This property is brand new, and as all hotels in Hyatt Place brand, comes with full free breakfast each morning.
7. Hyatt Place Baton Rouge/I-10
This property would make a good base to explore Louisiana, including the city of New Orleans. I highly recommend you visit this state. IMO it’s one for the most unique and authentic areas in America.
8.Hyatt House Sacramento/Rancho Cordova
California tends to be fairly expensive when it comes to hotel rates, so this property is quite a bargain on points. You have an easy access to all kinds of tourist activities in the area: Hiking, boating, you name it. You can also attempt to do a day trip to San Francisco, though, it’s quite a distance.
9. Hyatt Place San Antonio Airport/Quarry Market
Hyatt Place San Antonio-Northwest/Medical Center
Nancy has suggested adding these two properties to the list, since they could make a good base to visit Sea World.
Credit card bonuses to consider
Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Ink Business Preferred.
Bottom line
Well, those are just a few places that stood out to me. Feel free to add more properties to that list. In general, I don’t think of Hyatt as a bargain brand when it comes to family vacations on a budget. Still, there are good deals to be had, especially if you are flush with Ultimate Rewards points.
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.
So you say sometimes thereâs even room for 5 in a Hyatt House/Place. I have a family of six and can confirm that every Hyatt Place and I think every Hyatt House that I have been to has a sofa bed. The sofa bed is standard in every room so you can get a two queen room and it comes with a sofa bed and you easily have room for six. And I think as a plus there is âofficiallyâ room for six at these hotels as you can enter six in the booking prompt and the room will come up as an option. We love Hyatt Places especially and have stayed at many Cat 1âs.
@Clint Thanks for your comment! I have updated the post with this information. I was mostly looking to make sure those hotels will fit at least 4, but 6 sounds even better! I’ve never stayed in Hyatt Place, but I know most people love it. And for 5,000 points per night, you can’t beat the value.
P.S. Your comment had your phone number, so I removed it. I’m guessing it ended up there by accident.
Thanks for writing this post! Lots of good options on the list. I’d love to take my family to Niagara Falls–I went there as a kid and I remember being blown away by it. I love Colorado Springs as well–I’m bummed there are no cheaper Denver locations. We have reserved a few nights at the Corpus Christi location for next Spring Break. One location I would recommend for your readers to also check out is San Antonio, Texas. It’s my favorite city in Texas, and there are 2 hotels that cost 5000 a night that aren’t too far from SeaWorld and the Riverwalk. We might go there again on the way to or from my in-laws since it’s about 2-hours away.
@Nancy Glad you enjoyed the post! You should absolutely consider taking your family to see Niagara Falls, they will love it. And Southwest flies to Buffalo, so you can use your Companion passes. It’s funny, I almost added San Antonio to the list, and you are right, it sounds like a good family destination. I hope to visit that city someday. I’ve updated the post. Thanks!
By mentioning 5 new cards (from all issuers), does that mean Chase and co-branded cards like United and Southwest? How about Chase business cards?
Lucydney, I actually meant to say more than 5 cards. I believe 5 is the cut-off. And yes, all cards count (co-branded and from other banks), even the ones where you may be listed as an authorized user.There are no definitive reports on business cards since those sometimes aren’t reported on your personal file at the credit agency.
That said, you shouldn’t have an issue applying for co-branded Chase cards, at least for now. Things in this hobby change rapidly. I have gotten approved for Chase Hyatt Visa and got my bonus with no issues. Hope this helps and comment or email me with any further questions.
Forgot to add, you may want to follow this thread for most up-to-date info http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/chase-ultimate-rewards/1191535-applying-chase-credit-cards-read-wiki-first-consolidated.html