Hyatt Category 7 Properties (Hotels List) [2022]

This year alone, Hyatt grew the footprint of category 7 properties from 15 properties worldwide to a total of 119 properties worldwide. It is partly because of Small Luxury Hotels of The World partnering up with Hyatt adding new unique properties and the addition of the Alila brand joining in. 

As of today, I’ll list all category 7 properties and show you the cash prices of some of the properties so you can see which properties will offer you the best or worst value for your points. 

Interested in finding out the top travel credit cards for this month? Click here to check them out! 

World of Hyatt card

The World of Hyatt card is one of the best hotel credit cards available since it comes with a great sign-up bonus, great bonus category earning, and the opportunity for free nights. It’s also one of the best hotel cards for climbing your way up the elite status tiers for Hyatt.

  • Bonus earning: 
    • 4X spent with your card at Hyatt hotels, including participating restaurants and spas
    • 2X on local transit and commuting, including taxis, mass transit, tolls, and ride-share services
    • 2X at restaurants, cafes and coffee shops
    • 2X on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline
    • 2X spent on fitness club and gym memberships
  • Free nights: 
    • Receive one free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort every year after your cardmember anniversary
    • Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort if you spend $15,000 during your cardmember anniversary year
  • Elite status:
    • Comes with Hyatt Discoverist status
    • Receive 5 qualifying night credits toward your next tier status every year
    • Earn 2 additional qualifying night credits toward your next tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
  • $95 Annual Fee 

With the Hyatt credit card, you’ll be able to earn free night awards are for categories 1 through 4, so those wouldn’t do you much good for the properties found in this article (click here for category 4 properties). However, the bonus points you could earn at these properties with a card like the World of Hyatt card could certainly add substantial value.

If you’re wanting to earn free nights for category 7 properties there is a way to do it but it’s going to require a lot of stays. As you’ll need to stay 60 qualifying nights or earn 100,000 Base Points in a calendar year. Here’s a look at all of the free nights that you can earn with the World of Hyatt program.

ActivityMilestone Rewards
Stay 20 qualifying nights or earn 35,000 Base Points in a calendar year2 Club Lounge Access Awards
Stay 30 qualifying nights or earn 50,000 Base Points in a calendar year1 Category 1-4 Free Night Award
and
2 Club Lounge Access Awards
Stay 40 qualifying nights or earn 65,000 Base Points in a calendar year5,000 Bonus Points or
A $100 Hyatt Gift Card or
10,000 Point savings on a FIND experience
Stay 50 qualifying nights or earn 80,000 Base Points in a calendar year2 Suite Upgrade Awards
Stay 60 qualifying nights or earn 100,000 Base Points in a calendar year1 Category 1-7 Free Night Award and
2 Suite Upgrade Awards and
Access to My Hyatt Concierge
Stay 70 qualifying nights in a calendar year10,000 Bonus Points
or
1 Suite Upgrade Award
Stay 80 qualifying nights in a calendar year10,000 Bonus Points
or
1 Suite Upgrade Award
Stay 90 qualifying nights in a calendar year10,000 Bonus Points
or
1 Suite Upgrade Award
Stay 100 qualifying nights in a calendar year10,000 Bonus Points
or
1 Suite Upgrade Award

You’ll notice that some of the free nights are awarded at an elite level milestone for the different Hyatt elite tiers, which consist of the following tiers:

  • Discoverist (10 qualifying nights, 25,000 Base Points, or holding 3 qualifying meetings/events per year.)
  • Explorist (30 qualifying nights, 50,000 Base Points, or holding 10 qualifying meetings/events per year.)
  • Globalist (60 qualifying nights, 100,000 Base Points, or holding 20 qualifying meetings/events per year.)
  • Lifetime Globalist status (Earn 1,000,000 Base Points over the course of your program membership)

Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!

Hyatt category 7 points required

Hyatt category 7 properties will require 30,000 Hyatt points per night. And now with the new changes for Hyatt points + cash, the price of the cash portion will be half of the standard rate for the properties. Also, you’ll be able to use points to book premium suites at some of these properties.

Here is a look at the Hyatt award chart:

Hotel categoryStandard room points per nightRegency/Grand Club points per nightStandard suite points per nightPremium suite points per night
15,0007,0008,00010,000
28,00012,00013,00016,000
312,00017,00020,00024,000
415,00021,00024,00030,000
520,00027,00032,00040,000
625,00033,00040,00050,000
730,00039,00048,00060,000
840,00050,00061,00080,000

Which Hyatt properties are good value?

Since you’ll be spending 30,000 points if you cover the entire cost of a free night award, you can easily set a limit on your desired minimum value for your points.

I value Hyatt points at least 1.5 cents per point, so 30,000 Hyatt points are worth $450 to me. So, that means I’d generally want at least $450 in value for my redemptions.

You might value Hyatt points even higher and thus have even higher expectations for your redemptions if you’re focused mostly on truly aspirational properties (those with high prices of $700+ per night). I love those crazy expensive properties too, but I don’t feel like I have to use my points on them.

I’m more in the middle, but I wouldn’t be attracted to properties that cost below $400 because I would feel like I’m missing out on so much value with my points. That doesn’t mean that those are not quality properties, though.

In some cases, like when you really need a place to stay at, it can make sense to take less value for your points. It’s just a good idea to be aware of the range in value that you can get from Hyatt category 7 properties since it’s so wide and that’s what this article aims to do. 

Related: Hyatt & Marriott Bonvoy? (Key Differences)

United States and Canada

California

Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas

Carmel Valley Ranch

Hyatt Carmel Highlands, Overlooking Big Sur Coast & Highlands Inn, A Hyatt Residence Club

Rates at Hyatt Carmel Highlands can be very low offering some of the worst value for your Hyatt points.

Hyatt Carmel Highlands, Overlooking Big Sur Coast & Highlands Inn, A Hyatt Residence Club

Colorado

Austria Haus (New)

Capitol Peak Lodge, A Destination by Hyatt Residence

Christiania Condominiums, A Destination by Hyatt Residence

Christiania Lodge

Countryside at Snowmass, A Destination by Hyatt Residence

Enzian, A Destination by Hyatt Residence

Hyatt Residence Club at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek

Montaneros in Vail, A Destination by Hyatt Residence

Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa

The Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa can be even lower at $222.

Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa

Shadowbrook, A Destination by Hyatt Residence

Stonebridge Inn

Tamarack Townhomes, A Destination by Hyatt Residence

Terracehouse, A Destination by Hyatt Residence

The Landmark, A Destination by Hyatt Residence

Top of the Village, A Destination by Hyatt Residence

Vail 21, A Destination by Hyatt Residence

Vail Residences at Cascade Village

Villas at Snowmass Club, A Destination by Hyatt Residence

Woodrun Place, a Destination by Hyatt Residence

Florida

Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa

Hyatt Residence Club Sarasota, Siesta Key Beach

Hawaii

Hana-Maui Resort

Hyatt Residence Club Maui, Kāʻanapali Beach

Kaanapali Alii, A Destination by Hyatt Residence

Makena Surf, A Destination by Hyatt Residence

Polo Beach Club, A Destination by Hyatt Residence

Puunoa Beach Estates, A Destination by Hyatt Residence

Wailea Elua Village, A Destination by Hyatt Residence

Nevada

Hyatt Residence Club Lake Tahoe, High Sierra Lodge

South Carolina

Wentworth Mansion

Wentworth is an interesting property as it’s one of the few Small Luxury Hotels of The World in North America. The rates can get pretty high at certain times of the year, but hard to find availability and when you do find availability the rates aren’t too high.

Wentworth Mansion

Utah

Hyatt Centric Park City

Vermont

The Lodge at Spruce Peak

Caribbean & Latin America

Jamaica

The Trident Hotel

Martinique

French Coco

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour

I’ve heard so many wonderful things about St. Kitts that it really makes me want to head down there and see what the island is all about. The rooms aren’t too ridiculous with rooms at $576 in the winter and below $300 in the summer. It’s located on Banana Bay right on the beach, about 25 minutes from the main town which allows you to feel like you’re able to truly escape.

Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour

Brazil

Kenoa – Exclusive Beach Spa & Resort

Mexico

La Casa Que Canta

Las Alamandas Resort

Rancho Pescadero

Europe

Croatia

Boutique Hotel Alhambra

Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik

Cyprus

Columbia Beach Resort

Located right on the beach this hotel might be an interesting choice. However, the hotel has one of the highest occupancy rates as it’s so aspirational. This includes both cash and point rates.

France

Domaine Misincu

Hôtel L’Hotel

Hôtel Relais Christine

Hôtel San Régis

Le Narcisse Blanc Hôtel & Spa

Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme (Now a category 8)

We stayed a couple of nights at the Park Hyatt Vendôme and I was honestly not too impressed with the service. With that said, the property is still in a great location in Paris and the rooms are very expensive so you’ll get great value for your Hyatt points. I might have just caught it on an off day and hopefully, your stay will be better.

Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme

Château La Chenevière

Hôtel du Palais Biarritz

Le Clos Saint-Martin Hotel & Spa

Les Sources de Caudalie

Chateau Eza

Chateau Eza is an interesting Small Luxury Hotel property as it’s located in Èze incorporating an over 400-year-old ancient wall used to be known as “The Castle of the Prince of Sweden.” It probably has some of the most breathtaking views of the Mediterranean sea on top of the hill it’s located on.

Chateau Eza

Domaine de Manville

Hotel Crillon-Le-Brave

Hôtel Lou Pinet

Hôtel Martinez

Tiara Miramar Beach Hotel & Spa

Greece

Boheme Hotel

Elounda Gulf Villas and Suites

Gold Suites

Magma Resort Santorini (Opening Soon)

Mykonos Ammos Hotel

Mykonos Riviera Hotel & Spa

Iceland

Hotel Rangá

Italy

Grand Hotel Cocumella

Romeo Hotel

Hotel Splendide Royal

Margutta 19

Villa Spalletti Trivelli

Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda

Park Hyatt Milan (Now a category 8)

I loved my recent stay at the Park Hyatt Milan. It’s a beautiful property that is located near the Duomo and other iconic structures in the hear of Milan. The service was great and the rooms were great, especially the giant bathrooms. The rooms can range $600 to $800+  here too so it’s a great place to cash in your points.

Park Hyatt Milan

7Pines Resort Sardinia (Opening Soon)

La Villa del Re

Sikelia

Sikelia is an all-suite Small Luxury Hotel property on the Island of Pantelleria. It’s spa retreat in the mountains for a great connection to nature. With rates that go $600+, it’s hard to go wrong at this lovely property.

Sikelia

Lefay Resort and Spa Dolomiti

Hotel Byron

Il Salviatino

Ca’ Sagredo Hotel

Escalus Luxury Suites Verona

Hotel Ai Reali

Palazzo Sant’Angelo sul Canal Grande

Montenegro

Villa Geba

Netherlands

The Dylan Amsterdam

Portugal

Quinta Da Comporta

Spain

7Pines Resort Ibiza

Aguas de Ibiza Grand Luxe

El Lodge Ski and Spa

El Lodge Ski and Spa is a southern Spain mountain lodge that ranges from $500 to $700 during peak season.

El Lodge Ski and Spa

Nobu Hotel Marbella

Switzerland

Alex Lake Zurich

Crans Ambassador

Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola

Park Hyatt Zurich

Rooms for the Park Hyatt Zurich are around $600 so it’s another solid option for using your Hyatt points and the property has received some pretty great reviews and it’s within walking distance of Lake Zurich.

Park Hyatt Zurich

Villa Orselina

United Kingdom

Foxhill Manor

The Nare Hotel

Cromlix

Greywalls Hotel

Inverlochy Castle

Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa and Island (New)

Africa

Kenya

Hemingways Nairobi

Morocco

Ksar Char-Bagh

Asia

Bhutan

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary

Indonesia

Alila Villas Uluwatu

Want to stay on top of a cliff with views around the property viewing the beautiful Indian Ocean? This is your property and this redemption is worth it at this beautiful Alila property.

Alila Villas Uluwatu

Viceroy Bali

Located in the heart of Ubud forests over the river valley surrounded with monkeys, it won’t get any better than this with the connection of nature at this small boutique Small Luxury Hotel. With rates that reach the $800+, this is what an aspirational property looks like.

Viceroy Bali

Japan

Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills

Some say the Andaz is one of the best Hyatt properties in Japan. I agree as the Andaz is a spectacular modern infused Japanese property in Tokyo. Rates are lower than the Park Hyatt but certainly better if you like modern.

Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills

Hotel Gajoen Tokyo

Park Hyatt Tokyo

Room rates can be pretty reasonable at the Park Hyatt Tokyo with rates dipping close to $400, but that’s during the offseason. Some complain that the property is a bit dated but the consensus is that it’s still a fabulous hotel. While it’s on the lower side of where I like to use my points, I’d still consider this a good option, especially given its location.

Park Hyatt Tokyo

Shima Kanko Hotel the Bay Suites

Sowaka

The Terrace Club at Busena

Tip: When booking properties in Japan, you need to factor in Japan’s high occupancy and service tax. Taxes or resort fees aren’t included in the rates shown above. That means you could see an increase in your nightly rate of up to 20% when paying cash. When you book using Hyatt points, you don’t pay any taxes or fees.

Kazakhstan

The Veil (New)

Maldives

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

Located in North Huvadhoo, Park Hyatt Maldives is secluded all by itself on its own private island. However, cash rates can be reasonable during certain seasons. Not a crazy amount like certain other properties in other regions of the world.

Park Hyatt Maldives

Thailand

Keemala

Tongsai Pool Villas

Vietnam

Naman Retreat

Mainland China

Honor Resort Yun Shu Dali

Final word

As you can see the value from using your points at Hyatt category 7 properties can vary dramatically. Some of it depends on the location and most of the times it depends on the season. I personally like to only use my points at properties that offer maximum value but you should do whatever is best for you.

Hyatt Category 4 Free Night (Hotels List) [2022]

One of my favorite credit card perks that I’ve used over and over again is the Hyatt free night certificate. It’s pretty easy to get your hands on free night certificates for Hyatt properties with the World of Hyatt Card and all of the other free night promotions offered by Hyatt.

But what are the best ways to use these free night awards?

This comprehensive article will show you all of the possibilities for using your free night awards for Hyatt category 4 hotels. I’ll also highlight the value and some of the strong points that make some of these properties worth visiting.

World of Hyatt Card

The World of Hyatt Card is one of the best hotel credit cards available since it comes with a great sign-up bonus, strong bonus category earning, and the opportunity for free nights. It’s also one of the best hotel cards for climbing your way up the elite status tiers for Hyatt. You can read our full detailed review here. 

  • Welcome Bonus
    • 30,000 Bonus Points after $3,000 in purchases within 3 months of account opening
    • Plus, 2 points total per $1 spent on purchases that earn 1 point, up to $15,000 in spend in the first 6 months of account opening
  • Bonus earning: 
    • 4X spent with your card at Hyatt hotels, including participating restaurants and spas
    • 2X on local transit and commuting, including taxis, mass transit, tolls and ride-share services
    • 2X at restaurants, cafes and coffee shops
    • 2X on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline
    • 2X spent on fitness club and gym memberships
  • Free nights: 
    • Receive one free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort every year after your cardmember anniversary
    • Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort if you spend $15,000 during your cardmember anniversary year
  • Elite status:
    • Comes with Hyatt Discoverist status
    • Receive 5 qualifying night credits toward your next tier status every year
    • Earn 2 additional qualifying night credits toward your next tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
  • $95 Annual Fee 

As you can see, you will be granted one free night each year automatically and have the opportunity to earn an additional free night when you spend $15,000.

The free night awards are for categories 1 through 4, so this article is going to look at different ways that you can use your free night award at category 4 hotels since many people will want to maximize the free night at the top category.

Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!

Free night awards

You can also earn free night awards just by staying at Hyatt properties. Here are the different ways that you can earn free nights. 

Actions NeededRewards
Stay at 5 different Hyatt brands and pay an eligible rate starting March 1, 2017Free night award in a Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort (valid for one year from issuance)
Stay 30 qualifying nights or earn 50,000 Base Points in a calendar yearFree night award in a Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort 
Stay 60 qualifying nights or earn 100,000 Base Points in a calendar yearFree night award in a Category 1-7 Hyatt hotel or resort 
Stay 70, 80, 90 and 100 qualifying nights in a calendar yearChoose to receive 10,000 Bonus Points or a suite upgrade award

Note that all of the free nights are for free nights in the category 1-4 range except for the free night earned after staying 60 qualifying nights. That free anniversary night allows redemptions for properties up to a category seven. If you would like to see the best category seven Hyatt properties, then be sure to check out our article here. 

Hyatt award chart

Below is the Hyatt award chart, which shows the price for awards at each of the different categories. The free night certificates are used to claim standard rooms, though you can always get upgraded if you have status with Hyatt.

Here is a look at the Hyatt award chart:

Hotel categoryStandard room points per nightRegency/Grand Club points per nightStandard suite points per nightPremium suite points per night
15,0007,0008,00010,000
28,00012,00013,00016,000
312,00017,00020,00024,000
415,00021,00024,00030,000
520,00027,00032,00040,000
625,00033,00040,00050,000
730,00039,00048,00060,000
840,00050,00061,00080,000

When to use your Hyatt free nights

Since you can use your free night awards for properties in categories one through four, you obviously want to stay at category 4 properties as much as possible. It won’t always be possible to do, but if you can go with a category 4 hotel, that’s often where you’re going to maximize your value.

Once you are focused on category 4 properties, then you want to look at the price of a one night stay to see which hotels offer you the best value.

We know that category 4 hotels require 15,000 Hyatt points so if you value Hyatt points at 1.5 cents per point, then you’d want to shoot for around $225 in value per night to maximize your rewards.

That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t use your free night reward for nights that cost less than $225. Once you factor in things like property reviews, location, special features, etc., you might feel it’s worth it to use your free night on a property that doesn’t offer the maximum value and that’s fine.

But I do suggest that you try to get a baseline value for your free night so you at least know the value potential of that perk.

Below is a list of 176 category 4 Hyatt properties — note that this list is always subject to change and may not be 100% updated at all times. You can also search for properties here. 

Canada

British Columbia

United States

Arizona

California

Colorado

D.C.

The Grand Hyatt Washington is a great property for touring the DC area with a great location within mere blocks of many of the major DC attractions.

Florida

Georgia

The Andaz Savannah isn’t a crazy expensive hotel, but with room rates usually over $200, you couldn’t go wrong if you end up in Savannah using your free night award and want to stay at the highly-rated Andaz.

Guam

Hawaii

Illinois

If you’re ever visiting Chicago consider the Thompson Chicago. Room rates are close to $300 and the boutique hotel feel really makes it a great hotel to stay at compared to other properties. 

Indiana

Kentucky

Louisiana

The Hyatt Centric French Quarter New Orleans offers great value along with a great location in the French Quarter.

Maryland

Massachusetts

With rooms going over $300, the Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor is a great place to redeem your points with a great location in the heart of Boston.

Minnesota

Missouri

Nevada

The Las Vegas hotels don’t offer the best value as they offer some very low prices throughout the year.

New Jersey

New York

Pennsylvania

Puerto Rico

South Carolina

Tennessee

Texas

They Hyatt Regency Austin is a great place to cash in on value with your free night award. Rooms can go for over $400 per night, so this is often a great deal.

Utah

Virginia

Washington

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

Caribbean & Latin America

Colombia

Guatemala

Honduras

Mexico

Europe

Austria

Belgium

France

Rooms for the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile go for over $200 so this is another hotel that offers some decent value. It is about a 10 to 15 minute walk from the famous Arc de Triomphe and located by the Neuilly Porte Maillot station.

Germany

Greece

Ireland

Italy

The Hyatt Centric Milan Centrale Is located just outside of the main train station in Milan. It is about 15 minutes away from the Duomo via a taxi ride but this could be a great location if you will be coming in or leaving via the train station. Rooms can go for around $220 per night so this offers pretty good value. 

Latvia

Netherlands

Norway

Portugal

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Ukraine

United Kingdom

Africa

Kenya

South Africa

Tanzania

Middle East

Kuwait

Qatar

Saudi Arabia

United Arab Emirates

Rooms at the Grand Hyatt Dubai can go for around $300 per night so this hotel offer some really great value. The hotel is located near the airport and is about 15 minutes outside of the downtown Dubai area.

Asia

Mainland China

Hong Kong SAR

Macau SAR

India

Indonesia

Japan

Malaysia

Singapore

South Korea

Taiwan

The Grand Hyatt Taipei Is a great use of your free night since the property can go for around $250 per night. It also has a fantastic location, located right next to the famous Taipei 101 Tower. 

Thailand

Vietnam

Australia & Pacific

Australia

Melbourne is such a unique city and staying at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne is a terrific way to experience the city since you’re right in the heart of the city.

New Zealand

Hyatt Category 4 Free Night FAQ

How can I get a Hyatt category 4 free night?

The World of Hyatt Card offers one free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort every year after your cardmember anniversary.

How many points are needed for a category 4 free night?

15,000 points are needed for a standard room per night.

How much is a Hyatt category 4 free night worth?

With a 1.5 cent per point valuation, your free night should be worth around $225. However, the value you get on your specific redemption could be lower or higher depending on the property.

Final word 

As you can see, there are a lot of options for using your Hyatt free night awards for category 4 properties. I recommend coming up with a baseline number for the value of your free night certificates but try not to get to stuck on that figure since other factors also come into play when using free night awards.

This article was originally published by Steve Smith.

Best Marriott Bonvoy Category 1 Hotels in the World [2021]

With 279 Marriott Bonvoy category 1 hotels, you may wonder what properties are actually worth booking. Well, I went through all 279 and found the category 1 hotels that are worth it and narrowed down a few that stand out more than others.

In this article, I’ll give you the best Marriott Bonvoy category 1 hotels in the world and explain why some are so great. Some properties might have a club lounge, rooftop pool, or even be right the middle of a safari, so you might be surprised at how some of these stand out.

Marriott Bonvoy points categories

On March 5th, 2019 Marriott Bonvoy officially changed to their new award chart ranging from category 1 to category 8. Category 5 is a sweet spot in Bonvoy’s award chart as it can range from business hotels to luxury hotels across the globe. You can easily find an EDITION, Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Luxury Collection, W, and JW Marriott property in category 5. If you want to learn about the best category 5 hotels, check out my article here.

When it comes to category 1 properties, you will find that there isn’t much of a selection for premium brands. Despite being category 1, some offer rooms and service with property amenities that compete quite well with a premium or luxury branded property. Heck, some even have a club lounge.

Here is the Bonvoy award chart for your reference:

Hotel CategoryOff Peak (as of September 14)StandardPeak (as of September 14)
15,0007,50010,000
210,00012,50015,000
315,00017,50020,000
420,00025,00030,000
530,00035,00040,000
640,00050,00060,000
750,00060,00070,000
870,00085,000100,000

As you can see from the table above, off peak and peak seasons started on September 14, 2019. Depending on how you look at it, this could be a good or bad change as it creates inconsistency. So, it’s up to you if you can take advantage of this change.

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

Marriott Bonvoy credit cards

There are a total of four Marriott Bonvoy cards. Each card comes with different benefits and annual fees. There are two midrange cards, one premium card, and one entry-level card. These cards aren’t the best for earning points like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, but in most cases, the benefits like the annual free night make up for the annual fee. Here are my favorite Marriott Bonvoy cards.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

  • 6 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent at any Marriott Bonvoy property.
  • 2 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • Annual free night certificate valued up to 35,000 points.
  • Automatic Silver Elite status.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • $95 annual fee.

Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express® Card

  • 6 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent at any Marriott Bonvoy property.
  • 4 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers & on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • Annual free night certificate valued up to 35,000 points.
    • Spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year for an additional annual free night.
  • Automatic Silver Elite status.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • $125 annual fee.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

  • 6 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent at any Marriott Bonvoy property.
  • 3 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent at U.S. restaurants and flights booked directly with airlines.
  • 2 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • Annual free night certificate valued up to 50,000 points.
  • $300 Marriott Bonvoy statement credit.
  • Automatic Gold Elite status.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • $450 annual fee.

Marriott Bonvoy category 1 hotels can be quality

I have this weird fixation for properties that are cheap and great. Some of these hotels are comparable to premium branded hotels, especially when they are newly opened properties. I have actually stayed at some category 1 properties that have service quality going far beyond what might expect from a category 1 property.

Some of these properties will offer rooftop pools or views overlooking safaris and oceans. You might question “why it’s not a higher category hotel?” Well, we should thank our Marriott overlords for keeping these properties category 1.

If Marriott changes the category on these hotels, well I guess we should blame me for writing this article. 🙂

Some things you should know:

  • Courtyards in Asia will typically have a club lounge. Courtyards in Europe or the Americas won’t have a club lounge.
  • Fairfield isn’t obligated to give out free breakfast in the Asia Pacific region unless it’s included in the room rate or you have elite status.
  • You may notice brand standards vary quite a bit between regions. That is normal for any hotel chain brand and why I left out many properties in the Americas as they aren’t as good as compared to other region’s properties.

Best category 1 Marriott Bonvoy hotels

The properties that are bolded are properties that are unique, truly special, or have rooms that make you go wow.

When it’s bolded, the property could be offering a club lounge or other amenities. Maybe something more unique like villa type rooms in a nature reserve great for safaris or with rooms that are truly category breaking.

I looked at every one of these properties. I then double-checked my list making sure it includes hotels that are worthy of the Marriott Bonvoy name. Think of this list as a curated list of good to great category 1 properties. So, without further ado, here is UponArriving’s curated list of category 1 Marriott Bonvoy hotels.

ASIA

Courtyard Wuxi Lihu Lake

Four Points by Sheraton Jiaxing

Four Points by Sheraton Macheng

Four Points by Sheraton Wuchuan, Loong Bay

Aloft Chengdu Shixiang Lake

Courtyard Suzhou Mudu

Aloft Dongguan Dynamic Town

Aloft Bursa Hotel

Four Points by Sheraton Chengdu, Pujiang Resort

Sheraton Yinchuan

The Sheraton Yinchuan is a brand new property located in Yinchuan, Ningxia, China. As a Sheraton, it offers a club lounge for evening cocktails and buffet. You also have premium looking rooms that actually have a chandelier in them, something you might not see in a normal category 1 property.

One minor downside you might have noticed is the location. It’s not in any major city you might know, but it’s certainly a unique city to visit with tourist attractions nearby like Western Xia Mausoleums and Shuidonggou Site. You can easily go around riding camels in the desert while spending a little number of points on the rooms here that go for $70 a night.

Sheraton Yinchuan base room: King/King bedroom

Four Points by Sheraton Izmir

Aloft Zhengzhou Shangjie

Four Points by Sheraton Visakhapatnam

Aloft Dongguan Songshan Lake

Four Points by Sheraton Chengdu, Anren

Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town

Four Points by Sheraton Guilin, Lingui

Four Points by Sheraton Chennai OMR

Four Points by Sheraton Surabaya

Courtyard Xinchang

Yet another category 1 property that has a club lounge, but this time it’s offered at a Courtyard. The Courtyard Xinchang is located in Xinchang, Zhejiang, China. The property is nearby some interesting attractions that might like bamboo forests, temples, and mountains.

The property goes for $70 a night. Having a club lounge, the property boasts a premium feel that goes beyond the standard of other Courtyard properties. Plus, Platinum Elites and above can certainly enjoy suite upgrades with club lounge access.

Courtyard Xinchang deluxe king room

Courtyard Jiangsu Taizhou

Courtyard Zhengzhou East

Wait, another club lounge at a Courtyard? I wonder when a Courtyard in the USA will get a club lounge? Anyways, the Courtyard Zhengzhou East is in another city in China, but it’s nearby lots of interesting temples, museums, and mountains. Henan province is a beautiful province and offers lots for nature lovers.

The property starts off at $68 a night. The rooms are modern with many room categories that offer elites many upgrade opportunities. Plus, the club lounge has afternoon tea along with breakfast and evening cocktails and buffet making it a club lounge that rivals many premium brands club lounges.

Courtyard Zhengzhou East deluxe king room

Courtyard Xi’an North

Xi’an is one of my favorite Chinese cities for food. While Courtyard Xi’an North is not in the center, it’s still close to public transportation like the bus and metro. If you don’t know Xi’an already, it’s the home of the terracotta warriors, temples, and many eats that will make your mouth water.

The rooms are modern and start at $67 a night. Many room categories for upgrades and don’t forget the club lounge.

Courtyard Xi’an North deluxe king room

Courtyard Shunde Longjiang

Four Points by Sheraton Luohe

Four Points by Sheraton Changchun, Hi-Tech Zone

Four Points by Sheraton Changsha, Meixi Lake

Four Points by Sheraton Manado

Four Points by Sheraton Puchong

Sheraton Shanghai Fengxian

A brand new Sheraton property in the south suburbs of Shanghai offering a club lounge and famous Sheraton amenities. The property doesn’t have many things to do around and public transport is somewhat limited.

Rooms start at $77 a night. As an elite and an avid new hotelier, I would love to stay at this property. If you ever get a chance to stay in a new hotel, you will understand why it’s so exciting. Even though the location is not great, I would still stay here.

Sheraton Shanghai Fengxian king deluxe guest room

Courtyard Changsha South

Changsha is a lovely city with many things to see all around the mountainous region. The Courtyard Changsha South isn’t central, but being a category 1 property in a major city like Changsha is really something. The property boasts a club lounge with modern rooms and beautiful views. Rooms start at $70 a night.

Courtyard Changsha South standard room

Courtyard Zhengzhou Airport

Courtyard Madurai

Fairfield by Marriott Belitung

Africa

Protea Hotel Lusaka Safari Lodge

Not many points hotels are in private game reserve for safaris, but Marriott has you covered. With regular guest rooms in the main building and villas, you have the options for different rooms that make you question how this property is still a category 1.

Once you walk outside of the property you may encounter some wildlife chilling, playing, or fighting. It’s a unique property and with rooms starting at $118 a night, you will get a good value out of your points and a unique location.

Protea Hotel Lusaka Safari Lodge king chalet

Protea Hotel Pretoria Loftus Park

United States

Aloft Tulsa

Middle East

Courtyard Istanbul West

Four Points by Sheraton Izmir

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South America

Four Points by Sheraton Cuenca

Four Points by Sheraton Cali

Aloft Panama

Mexico

Courtyard Chihuahua

Four Points by Sheraton Veracruz

Four Points by Sheraton Queretaro Norte

Courtyard Queretaro

Aloft Queretaro

Brand new and ready for guests, the Aloft Queretaro is a great new property that still has the grand opening rates up. The property is so new that it doesn’t even have a TripAdvisor page yet.

Rooms normally start at $77 a night, but the grand opening rate is $71 a night. While not a great property to use your points at, but when the prices go up it could be an even better redemption than today.

Aloft Queretaro guest room

Courtyard Hermosillo

Courtyard Leon at the Poliforum

AC Hotel Veracruz

Courtyard Villahermosa Tabasco

Four Points by Sheraton Puebla

Aloft Celaya

Four Points by Sheraton Veracruz

Europe

Four Points by Sheraton Kolasin

Courtyard Nizhny Novgorod City Center

AC Hotel Algeciras

The AC Hotel Algeciras is located in the most southernmost part of Spain making it a lovely hotel for a stopover between Morocco and Spain before or after catching the ferry. Rooms are alright, but when it comes to location it’s actually great as the city is lovely. Room rates start at $53 a night.

AC Hotel Algeciras guest room

Aloft Bursa Hotel

Four Points by Sheraton Kaluga

AC Hotel Palacio de Santa Ana

AC Hotel A Coruna

Canada

TownePlace Suites Fort McMurray

TownePlace Suites Medicine Hat

Final word

This list took me a while. I never realized how many category 1 hotels there are in the Marriott portfolio. However, I am glad I made this list as I will be personally using it to stretch out my points.

If you have any other suggestions, drop them in the comments below.

This article was originally published by Steve Smith.

Best Marriott Bonvoy Category 5 Luxury Hotels (35,000 Free Night) [2021]

With over 1,170 category 5 properties in the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program, you can easily find a property that is considered a sweet spot, and category 5 properties are currently the best category you can use your midrange Bonvoy credit card annual free night, which covers nights up to 35,000 points.

In this article, I will go over my top hotels that are category 5 and explain why they are unique, even if the property is on the other side of the world. I’ll also show you a long list of other luxury properties that you might want to consider using you free night at.

Marriott Bonvoy category 5 pricing

On March 5th, 2019 Marriott Bonvoy officially changed to their new award chart ranging from category 1 to category 8. Category 5 is a sweet spot in Bonvoy’s award chart as it can range from business hotels to luxury hotels across the globe. You can easily find an EDITION, Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Luxury Collection, W, and JW Marriott property in category 5. 

The other great thing about category 5 properties is the fact that credit cards like the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card and Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card both offer an annual free night for up to 35,000 points. Then the premium credit card, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card, offers an annual free night for up to 50,000 points.

35,000 points equal to the standard points needed for category 5 when it’s not off peak or peak season. Here is the Bonvoy award chart:

Hotel CategoryOff Peak (as of September 14)StandardPeak (as of September 14)
15,0007,50010,000
210,00012,50015,000
315,00017,50020,000
420,00025,00030,000
530,00035,00040,000
640,00050,00060,000
750,00060,00070,000
870,00085,000100,000

How Marriott’s credit card annual free night works

There are three Marriott Bonvoy credit cards that are open to applicants. However, there are other Marriott credit cards that aren’t open to applicants, but people are still able to hold the credit card like the old SPG personal credit card (now known as the Marriott Bonvoy Card from American Express) that is also eligible for the annual free night up to 35,000 points.

In this article, we will focus on their Marriott Bonvoy Business Credit Card and Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card that are still open to applicants.

The annual free night will only arrive once you have had the card for 1 year and then it will come at the same time every year after your first anniversary.

For example, if your application got accepted for one of the credit cards above on March 7th, 2019, you will be able to get the annual free night on March 7th, 2020 and every year after that. (Do note, sometimes the annual free night might take up to 8 weeks to show up in your Marriott account.)

The annual free night is redeemable for any properties that equal 35,000 points or less. In the screenshot below, you could use the annual free night at the properties shown, even though some are less than 35,000 points.

Here are just a few properties in Jakarta that you could use the annual free night certificate at.

Note: if you redeem the annual free night for a property that is less than 35,000 points, you won’t receive the points difference in your account.

For properties that require more than 35,000 points, you cannot use the annual free night at those properties. Think of the annual free night as a certificate or a voucher. It’s useable up to a value, but you cannot combine it with points or cash to redeem for a more valuable property.

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

Marriott Bonvoy credit cards

There are a total of three Marriott Bonvoy credit cards. Each card comes with different benefits and different annual fees. There are two midrange cards and one premium card. These cards aren’t the best for earning points like other cards, but in most cases, the annual free night makes up for the annual fee.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

  • 6 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent at any Marriott Bonvoy property.
  • 2 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • Annual free night certificate valued up to 35,000 points.
  • Automatic silver elite status.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • $95 annual fee.

Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express® Card

  • 6 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent at any Marriott Bonvoy property.
  • 4 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers & on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • Annual free night certificate valued up to 35,000 points.
    • Spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year for an additional annual free night.
  • Automatic silver elite status.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • $125 annual fee.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

  • 6 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent at any Marriott Bonvoy property.
  • 3 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent at U.S. restaurants and flights booked directly with airlines.
  • 2 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • Annual free night certificate valued up to 50,000 points.
  • $300 Marriott Bonvoy statement credit.
  • Automatic gold elite status.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • $450 annual fee.

Other cards you might want to consider are the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the American Express Platinum. Currently, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has an elevated welcome offer for 60,000 Chase Ultimate points after spending $4,000 dollars in the first 3 months. You can also transfer any points earned with Chase Ultimate Rewards directly to Marriott at a 1:1 ratio.

Best Marriott Bonvoy category 5 hotels

The best category 5 hotels might be a little subjective since each individual will have different wants and needs for hotels along with what they value for the best.

For me, I like unique or boutique hotels. Fewer rooms at a property are better in my eyes. For the most part, I don’t care if it’s centrally located, as long as it is worthwhile to stay a little bit out of the center of a city or even in the middle of nowhere. I do enjoy destination properties where the property is the main attraction. That said, I do love city hotels.

Now that you know what I value and look for in hotels, here is the list of my top 7 Marriott hotels that are a Bonvoy category 5.

JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa

Location: Kien Giang, Vietnam
Average price: $276 USD
Opening: 2017
Number of rooms: 234
Hotel website

Turquois Suite bathroom at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa

By far the most aspirational property on this list has to be the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa. Once a university, this newly opened hotel is one of the most beautiful properties. Sitting on Phu Quoc beach in Vietnam, it has both beautiful beaches and renovated rooms along with buildings that date back to the opening of the 19th-century university.

The beach at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa

Elite recognition is consistent with Platinum Elites and above getting upgrades to suites like the Turquois Suite shown above. Villas are also available here, and some elites do get upgrades to villas sometimes.

Deluxe Emerald Bay View room at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa

Domes Miramare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Corfu

Location: Moraitika, Greece
Average price: $548 USD
Opening: 2018
Number of rooms: 113
Hotel website

HRH Pearl Bedroom at Domes Miramare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Corfu

This adults-only seasonal beach resort on Corfu island was initially built in the late 1960s and was running independently until a massive multimillion euro renovation from 2017 to 2018. Now under the management of Luxury Collection, you are able to use your annual free night certificates and points at this property while earning points, elite nights, and receiving elite benefits.

Domes Miramare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Corfu

The property has rooms, suites, and villas. As an elite, you can be upgraded to a suite, but maybe if the occupancy is down during that time, you might have a chance for a villa. Since this property is seasonal and will be closed for half a year, it’s only open from mid April to mid October, and some nights they are entirely sold out. While I still could find availability for using points, during August, it’s somewhat harder to find availability.

I never knew about this property until recently. So, this year I might end up staying here when I go to Europe in September and October. I especially want to eat at this property too since Michelin-starred chef Tassos Mantis created the menu for both of the restaurants at the property.

Pavilion Retreat Sea View Deck at Domes Miramare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Corfu

W Kuala Lumpur

Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Average price: $229 USD
Opening: 2018
Number of rooms: 150
Hotel website

Marvelous Suite Bedroom at W Kuala Lumpur

Located within walking distance to the Petronas Twin Towers (aka, KL Twin Towers) this newly constructed W property is in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Just like other W properties, the design is unique with gleaming surfaces. What makes this property stand out is the fact that it’s so new.

The front desk at W Kuala Lumpur

Elites are welcomed with upgrades to suites. The pool offers views of the Petronas Twin Towers, and the Wet Deck is a comfy place to reside with a drink while eating tapas. During my visit to Kuala Lumpur, I stayed at this property and had a wonderful stay. You can read my full review here.

Wet Deck at W Kuala Lumpur

The St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Antonio

Location: San Antonio, Texas
Average price: $311 USD
Opening: 1909
Renovated: 2015
Number of rooms: 277
Hotel website

King guestroom at The St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Antonio

In the heart of San Antonio near attractions like the river walk and the Alamo, plus 5 restaurants, you can stuff your face during your stay and keep busy with all that is around. The property restaurants are busy during the week and weekend making it a spot for both tourists and locals to eat at.

Lobby/main floor at The St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Antonio

Elites are welcomed to suites like the junior suite. The rooftop pool offers views of San Antonio, and the cabanas offer a place to relax outside on a sunny day.

I stayed at the property back in 2017 and would stay again if I go back to San Antonio.

Junior Suite living room at The St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Antonio

JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa

Location: Uttarakhand, India
Average price: $254 USD
Opening: 2014
Number of rooms: 115
Hotel website

Studio king suite at JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa

In the Himalayas, this JW property is showing the natural beauty of India. Famous for hiking trails throughout the mountains, this property is a hikers dream. Then after a long day, visit one of the four restaurants, and you will never go hungry. The resort features a full spa, fitness center, and a sparkling pool.

JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa

Elites are welcomed with two suite types that the hotel will upgrade them to, the Studio King will be more common of an upgrade. Kids are able to enjoy the bowling area and play area with a merry-go-round. Something truly unique for a category 5 property.

The Den bowling area at JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Hotel Grand Rapids

Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Average price: $284 USD
Opening: 2007
Number of rooms: 337
Hotel website

King Guest Room with a view at JW Marriott Hotel Grand Rapids

In the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan the JW Marriott is still one of the nicest properties in North America with a very reasonable price and award category. Located right on the river next to Grand Valley downtown campus and clubs nearby, the property is always busy in the lobby with both guests and locals hanging around.

jdek Bar at JW Marriott Hotel Grand Rapids

Elites will be happy since the property does have an executive lounge. Platinum and above can access the lounge for free with one guest or anyone that has a concierge level room.

When I have stayed at this property the few times before, I enjoyed the executive lounge, and they didn’t care about the number of people I brought in. For a US property, this lounge is nice, but I still prefer international lounges in Asia.

Club Lounge at JW Marriott Hotel Grand Rapids

The Sanya EDITION

Location: Sanya, China
Average price: $158 USD
Opening: 2016
Number of rooms: 512
Hotel website

Ocean View Suite at The Sanya EDITION

Many people might not know, but EDITION was Starwood’s brand new modern luxury brand. Since Marriott took over Starwood, I have seen Marriott push EDITION just as much as Starwood and still plans to open 11 new properties in the coming years.

The Sanya EDITION is a beachfront property with three different pools, a play zone for kids, bumper cars, and rock wall. Located on the beach facing the South China Sea, this property is one of EDITION’s flagship properties.

Bumper cars at The Sanya EDITION

Elites aren’t going to get anything special at an EDITION, including Sanya EDITION. While upgrades are given, breakfast isn’t since EDITION is one of Marriott’s brands that doesn’t have to provide breakfast to guests.

Ocean View King Bed Room at The Sanya EDITION

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List of category 5 hotels

Across the globe, there are 1,173 category 5 hotels. But I think listing off all 1,173 category 5 hotels might be crazy. 

In this list, I will only list off luxury brands. Marriott’s luxury brands are Edition, Ritz-Carlton, The Luxury Collection, St. Regis, W Hotels, JW Marriott, and Bulgari. Note, Bulgari doesn’t participate in the Bonvoy program. So, you aren’t able to use points at Bulgari properties.

United States

JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead

JW Marriott Charlotte – New

JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek

JW Marriott Grand Rapids

JW Marriott Houston Downtown

JW Marriott Indianapolis

JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Miami

JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America

Connected right to Mall of America you can shop until you drop.

JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa

Events like nightly tequila toast are a thing.

The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner

The St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Antonio

The Whitley, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Atlanta Buckhead

W Atlanta – Downtown

W Chicago – City Center

W Chicago – Lakeshore

W Minneapolis – The Foshay

Canada

JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District

Mexico

JW Marriott Monterrey Valle – New

Central America

JW Marriott Panama

The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort, Panama City

W Panama

South America

JW Marriott Hotel Bogota

JW Marriott Hotel Lima

JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro

Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort, Paracas

Park Tower, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Buenos Aires

W Bogota

W Santiago

Africa

The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo

The Ritz-Carlton Rabat Dar Es Salam – Opening soon Jan 2022

The Ritz-Carlton, Tamuda Bay – Opening Jan 2030

The St. Regis Almasa Hotel, Cairo – New

The St. Regis Cairo

Asia

The Sanya EDITION

JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok

JW Marriott Hotel Macau

JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity

JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square

JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai Fengxian – New

JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus

JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa

Beach resort in Khao Lak, Thailand.

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Shanghai Pudong

JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu

JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Sanya Haitang Bay Resort & Spa

The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai

The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street

The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place

The Ritz-Carlton, Astana

The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore

The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing

The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou

The Ritz-Carlton, Harbin – Opening soon Dec 2021

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur

The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen

The Ritz-Carlton, Xi’an

Hotel National, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Moscow

ITC Gardenia, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bengaluru

Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok

The Alexander, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Yerevan

The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok

The Azure Qiantang, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hangzhou

The Castle Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dalian

The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali

The St. Regis Bangkok

The St. Regis Beijing

The St. Regis Changsha

The St. Regis Chengdu

The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur

The St. Regis Lhasa Resort

The St. Regis Mumbai

The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan

The St. Regis Shenzhen

W Guangzhou

W Kuala Lumpur

W Xi’an

Oceana

The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place

The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur

The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali

The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart – Opening soon Dec 2021

The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur

W Brisbane

W Kuala Lumpur

Europe

Hotel Berlin Central District – New

JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus

Penha Longa Resort

A specialty Ritz-Carlton property.

The Ritz-Carlton, Astana

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg

Domes Miramare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Corfu

Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Warsaw

Hotel National, a Luxury Hotel Collection Hotel, Moscow

The Alexander, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Yerevan

Trump Turnberry, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scotland

Middle East

Burj Rafal Riyadh, A Marriott International Hotel

Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel

A specialty Ritz-Carlton property.

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha

Ajman Saray, a Luxury Collection Resort, Ajman

Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Saraya Aqaba

Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha

Sheraton Kuwait, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kuwait City

The St. Regis Doha

W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island

W Muscat

Final word

While this list might be a little biased and only geared for luxury properties, this could be a good start to a more extensive list.

So, what category 5 properties would you recommend that are or aren’t on this list?

This article was originally published by Steve Smith.

Best Hilton Free Weekend Night Certificate Uses and How to Redeem [2021]

Offers contained within this article maybe expired.

Out of all the free night certificates out there, the Hilton free weekend night certificate is by far the best. It’s valuable in terms of being uncapped with restrictions that aren’t too inconvenient compared to other capped free night certificates.

Imagine a free weekend night certificate usable for a property that costs $2,000 a night.

In this article, I will talk about the Hilton free weekend night certificate, how to obtain it, how cancellation works, and where the best places to use the free weekend night certificate are found.

Hilton free weekend night certificate

The Hilton free weekend night certificate is a complimentary night at almost any Hilton property in the world but redeemable only on weekend nights. Weekend nights are defined by Hilton as Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

The great thing about the certificate is how it isn’t capped at a point value. So, you could redeem the certificate at a property that is worth 5,000 Hilton points or 120,000 Hilton points a night.

However, there are some properties that aren’t redeemable using the certificate: all-inclusive properties, vacation clubs, Hampton Inns in China, and a few other properties. You can see the small list of properties here. (In the scope of things, the list is so small that it shouldn’t limit your search for a property.)

Some of the properties you can redeem your free weekend night certificate could cost up to $2,000. This makes the certificate super valuable in that it has no cap for its value.

It’s actually one of the few free night certificates that is super flexible in regard of the property it can be redeemed for, especially when you compare it with IHG or Marriott free night certificates.

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

How to get a Hilton free weekend night certificate

There are three cards that offer the Hilton free weekend night certificate automatically each year or by hitting the spend requirement.

One of the cards automatically gives you the free weekend night certificate upon opening the account and on account anniversary every year. While the other two of the cards require you to hit a spend requirement to obtain the free weekend night certificate.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Hilton Aspire Bonus
  • Complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status
  • One weekend night at any hotel or resort in the Hilton portfolio (upon opening the account and on account anniversary every year)
  • Weekend night after spending $60,000 on the card within a calendar year
  • $250 airline incidental fee statement credit
  • $250 Hilton resort statement credit
  • $100 on-property credit at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts when booking the exclusive Aspire Card package
  • Unlimited Priority Pass membership
  • 14X Hilton Honors Bonus Points at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio worldwide
  • 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies and at U.S. restaurants
  • 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on other purchases
  • $450 Annual Fee

The Hilton Aspire credit card gives you one free weekend night every year, at the time of application signup and every anniversary year as long as you have the card open. Then, if you spend $60,000 in one calendar year, you get another free weekend night certificate. 

The card also comes with many other benefits like Hilton Diamond status. Diamond status is Hilton’s best elite status which offers upgrades up to suites, executive lounge access, free breakfast, late check-out, and 100% bonus points on paid stays.

This card is not only handing out elite status and a free weekend night certificate, but it’s also handing out an uncapped $250 resort credit, $250 airline incidental credit, and Priority Pass membership. This is why it’s one of the top hotel credit cards in my opinion.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass

  • Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status
  • Spend $40,000 on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn Hilton Honors Diamond status
  • Free Weekend Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year
  • 10 Priority Pass lounge passes a calendar year
  • 12X at hotels or resorts within the Hilton Portfolio
  • 6X at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations
  • 3X on all other eligible purchases
  • $95 annual fee

If you think you aren’t going to use those airline credits, resort credits, and Hilton Diamond status that is given to you by the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, then the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass is the second best Hilton card out there. (Full review here.) 

You have the ability to gain one free weekend night when you spend $15,000 on the card in one calendar year.  Also, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass comes with Hilton Gold status and those benefits include free breakfast, room upgrades, free wifi, late check-out, and free bottle of water.

The card also comes with 10 Priority Pass lounge passes a year. These lounge passes can be used at any Priority Pass lounge in the world for anyone, even if you aren’t traveling. 

If you wish for a business card, Hilton does offer a business card called the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card. Most of the benefits are the same as the Surpass card, but it’s a great card if you want to watch your 5/24 status.

How to redeem a free weekend night certificate

It’s very easy to redeem your Hilton free weekend night certificate. You will first get an email from Hilton containing your certificate ID named “reward ID”.

Once you have your ID number, all you have to do is call Hilton customer service saying you want to redeem your Hilton free weekend night. The agent will then ask for the ID number. If you forgot your rewards ID number, the agent can manually check your Hilton Honors account for any linked weekend night certificates.

Then you go through the reservation process with the customer service agent. It takes no more than 10 minutes for the reservation to be booked and confirmed. Once the reservation is booked and confirmed, you will get a confirmation email and the reservation will also show in your Hilton Honors account online and in the app.

When does the free weekend night certificate expire?

The Hilton free weekend night certificate expires one year after it is issued. I should also note that the free weekend night must be redeemed for a stay before the expiration of the certificate. That means, you can only redeem for nights before the expiration date and cannot redeem for nights after the expiration date. 

Coronavirus extension: All 2021-issued Free Weekend Night Reward certificates can be used any night of the week and expiration will be extended to December 31, 2022. 

What is the cancellation policy for the free weekend night?

The Hilton free weekend night certificate cancellation policy will differ at every property. Some properties will allow free cancellations up to a couple of days before check-in and some might allow free cancellations the same day, but if you want to check the cancellation policy of the property, it’s easy.

To check the cancellation policy for a Hilton property, you can ask the Hilton customer service representative the cancellation policy for the property you want to redeem for. Or, you can check the property’s cancellation policy by doing a test booking using points. When doing the test booking, it will show the cancellation policy of the property without even booking the property.

Best Hilton hotels and resorts for using your free weekend night certificate

Below are some of the best Hilton properties to use your free weekend night certificate. As you can see, some cost a good amount of cash or points, so you can save a huge amount when using your certificate!

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

Location: South Male Atoll, Maldives
Average price: $1916 USD
Points cost: 120,000+
Opening: 2019
Number of rooms: 122
Hotel website

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi aerial view

The Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is the newest Waldorf property that opened up in July 2019. It offers beach and overwaters villas, 11 restaurants, a private island, and an in-house reef. For the younger ones, there is a discovery park that allows kids to enjoy a safe play area.

This resort makes for a great use for the Hilton free weekend night certificate with a combination of points for a long six-night stay. Five nights would be on points, 5th night would be free, while the 6th night would be the free night certificate redemption. That means, the 6th night would save you 120,000 points or about $2000.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi guest room

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Location: Southern Ari Atoll, Maldives
Average price: $711 USD
Points cost: 95,000
Opening: 1997
Number of rooms: 151
Hotel website

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island underwater restaurant Ithaa

If Waldorf isn’t your style and prefer Conrad, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is still a great choice. While the resort is now 23 years old, it has undergone multiple renovations and new additions to the property since its opening. 

The most famous aspect to the resort is its underwater restaurant at Ithaa. No matter if you have a beach villa or a overwater villa, both will provide a spectacular experience with less pricey dining and activity expenses than the Waldorf. 

Plus, when you use the certificate or points at the Conrad Maldives, you can actually select overwater or beach villa. That means you can have an overwater villa without paying extra.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island aerial

Conrad Bora Bora Nui

Location: Bora Bora, French Polynesia 
Average price: $512 USD
Points cost: 95,000
Opening: 2017
Number of rooms: 114
Hotel website

Conrad Bora Bora Nui aerial

Bora Bora vs Maldives — some will prefer the Maldives while others will prefer Bora Bora. In reality, both are very different in terms of the experience you have. Bora Bora is known to have beautiful landscapes with many activities on the islands and spectacular views of the volcano and lagoons. Plus, you can easily walk around the island seeing things off the resort grounds, unlike the Maldives you are trapped at the resort unless you pay an expensive private transfer. 

The Conrad Bora Bora Nui is well worth it. The islands of French Polynesia are spectacular and Bora Bora is claimed to be the best destination in French Polynesia. The resort is only three years old with 114 rooms, making it still fresh enough for a visit and intimate enough unlike other bigger resorts. The price is normally above $500 making it a great place to redeem your free weekend night certificate. 

Conrad Bora Bora Nui overwater villa

Conrad Koh Samui

Location: Koh Samui, Thailand
Average price: $589 USD
Points cost: 95,000
Opening: 2011
Number of rooms: 81
Hotel website

Conrad Koh Samui

The beautiful Koh Samui shouldn’t be missed if you visit Thailand. Koh Samui is a perfect destination to use your free weekend night certificate as the price is high at many properties in Koh Samui. Luckily, the Conrad Koh Samui is an intimate 81 room resort in Koh Samui with breathtaking views throughout the resort. The beaches in Koh Samui are spectacular.

Plus, all the rooms here are villas. So, your certificate here can get the base room which is a villa with your own private plunge pool.

Conrad Koh Samui

Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

Location: Los Angeles, California
Average price: $744 USD
Points cost: 95,000
Opening: 2017
Number of rooms: 170
Hotel website

Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is a great city hotel in upscale Beverly Hills. Offering rooftop pool, paid private cabanas, and a free neighborhood ride in their Rolls-Royce house car. Yes, you heard that right, a free ride in a Rolls-Royce to or from destinations in the neighborhood.

Inside the hotel, you will find Michelin Starred dining, which is famed for its quality and taste. The rooms are also top quality rooms that offers many luxury amenities that would you would see in the movies. All these reasons makes this a special property for redeeming your free weekend night certificate.

Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!

Waldorf Astoria Park City

Location: Park City, Utah
Average price: $545 USD
Points cost: 80,000
Opening: 2009
Number of rooms: 160
Hotel website

Waldorf Astoria Park City

If you love to ski or snowboard during the winter or enjoy a nice camp fire in Park City during the summer, the Waldorf Astoria Park City won’t disappoint. It underwent renovations in 2019 making 2020 a good time to stay since the refresh. 

The property is on the pricey side, but using the certificate will go along way because of the amount of money you can save by redeeming for this property, even in the low season.

Waldorf Astoria Park City

Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal

Location: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Average price: $760 USD
Points cost: 120,000
Opening: 2019
Number of rooms: 115
Hotel website

Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal

Hilton has been opening up Waldorf Astoria properties left and right. One of their newest properties is the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabo Pedregal. It’s the second Hilton property that is 120,000 points per night. On top of that, the price per night is high. That means, this is a great property to use your free weekend night certificate as you can save the points for an extra night or other property of your choosing to get max value. 

As the property is so new, you will enjoy the modern rooms and enthusiastic staff that is willing to go the extra mile. Plus, being in Los Cabo, you can enjoy whale watching from your hotel or via approved tours. When I return to Los Cabos, I would love to try out this beautiful intimate 115 room property. 

Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal

Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Average price: $680 USD
Points cost: 95,000
Opening: 2014
Number of rooms: 93
Hotel website

Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam

Another fan favorite is the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam. It’s an intimate 93 room property that is located in Amsterdam’s famous Dutch buildings. It almost blends into all the other buildings with very little to distinguish it, a design quality that I love. 

Being rated the second best hotel on TripAdvisor in Amsterdam, the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam shouldn’t be missed. If you have an opportunity to stay here, you will get great value redeeming your your free weekend night certificate.  

Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam

Conrad Tokyo

Location: Tokyo, Japan
Average price: $497 USD
Points cost: 95,000
Opening: 2005
Number of rooms: 290
Hotel website

Conrad Tokyo

The only property that has a club lounge on this list is the Conrad Tokyo. The Conrad Tokyo is loved by many because of the modern Japanese inspired rooms that are beautiful and well maintained. The club lounge offers a great selection of drinks and canapes to please anyone to get your night started off on the right foot, before heading out to clubs or late night dining at midnight diners.  

The property has spectacular views of the bay and the neighboring park. It’s super close to many metro lines making it easy to get around or even to go to the airports. If you are interested in visiting Tokyo, I highly recommend you read my guide here. 

Conrad Tokyo

Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa

Location: Glacis, Seychelles
Average price: $496 USD
Points cost: 95,000
Opening: 2015
Number of rooms: 40
Hotel website

Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa

The all-villa Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa is a one of a kind resort located in the beautiful Seychelles. It’s an all-villa property, making it great for redeeming points and your free weekend night certificate. It’s one of the few properties that has an age requirement, you must be 13 years or older to stay. It’s also really intimate with 40 villas. Having only 40 villas makes the property feel less like a factory resort and more like a boutique resort. 

Seychelles is one of the few less touristy islands in the world that offers luxury accommodation. I would highly recommend making your way to Seychelles, it shouldn’t be missed if you love a secluded island life while not being trapped at the resort. 

Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa

Final word

I hope you got some inspiration from this article for using your Hilton free weekend night certificate. If you end up visiting one of these properties, drop a comment down below telling us about your experience! 

17 Best Luxury Marriott Bonvoy Properties for 50,000 points

There are lots of great Marriott Bonvoy properties that will only cost you 50,000 points per night at their standard rate. In this article, we focus on some of the best luxury properties that you can get for 50,000 points per night. These properties are located all around the US and have a wide variety of amenities and other features to offer.

The Amex Marriott Brilliant intro

One of the easiest ways to get a free night for a 50,000 point property is to get approved for the Amex Marriott Brilliant. Every year, you will be given a free anniversary night that can be used on Marriott properties costing up to 50,000 points/night.

In addition, you’ll also be giving elite status, $400 worth of credits, and some pretty good bonus point earning potential. Here’s a look at what the card offers:

  • 6X Bonvoy points on Marriott
  • 3X at U.S. restaurants
  • 3X on flights booked directly with airlines
  • 2X Bonvoy points on all other purchases
  • Marriott Gold status
  • Free night award
  • $300 credit
  • $100 property credit
  • $450 annual fee

If you want to go with a Marriott card that has a lower annual fee you may consider the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, which comes with the following perks:

  • 6X Bonvoy points on Marriott
  • 2X Bonvoy points on all other purchases
  • Annual Free Night Award
  • Automatic Silver Elite Status
  • Get Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each account year.
  • 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year
  • $95 annual fee

Related: Top Hotel Credit Cards for Optimal Rewards

Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!

Marriott Bonvoy award chart

As of August 2020, all of the properties below fall into the category six classification which means that the standard rate is 50,000 points per night. But Marriott also has off peak and peak pricing which can change the price so you can take a look at the award chart below to see your redemption possibilities.

CategoryOff PeakStandardPeak
15,0007,50010,000
210,00012,50015,000
315,00017,50020,000
420,00025,00030,000
530,00035,00040,000
640,00050,00060,000
750,00060,00070,000
870,00085,000100,000
Marriott’s award chart.

You might also be interested in other Marriott Bonvoy redemption possibilities like the following:

17 Best Marriott Properties for 50,000 points

1. W Bellevue

Location: Bellevue, WA

If you ever find yourself in Bellevue, WA, whether for vacation or business, look no further than the W Bellevue for the perfect stay. Located in the Pacific Northwest’s tech playground, the hotel pays homage to its lakeside culture with cabin-like architecture, yet boasts a “thoughtfully reimagined traditional décor.”

The W Bellevue is ideally located with no shortage of activities nearby. From SoulCycle and Orangetheory classes to water sports and activities, travelers will have the ability to stay fit and active during their stay. If staying active isn’t your cup of tea while on vacation, look no further than the local spas which combine rest and relaxation with luxe amenities.

2. W Hollywood

Location: Los Angeles, California (Hollywood)

The W Hollywood is located in the middle of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It is quintessentially “Hollywood” from the high rise ceilings to the swanky interior. The W Hollywood offers a reprieve from the hustle and bustle on the streets. However, when you’re ready to take on the crowds, this hotel is central to a plethora of landmarks such as the famous Capitol Records building, the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, and the Magic Castle.

The W Hollywood offers modern vibes. With bold and colorful interiors and the famous rooftop pool and bar, this hotel takes trendy to a whole new level. Tasty dining options and a pool and bar on the property allow guests to enjoy their stay without ever leaving the hotel. Or, for those who want some adventure, a genuine Hollywood experience is just a step outside.

3. JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE

Location: Los Angeles, CA

The JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE is perfectly located in the middle of Downtown Los Angeles. It’s blend of high end comfort mixed with trendy vibes embodies what it means to experience Downtown Los Angeles. The hotel shares space with The Ritz Carlton Hotel and The Ritz Carlton Residences at L.A. Live.

Whether you are a business traveler, or on vacation, the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE offers everything you need for the perfect stay. From a state of the art gym and staffed business center to the trendy lobby bar and top of the line dining options, guests can’t go wrong with their stay at this hotel.

Guests staying at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE have a plethora of entertainment options at the tips of their fingers. From sporting events and concerts at the Staples Center to every kind of cuisine imaginable, Downtown LA offers no shortage of enriching experiences.

Related: Which Hotel Credit Card Has the Best Free Night Certificate?

4. THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego

Location: San Diego, California

THE US GRANT is a historic five-star destination in the heart of downtown San Diego. Built by Ulysses S. Grant, Jr., son of President Ulysses S. Grant, who named the hotel after his father. Opulent, sophisticated, and luxurious are just a few of the words previous travelers have used to describe the hotel.

THE US GRANT is home to a quality fitness center, relaxing spa, and large venue for conferences and meetings. Whether on vacation or traveling for business, there is no shortage of restaurants just steps outside of the hotel. If you’re tired from exploring beautiful San Diego all day, there is no need to leave the hotel. Be sure to check out the hotel’s signature restaurant: the Grant Grill, which opened back in 1952. 

5. The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

Location: Marana, AZ

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain is nothing short of a dream. From the secluded swimming pool with lounge chairs and private cabanas to 27 championship holes of golf, vacationers cannot go wrong at this resort.

Whether guests are looking to stay active with 26 miles of scenic hiking trails or relax and decompress at the holistic and natural spa, they will feel like they just awoke from a dream by the time they depart. Live music and desert surroundings help to elevate every meal and leave guests feeling nothing short of satisfied.

In addition to a beautiful resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain provides guests with no shortage of activities. The surroundings are rich in Native American culture for guests to explore. Hot air balloon rides, horseback riding, jeep tours, and nighttime cookouts are only a few of the many activities available for guests to choose from during their stay.

6. JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

Location: Phoenix, AZ

If you are looking for a property that combines luxury and elegance with warmth and comfort, look no further than JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. This family-friendly resort offers everything from championship golf, five pools, a lazy river, and top of the line dining.

This resort is perfect for business and vacation travelers alike. A large number of pools ensure no one pool is ever too crowded, and close proximity to local restaurants gives travelers the option of dining on the property or trying out the local cuisine.

The Kids Club offers parents a way to keep their children entertained throughout their stay. Travelers can visit Cave Creek, which fully embraces the Western lifestyle, or Kierland Commons, an upscale and outdoor center with access to art, food, and shopping.

7. JW Marriott Austin

Location: Austin, TX

Austin, TX is a city full of life and the JW Marriott Austin puts you right in the middle of all the action. Situated right in the middle of downtown, the JW Marriott Austin is in walking distance to a number of shops, restaurants, and nightlife.

From the stunning and historic State Capitol building to entertainment on 2nd street and nightlife on 6th street, there is no lack of adventure to be had in Austin. The JW Marriott Austin offers the perfect home base for those looking to explore the city.

In addition, when guests are too tired to take advantage of all the entertainment Downtown Austin offers, the JW Marriott Austin provides the perfect relief from the hustle and bustle of the city. The luxurious hotel offers an urban resort for those looking to experience quintessential Austin, TX.

8. The St. Regis Houston

Location: Houston, TX

If you find yourself traveling to Houston and looking for a luxurious stay, look no further than The St. Regis Houston. While not the most impressive hotel in terms of stunning architecture, the service is second to none.

Large guest rooms, complimentary fitness classes, and a tranquil spa keep guests feeling refreshed in the middle of energetic Houston. The St. Regis Houston is conveniently located next to multiple golf clubs. In addition, guests can enjoy hiking trails, horseback riding, kayaking, and sailing a short drive away.

The St. Regis Hotel also caters to children and families. From the waterpark Typhoon Texas to the Houston Museum of Natural History, there is no shortage of activities for parents and their children. The St. Regis offers nothing short of an exceptional stay for business and vacation travelers alike.

Chocolate cake with mint and raspberry garnish at The St. Regis Houston.
Free room service at the St. Regis.

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

9. JW Marriott New Orleans

Location: New Orleans, LA

Formerly the Le Meridien New Orleans, the JW Marriott New Orleans is located in the heart of New Orleans. This puts it within walking distance of major attractions like the French Quarter. Cast-iron balconies, jazz clubs on Bourbon Street, and Cajun food galore are just a short walk from the hotel.

The JW Marriott New Orleans provides guests with unparalleled service, upscale amenities, and modern luxury with a historic twist. From the saltwater rooftop pool to the bustling lobby lounge, there is almost no need to ever leave the property.

However, for those who are looking to explore New Orleans, there is no better place to stay. Removed enough from the action for a good nights sleep, yet close enough to walk home, guests cannot go wrong with a stay at the JW Marriott New Orleans.

10. The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta

Location: Atlanta, GA

The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta boasts old school charm with top of the line service. Conveniently located near the heart of downtown, The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta is the epitome of Southern luxury. Whether you are looking to enjoy leisurely brunches on the property or experience a tasty steakhouse, this hotel offers guests a full experience.

Atlanta perfectly blends the modern world with the charm of the Old South. The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta is ideally situated to allow guests this full experience. From The Center for Civil and Human Rights to the expansive Centennial Olympic Park, there is no shortage of rich history.

Less than two miles away, guests can experience Peachtree Street, home to the Georgia Aquarium and College Football Hall of Fame. If this isn’t enough, exceptional staff at The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta are ready to craft full itineraries for guests at their request.

11. JW Marriott Marquis Miami

Location: Miami, FL

The JW Marriott Marquis Miami is located right smack dab in the middle of downtown Miami. If you are looking for the quintessential Miami experience, this is the hotel for you. The JW Marriott Marquis Miami oozes sophistication, luxury, design, art, and fashion all in one place.

This hotel offers guests the ability to experience various museums and beaches by day, and the posh Brickell district by night. Multiple nearby golf courses and a plethora of sightseeing will make any guest want to come back for another stay at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami.

If guests are looking for rest and relaxation, there is no need to leave the hotel. The fitness center is open 24/7 and the heated outdoor pool overlooks the cityscape and water. A luxurious day at the hotel spa is made better only by a trip to one of the restaurants on the grounds.

12. The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami

Location: Miami, FL

If you find yourself in Miami looking for a luxurious and classic experience, look no further than The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami. The hotel is perfectly situated between the bay and downtown cityscape. Live music at The Commodore Cocktail Club and organic honey from the Florida Keys at the on-site spa make the hotel feel like paradise.

Guests will enjoy balconies overlooking the crisp Miami water. In addition, Brickell Avenue and South Beach are just a short drive away. Between luxury experiences for adults, and the Ritz Kids program, The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami is an oasis for families or a romantic getaway. Outstanding service and a stellar location make this hotel an experience to remember.

13. The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis

Location: St. Louis, MO

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis offers the optimal blend of tradition and modernity. It’s opulent elegance makes this hotel one of the premier destinations in St. Louis.

St. Louis is where historic architecture meets modern restaurants and stores. Located in the middle of affluent Clayton, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis puts guests in the center of all the action. Whether you are traveling with kids or experiencing the city with your significant other, you cannot go wrong at this hotel. The Science Center and City Museum is the perfect educational experience for kids. And, the Anheuser-Busch brewery is the perfect mid-day stop for adults while their kids ride the Clydesdale horses.

After your busy day out, take a second to relax at the Lobby Bar and enjoy live music and a Sushi Bar all from the comfort of the hotel. Don’t forget to stop by the hotel’s spa featuring locally sourced ingredients and a steam and sauna room.

14. The Ballantyne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

The Ballantyne boasts new re-designed rooms, luxurious amenities, and Southern hospitality right in the middle of Charlotte. Guests at the hotel have access to both indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and salon, fitness center, golf courses and tennis courts. Paired with the on-property restaurant, bar, and private dining options, there is almost no need to ever leave the hotel.

However, for guests who are looking to do some exploring while in Charlotte, The Ballantyne offers bike rentals and a complimentary shuttle to take guests to nearby restaurants and entertainment options. Don’t forget to explore Ballantyne Village, complete with an independent film theater, shopping, and dining options.

15. The Ritz-Carlton New York, Westchester Converted to The Opus, Westchester (Now category 5)

Location: White Plains, NY

Have you ever planned a trip to New York and dreamed of staying somewhere far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the city so you can relax, but close enough so you can still enjoy the energy? If so, look no further than The Ritz-Carlton New York, Westchester.

This hotel is a sanctuary just 30 minutes away from Grand Central Station. Home to one of the country’s largest spas, these 5 star luxury accommodations will leave you feeling like you have just arrived in paradise. Whether you are looking for fine dining or a swim beneath the stars on the property’s rooftop pool, you will find it all without ever leaving The Ritz Carlton New York, Westchester.

Westchester County offers guests the opportunity to view the Rockefeller Estate and the Van Cortland Manner. Bear Mountain State Park is only a short ways away. The surrounding vineyards and breweries are a perfect way to finish up your trip and enjoy the beautiful city. You cannot go wrong with a stay at The Ritz-Carlton New York, Westchester.

16. The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago

Location: Chicago, IL

The Gwen is perfectly situated in the middle of Michigan Avenue, arguably the most famous street in Chicago. Blending the glamour from 1930s Chicago with modern luxury, The Gwen offers guests an unrivaled experience.

Between top of the line service and opulent decor, guests will never want to leave the hotel. However, if you are ready to venture out, The Gwen sits less than a few miles away from all of Chicago’s major landmarks, from Millennium Park and Navy Pier to the Chicago Theater District and Lake Michigan.

Be sure to check out the unique Gwen Luxury Glamping Experience being offered from May 28th to September 30th. Guests will have the ability to experience “urban glamping” including 1,000 square feet of open-air picturesque views of the city. Lavish furnishings like drum side tables and a braided Indian jute rug add to the aesthetic. Guests have access to the two-bedroom Gwen Lux Suite, complete with wet bar, airport transfer, and private welcome bites from the chef. The Gwen holds no reservations when it comes to providing guests with a unique trip of a lifetime.

17. JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes

Location: Orlando, FL

The JW Marriott Orlando offers the perfect accommodations for any trip to Florida. Whether you are looking to explore the Orlando area or soak up the Floridian sun, you have come to the right place.

Outdoor activities include a lazy river and an 18-hole golf course. When you’re ready to escape the heat, experience the luxury spa offerings and tasty dining options. The JW Marriott Orlando is the perfect home base for exploring local Orlando landmarks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.

The JW Marriott Orlando concierge is always ready to help guests organize transportation to local experiences such as the Kennedy Space Center and the Everglades. Whether you are looking to spend your vacation relaxing or exploring, there is no better resort than the JW Marriott Orlando.

Final word

As you can probably tell by this list, there are a ton of solid luxury properties that you can stay at for only 50,000 points per night. If you get the Marriott Brilliant card, I would suggest looking into some of these properties in order to maximize the value of your annual free night. You could easily walk away with several hundred dollars in value and help offset the high annual fee of that card.

IHG Free Night Certificate Guide and 40,000 Hotel List [2021]

With almost 6,000 properties worldwide, IHG has your back covered for using your IHG free night certificate. The IHG free night certificate, also known as the IHG Chase anniversary free night, is given when you hold two particular IHG credit cards from Chase. The free night is usable at hotels that cost 40,000 IHG points or less.

The properties where you can your your free night vary greatly. Some properties are on the beach in far to reach destinations around the world and some might be an InterContinental located in a major city in Europe or North America.

In this article, I go into detail of how to get an IHG free night certificate, how to use the IHG free night certificate, and the best hotels in the world to use the IHG free night certificate. Then I provide a long list of hotels that cost 40,000 points at the end of the article.

What is the IHG free night certificate?

The IHG free night certificate, also known as the IHG Chase Anniversary Free Night, is a benefit of the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card and the IHG Rewards Club Select Credit Card. On your card membership anniversary, you receive a free night certificate at any IHG property in the world equal to 40,000 IHG points per night.

So, you could use the free night certificate at any IHG property that costs 40,000 points or less. When using the certificate, it uses none of your points, just the certificate itself is used. Down below, I explain how and where you should use your IHG free night certificate.

Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!

How to get the IHG free night certificate

There are two credit cards that give you the IHG free night certificate.

IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card

Issued by Chase, the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card is a great bang for your buck card in terms of benefits received and decently low annual fee. (Read the detailed review here.)

Some of the benefits from holding this card:

  • Earn 10 points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG hotels
  • Earn 2 points per $1 spent on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants
  • Fourth night free when using points
  • Anniversary Free Night Certificate
  • Platinum Elite status at IHG
  • Cell Phone Protection (up to $800?) per claim and $1,000 per year effective November 17, 2019
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Save At Least 20% on Points Purchases
  • Global Entry or TSA Pre Fee Credit
  • Earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 a year
  • $89 annual fee

There are two benefits on the card that are super valuable. The fourth night free when using points can be a huge points saver. This allows you to save 25% every time you book four consecutive nights in a row. This benefit is unique to the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card.

The anniversary free night certificate is valued at 40,000 IHG points. Meaning, you cannot use the free night certificate for a property valued over 40,000 points. While this limits the use of the free night, the free night priced at 40,000 points can still come in good use when you don’t want to use points or cash.

Both of these benefits together can save you huge amounts of money and points, especially as the free night certificate comes every year after you renew the card. It basically pays for the annual fee.

IHG Rewards Club Select Credit Card

The IHG Rewards Club Select Credit Card isn’t open to new applications, but if you hold this card you are grandfathered into the benefits.

  • Earn 5 points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG hotels
  • Anniversary Free Night Certificate
  • Platinum Elite status at IHG
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • $49 annual fee

The benefits on this card are lackluster. I wouldn’t use this card every month or even when I am paying for an IHG property. In fact, if I am staying at an IHG property, I would use my Chase Sapphire Reserve as I value Chase Ultimate Rewards much more than IHG Rewards Points.

Nonetheless, this card is still super good. The free night certificate is now the same as the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card, but with a lower annual fee. As there is a lower annual fee, the free night certificate pays for itself without much effort.

If you are still holding this card, keep holding it. In fact, get the other card too. So you can have two free night certificates, 4th night free, and other unique IHG benefits.

How to use the IHG free night certificate

Using the IHG free night certificate is as easy as logging into your IHG account.

After you log into your IHG Rewards Club account, you will want to go to the account profile page, also known as “my account” or account overview. On your account profile page, you can see all sorts of information about your status, how many nights you stayed, points balance, and free nights.

Notice on my account, there are two free nights available as I hold both the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card and IHG Rewards Club Select Credit Card.

When you click on the free night(s) link, you will see the free night(s) you have available and their expiration date. As I have two available, two are ready for me to use at any time.

Once you’re ready to use your free night certificate, all you have to do is click “book free night”.

If you already know that you have a free night certificate you can use, you can skip the steps above and go straight to searching.

When searching from the homepage, make sure you’re signed in to your IHG account. After you made sure you’re signed in, when searching the location of the property you want to stay and the dates, you will want to select “Chase Anniversary Free Night” from the “rate preference” dropdown.

It’s important to only search one night at a time if you want to use the certificate. If you want to have a multiple night booking, just make two bookings.

Once you made the bookings, just call in and explain to the hotel that you have two bookings and want to join them together. If you don’t want to call in, the property should accommodate you at check-in joining your reservations together. Both have worked for me.

When you search for the property, you will see the word “free” in the place of the price for every property shown. 

Only properties that are eligible for the free night, aka less than 40,000 points, will be shown as free.

Once you selected the property, you will be brought to the rooms available page. You will want to select the “standard” tab. Under the standard tab, you can see the room(s) available for using your free night certificate.

After selecting the room you want, you will be directed to the rates page. You will see rates for using cash, points, and your free night certificate. All you have to do to use your free night certificate is to select the one that says “free”.

Lastly, it will show the total on the next page. Notice it still says free and that’s the only price you will pay for the room.

Next, you complete your booking, you’re all good to go to enjoy your free night.

What is the cancellation policy for the free night?

The free night certificate cancellation policy will differ at every property. Some will allow free cancellations up to a couple of days before check-in and some might allow free cancellations the same day, but if you want to check the cancellation policy of the property, it’s easy.

To check the cancellation policy for an IHG property, you will see it on the page when selecting the rate you want and the payment page before you book the reservation.

Here is another example of the cancellation policy for when you use the IHG free night certificate. 

Read more about the IHG cancellation policy here.

Can you use the IHG free night certificate for someone else?

Yes, you can use the IHG free night certificate for someone else, even when you aren’t staying at the property.

For redeeming your free night certificate for someone else, you just have to call IHG customer support. They will be able to use their name for the primary on the reservation instead of yours.

You can call IHG at +1-877-859-5095.

Best hotels to use your IHG free night certificate

There are many great places to use your IHG free night certificate, but here are a few of the best IHG hotels in the world to use your free night certificate.

Remember, when using your free night certificate, the property must cost 40,000 points or less.

InterContinental Bali Resort

The InterContinental Bali Resort is generally priced well, but during peak season, it can get pricey making it a perfect time for using your free night certificate. 

Plus, you’re right on the beach for beautiful sunset views over the Indian Ocean with some of the best hospitality in the world being in Indonesia. 

InterContinental Bangkok

The InterContinental Bangkok offers a good club lounge, location, and room in one of the most popular cities in the world. It’s right next to public transport, but still outside of the party locations filled with many people staying up late.

With high nightly prices, this is a great place to use your free night certificate. 

InterContinental Prague

Prague is one of my favorite cities in the world. It’s not too expensive but still a quality city that puts other western Europe cities to shame. The InterContinental Prague is not cheap, so the InterContinental Prague being priced at 40,000 points is a great use for the free night certificate. 

InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort

Cancun isn’t for everyone, but if you love Cancun, the InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort should be on your list.

The resort is perfect for both families and couples with activities for all. It’s overlooking the beautiful turquoise waters where it’s always warm and ready for your next adventure. If you’re looking for a prime party location, it’s not the resort for you.

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City

Known as Salt Lake City’s most dynamic hotel, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City is making its name for one of the best boutique chain hotels in the world. Kimpton properties are known as a trendy boutique hotel chain with unique secret passwords for raid the bar.

If you had to use your free night certificate in the USA, Salt Lake City is a great destination, but also great for value as the free night certificate can get great value out of this property for nightly prices regularly in the high $200s.

InterContinental Jakarta Pondok Indah

The InterContinental Jakarta Pondok Indah is almost a year old making it one of the newest InterContinental properties in the world. It offers direct access to a shopping mall offering premium stores. It is also located in the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta.

Being in Jakarta, you can eat your heart away with many local and international food options of savory and sweet dishes.

InterContinental Berlin

Berlin is filled with lots of history and the InterContinental Berlin accommodates you with close proximity to Brandenburg Gate, but outside of touristy central Berlin. With German hospitality and attentive service, you would enjoy your time at the InterContinental Berlin both on business and tourism. 

InterContinental Budapest

Budapest is one of my favorite eastern European major cities. Located on the Pest side of Budapest, the InterContinental Budapest is right on the river-facing Buda. It’s classic InterContinental in terms of service and design.

From my experience, it’s worth it for using your free night certificate, especially as cash prices are high during all seasons. 

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport

Yes, it’s Crowne Plaza, but hear me out. The Crowne Plaza Changi Airport is great. One, it’s great for the location. Connected right to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) you don’t have to exit the airport to access the hotel. Two, it has great views of the apron and runways where you can see any aircraft type you can imagine.

Rates are normally over $200 for the base room making this a great use for your free night certificate if you have a layover in Singapore.

Hotel Indigo Shanghai On The Bund

Right on the Bund, the Hotel Indigo Shanghai On The Bund overlooks Pudong. The location is great if you want views and a semi central hotel. As an Indigo property, it feels like a boutique property with a unique design influenced by its location.

Cash rates aren’t that high, but still a great place for redeeming your free night certificate at.

InterContinental Lisbon

Currently finishing up its massive room renovations, the InterContinental Lisbon is central in beautiful Lisbon. Cash rates are high during peak travel season (summer) making this a great property to use your free night certificate.

InterContinental Saigon

Ho Chi Minh is a must-visit city in Vietnam if you ever visit. It has great food, clubs, and sights to see. Plus, it’s the hub to the rest of Vietnam and South East Asia making it easy to get anywhere you might wish.

The InterContinental Saigon is usually priced above $200 making it a great property to redeem your free night certificate for both the value and location of the property.

InterContinental Madrid

The InterContinental Madrid is centrally located by multiple metro stations connecting you to the rest of the city and suburbs.

It’s right on the main avenue going through Madrid where there are great walks and parks nearby. You can also find great cafes and restaurants all around. Plus, the hotel is priced over $200 making the free night certificate come into some good use here.

InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa

If you happen to be in Fiji, the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa is the best property to use the free night certificate at. It’s on the beach in beautiful Fiji where the water is always turquoise blue. It’s also great in terms of value as rates are over $300 usually making the free night certificate super valuable at this property. 

I for one will be using my free night certificate here next time in Fiji.

IHG properties that cost 40,000 points

If the best hotels list above doesn’t help you, here is an extensive list of IHG properties worldwide. These should allow you to see what type of properties are around the world giving you ideas of destinations to use our IHG free night certificate.

I didn’t include every hotel and every brand, but I did include premium hotels from premium brands. 

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

Asia

ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo

Crowne Plaza Macau

Holiday Inn Macao Cotai Central

Holiday Inn Macau

Holiday Inn Osaka Namba

InterContinental Grand Seoul Parnas

InterContinental OneThousand Island Lake Resort

Caribbean

Holiday Inn Resort Aruba-Beach Resort & Casino

Europe

Crowne Plaza Amsterdam – South

Crowne Plaza Barcelona – Fira Center

Crowne Plaza Chester

Crowne Plaza Dublin – Blanchardstown

Crowne Plaza Geneva

Crowne Plaza London – Battersea

Crowne Plaza London – Kings Cross

Crowne Plaza Lyon – Cite Internationale

Crowne Plaza Maastricht

Crowne Plaza Manchester City Centre

Crowne Plaza Milan City

Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre

Holiday Inn Edinburgh

Holiday Inn Frankfurt – Alte Oper

Holiday Inn London – Kensington High St.

Holiday Inn London – Oxford Circus

Holiday Inn Nice – Saint Laurent du Var

Holiday Inn Paris – Elysées

Holiday Inn Paris – Gare de l’Est

Holiday Inn Paris – Gare de Lyon Bastille

Hotel Indigo Liverpool

Hotel Indigo London – Kensington

Hotel Indigo Madrid – Gran Via

InterContinental Ljubljana

Principal Oxford Spires

QO Amsterdam

voco Oxford Thames

voco St. David’s Cardiff

Wotton House

Middle East

InterContinental Fujairah Resort

InterContinental Mzaar (Mountain Resort & Spa)

voco Dubai

North America

Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop

Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts Asheville

Crowne Plaza JFK Airport New York City

EVEN Hotels Brooklyn

Holiday Inn & Suites Anaheim (1 Blk/Disneyland®)

Holiday Inn & Suites Asheville Downtown

Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago-Downtown

Holiday Inn & Suites Duluth-Downtown

Holiday Inn & Suites Nashville Dtwn – Conv Ctr

Holiday Inn & Suites Oakland – Airport

Holiday Inn & Suites Orlando SW – Celebration Area

Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown

Holiday Inn Asheville – Biltmore West

Holiday Inn Brooklyn Downtown

Holiday Inn Cancun Arenas

Holiday Inn Chicago-Mart Plaza River North

Holiday Inn Ft. Lauderdale-Airport

Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown

Holiday Inn L.I. City-Manhattan View

Holiday Inn LaGuardia Airport

Holiday Inn Louisville Airport – Fair/Expo

Holiday Inn New Orleans-Downtown Superdome

Holiday Inn New York City – Wall Street

Holiday Inn New York JFK Airport Area

Holiday Inn Niagara Falls-Scenic Downtown

Holiday Inn NYC – Lower East Side

Holiday Inn Oceanfront @ Surfside Beach

Holiday Inn Oceanside Camp Pendleton Area

Holiday Inn Orlando-Disney Springs® Area

Holiday Inn Portland-By The Bay

Holiday Inn Resort Daytona Beach Oceanfront

Holiday Inn Resort Los Cabos All Inclusive

Holiday Inn Rosslyn @ Key Bridge

Holiday Inn San Francisco Airport

Holiday Inn Sarasota-Airport

Holiday Inn Seattle Downtown – Lake Union

Holiday Inn South Kingstown (Newport Area)

Holiday Inn Steamboat Springs

Hotel Indigo Brooklyn

Holiday Inn Windsor – Wine Country

Hotel Indigo Long Island – East End

Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant

Hotel Indigo Sarasota

InterContinental At Doral Miami

InterContinental Houston – Medical Center

Kimpton Cardinal Hotel

Kimpton Overland Hotel

Kimpton Schofield Hotel

South Pacific

Crowne Plaza Auckland

Holiday Inn Darling Harbour

Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport

Holiday Inn Melbourne on Flinders

Holiday Inn Potts Point-Sydney

Holiday Inn Sydney Airport

InterContinental Adelaide

InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort

Kirkton Park Htl Hunter Valley

Final word

I do hope you found this guide to the IHG free night certificate helpful for picking the best next hotel for your travels. If you did stay at any of these properties. Please let us know what you thought of it in the comments down below.

This article was originally published by Steve Smith.

15 Best Uses of American Airlines Miles [2020]

The American Airlines (AA) award chart is full of sweet spots to destinations all over the globe. There are a few quirky routing rules that AA forces you to deal with but there’s still a tremendous amount of value to obtain within their award charts.

This article will first explain the AA award chart(s) and then go into detail about various sweet spots that exist within the award charts.

Interested in finding out the top travel credit cards for this month? Click here to check them out! 

Earning American Airlines miles

American Airlines is not a transfer partner of any of the major credit card issuer rewards programs like Chase, Amex, and even Citi.

However, they still have co-branded credit card relationships with Citi and Barclays. These credit cards often come with large bonuses making it very easy rack up AA miles.

Citi AAdvantage credit cards

Citi AA Card

Citi regularly offers 60,000 offers on its AAdvantage cards and sometimes you can even get matched to higher offers up to 75,000!

Two of the cards to look into are the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite and the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard.

Barclays AAdvantage credit cards

Then there’s the AAdvantage Aviator Red which often comes with a high bonus that gets up to 60,000 miles after just making a single purchase!

And there’s a business version which is pretty solid, too.

If you’re able to just get two of these credit cards you could easily hit 120,000 AAdvantage miles plus.

So that would be enough to try out some of the best first class products in the world, which is very exciting. You can find out much more about all of the different AA credit cards in this article.

Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!

AA flight route map

American has a tool to view their routes and partner routes, which can be helpful in finding available flights.

  • You can find that route map here.
  • You can also use Google Flights to search schedules and cash prices for those routes. Read how to use Google Flights here.  

I don’t think there is an official American Airlines miles calculator.

Route map of American Airlines flights out of Dallas.
The AA flight route map.

How to use the AA award chart

American uses region-based award charts. This means that in order to figure out how many miles you need for a “free” flight, you just need to find the set award rate for going from region A to region B.

The first thing that you want to do is find where you are going to be traveling from. Let’s assume you’ll be traveling from the continental US. So on the AA award chart website, you’ll first click on “Contiguous 48 U.S. states.”

That is going to bring up the award chart for American Airlines flights departing from the continental US (so everywhere in the US except for Alaska and Hawaii). I’ve constructed my own award charts below for traveling from the US.

AA Main Cabin award chart

MileSAAver Off PeakMileSAAverAAnytime Level 1AAnytime Level 2
Contiguous 48 US & Canada125002000030000
Contiguous 48 US & Canada (≤ 500 miles)75002000030000
Alaska150002500040000
Hawaii20000225004000050000
Caribbean12500150002750037500
Mexico12500150002750037500
Central America12500150002750037500
South America Region 117500200003500050000
South America Region 2300005500075000
Europe22500300004750065000
Asia Region 132500350006250080000
Asia Region 232500350006500085000
South Pacific400007000090000
AA Main Cabin award chart

The first AA award chart that you’ll see is for economy class which American calls “Main Cabin.” The Main Cabin chart has four different tiers of pricing known as:

  • MileSAAver Off-Peak 
  • MileSAAver
  • AAnytime Level 1
  • AAnytime Level 2

MileSAAver Off-Peak awards will be the cheapest while AAnytime Level 2 awards will be the most expensive.

The off-peak dates will differ depending on your destination but they have all of the off-peak dates listed on the website.

Also notice that for flights 500 miles or fewer, the lower redemption rate applies of 7,500 miles.

AA business and first chart

The next chart is for Business/First while the second chart is for first class. Both of these charts do NOT have off-peak awards. Note that for flights offering only two classes of service, the Economy and Business / First Class awards apply.

MileSAAver Off PeakMileSAAverAAnytime Level 1AAnytime Level 2
Contiguous 48 U.S. states & Canada*250004500055000
Contiguous 48 U.S. states & Canada (≤ 500 miles)^150004500055000
Alaska*300005000065000
Hawaii*400006750090000
Caribbean*250005000060000
Mexico*250005000060000
Central America*250005000060000
South America Region 1*300006500090000
South America Region 257500110000150000
Europe57500110000135000
Asia Region 160000120000155000
Asia Region 270000140000175000
South Pacific80000175000195000
AA business and first chart.

First class AA award chart

For flights offering three classes of service (Economy, Business, and First) the First Class award chart below apply.

MileSAAver Off PeakMileSAAverAAnytime Level 1AAnytime Level 2
Contiguous 48 U.S. states & Canada500008500095000
Alaska5500090000105000
Hawaii80000107500130000
Caribbean5000090000100000
Mexico5000090000100000
Central America5000090000100000
South America Region 155000105000130000
South America Region 285000160000190000
Europe85000140000175000
Asia Region 180000170000200000
Asia Region 2110000180000210000
South Pacific110000220000260000
First class AA award chart

AA partner award chart

AA has some terrific partners that fly some of the best first class and business class cabins in the world. Between Etihad, Qatar, Cathay Pacific, JAL, and Qantas, there’s a lot to choose from.

In fact, since I don’t live near an AA hub,  I’ve almost exclusively used my AA miles to fly on partners.

Below is the award chart that will be used when making bookings on partners.

Main Cabin Off PeakMain CabinBusiness/FirstFirst
Contiguous 48 U.S. states & Canada+125002500050000
Alaska+150003000055000
Hawaii+225005500080000
Caribbean+175002750052500
Mexico+175002750052500
Central America+175002750052500
South America Region 1+200003000055000
South America Region 2300005750085000
Europe*22500300005750085000
Middle East*4000070000115000
Indian Subcontinent~4000070000115000
Africa*4000075000120000
Asia Region 1^350006000080000
Asia Region 2^3750070000110000
South Pacific^4000080000110000
AA partner award chart

Oneworld partners

Here is the list of oneworld Alliance partners.

American Airlines 
British Airways 
Cathay Pacific 
Finnair 
Iberia 
Japan Airlines 
Malaysia Airlines 
Qantas 
Qatar Airways 
Royal Air Maroc
Royal Jordanian Airlines 
S7 Airlines 
SriLankan Airlines 
One world airline partners

List of other AA partners

AA also has a lot of partners that are not a part of the oneworld alliance.

Air Tahiti Nui 
Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air 
Cape Air 
China Southern Airlines
Etihad Airways 
Fiji Airways 
GOL Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines 
Interjet 
Seaborne Airlines 
Other airline partners
Qatar is a great AA partner.

AA award chart upgrade amounts

There’s a separate chart for figuring our the mileage requirements for upgrades. You can access that for AA flights here  and for British Airways and Iberia here.

AA award chart upgrade amounts
AA award chart upgrade amounts

AA award chart regions

American defines their regions in a pretty common sense way.

Here are the AA award chart regions:

  • Caribbean: includes Bermuda and The Bahamas
  • South America Region 1: Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Manaus (Brazil)
  • South America Region 2: Argentina, Brazil (excluding Manaus), Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela
  • Asia Region 1: Japan, Korea
  • Asia Region 2: China, Hong Kong

You can find a much more extensive list of their regions used by their partner chart on their website by scrolling to the bottom to “Region Definitions.”

AA award chart routing rules

American Airlines has some specific and quirky routing rules that you definitely need to be aware of.

First, they do not allow stopovers which really blows because that would open up so many great travel opportunities at exciting partner hubs like Hong Kong and Sydney.

Second, American usually does not allow you to route via a third region. So for example, you can’t usually route from North America to Australia via Asia. However, they do have some exceptions depending on the route and the airline you’re flying with.

There a few other rules and nuances that you probably want to read about if you’re trying to fly multiple segments and regions. 

Booking AA partners online

  • Alaska Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • British Airways
  • Finnair
  • Hawaiian Airlines
  • Iberia
  • JAL
  • Qantas Airways
  • Qatar
  • Royal Jordanian Airlines

You can use other websites to search for oneworld flights like the British Airways Avios search engine, JAL, and Qantas.

American charges a fee for bookings on the phone but it’s possible to get the fee waived if you tell them that the airline is not bookable online, and I’ve never paid a booking fee for partner flights not bookable online.

Best uses of American Airlines miles

The AA award charts are full of sweet spots as you will see below.

1. US to Europe

  • Economy: 22,500 (off-peak); 30,000
  • Business: 57,500
  • First: 85,000

The awards rates to Europe using AA miles are pretty decent all around. Fees on American Airlines to Europe in business class aren’t terrible as you can fly roundtrip to Paris for $135 total in fees. 

Availability can be difficult but sometimes American Airlines will dump inventory.

You can try to fly to Europe on partners like Iberia and Finnair with fees as low as $100 but beware of “phantom availability” with Finnair.

British Airways usually has great availability but their surcharges can run you over $1,000 on a roundtrip.

However, it’s not that bad connecting one-way through the UK. For example, when we checked out the northern lights, we flew OSL->LHR->IAH in British Airways first class and the fees were “only”  $270. That’s still high but it’s not $1,000.

  • You can check out other ways to get to Europe on miles and points here.
First class seat on British Airways with window shades halfway down
British Airways First Class.

2. US to Middle East

  • Economy: 40,000
  • Business: 70,000
  • First: 115,000

The rates for economy and business class from the US to the Middle East with AA miles are great.

The price for first class is pricey thanks to devaluations but you’re able to fly on the Etihad Apartment for only about $100 fees.

I flew from AUH to JFK on the Etihad Apartment and it was one of the best flights of my life, so even though the miles are a bit high, I think it’s still a sweet spot given the product level you can experience with low fees.

Etihad first class suite with beds made.
The Etihad Apartment.

3. US to India subcontinent

  • Economy: 40,000
  • Business: 70,000
  • First: 115,000

Both the economy rate and the business class rate are among the best for this route.

It’s also nice that it’s the same price as the Middle East so you can utilize connection flights on Qatar and Etihad from the Middle East to get down to the Maldives for no additional cost.

We once flew Qatar business class down to the Maldives and Etihad on the way back which was a great way to use our AA miles.

Related: Hilton Conrad Maldives Review (Deluxe Beach Villa, Retreat Water Villa)

Aerial view of overwater villas at Conrad Maldives.
The Conrad Maldives.

4. US to Japan

  • Economy: 35,000
  • Business: 60,000
  • First: 80,000

The rates to Japan in business class and first class are solid on American Airlines.

These rates apply to flights on both AA and also partners. This is great because you can fly on partner JAL to Japan, which is one of the best first class products.

While you can route to Asia 2 via Japan, you’re not allowed to route to Japan via Asia 2 so that means you can’t use miles on Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong unless you pay more. You can read about other ways to use miles and points to get to Japan here.

Related: Japan Airlines First Class 777 Review (HND to JFK)

Skyline of Tokyo over river.
Tokyo, Japan.

5. US to South Africa

  • Economy: 40,000
  • Business: 75,000
  • First: 120,000

The rates to places in northern Africa aren’t as great because American Airlines doesn’t divide Africa up but the rates to South Africa in economy and business are solid.

Africa is also made tricky by American Airlines routing rules. You’re only allowed to connect on through Europe or the Middle East (but only on Qatar). Qatar has a fantastic business class product and they also have the new Qatar Q-Suites so this is a great option.

British Airways is another option but they are going to force you to cough up some green for the surcharges. However, if you decide to go the British Airways route they fly to the following destinations:

You might have some luck checking Iberia, since they fly to a few African destinations including Johannesburg, South Africa.

View of Cape Town from helicopter.
Helicopter ride over Cape Town, South Africa.

6. US to South America 1

  • Economy: 20,000
  • Business: 30,000
  • First: 55,000

The business class rate of only 30,000 miles to South America 1 is fantastic and the economy rate of 20,000 miles isn’t bad either. There’s not a lot of options for direct flights to many of these cities like Bogota and Lima since Avianca is not a partner and can’t be used.

British Airways Avios can often be a great way to get from the US to the northern part of South American depending on where you’re departing (especially in economy) so be sure to consider using them if you can.

The rates to South America 2 (southern South America) aren’t quite as good but 57,500 miles for a one-way in business class isn’t that bad.

7. US to Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America

  • Economy: 12,500 (off-peak), 15,000
  • Business: 25,000
  • First: 50,000

The economy rates and business class rates to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America are among the best. However, you might want to think about booking these routes with Avios. Fees can range due to mandatory fees imposed by many Caribbean destinations but the Avios requirements for getting around the Caribbean on American are pretty fantastic coming from certain places in the country like Texas and Florida.

Diver swimming with whale shark
Whale shark diving off Holbox Island, Mexico.

8. Australia/New Zealand to Asia 2

  • Economy: 30,000
  • Business: 40,000
  • First: 50,000

If you ever want to experience Qantas first class on the A380, you can find some great availability on this route. Since Australia is such a difficult place to get to on miles (especially in business or first), you can fly to Asia and then make a separate booking on another airline back to the US (or vice versa).

This isn’t a bad strategy because American has one of the cheapest redemption rates for flying this route in business or first class. Fees flying Qantas first class to Singapore can be around $50 for a one-way. You can also look into other airlines for this sweet spot like Cathay Pacific and Malaysia.

House in Hobitton
Hobitton in New Zealand.

9. Australia to South America

  • Economy: 45,000
  • Business: 82,500
  • First: 112,500

Australia is probably the destination I get asked about the most. People really struggle to find nonstop flights and then aren’t sure how to get there or back. But getting there via South America can be a great option.

10. Australia to Asia 1 (Japan and Korea)

  • Economy: 30,000
  • Business: 40,000
  • First: 60,000

You can get from Australia to Japan or Korea for some of the best redemption rates available in business class and first class. JAL is going to be a good bet to Tokyo but Qantas also flies to Osaka so that can be another option. Fees for this route on Qantas to Osaka can be under $70, making this a fantastic redemption.

Only $68 in fees from Australia to Japan.

11. Australia to Asia 2 (Hong Kong, China, SE Asia, etc.)

  • Economy: 30,000
  • Business: 40,000
  • First: 50,000

The business class and first class rates from Hong Kong to Sydney are some of the best and both Qantas and Cathay Pacific fly this route so you’ll have two options to choose from. There’s also always Malaysia that you can use to get around this region as well. The fees on this route using AA miles should remain reasonable as well.

First class seat on Cathay Pacific.
Fly on Cathay Pacific first class.

12. Intra-Australia flights

  • Economy: 10,000
  • Business: 20,000
  • First: n/a

AA miles are a fantastic way to get around Australia. If you’re flying from one end of the country to the other (Perth to Sydney), you can utilize these ultra-low rates in economy and business class. And once again, fees are going to be very low. If you fly Qantas, you can expect to pay under $20 in total fees for a one-way.

13. Asia 2 (Hong Kong, China, SE Asia, etc.) to the Middle East

  • Economy: 25,000
  • Business: 40,000
  • First: 50,000

Using AA miles to fly from Hong Kong to the Middle East is one of the top sweet spots out of any redemption. The prices in all three classes: economy, business class, and first class are all great for this route.

Not only does Cathay Pacific fly to the Middle East (DXB) but Etihad and Qatar also fly to Hong Kong so you should have a number of choices to go with for this route. If you can’t find a straight shot you can always try to connect to a random place like Bangalore, where Qatar also flies.

View from the lounge at the Ritz Carlton Hong Kong
The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong.

14. Intra-South America flights

  • Economy: 10,000 (w/in South America 1); 12,500 (between regions); 
  • Business: 20,000 (w/in South America 1); 25,000 (between regions); 
  • First: N/A

AA miles are a great way to get around the continent of South America. This is especially true because these flights can sometimes get very pricey when flying within South America.

With the loss of LATAM this is no longer a great option.

15. Europe to the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent

  • Economy: 20,000
  • Business: 42,500
  • First: 62,500

I recently used AA miles to book Etihad and Qatar first class flights from Europe to the Maldives and back (the Maldives is the same price as the Middle East).

These redemptions were fantastic value, and I got to experience some of the best first class cabins in the world (and some great lounges, too). This could also give you the chance to fly on Q Suites if you can find availability.

While the rates to the Middle East are decent, the rates to the Indian Subcontinent (home to the Maldives) are among the best for both business class and first class so that’s the true sweet spot.

Also, the fees flying on Qatar and Etihad are pretty reasonable as well depending on the direction and location ($75 to $150).

Qatar Airways business class
Use AAdvantage miles to fly the new Qatar Suites.

Final word

The AA award chart is one of my favorites because they have some of the most competitive rates for redemptions all around the world. And it’s often possible to pay very low fees on these awards, too. And finally, you can fly on some of the best products with partners like Etihad, Qatar, JAL, Qantas, and Cathay Pacific. For those reasons, you should give the AA award chart a lot of consideration.

20 Best uses of Alaska Airline Mileage Plan Miles [2020]

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is without a doubt one of the best miles and points programs.

One of the biggest reasons is that they have a ton of sweet spot redemptions and a lot of the taxes and fees that you have to pay are very minimal.

You also can search and book flights online with a lot of partners which makes things very easy. And lastly, you can take advantage of stopovers on one way flights.

In this article, I’ll give you 20 of the best uses for Alaska Airline Mileage Plan miles.

I focused largely on first class and business class redemptions since those are where the most value is but in a lot of cases main cabin redemptions can be lucrative on those same routes as well.

Earning Alaska Airline miles

Alaska Airlines is not a partner with a major transferable program such as Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, or Citi ThankYou Points.

However, they are a partner of Marriott Bonvoy and you can transfer your Bonvoy points at a ratio of 3 to 1 and receive a 5,000 point bonus for every 60,000 points you transfer over.

So 60,000 Marriott points would translate into 25,000 Mileage Plan miles.

This means you can use cards like the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless to supplement your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan balances.

But there are also two great options to go with from Bank of America. There is the personal Alaska Airlines credit card and also the business version.

You can find these cards with bonuses around 40,000 points so it’s not terribly difficult to earn around 70,000 to 80,000 miles pretty quickly.

If you combined those earnings with a Marriott card you could quickly be working with over 100,000+ Alaska Airline miles. And as you’ll see below, that amount of miles could take you pretty far.

Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!

Alaska Airlines booking fees

When you make an Alaska Airlines booking, in many cases you can avoid high surcharges. But you will have to pay certain types of fees in some cases.

First, there is a $15 fee for booking over the phone. You should be able to book most partners online but some will have to be booked over the phone.

There also is a $25 fee for booking partner awards.

If you need to change or cancel your booking after 24 hours, you have to pay a $125 change/cancellation fee.

Your miles will be redeposited and you will be refunded any taxes/fees on the award booking except for phone booking fees and the partner award fee.

Best uses of Alaska Airline miles

Cathay Pacific First Class (US to Asia)

  • 70,000 miles one-way

Cathay Pacific first class is widely regarded as one of the top first class experiences in the world. It’s an ultra-luxurious flying experience with a super spacious seat and arguably the most comfortable bed in the sky.

The suites are not fully enclosed but have partitions that extend out pretty far offering tons of privacy. When dining, you can choose to join a companion and eat right across from each other while in the sky.

Speaking of the dining experience, you’ll enjoy fine champagne, caviar, and some other amazing dishes during your flight.

The first class cabin is also very intimate with only six suites located at the front of the plane.

Tip: Try to sit in “Aisle A” For maximum privacy.

If you are flying out of Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), you can experience the highly reviewed lounge known as The Pier. It’s an elegant lounge with quality dining, a beautiful bar area, day beds, a spa, and really nice showers.

Related: Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong review

Cathay Pacific first class seat with three windows
Cathay Pacific first class

First Class on JAL (US to Asia)

  • 70,000 miles one-way

Japan Airlines first class is another one of the top first class products.

Just like Cathay Pacific first class, the suites are not fully enclosed. However, they are quite spacious. You’ll enjoy top amenities like ETRO amenity kits, Bose headphones, and comfy pajamas.

The dining and drinking experience on JAL first class will be top notch. In the past, they have served up Cristal champagne and Salon 2007, the latter of which goes for $600 a bottle.

Tip: If you are flying from Japan, consider flying out of Haneda (HND) instead of Narita (NRT) for Red Suites.

The Red Suites are located in the Japan Airlines first class lounge at HND and are very private. The experience is almost like a Japan Airlines AvGeek (aviation geek) museum, complete with features like an adult game room, shoe shining, and champagne sake room.

If you don’t want to shell out for first class or if you can’t find availability, you can get to Asia for only 60,000 miles in JAL business class and around $30 in fees.

JAL first class suite with three windows
JAL First Class.

Singapore Airlines First Class (US to Asia)

  • 130,000 miles one-way

One of the best changes that came to the Alaska Airlines mileage program is that you can book first class on Singapore Airlines.

If you’re flying from the contiguous US to Southeast Asia, you can redeem at 130,000 miles one way. But you may want to look into flying between other destinations where you can enjoy the Singapore Suites.

Singapore Suites are definitely one of the top three first class products currently available and some might even put them at number one. You’ll enjoy a ridiculously spacious suite along with some of the best service you will probably ever encounter anywhere.

And then there is the champagne and dining. You’ll be offered premium champagne like Dom Perignon and Krug along with elaborate dishes and fine caviar.

Singapore Suite 1st class seat
Singapore Suites on the A380.

Cathay Pacific Business Class (US — Asia)

  • 50,000 miles one-way

If you want to conserve your points a little bit better, consider flying business class on Cathay Pacific from the US to Asia. At 50,000 points one way, it is one of the best sweet spots to get to Asia in business class one-way.

In my experience, the Cathay Pacific business class product is pretty solid. It offers a fair amount of privacy with a privacy shield that extends out a little bit and has a fair amount of legroom with fully lie flat seats.

I would definitely feel okay with crossing the Pacific in Cathay Pacific business class.

Cathay Pacific business class window seat with screen out.
Business Class on Cathy Pacific A350.

Emirates Business Class (US — Asia)

  • 105,000 miles one way

Flying Emirates in business class to Asia is going to be an expensive trip at 105,000 miles one way. So this is not the way to go for people trying to conserve their miles.

However, some people may want to try out the highly respected business class on Emirates and make a trip through Dubai out of it. Fees for this route could be as low as $29 so it’s not quite as bad as it seems.

So if you are in the aspirational crowd, you might want to give this redemption consideration.

Cathay Pacific Business Class (Intra-Asia)

  • 22,500 miles one-way

If you need to travel within Asia, using your Alaska miles can be one of the best ways to get around. At only 22,500 miles one way, it’s definitely a sweet spot. So if you needed to get between say Hong Kong and Bangkok, you could fly on Cathay Pacific.

Just note that stopovers are no longer allowed on intra-Asia flights.

Cathay Pacific First Class (US — Middle East)

  • 70,000 miles one-way

One of the best ways to fly first class on Cathay Pacific could be flying between the US and the Middle East because 70,000 miles is a steal. Having a layover or stopover in Hong Kong would also be awesome.

Even though it is quite the long distance from the US to Hong Kong to the Middle East, I would be okay with flying such a long-haul in first class on Cathay Pacific any day of the week.

Dish with slices of fish.
Dining on Cathay Pacific first class.

British Airways First Class (US — Middle East)

  • 80,000 miles one-way

If you are planning a trip to the Middle East, your natural inclination might be to use Alaska miles on Emirates. But there is a sweet spot if you choose to book first class on British Airways at only 80,000 miles.

First class on British Airways doesn’t get a whole lot of respect to be honest. However, I feel that it is a tad bit underrated.

It may not blow you away like some of the top airline products out there but I think it is still good enough to woo someone not completely spoiled by the likes of things like the Etihad Apartment.

The major drawback to booking British Airways first class is that you will have to fly through London and pay some massive surcharges and fees. So while the mileage requirement is very low be prepared for some sky-high fees.

For example, for the one-way flight from SFO to DXB via LHR, your fees could be a minimum of $930!

British Airways First Class on the 747.

Emirates First Class (US — Middle East)

  • 150,000 miles one-way

If you don’t mind shelling out miles then Emirates First Class could be a good use of your points.

The Emirates first class experience is something that you will never forget. It’s known for its amazing showers in the sky and the popular in-flight bar which is one of the best bars in the sky.

But it’s also a great hard product with a fully enclosed suite and in my experience: top-notch service.

Some might not even think about spending so many points on a redemption but Emirates is a bucket list experience that some people will feel okay splurging on.

The good thing about going with Alaska miles is that your fees will be very minimal although Emirates did recently lower their fees across several bookings. For example, I saw one-way flights with fees as low as $20 for first class!

Related: Etihad vs Emirates First Class on the A380

Emirates first class shower.

American Airlines business class (US — South America)

  • 30,000 miles one-way

If you want to head down to northern South America which would include countries like Columbia and Peru, using Alaska miles on American Airlines business class is a great sweet spot.

Fees for these redemptions are as low as $34 so it’s a very cheap redemption all around.

Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!

LATAM business class (US — South America)

  • 45,000 miles one-way

If you want to head to southern South America, meaning places like Brazil or Chile, the price goes up to 45,000 miles one-way in business class but it’s still a pretty great offer.

If you don’t mind shelling out more miles, you could head down in first class on American Airlines with 57,500 miles one way and fees as low as $19!

LATAM dreamliner.

LATAM business class (Intra-South America)

  • 25,000 miles one-way

If you want to get around South America comfortably in business class, then using Alaska miles can be a smart choice. Once again, you’ll be flying on LATAM.

Sometimes flights within South America can be quite expensive, especially in business class so you can also net a lot of value with your miles this way.

LATAM business class (Easter Island — South America)

  • 35,000 miles one-way

If you want to explore the mysterious island of Easter Island and all of the cool ruins, Alaska miles are a great choice.

You might also think about using a different program like British Airways Avios for this route as it is one of the best sweet spots available for Easter Island.

Qantas business class (US — New Zealand)

  • 55,000 miles one-way

If you want to head down to New Zealand and explore things like Hobbiton and the glowworm caves, using your Alaska miles on Qantas is a super efficient way to get there.

A business class redemption will only require 55,000 miles one way which is a great sweet spot.

Availability may be an issue with this redemption so it could require a lot of persistence.

House on a lake at Hobbiton Movie Set.
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour.

Qantas first class (US — New Zealand)

  • 70,000 miles one-way

Qantas is known for having a pretty solid first class product and for only 15,000 more miles, you could fly down to New Zealand in first class. Once again, availability can be tough.

Aer Lingus business class (US — Europe)

  • 60,000 miles one-way

If you know anything about using miles and points to get to Europe, you know that the fees can be outrageous sometimes.

However, if you use your Alaska miles to fly on Aer Lingus your fees can be under $20 on a one-way flight from JFK to DUB!

60,000 miles is not super cheap but considering that the fees can be so low it can be a good option for people who don’t want to come out of pocket when flying to Europe.

Alaska Airlines (Flights across the US)

Using Alaska miles can be a great way to get around the US. The prices will change depending on the distance and specific fare you take (the highest prices hard for refundable awards).

Here are some prices you can expect:

  • Main cabin less than 700 miles: 5000 to 30,000
  • First class less than 700 miles: 15,000 to 40,000
  • Main cabin 701 miles to 1,400 : 7,500 to 30,000
  • First class 701 miles to 1,400: 25,000 to 60,000
  • Main cabin 1,401 miles to 2,100 miles: 10,000 to 40,000
  • First class 1,401 miles to 2,100 miles: 25,000 to 60,000

If you book a first class flight, just like on other airlines, you won’t have to worry about paying for your checked baggage for your first couple of bags. And something unique about Alaska Airlines is that they will grant you lounge access even on domestic first class flights.

Also, if you are an Alaskan resident you may want to look into a Club 49 membership that can save you in different ways.

American Airlines business class (Flights across the US)

  • 25,000 miles one way

If you want to fly around the US in first class then using Alaska miles on American Airlines can be a great option. The price is not heavily discounted but it is pretty standard at 25,000 miles one way.

American Airlines first class.

Cathay Pacific First Class (US to Canada)

  • 35,000 miles

If you are not planning on making the long-haul trip over the Pacific to Hong Kong but you still want to experience the awesome first class feeling on Cathay Pacific consider using your Alaska miles to fly from Vancouver to New York for only 35,000 miles.

It’s not going to give you the full experience where you will be dozing off for hours but for many people this is a great way to test out or just experience one of the best first class products while not having to leave North America.

Update: This route is no longer available.

American Airlines business class (US — Mexico)

  • 27,500 miles one way

Alaska Airlines has a tiered award structure for flights down south to Mexico from the US. Depending on the type of fare booked and the length of your trip, your price will fluctuate.

But you can find flights in first/business class for some great rates like 27,500 miles and only around $44 in fees even when flying from destinations like Northern California to San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico.

If you are okay with flying main cabin, you can get down there for only 10,000 miles!

Alaska Airlines FAQ

What are the Alaska Airlines booking fees?

There is a $15 booking fee for bookings made over the phone and also a $25 fee for all partner awards.

Where can I transfer points to Alaska from?

Alaska is a transfer a partner of Marriott but they are not a transfer partner of a major flexible rewards program like Chase, American Express, or Citibank.

Can I book a stopover on a one-way flight?

Yes, Alaska Airlines allows you to book a stopover on a one-way flight.

What are the Alaska airline partners?

American Airlines
Aer Lingus
British Airways
Cathay Pacific
Condor
EL AL Israel Airlines
Emirates
Fiji Airways
Finnair
Hainan Airlines
Icelandair
Japan Airlines
Korean Air
LATM Airlines
Qantas
Singapore Airlines

Final word

As you can tell, Alaska Airlines has some pretty amazing redemptions to offer. The only drawback to the program is that it can be difficult to accumulate miles outside of the Alaska credit cards. However, if you can rack up some miles then you have some of the best sweet spot redemptions to take advantage of along with low fees.

12 Best Chase Ultimate Rewards First Class Redemptions [2020]

One of the biggest reasons I enjoy earning miles and points is that it offers me the opportunity to fly on some amazing aspirational first class products.

I’ve been able to fly on many of the top first class products and I used my Chase Ultimate Rewards to help me fly on several of those.

In this article, I’ll show you some of the best ways to use your Chase Ultimate Rewards to fly on some amazing first class products.

Earning Ultimate Rewards

It’s very easy to quickly earn lots of Ultimate Rewards with some of the top Chase credit cards.

Typically, I recommend people to go first for the Chase Ink Business Preferred and then wait a couple of months and go for the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

Depending on the bonuses that you pick up, you could easily net close to 150,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards which would be enough for a first class flight.

If you wanted to build up your balance even more you could also seek out cards like the Chase Ink Business Cash or perhaps the Chase Freedom Card.

Adding those into the mix could easily put you north of 200,000 points which is a good amount of points for booking at least one solid round trip in an aspirational first class product.

The thing is that Chase has a lot of tricky application rules that can kill your chances of being approved for these cards.

But if you are using the new app WalletFlo to check your eligibility for these cards, you won’t have to worry about getting surprised by the application rules.

WalletFlo will also help show you which cards to use to maximize your points and help you track and manage annual fees, credits, etc. It’s free and very user-friendly so you should definitely check it out.

When you use your points for these first class bookings below, in many cases you will be receiving outsized value for your points.

For example, let’s say that you had the Chase Sapphire Reserve and you use your points in the Chase Travel Portal. You’d be getting right at 1.5 cents in value per point. That’s not bad, especially compared to other travel portals like Amex Travel.

But, as you’ll see below if you choose to use your points to book first class flights the value that you get from your points can be multiplied by a lot.

Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!

Ultimate Rewards airline partners

Below are all of the Chase Ultimate Rewards airline partners.

AirlineTransfer ratio
Aer Lingus AerClub1:1
British Airways Executive Club1:1
Emirates Skywards1:1
KLM/Air France Flying Blue1:1
Iberia Plus1:1
JetBlue TrueBlue1:1
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer1:1
Southwest Rapid Rewards1:1
United MileagePlus1:1
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club1:1
Chase Ultimate Rewards airline partners

As you can see, the ratio for transferring points is always one to one.

That 1:1 transfer ratio is one reason why Chase Ultimate Rewards is a special program because other transfer programs do not have 1:1 transfer ratios for all airlines.

First class redemptions with Ultimate Rewards

Emirates first class

Emirates flies its first class on many different routes so you could look at flying from many destinations in the US to Dubai (DXB).

I once used 85,000 Emirates Skywards to book Emirates first class and paid close to $300 in total fees for a flight between Milan and New York. That flight would cost about $3,620 so the value in cents per mile came out to approximately 4 cents.

Emirates first class is on the bucket list of many miles and points enthusiast.

And for good reason.

Emirates offers a fully enclosed private suite that can be conjoined with an additional suite if flying as a couple.

It offers a comfortable flying and sleeping experience with solid in-flight entertainment and all of the premium alcohol and champagne you would expect.

Emirates first class is a truly luxurious experience.

The product goes over and beyond when it comes to additional amenities, though. For example, you can get up and stretch your legs at the main business class bar where you will be able to mingle with other passengers and crew.

You can also hang out at the exclusive first class bar where you will find premium champagne and other expensive bottles.

And finally, there is the world famous on board shower which is the best shower in the sky. You’ll have up to half an hour to relax in the luxurious spa like shower area and be able to pamper yourself up a bit.

Overall, Emirates is an expensive first class experience but it can be an unforgettable way to splurge with your Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Lufthansa first class

To do this redemption, you first need to transfer your points to United Airlines and then book Lufthansa with those United miles.

Tip: You can use the United Explorer Card to help you rack up miles needed for this redemption.

I booked Lufthansa first class with 110,000 United miles and the fees for the flight were only $112.13.

This flight would have cost $8,945 so with all fees factored in, I got 8 cents in value per mile on this redemption!

Lufthansa first class is one of the most respected first class products that you can fly on.

The hard product itself is very solid. The service and dining will be tremendous and you’ll be served up a healthy serving of caviar and offered premium champagne.

The drawback is that it is one of the least private first class cabins so if you really want privacy or a fully enclosed suite this is not the product for you.

If you’re flying out of Frankfurt Germany then you can experience the amazing Lufthansa First Class Lounge. The lounge is actually it’s on terminal and you will enter through your own private security which is a really cool feeling.

I arrived as soon as it opened on my visit and had the terminal to myself for quite some time and it was a pretty surreal morning.

They have a great dining experience in the lounge, a huge bar area, and some quality nap rooms and shower/bath facilities. There’s also relaxation areas, a cigar room, and a private transport to the aircraft via a Porsche.

It’s just a really outstanding experience overall and you will not regret using your Chase Ultimate Rewards for it.

Singapore Airlines first class

Another unforgettable first class experience will be flying in Singapore Suites.

Singapore offers the most spacious first class suites that you will find with miles and points. The amount of space is unreal and one of the unique features of Singapore Suites is the ability to sleep in a double bed in the sky.

The bubbly game is strong with Singapore Airlines. They are one of the only airlines to serve up both Dom Perignon and Krug champagne.

If you want the full suite experience you will need to look for Singapore Airlines A380 routes and you can find those between certain destinations like Singapore and Sydney, Australia.

For a route like that it will come out 85,000 miles but fees can be very reasonable (~$65). The flight would run you about $2,660, so you would be needing about three cents per point.

Availability is usually the hardest part of booking suites so in some cases you will have to do a lot of searching or book very far in advance.

Whether you are flying on the old Singapore Suites or the new Singapore suites honestly both are super impressive and will blow you away.

If you’re flying out of Singapore, you can also enjoy The Private Room which should be undergoing a new renovation soon.

Double bed in Singapore Airlines first class suite
Singapore Airlines first class double bed.

ANA first class

While ANA is a partner of American Express Membership Rewards they are not a partner of Chase.

However, you can transfer your points to Virgin Atlantic and then use them to book and a first class flight on ANA.

One of the best first class redemptions in the world is using Virgin Atlantic miles to book ANA first class. For only 120,000 miles round-trip from the US, it’s an absolute steal. Plus you can book open jaws.

Availability can be tough at times but from a cents per point standpoint, it’s very hard to beat this considering the flights can be close to $20,000 round-trip.

The one downside with using Virgin Atlantic mile is the fact that they impose fuel surcharges. They are not astronomical but in some cases can be over $300.

Related: 11 Keys to First-Class Etiquette

ANA first class seat 1K

Thai Airways first class

Thai Airways first class is a pretty exceptional product that gets a lot of high reviews. You can enjoy the suite experience in an A380 or other wide-body jet like a 747.

Thai Airways is a Star Alliance partner of United so you can transfer your Ultimate Rewards to United to make this redemption happen. Flying from Bangkok to a place like Europe will require you to shell out about 160,000 points for a saver first class award.

That’s a lot of points but the good news is that fees are extremely low at only around $25.

If you can’t get the miles for first class, the business class isn’t too shabby either.

Fees can be under $25.

Japan Airlines First Class

Japan Airlines first class is another one of the top first class products.

They are a member of the oneworld alliance so you would be transferring points to British Airways and booking with Avios.

The suites may only be available on certain routes so you’ll need to check those first. Many of these routes are very long so the price could be very high for this first class experience when using Avios.

For example, from Japan to the West Coast of the US you’ll be looking at 103,000 Avios. The good news is that the fees will be extremely low at only around $53.

Fees in JAL first class could be around $50.

While the suites are not fully enclosed, It’s still a top-notch experience with premium dining and champagne and quality amenities like ETRO amenity kits, Bose headphones, and comfy pajamas.

Tip: If you are flying from Japan, consider flying out of Haneda (HND) instead of Narita (NRT) for Red Suites.

JAL first class suite with three windows
JAL First Class.

JetBlue Mint

JetBlue Mint is widely regarded as the top domestic business/first class experience. Depending on the type of ticket you get, you could be flying around the country in an enclosed suite with lie-flat seats.

The only drawback to JetBlue Mint is that it is only found on select routes so it’s not always that easy to book.

graphic of JetBlue Mint routes

JetBlue has dynamic pricing so the cost of a Mint award will change but here are some of the award rates that I’ve found for one-way flights in the past: 

  • JFK to SFO: 65,000 one way + $5.60 in fees
  • JFK to LAX: 57,700 one way + $5.60 in fees
  • BOS to LAX: 45,300 one way + $5.60 in fees
  • FLL to LAX: 53,100 one way + $5.60 in fees

Tip: JetBlue is a partner of other transferable programs like American Express, Citi, and Capital One. You can also earn more miles with the Barclays JetBlue Plus Card.

United Airlines first class

United is a transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards so you could easily transfer your points directly to United and fly United business/first class around the country or to nearby regions like the Caribbean.

For a round-trip domestic flight in first class you would be looking at 50,000 miles on many routes though the price could vary.

If you fly internationally, even to Mexico, you can get access to a United Club for free. You also won’t have to pay any United baggage fees on your first couple of bags when flying first class so you get a lot of additional value outside of the air travel.

Tip: In some cases if you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the price of a first class ticket is lower than $375, you should consider using the Chase Travel Portal because you will get better value for your points

United first class 175.

American Airlines domestic first class

If you were just trying to get around the country, American Airlines first class can be an option.

As you’ve probably noticed, American Airlines is not a transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards.

This immediately makes a lot of people think they need to pick up an American Airlines credit card like the Citi Platinum Select in order to use miles on American Airlines.

But remember you can book American Airlines with Chase partners like British Airways.

You can book domestic routes for pretty cheap rates, especially if you can find nonstop flights. For example, I found business class flights between Miami and Phoenix for only 22,000 Avios, which is a great rate.

Since you are using Avios, which is a distance-based award chart, the longer your flight is, the more miles you may have to use.

Using Avios for domestic first class flights is a good redemption.

Consider using your Avios to book first class lights around the US or two nearby locations like Mexico and the Caribbean. Some of these shorter redemption routes can be extremely great value.

Related: First Class vs Business Class: 15 Differences You Might Expect

Use Avios to fly American Airlines first class.

Cathay Pacific first class

Cathay Pacific first class is widely regarded as one of the top first class experiences in the world. It’s an ultra-luxurious experience with arguably the most comfortable bed in the sky.

Cathay Pacific is part of the oneworld alliance so you can transfer your points to British Airways and use your Avios to book them. Flights may get pretty expensive from the US to Asia but you can always look into routes within Asia which should be more manageable.

If you are departing from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), be sure to check out The Pier — an elegant airport lounge with quality dining, a beautiful bar area, day beds, and a spa.

Cathay Pacific first class seat with three windows
Cathay Pacific first class

British Airways first class

If you are transferring your points directly to British Airways, a first class fight is going to be pretty expensive mostly because you are going to have to pay a lot in fees.

But if you are flying let’s say from London to the East Coast, prices are not too crazy. A first class flight on British Airways from London to New York JFK would cost 68,000 Avios.

That’s not bad at all but the fees will be pretty high at $587.

So this redemption really is only for people who don’t mind splurging on fees.

Tip: Another way to fly first class on British Airways would be to use something like Alaska miles or American Airlines miles.

British Airways First Class.

Qatar Airways first class

You can also transfer your points to British Airways and book a trip on Qatar Airways first class. If you’re flying between somewhere like Paris and Doha, you could expect to pay around 75,500 Avios one way. Fees should be pretty reasonable and may be around $125.

First class on Qatar Airways A380.

The first class product on Qatar Airways on the A380 is not talked about as much as some other first class products. I think that is largely because the business class product is so solid on Qatar Airways that it gets most of the attention.

But don’t sleep on this first class experience.

The seat is very comfortable and spacious and while it is not a fully enclosed sweet it is still very private.

You will be served up some great dining and premium champagne and if you would like, you can head to the in-flight lounge and bar area which in my opinion is the best bar in the sky.

If you’re flying out from Doha, you can experience one of the top first class lounge is in the world.

The Qatar Airways First Class Al Safwa First Lounge is basically like a large museum full of artifacts and superb amenities like a great dining station, spa, entertainment rooms, and best of all the little “hotel” rooms.

Qatar Airways First Class Al Safwa First Lounge

Chase Ultimate Rewards First Class FAQ

How many Chase points are needed for a first class flight?

The amount of Chase points needed can vary drastically depending on the type of first class product. If you are flying domestic first class on American Airlines with British Airways points, you may only need 22,000 points.

But if you want to use United miles on Thai Airways first class from Southeast Asia to Europe, you may need close to 160,000 points.

What Chase cards are best for flying first class?

Because first class redemptions can be so expensive, you want to pursue cards with the highest bonuses. Chase cards that offer high bonuses include cards like the Chase Ink Business Preferred and Chase Sapphire Preferred.

It’s also a good idea to supplement your point balances with co-branded airline cards like the United Explorer Card.

Are there high fees when using Chase points for first class flights?

You do not have to pay fees to fly first class when using Chase points. You can transfer your points out to partners like United Airlines and book several first class flights with low fees.

Final word

As you can probably tell, you can get very far with Chase Ultimate Rewards whenever it comes to first class redemptions. By utilizing the travel partners and some of the alliance partners you can find some super valuable redemptions, often with very manageable fees.

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