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There’s a total of 8 Hyatt hotel categories in the World of Hyatt loyalty program, with 8 being the highest usually including boutique hotels, vacation homes, and luxurious villas.
But in this article, we’ll be talking about the lower categories that are reasonably priced and easy to redeem, particularly categories 1 – 4 which cost between 3,500 points to 12,000 points.
In fact, it’s so easy that having a World of Hyatt credit card instantly gives you an annual Hyatt free night certificate up to a Hyatt category 4 hotel.
Read More: Can You Book Hyatt Residence Club Properties With Points?
How To Get A Free Night Award With A Hyatt Certificate
World of Hyatt members traditionally earn Hyatt points at a rate of 5 base points per $1 spent on eligible hotels. This means that you need spend a lot of money first before you can earn points to book an award stay.
Don’t worry because there’s a faster way of booking award stays, and that is through the World of Hyatt Credit Card or the through the Brand Explorer Award.
Earning A Hyatt Certificate With The Hyatt Credit Card
The Hyatt credit card lets you earn up to 60,000 bonus points: 30,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening + a bonus rate of 2 points per $1 spent on up to $15,000 spent in the first 6 months of account opening, totaling to 30,000 points.
But the main selling point of the card is the annual Hyatt certificate which can be redeemed at Hyatt Category 1 hotels up to Hyatt Category 4 hotels. You also get another free night if you’re able to spend $15,000 more on your card within a calendar year.
Let’s assume that you met all the spending requirements mentioned above. In your first year as a cardholder, you’ll have a chance to redeem up to 7 award nights at Hyatt category 4 hotels.
- 5 nights from your 60,000 bonus points, based on Hyatt’s pricing where category 4 hotels starts at 12,000 points per night.
- 1 Hyatt free night from your annual Hyatt certificate.
- 1 Hyatt free night for spending $15,000 on your card in a calendar year.
If you want to business version of this card, you can try signing up for the World Of Hyatt Business Credit Card.
Earning A Hyatt Certificate Through The Brand Explorer Award
The Brand Explorer Award is a lifetime promotion that gives Hyatt members a chance to earn a free night award at any category 1-4 hotels for every five unique Hyatt brands they stay at over the course of their membership.
The way you booked your stay at a Hyatt brand doesn’t matter so paid stays (not booked through 3rd parties), award stays, and stays redeemed through a Hyatt certificate are all eligible.
However, repeat stays don’t count which means that need to book one stay each at all 26 Hyatt brands. As of this writing, you have a chance to get up to 5 free night awards with this promotion.
Read More: World Of Hyatt Business Card VS World Of Hyatt Card: Which Is Better?
Hyatt Category 4 Hotels
(Image courtesy of Canva pro by ReDunnLev from Getty Images)
1. Andaz San Diego, California
Andaz San Diego is known for its history and culture. The building itself was opened way back in 1913 to celebrate the completion of the Panama Canal. Aside from that, the hotel boasts of its rooftop view of the Gaslamp Quarter, a long 16-block neighborhood that extends from 4th to 6th Avenue, and from Broadway to Harbor Drive.
The Gaslamp Quarter includes a lot of historic buildings which were constructed during the Victorian Era which is why the National Register of Historic Places officially named it the Gaslamp Quarter Historic District. Today, most of the buildings here are being used as restaurants, clubs, stores, and recreational venues.
(Image courtesy of World of Hyatt)
If you choose to stay at the Andaz Hotel, a Queen Bed for one person would cost you 15,000 points per night. It’s a great place for people who want to experience the vibrant nightlife of San Diego. Not to mention, the hotel is also about a mile away from the San Diego Convention Center where big events and concerts are usually held.
(Image courtesy of Canva Pro from Sarah8000 by Getty Images Signature).
2. Hyatt House Jersey City
New York City is an expensive place to stay at, even if you use your credit card points. That’s why a cheaper alternative would be its close neighbor – Jersey City.
You can use your Hyatt free night and stay at Hyatt House Jersey City which is a residentially-inspired hotel that features spacious rooms with home amenities. The hotel is also pet-friendly so you can bring your furry friends with you for an extra fee.
(Image courtesy of World of Hyatt)
The Exchange Place District is located right at the doorstep of the hotel where you can find multiple shopping stores and restaurants selling all kinds of food and souvenirs. For those who want to do some sightseeing, you can visit Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty from your hotel in just a couple of minutes.
(Image courtesy of Canva Pro by Art Wager from Getty Images Signature)
3. Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach
Summer vacation isn’t complete without a trip to Hawaii so make sure you book a stay at the Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach. It’s ideally located in the heart of Waikiki so you get the best views of the beaches, mountains, and other natural wonders.
Room prices start at 15,000 points per night for a standard room and just as you would expect, it’s very hard to find award stay availability since it’s a prime tourist destination. You can check the Hyatt calendar for the latest updates.
4. Hyatt Place Keystone Colorado
If you’re more of a Winter person than a Summer person, then start planning the perfect Ski trip at the Hyatt Place Keystone Colorado. The hotel offers free breakfast, free wifi, and access to fitness center rooms.
The hotel is just a 1 1/2 mile away from the Ski Tip Lodge resort, a historical stagecoach stop from the early 1800s, where you can have a fun skiing adventure with the family.
A family of four can book a room with Two Queen Beds starting at 12,000 points per night. It’s a 300-square-foot room that comes with home-like amenities such as an iron and ironing board, a work desk, a minifridge, a coffeemaker, and more.
(Image courtesy of Canva Pro from Sean Pavon by Getty Images)
5. Hyatt Place Augusta Georgia
Hyatt Place Augusta is perfect for visitors who are attending business trips and special events. It has a few attractions in its area such as Augusta National Golf Course and Fort Gordon. If you’re into sports events, you can also join the National Iron Man Race or the Southern National Drag Boat Race.
As for the hotel amenities, Hyatt Place Augusta features an outdoor pool, fitness center, event space, and a 24/7 restaurant.
(Image courtesy of Canva Pro by Lunamarina)
6. Hyatt Place Delray Beach Florida
Hyatt Place Delray Beach may not have a beachfront location but it’s still within close proximity to the public beach. However, what makes this place a great place to stay at is its easy access to big shopping and art hubs like the like Atlantic Avenue shopping and the Pineapple Grove Arts District.
You can book a King Bed room or a Two Queen Bed room starting at 12,000 points per night. The hotel also features an outdoor pool, a rooftop hot tub, and free daily breakfast making your stay comfortable and relaxing while under the heat of the Florida Sun.
(Image courtesy of Canva Pro by bon9 from Getty Images)
7. Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico
The Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico is a tropical paradise that boasts of its oceanfront views and luxurious amenities. It has a lagoon-style pool, an 18-hole golf course, spa services, non-motorized beach activities, and fitness centers.
But what makes this place even more attractive is its closeness to local tourist spots such as the El Yunque rainforest and the 18th-century fortress of Castillo San Cristóbal.
You can choose from a variety of room options, either with a garden view or a balcony view. Prices start at 15,000 points per night.
Bottomline
The best way to get free award nights at Hyatt hotels is to sign up for a World of Hyatt Credit Card. The free night certificates are definitely worth it. Whether it’s a ski trip, beach vacation, or an international tour, you have many hotel options to choose from with your free night awards.
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