I opened my email yesterday to some great news: It’s my cardmember anniversary!
Well, technically, my real cardmember anniversary was the end of June. But 8 weeks later, the big blue bank belatedly remembered our anniversary and deposited my long-awaited annual free night certificate in my account. Woohoo!
For those not familiar with what I’m talking about, my husband and I each own the Chase World of Hyatt credit card. The annual fee is $95, but each year we receive a free night certificate valid at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel. We always get more value from our free night, so this card is a keeper for us. (By the way, the welcome bonus on this card right now isn’t the best. If you’re considering this card, I’d wait for a higher bonus).
So, where are we spending our free night certificates this time?
Alta Las Palomas
Alta Las Palomas is one of Hyatt’s partner Small Luxury Hotels in San Jose, Costa Rica. I hardly ever see this hotel mentioned on travel blogs. That’s probably because when folks visit Costa Rica, San Jose is not the final destination. However, before my family heads to Manuel Antonio National Park area next year, we want to check out some ex-pat communities near San Jose. One of our blog readers recommended this hotel, and the location is perfect for our purposes.
Alta Las Palomas is a small hotel with just 22 rooms and 1 restaurant.
It’s a World of Hyatt Category 4 hotel that costs 12,000 to 18,000 points per night, depending on the season.
We are using both my certificate and my husband’s certificate for two nights here. The cash rate per night for our dates is ~$250 including taxes. We are paying cash for a second room for my three kids.
I’m excited to stay at this hotel next year! Of course, I’ll be posting a review on here.
Readers with a World of Hyatt credit card, where are you spending your free night?
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
this year/next used FNA’s at an eclectic mix of places including the Thompson Chicago (USA), Grand Hotel Parker’s (Italy), The Fish Hotel (UK), Park Hyatt Siem Reap (Cambodia), and the Hyatt Regency Tokyo (Japan).
@khati Nice! Looks like you’ve been on some great trips recently.
I’ve been wanting to stay at Thompson Chicago which gets booked up it’s a great value at over $300 night!
I haven’t spent mine too far in the last couple years. We’ve been spending ours locally in the suburbs or downtown Chicago since we are about an hour away. I’ve earned 2 club lounge passes twice so I have 4 total with different expiration dates, are those redeemable with the free night certificates? Maybe you or another reader can answer.
TY!
@Boonie According to an article I read on TPG, unfortunately you can’t use the 2 club lounge passes with your credit card free night certificates. However, I suggest calling Hyatt when you’re ready to redeem them because you never know. 🙂
I’d suggest booking an extra night with points and then calling to use the cert. They have always let me use the lounge for both nights.