On my family’s recent trip to France and Switzerland, we primarily stayed in two apartment rentals. Everyone had their own bed, we had 3 separate bedrooms plus a kitchen and washer/dryer in each. The extra space really made the trip comfortable for my six family members.
Next summer, we’re returning to Europe for a cruise. We decided to stay a few nights in Venice before our cruise departs from Rome. However, we’re only staying for two nights. For that short of a time frame, the decision on staying in a hotel vs. an apartment rental is murky.
Venice Hotel on Points
As long-time blog readers know, I’m a Hyatt fan. When I started researching Venice for a possible stopover, I was excited to discover Hyatt Centric Murano Venice. The hotel has a boat that picks guests up from the airport. It’s right on a canal with cute dining spaces. What’s not to like?
However, hotels in Europe are tricky for a family of five. Most hotel rooms only fit two people. For this Hyatt hotel, we would need to book one regular room (at 15,000 World of Hyatt points) plus one duplex suite (at 23,000 World of Hyatt Points) for a total of 76,000 points. The rooms have free cancellation up to 48 hours before check-in.
My husband and I both have the Hyatt credit card that comes with one free anniversary night. So for two nights, we could use our free night certificates plus 46,000 points for the duplex suite. I don’t have those Hyatt points, so I would have to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points over to Hyatt to complete the booking.
However, the location of the Hyatt Centric is not ideal for us. It’s located on nearby Murano island and requires a boat ride to get to the main attractions in Venice proper. Plus, we would be in two different rooms, not likely connected.
Venice Apartment on Miles
Before I booked the Hyatt Centric, I decided to look at what type of apartment I could get using my Capital One Miles through the Capital One travel portal. To my surprise, the travel portal had a ton of apartments right in the thick of the action.
One apartment in particular caught my eye. It has 3 bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen and an outdoor terrace with stunning views of Venice. The location is perfect. The cost is ~$800 for two nights, or 80,000 Capital One Miles, refundable up to a week prior to check-in.
Which Did I Pick?
As much as I love Hyatt, I booked the apartment with Capital One Miles. We only have two days to explore Venice (really more like a day and a half). Time is precious, and the location of the apartment is more convenient. I also like us being in the same room as opposed to two separate rooms.
Using my Capital One Miles also allows me to save our Hyatt free night certificates for an upcoming trip to Miami. Plus, I’m conserving my Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which are a bit more versatile.
If it were just me and my husband traveling, I would have likely picked the Hyatt Centric on our free night certificates. But, a family of five requires more beds, more rooms, more points, more options.
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
Have you considered the Hilton Molino Sticky? It’s not on the main island but is a 5 minute Vaporetto ride away from St Marks and has a great view of the city from the rooftop bar.
@Chris No, but I will look into it. Thanks.
We loved that hotel. Got an upgrade to a suite as a diamond. You get an enormous, excellent complimentary breakfast buffet and lounge is open and has drinks and apps. Yes, rooftop bar and I think swimming pool.