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When it comes to Chase Utimate Rewards points, I tend to be stingy. Really stingy. It’s one thing when you transfer them to Southwest or United where you are pretty much guaranteed to get 1.4 cents per point/mile or better. This is especially true when you are hub-captive and don’t have many airfare choices, at least not without making several connections. And who wants to do that?
It is a different story, however, when it comes to Hyatt points. Pretty much anywhere you go, you can find a worthy/cheaper alternative, whether it’s AirBNB or another hotel. In fact, for a long time, this whole Hyatt obsession in the miles and points community blew my mind. Some even plan their trips around specific Hyatt properties and find it worthwhile to invest a lot of money in mattress runs, just so they could get top-tier status.
Well, ladies and gentleman, it looks like I have just joined the ranks of Hyatt-obssesives. No, I’m not about to chase Diamond (correction: Globalist) status, I’m not that nuts. But I did just transfer 64k of my super-duper valuable Chase points, all for a 2-night stay in a Hyatt suite. Unbelievable. That amount would pay for one roundtrip economy ticket to Europe, people…
The kids want what the kids want
I’m not one of those parents who normally goes out of their way to fulfill their child’s every wish. That goes for travel, among other things. For the most part, I book a trip that I like, and they tag along. When they start earning money, they can do what they want.
A few exceptions are Disney and Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa. We plan on doing Disney next year, even though it’s not my cup of tea. But I’ve put it off long enough due to the pandemic and my general lack of desire to fight off the crowds, so it’s time. That one is simple. We pay for Florida Resident passes, and go on our merry way. There is only one Disney World in the state of Florida where we live. And any cheap hotel nearby (a place to sleep) will suffice.
On the other hand, there are tons of alternatives to Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa (see Nancy’s review). Sure, they won’t offer the exact same amenities, but still. And yet, that’s the hotel my kids keep asking to go back to. In fact, my son has mentioned that when he grows up and starts earning money, he will book a month-long stay there for just me and him. We’ll see.
Still, I’ve decided that we need to go back at least once a year, though that plan was thwarted due to the pandemic as well. I just got a windfall of 85k UR points after my husband was approved for 80k offer on Chase Sapphire Preferred back in April. Yes, I wish we would have waited to apply, but oh well. See Nancy’s post on the amazing current 100k points offer. Update: Public offer has expired. See the latest best credit card deals here.
Anyway, I was planning to get a regular room for 20k Hyatt points per night. However, we are at the point where it’s just not that enjoyable to share the same room with our kids. We do it for a night or two when there is no other option, but it’s my strong preference not to. The kids get up early on vacations, and my husband loves to sleep in. So, when he wakes up too early, it instantly puts him in a grumpy mood. That in turn puts me in a grumpy mood.
So, when I saw that a suite was available for 32K points per night, I was intrigued. What’s odd is the description states that it’s a premium suite, yet it’s priced as a standard suite. It has two bathrooms, a huge plus when vacationing with kids. It also has beautiful bay views, something you are not guaranteed to get with a standard room.
What the hey! This resort in many ways is a fabulous choice for a family vacation, and if you have Hyatt or Chase points to spare, I absolutely recommend it. You get a boat ride to a pristine beach, a lazy river and pretty cool slides, all included in one package. Keep in mind that if you want this suite, you will have to book way in advance.
My one consolation for this mad splurge is that the suite would otherwise cost me $900 per night. But let’s get real, very few of us would actually pay that amount. I love my kids, but not that much.
I should also mention that the suite technically fits six people. I’m guessing they assume that you will be using two rollaways, though I’m not sure. In all likelihood, it will be just my family of four. However, I’m hoping that perhaps my mom can join us in the unlikely event that she is able to get a visa to US.
Fancy resort suites are a “sweet spot” of Hyatt redemptions
This is where Hyatt truly shines. While I still prefer Hilton points and rated that program as number one for my family’s needs, I have to admit that suite redemption is their weak spot. It usually takes a gazillion Hilton points compared to a standard room.
Sure, there are some nice Embassy Suites properties that make up for it. Still, it’s tough to beat Hyatt when you want to treat your family. And you don’t even need a top-tier status. Just use extra points, and you are guaranteed a suite at a place where you actually want to vacation. Tons of amenities unlike condos you get on AirBNB. A place where your family is sure to have a good time.
There are quite a few neat options and you can spend hours researching various Hyatt properties in US and overseas. One that really intrigues me at the moment is Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa
It’s a category 4 property, so you can technically use your renewal certificates here. Or for 24k Hyatt points per night you can splurge on this VIP suite with a fireplace, jetted tub and two bathrooms:
It’s also quite popular, so you will have to book way in advance. This part of US has long interested me. I’m really curious about Anasazi culture, and there are several historic sites with cliffside dwellings 1.5 hours from this resort.
The only thing that discourages me from going is the absence of nonstop flights to ABQ airport from my part of Florida. Hopefully, we’ll get there someday, and this resort will be my first choice when it comes to accommodations.
Bottom line
I’m terrible when it comes to overthinking the value of my points and the opportunity cost of using them. Yes, transferring UR points to miles is the more sensible choice. But I can’t use miles on this particular Hyatt resort, and that’s the place my kids are begging me to take them to.
We’ve stayed in a lot of perfectly nice places, yet that’s the one they like the best so far. And I don’t even have to buy airline tickets to go there.
So, I’m consciously working on splurging here and there when it makes my family happy. And that’s the whole point, right?
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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.
With the CSR and right now with Chase’s “Pay yourself back” option I have a hard time of not thinking of 64k Ultimate Rewards points as $$960 in my checking account. I have easily been earning enough credits to take full advantage of the cash value, and if I find I will run out I could just buy gift cards at restaurants and Lowes or Home Depot for future use. It’s nice for Ultimate Rewards to be so versatile, but it can be nice to easily make decisions with other rewards – like with Hyatts 2 nights anywhere. We took advantage of Paris Park Hyatt Vendome and it was a wonderful splurge and never a second thought. Had I been given 60000 points instead I would have agonized over using them all for only 2 nights when I had the option of 5 nights elsewhere. In your case I am in no way implying that your transfer of points is not worth $960 – or $800 value with CSP. On the contrary, it looks like a wonderful opportunity and a great value, especially when you consider you got the points free with bonuses. I just find it easier to make decisions when I don’t have so many choices – like booking a flight with airline miles when I know it is the best and maybe the only choice – as opposed to using points that could be used for travel but electing to buy a new washer and dryer.
@Steve I can completely relate to everything you’ve just said. A few years ago I had two Hyatt nights from a now discontinued signup offer, and used them at Park Hyatt Sydney. It was a no-brainer since were going to be in Sydney anyway, but I would have never dropped 60k UR points. I would have simply stayed at a Holiday Inn nearby. UR points are incredibly valuable and versatile, especially with “pay yourself back” option. That’s why I can’t think of it as a “free” hotel stay, that would be ludicrous. That said, my kids really love this resort, so I was going to splurge on a hotel room regardless, whether it’s paying cash or using points. A suite will allow me and my husband to have some much needed peace, and that’s worth something.
I tried various dates over the next 3 months on Hyatt.com and the suite was never offered. I even tried upping our part to 6. I guess you hit the lottery in terms of suite availability?
@Anthony You definitely need to reserve way in advance. Hyatt opens reservations 13 months ahead, so right now your best bet is to stay in the summer. I realize it’s not ideal in terms of weather in Florida, but still. Also, this suite is often listed for sale, but not offered via points. You may try calling Hyatt to see if they can help you reserve it over the phone.
Hyatt top status is Globalist, not Diamond :). I agree, it feels like everyone’s obsessed, I’m fine with the lowest status
@Faraz Khalik You are absolutely correct! It was called Diamond back when I got in on the status match (2016?). Though I was more of a cubic zirconia, haha. It was definitely a nice thing to score….for free.
Six balconies, eh?
@Christian Yup, one and a half per person. 🙂
Loved it when that hyatt was a cat 4 and I could use my free night cert there! I also could get lounge access. Do you know if they’ve reopened their lounge yet?
@Lynn Those were the days! Staying there for $75 per night was an insane deal, for sure. A total no-brainer. I also happened to get a Diamond status via match one year, so scored a suite for 15k points, plus free lounge access.
As far as I know, the lounge is still closed, at least according to latest reports. There was also some talk that it may not even reopen, though I’m seeing Club rooms being offered next year. My lounge access certs will expire at the end of this year anyway, so it’s moot point. Maybe Hyatt will extend them again, but I’m not counting on it.
I have a question. Could you use a suite upgrade certificate since this is now considered a standard suite?
@Clyn6 You absolutely can use the suite upgrade cert if you happen to have a top-tier status with Hyatt. Unfortunately, I don’t.
First time reader. I’m confused; are you implying that a 1.4c redemption on UA or WN is favorable? It’s not, you’d be better off redeeming through and Chase UR Portal at 1.5c (assuming you have the reserve) AND earning BIS miles on the flight. Am I missing something?
@Rock Good question. You can get this return if you have Chase Sapphire Reserve. I only have Preferred at the moment, which will give you 1.25 cents per point towards travel. You also do have to factor in loss of flexibility when you use the UR portal. If you cancel a revenue flight, you will at best get a travel credit that has an expiration date attached. When canceling a mileage ticket, you will usually lose only taxes, depending on a program. But it’s absolutely worth keeping all the pros and cons in mind when transferring points to Hyatt. The opportunity cost is substantial.