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Apache is functioning normally

September 17, 2023 by Brett Tams
Apache is functioning normally

Live large in Las Vegas.

When it comes to the topic of real estate in America, the Las Vegas housing market often emerges as a point of discussion. Known for its neon lights, bustling casinos and luxury hotels, Las Vegas also presents a residential backdrop that is just as dynamic and ever-changing. From market trends to environmental risks, let’s take a comprehensive look at what the Las Vegas housing market has in store for potential buyers, sellers and investors.

The Las Vegas housing market today

First, let’s talk numbers. Currently, the Las Vegas housing market sits in a somewhat competitive niche, making it an interesting ground for buyers and sellers. Homes here are generally on the market for around 35 days, a noticeable increase from 23 days last year. They receive around two offers before the ink dries on the dotted line.

What’s striking is that the median sale price for homes in the Las Vegas housing market is $415,000 — a 2.4% decrease when compared to last year’s figures. However, it’s worth mentioning that the number of homes sold actually inched up by 1.3%, from 934 to 946 homes.

Affordability

A closer look at the numbers reveals that the median sale price per square foot stands at $247, which is a slight 1.6% decrease from last year. For those eyeing the Las Vegas housing market for potential investment, this could mean that now might be a reasonable time to step in.

Homes are selling for about 1% below the list price, giving a little wiggle room for negotiation. The sale-to-list price ratio sits at a solid 98.8%, a minor but interesting 0.48-point drop from the previous year.

Climate impacts on the Las Vegas housing market

Let’s switch gears and discuss something increasingly important in real estate — climate. Las Vegas isn’t just about arid desert landscapes. Las Vegas has some substantial environmental challenges that homeowners need to consider.

According to the First Street Foundation, 5% of properties are at risk of flooding over the next three decades. A substantial 27% face wildfire risks, which can’t be taken lightly given the global uptick in extreme weather events. Astonishingly, a staggering 95% of properties in the Las Vegas housing market are at severe risk due to heat. If you’re eyeing a long-term investment, these aren’t just numbers; these are lifestyle factors that could impact the future value of homes in Las Vegas.

Transportation

Another point to consider is the city’s transportation infrastructure. Walkability and availability/reach of public transport can significantly influence the attractiveness of a residential area.

Las Vegas scores 42 out of 100 on the Walk Score®, showcasing a largely car-dependent environment. Its Transit Score® is just 36, making public transportation a less convenient option for daily commuting. The Bike Score® stands at 46, indicating that the city is only somewhat bike-friendly.

Las Vegas housing market compared to national trends

Zooming out for a bit, the median sale price in the Las Vegas housing market is about 2% lower than the national average. The overall cost of living in the city is also 1% lower than what you would expect to see nationwide.

The Las Vegas housing market is worth your attention

The Las Vegas housing market presents a mixed bag of opportunities and challenges. While prices per home and per square foot are on a minor decline, the number of homes sold has seen a slight upswing.

It’s clear that the Las Vegas housing market is at an interesting juncture. Whether you’re an eager buyer, a potential seller or an observant investor, staying tuned to these trends could be the key to making savvy decisions in a fluctuating market. Just like a night at the casino, the Las Vegas housing market can offer high stakes and big wins — but you need to play your cards right, and it pays to keep an eye on the ever-changing landscape.

The rental market in Las Vegas

Just as the Las Vegas housing market offers tons of opportunities for buyers and sellers, the rental market in Las Vegas paints its own fascinating portrait. For renters contemplating a move to the Entertainment Capital of the World, or for investors considering the potential for income-generating properties, understanding the nuances of this rental market is key.

The current state of Las Vegas rental prices

As of September 2023, the average rent for apartments in Las Vegas ranges from $874 for a studio to $1,462 for a two-bedroom apartment. Interestingly, there is a downward trend in rental prices; the average rent for a studio apartment has declined by 1% to $874, while one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments have seen more significant decreases of 8% and 11%, respectively.

These declines raise interesting questions about the rental market. It could signify that more people are opting for home ownership, reflecting trends in the Las Vegas housing market where home prices have slightly decreased. Alternatively, it may indicate an increased supply of rental properties, which puts downward pressure on rental costs.

Neighborhood trends in the Las Vegas rental market

Different neighborhoods offer diverse rental options. For instance, in Centennial Hills and Lone Mountain, the average rent for a studio apartment hovers around a steep $1,646 but has decreased by 3% over the year. Contrastingly, in Northern Strip Gateway, the average studio rent is a far more affordable $550.

Comparing Las Vegas to nearby cities

When we compare the Las Vegas rental market to neighboring cities, it’s evident that Las Vegas provides a middle-ground option in terms of rental costs. For example, Henderson, a nearby city, has an average studio rent of $1,442, which is considerably higher than the Las Vegas average.

Apartment price ranges: Where does demand lie?

Further dissecting the rental landscape, the highest proportion of apartments — 45% — falls in the $2,101 and above range. Apartments ranging from $1,501 to $2,100 make up 32%, and those priced between $1,001 and $1,500 contribute to 17% of the market. Interestingly, only 7% of apartments are in the $701 to $1,000 range, and virtually none are available for $500-$700.

Affordability in the Las Vegas rental market

When it comes to affordability, Northern Strip Gateway, Downtown and Huntridge stand out as the most budget-friendly neighborhoods, with average one-bedroom rents at $800, $925 and $950 respectively. This contrasts sharply with the city average of $1,340 for a one-bedroom apartment, offering cost-effective options for those willing to compromise on location.

The Las Vegas rental market at a glance

The rental market in Las Vegas offers a range of options for various budgets and lifestyle needs, aligning well with the trends seen in the broader Las Vegas housing market.

Whether you are an aspiring tenant or an investor looking to dive into the rental market, Las Vegas has a ton of opportunities. As with home ownership, understanding the nuances in rental trends — from neighborhood variances to overarching annual changes — can be the key to making a savvy move in the dynamic landscape of the Las Vegas rental market.

A native of the northern suburbs of Chicago, Carson made his way to the South to attend Wofford College where he received his BA in English. After working as a copywriter for a couple of boutique marketing agencies in South Carolina, he made the move to Atlanta and quickly joined the Rent. team as a content marketing coordinator. When he’s off the clock, you can find Carson reading in a park, hunting down a great cup of coffee or hanging out with his dogs.

Source: rent.com

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Apache is functioning normally

September 3, 2023 by Brett Tams

Rewards optimizers use the term “trifecta” to describe a combination of three credit cards from one issuer that have complimentary benefits. When combined, the cards create a rewarding synergy that helps you earn more points and get more value out of your redemptions.

Chase and American Express offer popular trifecta combinations for people seeking travel rewards. While you can mix and match different cards to create an optimal trifecta based on your spending habits, there is a recommended combination for each issuer.

In a head-to-head showdown, the Chase trifecta comes out ahead for most people — you’ll pay significantly less in annual fees, get easier-to-use travel credits, rewards and travel partners, and have broader acceptance around the world. The Chase trifecta is also more accessible for people who don’t qualify for a small-business credit card.

At a glance

Here’s a look at the rewards-earning rates for each trifecta. (For details about specific benefits and statement credits offered by each card, check out the individual review pages linked above.)

Chase trifecta

AmEx trifecta

Rewards earning rates

Chase Sapphire Reserve®:

  • 10 points per dollar spent on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase and Chase Dining purchases.

  • 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked through Chase.

  • 3 points per dollar spent on travel and dining.

  • 1 point per dollar on all other spending.

Chase Freedom Flex℠:

  • 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter on bonus categories that you activate (1% back after).

  • 5% back on travel booked through Chase.

  • 3% back at restaurants and drugstores.

  • 1% back on all other non-bonus-category spending.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®:

  • 5% back on travel booked through Chase.

  • 3% back at restaurants and drugstores.

  • 1.5% on all other spending.

The Platinum Card® from American Express:

  • 5 points per dollar for flights booked directly with airlines or through AmEx Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, then 1x).

  • 5 points per dollar for prepaid hotels booked with AmEx Travel.

  • 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

American Express® Gold Card:

  • 4 points per dollar at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.

  • 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x).

  • 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through AmEx Travel.

  • 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express:

  • 2 points per dollar on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year (then 1x).

Terms apply.

Overall annual fees

$945. Terms apply.

Why the Chase trifecta is better for most people

Lower annual cost

The collective annual cost of the Chase trifecta is $550, with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® having the only annual fee.

That’s 42% cheaper than the $945 annual cost of the AmEx trifecta, which includes annual fees of $695 on The Platinum Card® from American Express, $250 on the American Express® Gold Card and $0 on The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express.

Sure, the AmEx trifecta offers hundreds of dollars worth of coupon-book style credits for services like Uber and Walmart+ that can help offset the higher annual cost. But the catch is that many of these credits are limited in scope: the $240 annual entertainment credit, for example, is doled out in $20 monthly increments and applies to a handful of entertainment subscriptions only. You may have to go out of your way to optimize the potential value of the credits.

Easier-to-use travel credits

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® comes with a $300 annual travel credit that applies to all eligible travel purchases. It doesn’t get any easier — simply book travel like hotel, airfare or rental car with your card, and receive a statement credit.

By comparison, The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with an annual $200 airline fee credit (enrollment required), but it too has several caveats. You must select only one airline from a short list of options to apply the credit. It only applies to incidental charges like in-flight refreshments and checked baggage, and the charge must be made separately from the ticket purchase. The card also comes with an annual $200 hotel credit, but that only applies to specific luxury hotels that are prepaid through the American Express travel portal. Since prepaid hotels are often nonrefundable, you could incur a significant out-of-pocket expense if your plans change. Terms apply.

More valuable rewards

All three cards in the Chase trifecta earn Chase Ultimate Rewards®. These rewards can be combined into your Chase Sapphire Reserve® account, where they are redeemable through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® travel portal at a rate of 1.5 cents each. That makes 6,666 Ultimate Rewards® worth $100 in travel.

American Express Membership Rewards points are worth 1 cent each when booking airfare and 0.7 cent a piece when booking hotels through the AmEx travel portal. It would cost 10,000 points for $100 in airfare, or 14,286 points for a $100 hotel stay. That’s significantly less value than you can get for the same number of Ultimate Rewards®.

🤓Nerdy Tip

Though classified as cash back cards, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and Chase Freedom Unlimited® earn Ultimate Rewards® points. But if you hold just those cards, the points are worth 1 cent each toward travel booked through Chase and are unable to be transferred to travel partners. Adding the Chase Sapphire Reserve® unlocks the ability to transfer to partners and increases the value of the points to 1.5 cents each.

More accessible travel partners

Both Chase and AmEx have a broad list of airline and hotel transfer partners — American Express has 21 travel partners compared with Chase’s 14. But more isn’t always better.

In this case, Chase wins for many travelers with quality over quantity. Ultimate Rewards® can be transferred to partners like United Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Hyatt at no cost.

While American Express boasts more partners, the majority of them are international airlines and not as familiar to many. Transferring points to these airlines can yield impressive value, but can also cause more headaches and confusion to navigate. The biggest domestic transfer partner for AmEx is Delta Airlines — however, you’ll pay an excise tax for transferring points to Delta (and a few others).

Full list of Chase transfer partners

  • Aer Lingus (1:1 ratio).

  • Air Canada (1:1 ratio).

  • Air France-KLM (1:1 ratio).

  • British Airways (1:1 ratio).

  • Emirates (1:1 ratio).

  • Iberia (1:1 ratio).

  • JetBlue (1:1 ratio).

  • Singapore (1:1 ratio).

  • Southwest (1:1 ratio).

  • United (1:1 ratio).

  • Virgin Atlantic (1:1 ratio).

  • Hyatt (1:1 ratio).

  • InterContinental Hotels Group (1:1 ratio).

  • Marriott (1:1 ratio).

Full list of AmEx transfer partners

  • Aer Lingus (1:1 ratio).

  • AeroMexico (1:1.6 ratio).

  • Air Canada. (1:1 ratio).

  • Air France/KLM (1:1 ratio).

  • ANA (1:1 ratio).

  • Avianca (1:1 ratio).

  • British Airways (1:1 ratio).

  • Cathay Pacific (1:1 ratio)

  • Delta Air Lines (1:1 ratio).

  • Emirates (1:1 ratio).

  • Etihad Airways (1:1 ratio).

  • Hawaiian Airlines (1:1 ratio).

  • Iberia Plus (1:1 ratio).

  • JetBlue Airways (2.5:2 ratio).

  • Qantas (1:1 ratio).

  • Qatar Airways (1:1 ratio).

  • Singapore Airlines (1:1 ratio).

  • Virgin Atlantic Airways (1:1 ratio).

  • Choice Hotels (1:1 ratio).

  • Hilton Hotels & Resorts (1:2 ratio).

  • Marriott Hotels & Resorts (1:1 ratio).

No business cards required

Our recommended Chase trifecta consists of all personal credit cards. That makes it broadly accessible to anyone with a credit profile that qualifies for the three cards. However, you’ll have to be eligible for a small-business credit card to craft the ideal AmEx trifecta.

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express and its ability to earn 2 points per dollar for all purchases on up to $50,000 annually is the glue that really holds the AmEx trifecta together, since the other cards only earn 1x on non-bonus spending. If you don’t qualify for a small-business card, the Chase trifecta is the easy choice. Terms apply.

Better international acceptance

All Chase credit cards carry the Visa or Mastercard logo, making them usable nearly anywhere credit cards are accepted throughout the globe. American Express has closed the acceptance gap domestically, but still lags behind Visa and Mastercard abroad. If you’re looking to use your card internationally, your surefire bet is the Chase trifecta.

Why you might want the AmEx trifecta

Big grocery and restaurant spend

The American Express® Gold Card offers a sky-high 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in annual spend) and restaurants. The Chase trifecta earns an everyday 3 points per dollar at restaurants, and the potential to earn 5 points per dollar on up to $1,500 in quarterly spend if grocery stores are selected as a rotating bonus category on the Chase Freedom Flex. If you have an outsized budget for dining out or groceries, the math may have you leaning toward the AmEx trifecta. Terms apply.

Elite status and luxury perks

You might prefer the AmEx trifecta if you value elite status and exclusivity. By holding The Platinum Card® from American Express, you’ll get complimentary gold elite status with Hilton and Marriott (enrollment required), President’s Circle status with Hertz, Emerald Club Executive status with National, 24-hour access to a concierge for those hard-to-access reservations or tickets, and access to members-only VIP experiences at prestigious events like Wimbledon and the Kentucky Derby. Terms apply.

If you value these perks, the AmEx trifecta may be worth the added annual cost.

Airport lounge access

If you’re a frequent flyer and often find yourself in airports, lounge access can be a great way to escape the commotion of the terminal. In addition to a Priority Pass Select membership (which the Chase trifecta also has), the AmEx trifecta also lets you access AmEx Centurion and International Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (only when flying Delta) and Plaza Premium, Escape and Airspace network lounges.

That’s a huge footprint that includes complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges. If you want lounge access, the AmEx trifecta may be better for you.

🤓Nerdy Tip

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a dining credit (normally $28 each) for you and a guest at participating Priority Pass restaurants. The Priority Pass access granted by AmEx cards excludes these restaurants.

Which trifecta should you get?

Most people will do better with the Chase trifecta. The annual cost is significantly lower, the benefits and rewards are more transparent and easy to use, and your points are worth more when booking travel through the Chase travel portal. The AmEx trifecta could be a good choice for those who value a broader airport lounge footprint and luxury benefits, but realize you’ll be paying a lot more for those perks.

To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express see this page. To view rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, see this page.

Source: nerdwallet.com

Posted in: Credit Cards, Moving Guide Tagged: 2, About, air, airfare, airlines, airports, All, american express, american express membership rewards, Benefits, blue, bonus, book, british airways, Budget, business, Business Credit, car, cash, cash back, categories, cathay pacific, cents, Centurion, chase, Chase credit cards, chase dining, chase freedom, chase freedom flex, Chase Freedom Unlimited, chase sapphire, chase sapphire reserve, chase ultimate rewards, choice, choice hotels, clear, cost, Credit, credit card, credit cards, credits, delta, delta airlines, dining, dining out, earning, Entertainment, events, expense, Fees, Financial Wize, FinancialWize, first, flight, flights, freedom, freedom flex, gap, gold, good, great, groceries, grocery, grocery stores, guest, habits, hawaiian airlines, hilton, hold, hotels, hyatt, in, international, jetBlue, Kentucky, list, Logo, lounge access, lounges, LOWER, Luxury, luxury hotels, making, marriott, mastercard, math, Membership Rewards, More, nerdwallet, offer, offers, or, Other, partner, Personal, plans, platinum, points, Popular, potential, premium, president, priority pass, Purchase, quality, rate, Rates, rental, Rentals, restaurant, restaurants, Review, rewards, rewards credit cards, short, simplicity, southwest, southwest airlines, Spending, spending habits, Style, subscriptions, takeout, tax, Travel, u.s., Uber, united, united airlines, value, virgin atlantic, visa, walmart, will

Apache is functioning normally

August 16, 2023 by Brett Tams

Earning hotel elite status provides valuable benefits that enhance your stay while allowing you to earn bonus points and save money. While top-tier World of Hyatt status offers the best perks, most people don’t travel enough to earn it.

Mid-level elite status, like Hyatt Explorist, is more attainable for the average traveler. Here’s everything you need to know about Hyatt Explorist status, including how to earn it, the included benefits and if it’s worth it.

Hyatt Explorist benefits

The World of Hyatt hotel loyalty program has four levels of elite status — Member, Discoverist, Explorist and Globalist. Additionally, members can earn Lifetime Globalist status based on their cumulative spending at Hyatt properties.

When you reach this elite status level, numerous benefits improve your stay. The best Hyatt Explorist benefits are:

  • 20% bonus points: All World of Hyatt members earn five base points per dollar spent at Hyatt properties. With this 20% bonus, you’ll earn six points per dollar.

  • Complimentary upgrades: Explorist members are eligible for a free upgrade to the best available room when checking into their hotel and resort. However, suites and rooms with Club lounge access are excluded.

  • Late checkout: Enjoy your room longer with a 2 p.m. late checkout at no extra charge. This benefit is based on availability and may not be an option at some locations.

  • Guaranteed room availability: Explorist members receive guaranteed room availability when booking a paid reservation at least 72 hours in advance. This benefit ensures availability at a sold-out property when making advanced reservations.

  • Waived resort fees: Resort fees are hidden charges that many travelers don’t know about until finalizing their reservation or when checking into a hotel. These fees are waived for all members booking award reservations at Hyatt properties. Eligible reservations include rooms booked with points, credit card free nights and other free night certificates. Points and cash or paid stays do not include this benefit.

  • American Airlines bonus miles: Earn one World of Hyatt point for every dollar spent on qualifying American Airlines flights when you link your loyalty accounts. These miles are in addition to the miles earned from your flight.

How to earn Hyatt Explorist elite status

There are three primary ways that you can earn Hyatt Explorist status. The first two are based on the number of nights you stay or how many points you earn per year. A third option involves hosting meetings or events at Hyatt properties. Here’s how to get Hyatt Explorist status.

Staying at Hyatt properties

World of Hyatt members earn Explorist elite status by earning 30 qualifying nights per year. Qualifying nights include paid nights, award nights, and points and cash nights.

Limited-time promotions, such as staying four nights and getting a fifth night free would only count as four qualifying nights.

Holding a Hyatt credit card

Spending on your Hyatt card

Both Hyatt credit cards earn qualifying night credits based on your annual spending. You’ll receive two additional qualifying night credits for every $5,000 spent on the World of Hyatt Credit Card.

The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card earns five qualifying night credits for every $10,000 spent each year. Cardholders can combine nights earned from spending with their hotel stays to earn elite status.

Earning base points

Base points earned from hotel stays, on-site restaurants and other activities count toward the 50,000 points needed for Hyatt Explorist status. Members earn five base points per dollar on all eligible purchases at Hyatt hotels, Small Luxury Hotels of the World and other activities.

Bonus points earned from promotions, welcome bonuses and credit card purchases do not count as base points. They are “bonus points,” which can be used to book hotel rooms but don’t earn elite status.

Host meetings or events

Members who host ten or more meetings or events at an eligible Hyatt property earn Explorist elite status. To qualify, at least 10 paid guest rooms must be booked for the same night as the event. In some cases, there may be additional requirements for the events.

How much is Hyatt Explorist status worth?

Value of benefits

Cost to earn

Elite earning rate

Discoverist

With a cost to earn of $4,380, Explorist elite status provides members a 15% return in value. These benefits include complimentary upgrades, guaranteed room availability and waived resort fees on award reservations.

What else you need to know about Hyatt Explorist

Take advantage of Hyatt promotions

Throughout the year, Hyatt offers promotions that may accelerate your path to elite status. These promotions may include extra qualifying night credits or base points that count toward earning status. Even if you don’t have any hotel stays planned, register for every promotion in case your plans change. This will help you maximize every trip you take.

Status matches are available

Travelers that have elite status with other hotel or airline loyalty programs may qualify for a World of Hyatt status match correlating to your current status. Status matches provide elite status for a limited time. You’ll retain your elite status for the rest of the year if you meet the qualifying nights or points requirement during the promo.

How long does Hyatt Explorist status last?

The Hyatt program year runs through the end of February each year. You earn Hyatt elite status based on your activity during the calendar year. When you earn elite status, you’ll enjoy Hyatt Explorist benefits through the end of the following program year.

For example, if you achieved Hyatt Explorist status in September 2023, your elite status is good through February 28, 2025.

World of Hyatt lifetime elite status

Hyatt doesn’t offer lifetime Hyatt Explorist status, but you can earn Lifetime Globalist status based on your cumulative points earned. Ironically, you can qualify for Lifetime Globalist even if you’ve never earned Globalist status in any single year.

To qualify for Lifetime status, you need to earn 1,000,000 lifetime base points. At five base points per dollar spent at Hyatt properties, this equates to $200,000 in total spending.

Is Hyatt Explorist status worth it?

Hyatt Explorist status offers numerous benefits that make focusing your hotel reservations with one brand worthwhile. Benefits like complimentary upgrades, late checkout and waived resort fees on award nights improve your trip and save you money.

It takes 30 nights per year to earn Explorist elite status, which is an average of 2.5 nights per month. The World of Hyatt Credit Card makes it easier to earn status through additional night credits based on your annual spending.

(Top photo courtesy of Hyatt)

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

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Apache is functioning normally

July 25, 2023 by Brett Tams

A message from our partner: Your miles are now worth at least 15% more with the new Delta Vacations. Click here to learn more about redeeming miles for your next getaway.


Since Delta eliminated its award charts in 2015, the SkyMiles program has become notably more unpredictable and, at times, outrageously expensive. With business-class flights on long-haul routes often priced at over 450,000 SkyMiles, it’s understandable to feel like your SkyMiles balance holds little value.

But if you have a stockpile of Delta miles, they are far from worthless. There are still excellent redemptions available, particularly during the carrier’s award sales.

So, let’s explore some strategies for maximizing the value of your Delta SkyMiles.

Redeem on Delta flights

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

You can use your Delta SkyMiles to book Delta, Delta Connection and Delta Shuttle flights. Since Delta uses dynamic pricing, award rates can vary significantly. For example, in November, one-way main cabin award rates from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) range between 16,000 and 49,000 miles.

DELTA.COM

Even though Thanksgiving travel skews award prices over these dates, significant price volatility is normal. If you want to maximize your SkyMiles, flexibility is important.

Taxes and fees are generally reasonable on Delta tickets. Expect to pay $5.60 per person in taxes and fees on most domestic tickets and international tickets departing the U.S. However, Delta adds carrier-imposed surcharges on many awards that start outside the U.S., most notably those originating in Europe.

Keep an eye out for SkyMiles deals

A great option for redeeming Delta miles is taking advantage of SkyMiles deals. These deals typically apply to specific city pairs, so it may be necessary to book positioning flights to fully maximize these promotions.

Last year, Delta offered a flash sale with round-trip flights for just 5,000 SkyMiles. The airline recently offered round-trip airfare to Auckland Airport (AKL) from most major U.S. airports for just 37,400 SkyMiles round-trip.

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If you have no immediate use for your SkyMiles, you may be best off saving them for the next big SkyMiles deal. Just be sure to keep an eye on Delta’s SkyMiles deals page.

Save at least 15% with select Delta credit cards

If you have an eligible Delta credit card, you can save 15% on Delta-operated award flights when you use your miles and pay the taxes and fees with the card. This can be a great option to reduce the price you pay on Delta award tickets — and a major reason to open (and keep) a Delta card in your wallet.

Read more: Best Delta credit cards

Rebook when prices drop (or cancel when your plans change)

Once you’ve used your miles on a Delta flight, be sure to keep your eyes on the award rates. As long as you’re not on a basic economy ticket, Delta offers the ability to rebook flights when prices drop, and you’ll receive the mileage difference back in your account. You should even be able to do this right from the Delta App.

And if your plans change, you should be able to cancel your flight for a full refund of both the miles and the taxes and fees — again, unless you’re on a basic economy ticket.

Related: Complete guide to changing and canceling award tickets

Redeem on partner flights

Air France is a partner of Delta. ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Delta is a member of the SkyTeam alliance and has three non-alliance airline partners. This gives you more flexibility to redeem your SkyMiles on various airlines and routes across the globe. Here is the complete list of Delta’s airline partners:

SkyTeam partners

  • Aerolinas Argentinas
  • Aeromexico
  • Air Europa
  • Air France
  • China Airlines
  • China Eastern Airlines
  • Czech Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • Garuda Indonesia
  • ITA Airways
  • Kenya Airways
  • KLM
  • Korean Air
  • Middle East Airlines
  • Saudia
  • Tarom
  • Vietnam Airlines
  • Virgin Atlantic
  • Xiamen Air

Non-alliance partners

  • Cape Air
  • Hawaiian Airlines
  • WestJet

Although there are no online award charts, partner awards generally have a specific price range. For example, one-way business-class airfare from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Mexico City International Airport (MEX) ranges between 42,000 and 44,000 miles.

DELTA.COM

Another great option is WestJet-operated flights from the U.S. to Canada. Round-trip award tickets in economy class still clock in at 25,000 miles plus ~$60 in taxes and fees, and availability is relatively widespread, especially when you book in advance.

DELTA.COM

These flights routinely cost more than $500, giving you a redemption value of more than 2 cents per miles.

Delta also has some appealing non-U.S. partner sweet spots.

For example, Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) on Air France business class generally costs around 42,500 miles plus 120 United Arab Emirates Dirham (around $32). In comparison, Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND) to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) costs 35,000 miles plus up to 6,910 Japanese Yen (around $50) for a connecting business-class Korean Air or China Airlines flight.

1 of 2

DELTA.COM

Delta can increase these rates at any time, and they have done so on multiple occasions. To obtain the current award price, you will need to contact Delta directly or search the website.

While Delta has tried to improve its website to display partner awards, it may still have limitations, particularly when booking mixed-cabin itineraries. The website often prioritizes Delta-operated flights, which may not be ideal if you have specific flight requirements. We recommend searching for flights segment by segment and being prepared to call Delta if the website doesn’t offer the desired trip options.

Related: The best websites for searching SkyTeam award availability

Redeem for upgrades

You can redeem your SkyMiles for upgrades to Delta One. ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

You can also use your SkyMiles for upgrades to a higher class of service. If you have a confirmed Delta-marketed and operated flight, you should have the option to pay cash or use miles to upgrade your flight directly on Delta’s website.

If you redeem your miles for an upgrade using this method, you’ll generally get around 1 cent per mile, which is lower than our 1.41 cent valuation of Delta SkyMiles. This could be a viable option if you have a surplus of SkyMiles and no immediate plans for their use. However, we generally recommend prioritizing award flight redemptions, as discussed in previous sections.

You can also use Delta miles to upgrade specific flights operated by Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic or Aeromexico. This option is subject to fare class requirements and is available only on select routes each partner operates. For more details, please refer to Delta’s “upgrade with miles” page.

You’ll also want to make sure there’s upgrade inventory available. Fortunately, all four partner airlines mentioned above publish business-class award inventory on ExpertFlyer (owned by TPG’s parent company, Red Ventures), allowing easy searching and setting up alerts if the desired seats are unavailable when you book your flight.

Related: All the tips and tricks you need to use Delta Upgrade Certificates

Redeem for Delta Vacations

You can sometimes maximize SkyMiles redemptions at luxury hotels through Delta Vacations. DAN HAM/WALDORF ASTORIA ORLANDO/FACEBOOK

Delta Vacations recently enhanced redemption rates for SkyMiles members looking to use their rewards for vacations. You’ll get at least 1.15 cents when you use your miles to cover a Delta Vacation.

In practice, however, you can occasionally find better redemption rates.

A two-day escape from Los Angeles to Hawaii with lodging at the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach costs $1,797.90. Alternatively, you can redeem 143,832 SkyMiles to book this vacation (a 1.25-cent redemption rate).

DELTA.COM

In this example, Delta also includes a round-trip transfer from the airport to the hotel, whether you pay with miles or cash.

Related: Delta Vacations enhances earning rates and redemption value for SkyMiles members

How to earn Delta miles quickly

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

You’ll need to have SkyMiles to take advantage of the redemptions mentioned above. Fortunately, there are several ways to increase your balance. One of the simplest ways to earn Delta miles is by using Delta’s cobranded American Express credit cards (terms apply). Here are some of the current welcome offers available for these cards:

  • Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Earn 65,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership. Offer ends Aug. 2, 2023. The card has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 (see rates and fees).
  • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Earn 85,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership. Offer ends Aug. 2, 2023. The card has a $250 annual fee (see rates and fees).
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Earn 85,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership. Offer ends Aug. 2, 2023. The card has a $550 annual fee (see rates and fees).
  • Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in purchases on your new card in your first three months of card membership. Aug. 2, 2023. The card has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then a $99 annual fee (see rates and fees).
  • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card: 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new card in your first three months of card membership. Aug. 2, 2023. The card has a $250 annual fee (see rates and fees).
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: Earn 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new card in your first three months of card membership. Aug. 2, 2023. The card has a $550 annual fee (see rates and fees).

Remember that any of these cards include access to the TakeOff 15 benefit, which will save you at least 15% on Delta-operated award flights.

You can also transfer American Express Membership Rewards points from cards like the American Express® Gold Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express to Delta SkyMiles at a 1:1 ratio. However, you’ll be subject to an excise tax offset fee. And Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to Delta SkyMiles at a 3:1 ratio.

Related: Points of View: Which credit card should you use for Delta Air Lines flights?

Bottom line

Although the value of Delta SkyMiles has decreased in recent years, there are still excellent deals to be found. While the program has been moving toward a redemption value of 1 cent per mile, you can still surpass that, especially with SkyMiles deals and Delta Vacations.

Additional reporting by Ethan Steinberg.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business Card, click here.

Source: thepointsguy.com

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Apache is functioning normally

July 11, 2023 by Brett Tams

While a vast majority of U.S. hotels are attached to a big brand like Marriott or Hilton, that doesn’t mean boutique and independent hotels are losing their luster everywhere in the world.

Just look to Australia, where the boutique hotel business is booming — and the big brands are clearly trying to get a slice of the pie.

A Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis (CBRE Group, Inc.) report cited by Skift’s Daily Lodging Report notes boutique hotels in Australia overwhelmingly outperformed large, luxury hotels attached to international hotel conglomerates by a wide margin since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. Australia’s boutique hotels commanded average daily rates that were 27% higher than the major brands, while occupancy rates were 21% higher.

Part of this stems from Australia’s lengthier, stricter travel restrictions that fueled more domestic travel even when other parts of the world began to reopen for cross-border travel. The strong base of leisure-minded Australians during the national lockdown favored more curated travel experiences, per the CBRE report.

It’s highly likely the return of business and international travel will balance the scales back toward the biggest brands. However, it’s clear the major brands see an opportunity in courting travelers who favor a boutique hotel during a vacation. This means you don’t necessarily have to sacrifice earning points and enjoying loyalty benefits when you book a boutique hotel stay.

That’s good news for travelers, as it means points hotels operating in the boutique space can end up saving you money by redeeming for awards nights instead of forking over the heftier nightly cash rates.

The big brands go boutique Down Under

Paris-based Accor made moves earlier this year to further its boutique-style hotel offerings by including two Australian properties in the launch of the Handwritten Collection. This is a mid-priced collection of boutique hotels still affiliated with Accor and its Accor Live Limitless loyalty program.

Wonil Hotel Perth was the first Handwritten Collection hotel to open in Australia, and the Hotel Morris in Sydney quickly followed. Another Accor collection brand of boutique hotels, the upscale MGallery Collection, also has properties in Australia.

It’s not just Accor getting into the boutique business, either.

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Marriott Bonvoy members have options via Marriott’s Autograph Collection and Luxury Collection of hotels. Hilton’s Curio Collection also has a presence in Sydney.

Redeeming Accor Live Limitless, Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors points can save the day in making your next boutique hotel stay Down Under all the more affordable.

For comparison’s sake, weekend nights later this month at Pier One Sydney Harbour — part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection — go for roughly 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night or a cash rate that hovers around $400 per night.

Rooms at the West Hotel Sydney — part of Hilton’s Curio Collection — start at 46,000 Hilton Honors points per night or a cash rate starting at $224 per night.

It’s not just an Australian phenomenon: A Truist Securities report out Monday also noted the strength of U.S. independent hotels and soft brands, especially considering operating issues occurring at higher-end hotels coming out of the pandemic.

Gregory Miller, vice president of lodging and experiential leisure equity research at Truist Securities, explained it TPG via email:

“While some travelers understandably stay at branded hotels to earn or redeem their loyalty points and essentially ‘know what they are going to get’ when they book a stay at a globally recognizable hotel brand, there are plenty of reasons why independent and boutique hotels also have great appeal to travelers and can perform very well as Asia-Pacific travel rebounds. We are in a time when discretionary spend for experiential international travel is up materially as the world reopens and where independent and boutique hotels can be really desirable for vacationers.”

Why do guests and companies like soft brands?

Whether it’s Accor’s MGallery and Handwritten Collections, Marriott’s Autograph Collection or Hilton’s Curio, there has been a boom regarding these so-called soft brands in the hotel ecosystem.

Take it as a sign the major hotel chains know travelers want to experience more independent-feeling hotels rather than stick to “hard brands” like Westin or Hilton that rely more on business travel. That’s especially true in a climate with more leisure travel than business travel.

Soft brands run with more independence when it comes to things like food, drinks and design. That doesn’t mean they are of any less quality than the hard brands, though.

“We try to keep it as flexible as possible, but there are certain standards when it comes to quality that need to be complied with,” Alexander Schellenberger — Accor’s chief marketing officer for premium, midscale and economy brands — told TPG earlier this year ahead of the Handwritten Collection launch. “We want to at least create some form of consistency around the quality for guests to experience, but for the rest, it’s a soft brand.”

So, while a soft brand may not have all the standardized branded bells and whistles of a Marriott or Hilton, you can sleep easy knowing they’re still getting heavily vetted for quality and customer satisfaction.

Related reading:

Source: thepointsguy.com

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Apache is functioning normally

July 7, 2023 by Brett Tams

Editor’s note: This post has been updated with new information and offers.

Citi is a TPG advertising partner.


Citi Premier® Card overview

The Citi Premier® Card (see rates and fees) is an under-the-radar gem with a phenomenal range of bonus categories. While the card isn’t as strong on the redemption side as similar offerings from Chase or Amex, the ability to earn 3 points per dollar on air travel, hotels, gas stations, supermarkets and restaurants (including takeout) for just $95 a year is still a pretty great deal. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

* Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

The Citi Premier Card is one of the best earners on a wide variety of everyday spending. It accrues 3 points per dollar with airlines, hotels, gas stations, restaurants and supermarkets — an excellent slate of bonus categories for a card with a $95 annual fee.

Not only that, but the points you earn with the Citi Premier are among the most versatile rewards currencies and are worth 1.8 cents each by TPG valuations. That’s because Citi has improved the ThankYou Rewards program substantially over the years to compete with American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Here’s what else you should know about this card — and why you might want to apply now.

Related: The best Citi credit cards

Citi Premier welcome offer

LUKE CHAN/GETTY IMAGES

The Citi Premier is currently offering 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. According to our valuations, that bonus is worth $1,080. However, we have seen a public offer for 75,000 points for the same spending requirement, so opt for that offer if you can access it.

Citi uses a rather interesting rule to determine bonus eligibility. You won’t be able to earn the bonus on the Citi Premier if you’ve opened or closed the Citi Rewards+® Card (see rates and fees), Citi ThankYou® Preferred*, Citi Premier or Citi Prestige® Card* in the last 24 months. Most issuers count that time solely based on when you opened a card or received a bonus, but with Citi, your clock also resets if you close a card, so it’s all in the timing.

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*The Citi ThankYou Preferred and Citi Prestige are no longer available for new applicants. The information for these cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

There’s a $95 annual fee on the Citi Premier.

Related: The ultimate guide to credit card application restrictions

Earning points on the Citi Premier

The Citi Premier’s earning structure is one aspect where the card shines. Cardholders earn 3 points per dollar on purchases in the following categories, with no caps or annual limits:

The card also earns 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

These earning rates are among the most impressive of any travel rewards card, especially considering the Citi Premier’s affordable annual fee.

To coincide with the launch of Citi Travel with Booking.com, Premier cardholders can earn 10 points per dollar on bookings for hotels, rental cars and eligible attractions when booking through the portal through June 30, 2024.

Related: The best credit cards with annual fees under $100

Redeeming points on the Citi Premier

The Citi Premier is also a top choice for travelers, thanks to its participation in the ThankYou Rewards program, which currently has 14 airline transfer partners and two hotel partners.

While you’ll notice that many of the frequent flyer programs are those of international airlines, there are still some high-value (and easily redeemable) awards to be booked through them.

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

For instance, you can leverage Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles for decent business-class award availability on those airlines and their SkyTeam partners, get some phenomenal deals on Star Alliance awards using Avianca LifeMiles and snag some great Oneworld tickets with Qatar Privilege Club.

You can also redeem your ThankYou Points for travel directly through the Citi portal at a rate of 1 cent each, but that’s well below TPG’s valuation of ThankYou points at 1.8 cents each, a number derived largely from Citi’s extensive list of transfer partners.

Related: The ultimate guide to Citi ThankYou Rewards

Citi Premier benefits

JT GENTER/THE POINTS GUY

Much of the Citi Premier’s value proposition comes from its ability to earn bonus points in many categories without charging a hefty annual fee. As such, you shouldn’t expect an overwhelming number of perks, but there are several benefits of this card that can help you recoup your annual fee:

  • $100 annual hotel credit: You’ll enjoy a $100 credit once per calendar year for single-stay hotel bookings of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) made through the Citi travel portal.
  • Extended warranty protection: This adds 24 months to a manufacturer’s warranty when you purchase a covered item using your card.
  • Damage and theft protection: This can reimburse you for repairing or replacing an eligible item damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase (up to $10,000 per incident and $50,000 per year).
  • World Elite Mastercard benefits: As a World Elite Mastercard, the Citi Premier confers several travel-related perks that consumers might not know about. These include a $5 monthly Lyft credit after taking three rides in a calendar month and access to the Mastercard luxury hotels and resorts portfolio for on-property perks like complimentary breakfast and room upgrades upon availability. Through the World Elite Mastercard program, you’ll also enjoy perks like cellphone protection and Global Emergency Services.
  • Citi Entertainment: This program gives cardholders special access to purchase tickets to thousands of events — from concerts and sporting events to unique dining experiences and movie screenings — before the general public can buy them.
  • No foreign transaction fees: Like any good travel card, the Citi Premier allows you to travel freely without incurring a fee on international spending.

Which cards compete with the Citi Premier?

As an affordable travel rewards card, the Citi Premier has a few direct competitors that might be a better fit for you:

  • If you prefer Chase cards: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, with an annual fee of $95, competes directly with the Citi Premier. While Chase’s transfer partners (including United MileagePlus, Southwest Rapid Rewards and World of Hyatt) might be more beneficial for many travelers, there are also some overlaps, including Singapore KrisFlyer, Emirates Skywards and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. For more information, read our full review of the Sapphire Preferred.
  • If you want a flat earnings rate: Try the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees). It, too, charges a $95 annual fee, but this card comes with a less lucrative (but much simpler) earning rate of 2 miles per dollar on all purchases. Instead of an annual hotel credit, you’ll get up to a $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application credit once every four years with the Venture. You’ll even get two annual lounge visits per year to Capital One’s lounges — or you can use those passes at over 100 Plaza Premium lounge locations. For more information, read our full review of the Venture Rewards card.
  • If you want added perks: One of the Citi Premier’s closest competitors over at American Express is the American Express® Gold Card, which earns 4 points per dollar at restaurants, 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 per dollar), 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases. The Amex Gold Card also comes with up to $10 in monthly dining credits at select restaurants (up to $120 in annual statement credits) and up to $10 in monthly U.S. Uber Cash (up to $120 annually), offsetting the majority of the $250 annual fee (see rates and fees). Enrollment is required for select benefits. For more information, read our full review of the Amex Gold.

For additional options, check out our full list of the top travel rewards cards.

Read more: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Citi Premier: Which mid-tier travel card is better?

Bottom line

Despite a bevy of competitors, the Citi Premier’s long list of bonus categories and solid sign-up bonus make it one of the most lucrative points-earning cards in its price range. The wide range of ThankYou Rewards transfer partners makes this card compelling, especially for travelers who desire the flexibility to redeem points with various loyalty programs. It’s worth a look if you’re partial to Citi or looking for a versatile travel card to add to your wallet.


Official application link: Citi Premier Card with 60,000 bonus ThankYou points after $4,000 in spending in the first three months of account opening.


Additional reporting by Ryan Wilcox, Stella Shon, Eric Rosen and Christina Ly.

For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, click here.

Source: thepointsguy.com

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Apache is functioning normally

June 28, 2023 by Brett Tams
Apache is functioning normally

Editor’s note: This post has been updated with new information and offers.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card overview

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees) is the issuer’s first foray into the world of premium travel rewards cards and knocks it out of the park. With an annual fee that undercuts the competition and plentiful perks that are easy to understand, the card is nearly a no-brainer for travelers ranging from luxury seekers to the more budget-minded. Chase and Amex, take notice. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½


* Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

Over the last couple of years, premium cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express and Chase Sapphire Reserve have taken center stage with major updates, including adding new perks and statement credits — along with increased annual fees.

However, the Capital One Venture X stole the limelight when it launched in November 2021 with some incredibly valuable perks. Plus, with an annual fee of just $395, the Venture X is more affordable than its main competitors. The card also offers up to $300 in annual statement credits toward bookings made through Capital One Travel, which makes up for the majority of its annual fee.

If you’re considering the Venture X, here is everything you need to know before clicking that “apply” button.


Official application link: Capital One Venture X with 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.


Capital One Venture X welcome offer

JOHN GRIBBEN/THE POINTS GUY

The Venture X card’s sign-up bonus is 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

According to TPG’s latest valuations, 75,000 Capital One miles are worth $1,388, thanks to the outsized value you can get from transferring Capital One miles to the program’s airline and hotel partners.

Even if you don’t want to navigate the complexities of transferable points, you can still use your Capital One miles directly for travel at a rate of 1 cent per mile — making the sign-up bonus worth $750.

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Related: How (and why) you should earn transferable points

Earning miles with the Capital One Venture X

ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY

The Venture X accrues miles at the following rates:

  • 10 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked via Capital One Travel.
  • 5 miles per dollar on flights booked via Capital One Travel.
  • 2 miles per dollar on other purchases.

This simplicity builds off the $95-per-year Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees), a product that has been around for over a decade. In that way, the Venture X represents the best of both worlds — high earning potential on travel purchases, specifically, but a solid everyday earning rate that’s easy to keep track of.

Read more: Credit card showdown: Capital One Venture vs. Capital One Venture X

Redeeming miles with the Capital One Venture X

Capital One miles can be redeemed in several ways, but transferring miles to travel partners probably represents the most lucrative opportunity.

Transfer miles

Over the years, Capital One has made significant improvements to its mileage program, including shifting from solely fixed-rate redemptions to adding a host of airline and hotel transfer partners, most of which now convert at a 1:1 ratio.

Here is the full list of transfer partners and their respective transfer ratios from Capital One:

Transfer partner Transfer ratio
Aeromexico Club Premier 1:1
Air Canada Aeroplan 1:1
Air France-KLM Flying Blue 1:1
Avianca LifeMiles 1:1
Accor Live Limitless 2:1
British Airways Avios 1:1
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles 1:1
Choice Privileges Hotels 1:1
Emirates Skywards 1:1
Etihad Guest 1:1
EVA Infinity MileageLands 2:1.5
Finnair Plus 1:1
Qantas Frequent Flyer 1:1
Singapore KrisFlyer 1:1
TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go 1:1
Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles 1:1
Virgin (Atlantic) Red 1:1
Wyndham Rewards 1:1

Leveraging transfer partners offers several sweet-spot redemption opportunities, including economy flights to Hawaii for just 7,500 Capital One miles by transferring to Turkish Miles & Smiles and redeeming for United flights, and business-class flights to South America for 50,000 Capital One miles transferred to TAP and redeemed on United.

Fixed-value redemptions

Capital One offers several fixed-value redemption options if you consider simplicity more important than cent-per-point value:

  • Book travel: You can book travel directly through Capital One Travel at a value of 1 cent per mile.
  • Pay off travel purchases: You can pay off travel purchases made in the past 90 days on your card statement without worrying about the complexities of loyalty programs. You’ll again get a flat value of 1 cent per mile.
  • Redeem for gift cards: You can use miles for gift cards at the same rate of 1 cent per mile.
  • Redeem for cash back: You should do everything possible to avoid this option, as it will only provide a redemption value of 0.5 cents per mile.

You should never use the last option here since it slashes the value you get compared to travel redemptions.

Capital One Venture X benefits

While a $395 annual fee might initially seem like a deterrent, it’s easy to see how the Venture X’s perks can offset the yearly cost with minimal effort:

  • Statement credit: Up to $300 back in statement credit annually for bookings made through Capital One Travel.
  • Anniversary bonus: 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary, starting on your first anniversary (worth $100 toward travel).
  • Lounge access: Complimentary access for cardholders, authorized users and up to two guests per visit to Capital One Lounges .
  • Authorized users: Up to four authorized users can be added at no charge, and they also get the same guest access as the cardholder for the Capital One Lounge and Priority Pass.
  • Access to luxury hotels: The Capital One Premier Collection offers cardholders free breakfast, on-property credits and room upgrades (if available).
  • Rental car status: The primary cardholder and authorized users receive complimentary Hertz President’s Circle status**.
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck: Up to $100 in statement credits for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
  • Trip delay reimbursement: Up to $500 per person for reasonable expenses
  • Cellphone protection: By using the card to pay your monthly wireless bill, you’re eligible for up to $800 in coverage per claim. A $50 deductible applies per occurrence.
  • Primary rental car insurance: for damage caused by collision or theft to a rental car.*
  • Purchase, extended warranty and return protection: warranties extended by an additional year; returns up to $300 per item and $1,000 per account.*

* Benefits available on Visa Infinite cards.
**Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at upgraded status level through December 31, 2024. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.

Which cards compete with the Capital One Venture X?

With a $395 annual fee, the Venture X falls within the premium travel cards category. Two main competitors come to mind; however, both of these cards come with significantly higher annual fees — $550 for the Chase Sapphire Reserve and $695 for the Amex Platinum (see rates and fees).

  • If you want loads of benefits: The Amex Platinum has a complicated assortment of benefits and perks, including at least 10 different built-in statement credits allotted in time frames ranging from monthly to every four years, making them difficult to keep track of. While you can offset the card’s hefty $695 annual fee with these included credits, it is a lot to manage — not to mention some of these perks might not be useful for certain card members. For more information, read our full review of the Amex Platinum.
  • If you want more travel and dining rewards: The Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders earn bonus points at similar rates to the Venture X when booking through the Ultimate Rewards travel portal, with 10 points per dollar on hotel and car rental purchases and 5 points per dollar on airfare. However, they also earn 3 points per dollar on other travel and dining, which beats the Venture X. The annual $300 travel credit on the Sapphire Reserve is easier to use. For more information, read our full review of the Sapphire Reserve.

For additional options, check out our list of the best premium travel cards.

Read more: The best premium credit cards: A side-by-side comparison

Bottom line

With simple rewards and overall solid value, the Venture X has mass appeal, especially for those searching for (or switching from) a premium travel rewards card. In addition, there are a lot of under-the-radar perks on the card, including Visa Infinite benefits with an extensive list of trip, luggage, car rental and purchase protections.

Add in a growing network of airport lounges, no-fee authorized users, Capital One’s robust transfer partners and a luxury hotel program, and you have a card that is nearly a no-brainer.


Official application link: Capital One Venture X with 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.


For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Additional reporting by Ryan Wilcox, Eric Rosen and Christina Ly.

Source: thepointsguy.com

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Apache is functioning normally

June 15, 2023 by Brett Tams

As a value-minded traveler, I love finding and staying at Category 1 Hyatt properties. These hotels usually aren’t on our best Hyatt hotels list. However, you can book the Category 1 Hyatt properties highlighted in this story for a fraction of the points you’d need at higher-category Hyatt hotels.

Based on the Hyatt award chart, travelers can book a standard room at Category 1 Hyatt hotels for 3,500 points on off-peak nights, 5,000 points on standard nights and 6,500 points on peak nights. Plus, you may be able to book club lounge access rooms for 5,500 to 8,500 points per night and standard suites for 6,500 to 9,500 points per night; premium suites may go for 7,000 to 13,000 points per night if the property offers these room types.

Some Hyatt Category 1 properties also offer inexpensive paid rates, so it’s worth considering whether to redeem Hyatt points or book a paid rate. If you opt to book an award stay, you may need to earn more Hyatt points before you can do so. You can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. You can also transfer Bilt Rewards points to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. The World of Hyatt Credit Card and World of Hyatt Business Credit Card can also help you earn Hyatt points for future redemptions.

The below list only contains a few U.S. hotels, as most of the best Category 1 Hyatt properties are located abroad. However, it’s worth looking for Category 1 Hyatt hotels in the U.S. when you’re on a road trip or need to stay near an airport. For example, there are two Category 1 Hyatt Place hotels near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with complimentary airport shuttles that I stay at several times a year.

Park Hyatt Chennai

Chennai, India

PARK HYATT CHENNAI/ANKOURA VERMA/HYATT

Best for: Luxury lovers who don’t want to spend big.

Why stay here: The only Category 1 Park Hyatt in the world offers the elements of a luxury stay with an incredibly low price tag.

Best way to book: Book directly through Hyatt to earn or redeem points and enjoy elite benefits.

The Park Hyatt Chennai in India may not be the best Park Hyatt, but it is the only Category 1 Park Hyatt in the world. It sits in Chennai’s Little Mount neighborhood, within walking distance of the Little Mount metro station. If you like bats, consider going to the rooftop pool deck in the evening to watch them fly from nearby Guindy National Park.

This hotel has 200 newly renovated guest rooms, including 20 suites. Most rooms are 463 square feet with a city or park view. Standard room award nights cost 3,500 to 6,500 points, while award nights in 936-square-foot park suites cost 6,500 to 9,500 points. Award nights in 990-square-foot park executive suites with complimentary two-way airport transfers cost 7,000 to 13,000 points. However, the Park Hyatt Chennai rarely has off-peak award nights, so don’t expect to find many awards at the lowest rates.

The Park Hyatt Chennai doesn’t have a club lounge, so some World of Hyatt Globalist elite members prefer the Hyatt Regency Chennai (also a Category 1 hotel) for its Regency Club. However, the Park Hyatt Chennai does have a rooftop infinity pool. There’s also a spa with six therapy rooms, a sauna, a steam room, a fitness center, and hot and cold plunge pools.

You’ll find some inexpensive local dining options in the Little Mount neighborhood. However, dining at the Park Hyatt Chennai is on a completely different level. The hotel’s revered restaurant is Mr. Ong, which offers Singaporean hawker-style food for dinner on an outdoor patio. Enjoy breakfast and dinner buffets at The Dining Room. Also, The Flying Elephant offers dinner and Sunday brunch in an informal yet refined setting.

Rates at the Park Hyatt Chennai start at 3,500 points or $106 per night.

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Related: The best ways to fly to India with points and miles

Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta, Indonesia

HYATT

Best for: A vacation off the beaten path.

Why stay here: Located within 54 acres of landscaped hotel gardens with a nine-hole golf course, Regency Club, multi-tiered pool with two water slides and modest rates, this resort may be perfect for a budget-friendly vacation.

Best way to book: Book directly through Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

The Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta is in northwest Yogyakarta, Indonesia, on 54 acres of land. Yogyakarta (often called Jogja) is popular with tourists for its temples and 18th-century royal complex. It’s also popular with World of Hyatt elite members looking for inexpensive elite nights.

With 269 rooms and suites, the Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta offers various room types with views of the golf course, garden, pool and Mount Merapi. You can redeem 3,500 to 6,500 Hyatt points per night for a 324-square-foot standard room with a king bed or two twin beds. Or, redeem 5,500 to 8,500 points per night for a 388-square-foot room with club lounge access. You can also book a 581-square-foot standard suite for 6,500 to 9,500 points per night. However, booking a paid rate may make sense for some stays, especially if you can take advantage of a lucrative Hyatt promotion during your stay.

The Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta offers an impressive multi-level pool with two waterslides. The hotel also has a nine-hole golf course by Fisette Golf Design, and greens fees start at just $21. You can get a 60-minute massage at the hotel’s spa for as little as $24. Plus, there’s a Regency Club for eligible guests that offers tea in the afternoon and cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and desserts in the evening.

You won’t go hungry at the Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta even if you don’t have Regency Club access. Kemangi Bistro is open all day, offering buffet dining and a la carte options. Bogey’s Teras is also open all day for dining alongside golf course views; it offers live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. Meanwhile, Angkringan at Hyatt is open for dinner with high-quality meals inspired by Yogyakarta’s street food. If you’re looking for a drink or dessert, Paseban Lobby Lounge is open all day in the lobby.

Rates at the Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta start at 3,500 points or $76 per night.

Related: Which credit card should you use for Hyatt stays?

Alila Manggis

Manggis, Bali, Indonesia

HYATT

Best for: Relaxing and unwinding in Bali.

Why stay here: Attractive grounds, caring staff, interesting activities and a cozy resort vibe let most guests overlook slightly small rooms. This resort is perfect for those looking for a peaceful stay in East Bali.

Best way to book: Book directly through Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

After the annual Hyatt category changes in March 2023, Alila Manggis is now the only Category 1 Hyatt property in Bali, Indonesia. Alila Manggis is built among a coconut grove along the sea in east Bali, which is popular with divers for its clear water, sharks and coral. This resort is about a 90-minute drive from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS).

Alila Manggis offers 53 364-square-foot rooms with one king bed or two twin beds and two 1,222-square-foot seaside suites with one king bed. The superior rooms, which you can book for 3,500 to 6,500 Hyatt points per night, are on the ground floor, and each has a patio. The resort’s deluxe rooms are on the first floor, each with a balcony. Otherwise, the superior and deluxe rooms are surprisingly similar. The seaside suites aren’t denoted as standard or premium suites, so you’ll likely need to book a paid rate if you want to secure one of these two suites.

As an Alila Manggis guest, you can enjoy complimentary scheduled yoga and tai chi classes, poolside afternoon tea, bicycles and a scheduled shuttle service to the nearby village of Candidasa. You can also participate in monthly beach and underwater cleanups, book a Balinese cooking class or go on a hiking, snorkeling or diving excursion.

However, the overall vibe of the resort is relaxation. The on-site spa offers seaside treatments in the privacy of outdoor bales; you can book a 90-minute Balinese massage for about $51.

This small resort offers on-site dining options. Enjoy all-day dining at Seasalt, which has a variety of Indonesian and Western cuisines. Or, savor light bites and drinks at the Ocean Bar in the afternoons and evenings.

Rates at the Alila Manggis start at 3,500 points or $137 per night.

Related: Bali on a budget: Booking 6 nights in luxury hotels for just 36,000 points

Hyatt Regency Kuantan Resort

Teluk Cempedak, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

JONATHAN LEIJONHUFVUD/HYATT

Best for: A side-trip to the beach from Kuala Lumpur.

Why stay here: This beachfront resort offers attractive pools, ocean views, a Regency Club and comfortable rooms. But, what truly sets it apart is its eager-to-please staff and location next to a small village where you can sample authenic Malaysian food.

Best way to book: Book directly through Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

The Hyatt Regency Kuantan Resort is a beautiful beachfront property outside Kuantan, Malaysia. I love this resort’s location in Teluk Cempedak, its flowering trees by the pool and its good treatment of World of Hyatt elite members.

This resort has 300 rooms, including 12 suites and 19 family-oriented rooms. You can book 366-square-foot standard rooms with one king bed or two twin beds for 3,500 to 6,500 points per night. Book a room with lounge access for 5,500 to 8,500 points per night and enjoy canapes and cocktails in the Regency Club lounge each evening. The 980-square-foot Regency suites are also available on many dates for 6,500 to 9,500 points per night. If you prefer to book a paid rate, you could reserve a sea-view room or a two-room family unit.

The Hyatt Regency Kuantan Resort has two beachfront swimming pools, and one has a swim-up bar. Enjoy a spa treatment at the Bayou Spa, where a 60-minute massage starts at $68. You can also walk on the beach, but the tides are often too strong for swimming. There’s a 24-hour fitness center and a children’s playroom, as well.

You can walk to adjacent Teluk Cempedak for American fast food and local restaurants. Or, you can visit the Hyatt Regency’s multiple restaurants and bars. Kampung is open all day with Western, Malay, Indian and Chinese cuisine, and the Italian Bistro serves gourmet pizzas and pasta for dinner most days of the week. Coals on the Beach is open on the weekends with high tea in the afternoon and barbecue at night.

When it comes to bars, guests have two options. Chukka is open at night with live music, whiskeys, wines and spirits. The beachfront Sampan Bar is open in the afternoons and evenings with signature cocktails and house pours. There’s also a grab-and-go deli with baked goods, tea and coffee.

Rates at the Hyatt Regency Kuantan Resort start at 3,500 points or $86 per night.

Related: What is World of Hyatt elite status worth?

Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

HYATT

Best for: Hyatt loyalists looking for great value in Kuala Lumpur.

Why stay here: From a three-story atrium with trees to various green initiatives and spacious rooms, this centrally-located property is a solid choice if you’re looking to redeem Hyatt points in Kuala Lumpur.

Best way to book: Book directly through Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

The Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is just one stop from the Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station rail in the Brickfields neighborhood.

When you head to the hotel’s 41st floor to check in, you’ll discover a three-story atrium with trees. The Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur conducts several sustainability initiatives, ranging from bottling drinking water on-site to encouraging guests to donate lightly used items at checkout.

All the rooms at the Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur are on the 35th to 40th floor, so they boast excellent city views. You can book a 410-square-foot studio room with a nice living area by the window for 3,500 to 6,500 points per night. Book the same studio or a standard 1,025-square-foot Bangsar Suite with a points plus cash rate. Or, if you want to book a paid rate, you can select a room with a balcony, a junior suite or even the 2,700-square-foot Alila suite.

There are no coffee machines in the rooms, but there is an espresso machine near the elevators on each floor. Plus, you can enjoy a pool and fitness center on the 40th floor.

The area around Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur is well known for its food and drinks. However, if you’d rather eat and drink on-site, Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur has you covered. You can enjoy French cuisine for lunch and dinner at Entier. Or, if you’re looking to relax in a leafy environment, Botanica + Co is open all day with Asian and international dishes.

Rates at the Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur start at 3,500 points or $77 per night.

Related: 10 great cities around the World for street food

Hyatt House Johannesburg Rosebank

Melrose, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

HYATT

Best for: An apartment-style base in Johannesburg.

Why stay here: Modern well-appointed rooms in the lively Rosebank neighborhood, within walking distance of shopping and a Gautrain station.

Best way to book: Book directly through Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

The Hyatt House Johannesburg Rosebank is well-located in Johannesburg’s Rosebank neighborhood. Since opening in February 2022, this has been my go-to Johannesburg hotel due to its low-cost nights and location within walking distance of Rosebank Mall and the Rosebank Gautrain station. The station easily connects to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB).

This South African Hyatt House has 80 studio suites and one- and two-bedroom apartments. Each suite or apartment has a kitchenette, dining area and desk. The studios, which you can book for 3,500 to 6,500 points per night, are 248 square feet and include a queen bed or two twin beds. The 517-square-foot one-bedroom apartments with one king bed are bookable for 6,500 to 9,500 points per night. The 603-square-foot two-bedroom apartments with one king bed and one queen bed are bookable for 7,000 to 13,000 points per night.

The Hyatt House Johannesburg Rosebank is designed for extended stays, offering amenities that long-term guests will enjoy. For example, there’s a self-serve guest laundry room, a 24-hour fitness center and a rooftop pool.

There are plenty of restaurants at the nearby Rosewood Mall. But if you want to eat at the hotel, the Hyatt House Johannesburg Rosebank has an all-day restaurant named The Collective that serves Indian-inspired dishes. You can also grab to-go snacks and drinks from the lobby H-Market or enjoy snacks and drinks at the pool from the poolside H-Bar.

Rates at the Hyatt House Johannesburg Rosebank start at 3,500 points or $50 per night.

Related: Fly business class round-trip to Africa for 104,000 miles or less

Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha

Doha, Qatar

DAVID BERRIDGE/HYATT

Best for: Redeeming Hyatt points for an overnight layover or longer visit to Doha.

Why stay here: Located between the airport and city center, and within a short walk of a metro station with service to both, this hotel has a Regency Club and spacious (if slightly outdated) rooms.

Best way to book: Book directly through Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha in Qatar opened in September 2020 after rebranding from Oryx Rotana Hotel. This hotel is in southeast Doha toward Hamad International Airport (DOH), although it doesn’t offer a complimentary airport shuttle. While not in the center of Doha, this hotel is only a short drive or metro ride away from many of the city’s sites.

This hotel offers 388 rooms and 12 suites, each with views of the airport, city or hotel lobby. You can book 378-square-foot standard rooms with one king bed or two twin beds for 3,500 to 6,500 points per night. Or, book rooms of the same size but with Regency Club access for 5,500 to 8,500 points per night. There are also 807-square-foot Regency suites you can book using points and cash on some dates.

The Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha offers Club Olympus Spa & Fitness space on the hotel’s first floor. This center provides a gym, sauna, steam bath, hot tub, outdoor pool and spa. The hotel also operates a Regency Club for eligible guests.

There are many dining venues at the Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha. Choices is open for all-day dining — including breakfast and dinner buffets and a la carte lunch — and The Cellar offers Spanish cuisine and wines for lunch and dinner. Al Nafourah Garden serves Lebanese cuisine for lunch and dinner but also provides a place to watch live sports broadcasts with friends. Jazz Club offers drinks and live music in the evenings, and Sky Lounge is open all day for coffee, tea and light bites.

Rates at the Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha start at 3,500 points or $105 per night.

Related: The best cheap luxury hotels for your next stay

Hyatt Regency Merida

Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico

HYATT

Best for: Visiting Merida’s happening art scene.

Why stay here: This recently renovated pet-friendly hotel offers great views of Mérida, a central location and a Regency Club.

Best way to book: Book directly through Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

The Hyatt Regency Merida in Mexico is just north of Merida’s Centro neighborhood and a few blocks from Yucatan’s International Congress Center.

This hotel features 289 recently renovated rooms and suites. You can book a 344-square-foot standard room with one king bed or two double beds for 3,500 to 6,500 points per night. Or you can book a 377-square-foot Club-access room with the same bed options for 5,500 to 8,500 points per night. Sometimes, you may be able to book a standard or premium suite with points, but this is relatively rare. Off-peak award nights are also rare at this hotel, so you’ll usually need to pay standard or peak award pricing to redeem Hyatt points.

The Hyatt Regency Merida offers guests an outdoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center. Eligible guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast, all-day nonalcoholic drinks, and a selection of wines and canapes in the evening at the 17th-floor Regency Club.

There are plenty of restaurants near the Hyatt Regency Merida. But if you prefer to dine at the hotel, you can have Yucatecan and international food for breakfast and lunch at Peregrina Bistro. And you can try Italian cuisine at Spasso Cucina Italiana for dinner. You can also buy cheese pastry bites and other baked goods all day from Papillon Bakery & Market in the lobby. Salads, snacks and drinks are available for order at the Pool Bar each afternoon.

Rates at the Hyatt Regency Merida start at 3,500 points or $120 per night.

Related: These are the best times to visit Mexico

Hyatt Place Krakow

Krowodrza, Krakow, Poland

BARTEK WINNICKI/HYATT

Best for: A good value Hyatt stay in Poland.

Why stay here: Just a few tram stops from the Old Town, this recently-built Hyatt Place is a good option for travelers who don’t want to redeem a lot of points for their stay.

Best way to book: Book directly through Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

The Hyatt Place Krakow opened in Krakow, Poland, in November 2022 and is already getting excellent guest reviews. This hotel isn’t in Krakow’s Old Town, but you can take a 10-minute tram for about $1 per ride to reach the Old Town from the hotel. You also might enjoy exploring the Krakowskie Błonia and Jordana parks next to the hotel.

This hotel has 216 rooms. You can book a 258-square-foot standard room with one king bed, two twin beds or a king bed with a sleeper sofa for 3,500 to 6,500 Hyatt points per night. If you prefer to book a paid rate, you can also select a high-floor room, a park-view room or a 344-square-foot, two-room suite.

As a Hyatt Place, this hotel doesn’t have many amenities. Still, you’ll find a 24-hour fitness center, a restaurant and a bar at the Hyatt Place Krakow. The restaurant offers a paid breakfast buffet in the mornings and an a la carte menu in the afternoons and evenings. Meanwhile, the bar offers drinks and snacks from noon onward.

Rates at the Hyatt Place Krakow start at 3,500 points or $99 per night.

Related: The best ways to travel to Europe using points and miles

Story Hotel Signalfabriken

Sundbyberg, Stockholm, Sweden

HYATT

Best for: A great Hyatt points redemption when visiting Stockholm.

Why stay here: Just a short train or subway ride from central Stockholm, Story Hotel Signalfabriken is housed in a 19th-century building and offers industrial-chic rooms. You might even find that you like the hotel’s Sundbyberg neighborhood more than Stockholm.

Best way to book: Book directly through Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

Story Hotel Signalfabriken — part of the JdV by Hyatt collection — is in Sundbyberg, outside Stockholm, Sweden. If you’re looking for a hotel with a good value that you can book through Hyatt, it may be worth staying at the Story Hotel Signalfabriken. You can take the nearby subway 11 minutes into Stockholm for sightseeing, and if you give it a chance, you may also enjoy the neighborly vibe of Sundbyberg.

This fire station-turned-hotel has 83 rooms with either street or courtyard views. Some guests prefer the courtyard views, as rooms facing the street tend to be louder. You can book four different standard room types for 3,500 to 6,500 points per night: a 129-square-foot room with one double bed, a 161- to 194-square-foot room with one queen bed or one king bed, and a 194-square-foot room with two twin beds. You can also use points and cash on some dates to book two different family room types: a 344-square-foot family loft and a 463-square-foot family duplex.

Daily breakfast on-site at Phil’s Burger is complimentary for hotel guests. Phil’s also serves weekday lunch and daily dinner, offering burgers, fries, milkshakes and beer. There’s also an on-site bar that serves drinks nightly. Although Story Hotel Signalfabriken doesn’t have a gym, you can ask the front desk staff to grant you access to nearby SATS Signalfabriken (which has 32,291 square feet of workout space).

Rates at the Story Hotel Signalfabriken start at 3,500 points or $95 per night.

Related: 5 easy ways to maximize Hyatt award redemptions

Hyatt Regency Sofia

Sofia, Bulgaria

HYATT

Best for: Visiting Sofia without needing to redeem many Hyatt points.

Why stay here: Located within walking distance of many sites popular with tourists, this Category 1 Hyatt Regency has stylish rooms, a Regency Club and a roof-top bar.

Best way to book: Book directly through Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

The Hyatt Regency Sofia in Bulgaria opened in September 2020, and it receives excellent reviews from most guests. The hotel is in a quiet but central part of the city, within walking distance of most tourist sights. The National Gallery, the National Musical Theater and St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral are within just a few blocks of the hotel.

This hotel offers 183 guest rooms, including 22 suites. If you want to redeem Hyatt points, you can book a 312- to 344-square-foot standard room with one king bed or two twin beds for 3,500 to 6,500 points per night. Book a similarly-sized club room with two twin beds or one king bed for 5,500 to 8,500 points per night. Or, if you want to redeem Hyatt points for a suite, book the 613-square-foot Regency suite with one king bed starting at 6,500 points per night. Reserve garden-view rooms and larger suites if you want to book a paid rate.

The Hyatt Regency Sofia offers a fitness center with Technogym equipment open 24 hours a day. Plus, the hotel has a 5,167-square-foot wellness center with three treatment rooms, a hammam, a steam room, a Finnish sauna, a salt therapy room, an ice fountain, an indoor hydrotherapy pool and a beauty salon. For eligible guests, the hotel has a Regency Club with an outdoor terrace that offers canapes and drinks in the evenings.

There are plenty of restaurants around the hotel. However, you can eat breakfast, lunch and dinner on-site at The Revolutionary Dining Room and Bar, which features modern Italian food. The Scene is a rooftop cocktail lounge open most evenings. Mama Sofia offers Bulgarian products and fresh food all day with a casual cafe vibe.

Rates at the Hyatt Regency Sofia start at 3,500 points or $138 per night.

Related: Your ultimate guide to Hyatt’s hotel brands

Hyatt Regency Wichita

Wichita, Kansas, USA

HYATT

Best for: Staying in Wichita, Kansas, with Hyatt points.

Why stay here: With a prime location along the river walk and across from a baseball stadium, this Hyatt Regency offers good views, friendly staff and clean, modern rooms.

Best way to book: Book directly through Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

Hyatt Regency Wichita sits along the Arkansas River in Kansas. The hotel is connected to the Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center. It’s also a short walk or drive to the Intrust Bank Arena, Riverfront Stadium and Old Town. Guests often enjoy strolling along the riverwalk trail by the hotel after a long day of work.

Many of the rooms at the Hyatt Regency Wichita offer nice river views. Book a 312-square-foot, river-view standard room with two queen beds or one king bed for 3,500 to 6,500 points per night. If you prefer to book a paid rate, you can also select a 309-square-foot corner room with a king bed. The hotel offers three different suite types, but suites are rarely (if ever) bookable with Hyatt points at this hotel.

The Hyatt Regency Wichita offers a 24-hour fitness center, a heated indoor pool and a whirlpool on the level below the lobby. Guests can also benefit from the hotel’s complimentary shuttle to and from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT).

The area around the Hyatt Regency Wichita can be quiet sometimes, so guests may find the on-site dining options useful. Harvest Kitchen|Bar serves seasonally-inspired breakfast, lunch, dinner and bar fare. You can also enjoy a quick drink or meal in the lobby or grab a to-go snack from Perks Market.

Rates at the Hyatt Regency Wichita start at 3,500 points or $131 per night.

Related: How to give (or receive) top-tier Globalist perks with World of Hyatt Guest of Honor

Hyatt Regency Dulles

Herndon, Virginia, USA

HYATT

Best for: Convenient access to Washington Dulles International Airport.

Why stay here: With a complimentary airport shuttle and a nearby metro stop, this Hyatt Regency is a good option for early morning departures or late night arrivals. Paid rates are often high, making Hyatt point redemptions especially worthwhile.

Best way to book: Book directly through Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

Most guests stay at the Hyatt Regency Dulles in Virginia before or after a flight at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). The hotel is a short walk from the Innovation Center Metro station. The hotel offers a complimentary airport shuttle to and from the airport that runs on a set schedule.

The Hyatt Regency Dulles has 316 rooms and suites. To redeem Hyatt points, book a 374-square-foot standard room with one king bed or two queen beds for 3,500 to 6,500 points per night. Or, if you prefer to book a paid rate, high-floor rooms and several types of suites are also available on some dates.

This hotel offers an indoor lap pool, a full-size hot tub and a 24-hour gym with Life Fitness and Peloton equipment. Plus, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at Flights Bistro + Bar. Enjoy drinks (including local Virginia beers on tap) and meals at Flights Bar in the lobby each afternoon and evening.

Rates at the Hyatt Regency Dulles start at 3,500 points or $143 per night.

Related: Why all the big hotel chains are battling for budget travelers right now

Hyatt Regency Tulsa Downtown

Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA

HYATT REGENCY TULSA

Best for: Hyatt loyalists looking for a great points redemption in downtown Tulsa.

Why stay here: This Hyatt Regency has a great location, a Regency Club and attentive staff.

Best way to book: Book directly through Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

The Hyatt Regency Tulsa Downtown is next to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma. The hotel enjoys views over the gardens at the One Williams Center complex. It’s connected via a sky bridge to Williams Towers and is just a short walk from the Cox Business Convention Center and the Bank of Oklahoma Center.

This hotel has 444 recently renovated rooms and suites. If you want to redeem World of Hyatt points, book a 360-square-foot standard room with two double beds or one king bed for 3,500 to 6,500 points per night. You can also redeem 5,500 to 8,500 points per night for a similarly sized room with city views, Regency Club access and one king bed. For a 720-square-foot executive suite with one king bed and a sleeper sofa, you can redeem 6,500 to 9,500 points per night. The hotel also offers several room types that you must call to book, including a club-access room with two double beds and various luxury suites.

The Hyatt Regency Tulsa Downtown offers guests a heated outdoor swimming pool and a 24-hour fitness center. The hotel also offers treatments at the Ihloff Salon and Day Spa. Eligible guests can access nonalcoholic beverages and snacks in the Regency Club lounge.

There are ample restaurants and bars around the Hyatt Regency Tulsa Downtown. There’s also the on-site Daily Grill, which overlooks Williams Green and serves daily breakfast, lunch and dinner. Order drinks and snacks from the Daily Grill Lounge in the afternoon and evening. Topeca Coffee serves coffee, tea and breakfast items every morning and afternoon in the hotel lobby.

Rates at the Hyatt Regency Tulsa Downtown start at 3,500 points or $130 per night.

Related: 14 cities where you can book luxury hotels at budget prices

Hyatt Regency Houston Intercontinental Airport

Greater Greenspoint, Houston, Texas, USA

TAGGART SORENSEN/HYATT

Best for: Easy access to George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Why stay here: Complimentary shuttle service to and from George Bush Intercontinental Airport, an attractive outdoor pool and friendly staff.

Best way to book: Book directly through Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

The Hyatt Regency Houston Intercontinental Airport in Texas is about 9 miles from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). It offers guests a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport, making it a popular overnight stop for World of Hyatt members.

This hotel has 335 rooms and suites. If you want to redeem Hyatt points, book a 400-square-foot standard room with one king bed or two double beds on most dates. You can also book a similarly sized deluxe room or a slightly larger one with a king bed and sofa bed if you opt for a paid rate. The hotel also offers two suite types, one of which (the 800- to 1,200-square-foot junior suite) is occasionally bookable with points.

The Hyatt Regency Houston Intercontinental Airport has an outdoor swimming pool with waterfalls, ample lounge chairs and a whirlpool. The hotel also provides guests with a 24-hour fitness center, complimentary parking and a coin laundry facility.

There are several fast-food restaurants around the property, but most hungry guests will likely eat on-site. The hotel offers American cuisine for breakfast and dinner at Sam’s Restaurant. You can order drinks in the evening from Sam’s Bar. The hotel has a 24-hour convenience store with grab-and-go meals.

Rates at the Hyatt Regency Houston Intercontinental Airport start at 3,500 points or $126 per night.

Related: 5 reasons why you may be happier booking a budget hotel

Source: thepointsguy.com

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Apache is functioning normally

June 7, 2023 by Brett Tams

One highlight of the World of Hyatt award program is that it still uses award charts to determine the points you’ll need to redeem for a free night. The World of Hyatt award chart for Hyatt hotels and resorts, as well as participating Small Luxury Hotels of the World and MGM Rewards destinations, has eight categories. Award prices range from 3,500 points for an off-peak Category 1 night to 45,000 points for a peak Category 8 night.

For this article, we selected some of the best Hyatt Category 4 hotels. We’ve chosen properties from various Hyatt hotel brands, ranging from a Hyatt Place to a Park Hyatt. A standard room at these hotels costs 12,000 points on off-peak nights, 15,000 points on standard nights and 18,000 points on peak nights. These hotels are also some of the best Hyatt free night hotels since you can use Category 1-4 promotional awards earned through the World of Hyatt Credit Card as Milestone Rewards and as Brand Explorer awards to book these hotels.

Hyatt Place Panama City Beach / Beachfront

Panama City Beach, Florida, USA

HYATT

Best for: Staying beachfront in Panama City Beach.

Why stay here: With a beachfront pool, beach access and family-friendly rooms, this Hyatt Place is a strong choice for a low-key beach vacation.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

The oceanfront Hyatt Place Panama City Beach / Beachfront is just a short walk from Panama City Beach’s Pier Park. Ample shopping, activities and restaurants within walking distance make this a compelling location for a family beach vacation.

You can book a 333-square-foot room with a king bed and a sofa bed or a 367-square-foot room with two queen beds and a sofa bed using points or free night certificates. If you want to book a paid rate, the property also offers gulf-view rooms, rooms with kitchenettes and even family-friendly rooms with a king bed, bunk beds and a sofa bed. All rooms include at least a minifridge, but some rooms with kitchenettes have a full-size refrigerator.

The Hyatt Place Panama City Beach / Beachfront charges a daily resort fee of $45.20 from March 1 to Oct. 31 and a daily resort fee of $28.25 during the rest of the year. The resort fee includes parking for up to one vehicle. Plus, this Hyatt Place offers some amenities you wouldn’t typically expect at this brand, including a resort-style pool, lazy river, outdoor games, weekend entertainment and seasonal beach chair service. If you book a free night award — which includes redeeming Hyatt points or using Category 1-4 promotional awards — or you have Hyatt Globalist status and book an eligible rate, you can enjoy waived resort fees.

Daily breakfast at the Breakfast Bar is included in your stay. The Breakfast Bar offers hot and cold items, coffee, milk, juice and tea. You can purchase drinks and snacks poolside from Coconut Charlie’s Pool Bar or beachside from the Beach Bar. If you don’t feel like leaving the hotel for dinner, visit Coconut Charlie’s Beach Bar & Grill for waterfront views, food, drinks and occasional live entertainment. Finally, an on-site market offers a selection of packaged grab-and-go items.

Rates at the Hyatt Place Panama City Beach / Beachfront start at 12,000 points or $198.93 per night, including the $28.25 resort fee.

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort

Orlando, Florida, USA

MICHAEL STAVARIDIS/HYATT

Best for: A family-friendly golf trip to Orlando.

Why stay here: With a lagoon-style pool with a slide, an award-winning golf course and complimentary shuttle service to Disney and Universal, this resort is a particularly good choice for families.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando several times almost 20 years ago. What I remember most about the resort is its Grand Cypress Golf Club, with holes designed by Jack Nicklaus. I also remember relaxing at its 800,000-gallon pool as well as its waterfalls, caves and waterslide.

The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort has 779 rooms, including 46 suites. Rooms are 360 square feet and offer one king bed or two double beds with views toward Orlando, the pool or a lake. Meanwhile, suites start at 702 square feet. You can book standard rooms starting at 12,000 points per night, standard suites starting at 21,000 points per night and premium suites starting at 24,000 points per night.

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Unfortunately, the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort charges a nightly resort fee of $45 plus taxes and fees per room. However, you can avoid this fee if you book a free night award. Plus, Hyatt Globalist members can avoid the fee when booking any eligible rate. You’ll get transportation to and from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and Disney Springs as part of the daily resort fee. You’ll also get access to a seven-hole pitch and putt course, a miniature golf course, bike rentals, a rock climbing wall and more.

The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort offers various dining options. Guests looking for a quick, casual experience will enjoy the grab-and-go market and the On the Rocks poolside restaurant. Meanwhile, guests looking for an upscale experience can book dinner at Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen. Lakehouse Restaurant & Bar offers all-day dining, and its sub-restaurant, Lakehouse Sushi Bar, is open for dinner. Finally, you can enjoy afternoon or evening drinks and snacks at The Lobby Bar.

Rates at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort start at 12,000 points or $229.51 per night, including the $50.63 resort fee.

Related: Splash into fun: The 14 best hotel pools in Orlando

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

Downtown, San Diego, California, USA

MANCHESTER GRAND HYATT SAN DIEGO/ZACH BENSON/FACEBOOK

Best for: Hyatt loyalists wanting a downtown stay right on the water.

Why stay here: Whether you’re in town for a convention or simply want to explore downtown San Diego, this luxurious Hyatt property is a great use of points.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn and redeem points, or via Chase’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection for elitelike perks and on-property credits.

The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego hosts plenty of conference and convention guests, but it’s also well located for tourists near Seaport Village. Many guests applaud this waterfront hotel for its views, including those from its 40th-floor bar and rooftop pool decks.

Most Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego rooms are 340 square feet with city or bay views and one king bed, two double beds or two queen beds. However, the property also offers several different suite types, starting with a 700-square-foot Signature Suite. You can book standard rooms starting at 12,000 points per night, club rooms starting at 18,000 points per night, standard suites starting at 21,000 points per night and premium suites starting at 24,000 points per night.

The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego has two outdoor pools: a fourth-floor family pool and a third-floor adults-only pool (that, at the time of writing, was closed). There’s also a 24-hour fitness center.

The hotel charges a destination fee of $39 plus tax per night. Unfortunately, this fee doesn’t offer enough value for most guests. However, you can avoid paying the destination fee if you’re a Hyatt Globalist staying on an eligible rate or if you book a free night award.

You’ll have seven dining options at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. One highlight is Sally’s Fish House & Bar, which lets you enjoy sustainable seafood, craft cocktails and California wines at lunch and dinner next to the boardwalk and the San Diego Bay. Another highlight is Top of the Hyatt, a 40th-floor lounge offering cocktails and small plates alongside city and bay views. There’s also a seasonal pool bar and grill. Or you can order something from GrandEats if you want food delivered to your room.

Rates at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego start at 12,000 points or $262.82 per night, including the $43.88 destination fee.

Related: The best hotels in San Diego

Thompson Chicago

Gold Coast, Chicago, Illinois, USA

THOMPSON CHICAGO/FACEBOOK

Best for: Luxury travelers looking for homey touches and easy access to Lake Michigan running trails and other local venues.

Why stay here: You’re looking for a neighborhood feel to your stay and want easy access to the Loop — without actually staying in the Loop.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt or the hotel website to earn and redeem World of Hyatt points, or through the Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection to enjoy elitelike benefits.

The Thompson Chicago is a boutique hotel located a short walk from the start of the Magnificent Mile. The surrounding neighborhood is great for food and shopping.

You can redeem Hyatt points for a 320-square-foot standard room at the Thompson Chicago with one king or two double beds. If you want to book a paid rate, there are also high-floor rooms, lake-view rooms and various suites. Dogs are welcome at the Thompson Chicago for no additional charge, although you should contact the hotel before your stay for more details.

The Thompson Chicago has a popular lobby bar, Salone Nico, that serves rustic Italian cuisine and drinks. Meanwhile, Nico Osteria offers all-day dining with a focus on Italian seafood. You can also order room service or venture out to sample the many restaurants in the neighborhood.

This property charges a $17 destination fee that provides premium internet, local newspapers and 24-hour fitness club access. There aren’t many other amenities to note at this hotel. You can avoid paying the destination fee if you’re a Hyatt Globalist staying on an eligible rate or if you book a free night award.

Rates at the Thompson Chicago start at 12,000 points or $216.69 per night, including the $17 destination fee.

Related: The 17 best Chicago hotels

Hyatt Regency Seattle

Seattle, Washington, USA

TAGGART COJAN SORENSEN/HYATT

Best for: Tidy, clean rooms in a quiet part of downtown Seattle.

Why stay here: This beautiful hotel with modern rooms is in an excellent location just a block away from the Paramount Theatre and within walking distance of many major attractions.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

The Hyatt Regency Seattle is in the heart of downtown Seattle. It’s within walking distance of both convention centers and just a short walk from tourist attractions such as Pike Place Market and the Seattle Art Museum. Moreover, the hotel participates in various sustainability initiatives, including donating leftover, untouched food to a local nonprofit.

You can book 320-square-foot standard rooms starting at 12,000 points per night, 500-to-725-square-foot standard suites with a separate living area starting at 21,000 points per night and 735-square-foot (or more) premium suites starting at 24,000 points per night. One of the premium suite types even offers a private fitness space with a Peloton bike, yoga mat and arm weights. All rooms have either one king bed or two queen beds.

The Hyatt Regency Seattle offers the largest hotel meeting venue in the Pacific Northwest, so it understandably caters to conference, wedding and convention travelers. The hotel has a 24-hour fitness center with Technogym equipment and Peloton bikes (although the bikes were temporarily unavailable at the time of writing). You can bring one dog weighing 50 pounds or less if you pay the $50-per-stay pet fee.

Andare Kitchen & Bar on the lobby level offers all-day, Italian-inspired dining. The venue offers a vegan menu, a weekday happy hour and a bar that’s open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. You can also enjoy downtown views alongside steakhouse favorites and wine if you opt for dinner at Daniel’s Broiler on the hotel’s second floor. Check out the Market on the second floor if you want something quick. You can also order room service or check out the neighborhood’s many restaurants outside the hotel.

Rates at the Hyatt Regency Seattle start at 12,000 points or $195.62 per night.

Related: A Hyatt hop through Seattle: Which Hyatt should you choose on your next trip to the Emerald City?

MGM Grand

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

MGM GRAND/MGM

Best for: Travelers looking for a mix of relaxation and action in one place.

Why stay here: There’s an epic lazy river you can float around on all day.

Best way to book: Book directly on the MGM Grand’s website.

The MGM Grand in Las Vegas is well known for its 6 1/2-acre Grand Pool Complex, which features four pools, three whirlpools and a lazy river. There are always great shows at the MGM Grand, which currently hosts Ka by Cirque du Soleil, Jabbawockeez and David Copperfield; of course, there are also slots, table games and poker in the casino. You can also get a spa treatment at the MGM Grand Spa & Salon or hit some balls at the on-site Topgolf.

The MGM Grand has many different accommodation types and categories across its 5,000 rooms and suites. However, you can only book a 350-square-foot studio king room with Hyatt points or free night certificates. Unlike other stays where resort fees are waived if you book a free night award, this policy doesn’t apply at MGM Rewards destinations like the MGM Grand.

Hyatt members can match their status to MGM Rewards. By doing so, Hyatt Explorists and above can get waived resort fees at MGM properties with their matched MGM Rewards Gold status — but only when booking through MGM Rewards (not World of Hyatt). The MGM Grand charges resort fee of $39 plus tax, so you may want to forgo redeeming Hyatt points for your stay and instead book a paid rate through MGM Rewards if you have Gold status or higher. Best of all, you can still earn Hyatt elite-qualifying nights when you book through MGM Rewards.

You’ll find plenty of dining options at the MGM Grand. On the upscale end, MGM Grand offers L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon for French dishes prepared in front of you, Hakkasan Restaurant for Cantonese dishes, Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak for high-quality cuts from small family farms, and Joël Robuchon for fine French dining. If your dining budget is more modest, there’s also Grand Wok Noodle Bar, Nellie’s Southern Kitchen, Greek Sneek and Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House. Or, you can enjoy the MGM Grand Buffet, Tap Sports Bar or various options in the food court.

Rates at the MGM Grand start at 12,000 points or $114.63 per night, including the $44.22 resort fee.

Related: Why Hyatt elite members should book through MGM when visiting Las Vegas

Andaz Mexico City Condesa

Cuauhtemoc, Mexico City, Mexico

HYATT

Best for: An eclectic stay in the artsy Condesa neighborhood near Parque Mexico.

Why stay here: This chic hotel offers great service, an appealing location, compelling views from the pool and a dog-friendly Wooftop Beer Garden.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

The Andaz Mexico City Condesa opened in January 2023 with 213 rooms and is already getting good reviews. However, guests note you can sometimes hear music in the rooms at night, so this may not be the best property for you if you’re a light sleeper. The hotel’s neighborhood provides ample dining options and a central location for tourists — just a short walk from Parque Mexico and various art galleries.

Booking a free night award will get you a 344-square-foot standard room with one king bed or two double beds overlooking Insurgentes Avenue or the hotel’s internal patio. If you book a paid rate, you can reserve a city-view room or several suite types, including a 667-square-foot terrace suite with a large private outdoor terrace.

The 17th floor of the hotel offers a rooftop pool with great city views, and the Cabuya Rooftop restaurant and bar. The hotel also offers a 24-hour fitness center, a spa and a beauty salon. You can get teas and coffees at the Derba Matcha Cafe and enjoy a drink in the dog-friendly Wooftop Beer Garden & Canine Club. If you bring your dog for your stay, you’ll need to pay a fee of $100 per pet per room.

Rates at the Andaz Mexico City Condesa start at 12,000 points or $259.02 per night.

Related: Here’s how to quickly stock up on Hyatt points for your next vacation

Alila Fort Bishangarh

Bishangarh Village, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

HYATT

Best for: A luxurious stay in a converted 233-year-old fort.

Why stay here: With a thoughtful design, farm-to-table dining and activities native only to Bishangarh, you won’t regret adding this unique Alila to your India trip.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits, or via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts.

Alila Fort Bishangarh, located between Delhi and Jaipur in India’s Rajasthan, has 59 rooms and suites and is housed in a 233-year-old fort. I used two Category 1-4 promotional awards to stay at this amazing property and can wholeheartedly recommend a stay if you visit Rajasthan.

You can book a 562-square-foot Heritage Room with one king bed or two twin beds starting at 12,000 points per night or an 800-square-foot Grand Suite with one king bed starting at 24,000 points per night. You can also use points plus cash to book a 700-square-foot Royal Suite with one king bed or two twin beds. If you want to book a paid rate, you have all these options plus a 912-square-foot Regal Suite and a 1,054-square-foot Presidential Suite on offer.

There’s plenty to keep you busy at Alila Fort Bishangarh. You’ll find Spa Alila, an infinity pool with compelling views of the fort, a 24-hour fitness center and Play Alila for children. The hotel also offers numerous excursions and experiences, including cooking classes, a guided visit to the Bishangarh Village Market and the opportunity to visit a milk factory.

And you’ll find some impressive dining options on-site — which is good since most guests will eat most, if not all, of their meals on-site. Amarsar is open all day with Indian and international dishes on offer. On select nights, Nazaara is open with local cuisine prepared in traditional Rajput hunter style; it’s a memorable terrace-dining experience that you’ll enjoy if you can handle some Indian spices and aren’t a picky eater. Meanwhile, Haveli is open for poolside meals and drinks throughout the day, and Madhuveni offers cocktails, cigars and tapas in a beautiful, intimate space.

Rates at the Alila Fort Bishangarh start at 12,000 points or $206 per night.

Related: The best ways to fly to India with points and miles

Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile

Paris, France

HYATT REGENCY

Best for: Travelers looking to stay just a short walk from historic sights, such as the Arc de Triomphe.

Why stay here: Located between La Defense and the Champs-Elysees, this well-located hotel offers excellent views over Paris (from the city’s highest bar), a Regency Club and small but functional rooms.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

The Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile in France offers amazing views from its 34-story skyscraper, especially if you snag a room with Eiffel Tower views. Although it’s northwest of the Paris core between La Defense and the Champs-Elysees, it’s just a 20-minute walk to the Arc de Triomphe and a 20-minute journey by metro and foot to the Louvre.

Despite having 995 rooms and suites, finding standard room award availability at this hotel can be difficult. The rooms are small — even for Paris — but 237-square-foot rooms with Regency Club access start at 18,000 points per night. Standard 474-square-foot suites start at 21,000 points per night, and premium 753-square-foot suites start at 24,000 points per night. Award availability is often limited at this hotel, so you may need to book a paid rate to get the room type you want. If you want to ensure your group gets connecting rooms, consider booking a family room.

The Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile doesn’t have too many amenities. Still, it has a 24-hour fitness center and a Regency Club on the 34th floor (for Hyatt Globalist members and those in eligible rooms). You’ll likely want to eat outside the hotel for many of your meals, but you may want to visit the 34th-floor Windo Skybar for views, cocktails and tapas. If you do want to eat on-site, Mayo Restaurant offers daily breakfast and weekday lunch buffets, and the grab-and-go Mayo Market offers quick bites daily from 7 a.m. until 2 a.m.

Rates at the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile start at 12,000 points or $253.85 per night.

Related: The best hotels in Paris

Park Hyatt Jakarta

Jakarta, Indonesia

HYATT

Best for: City views and that new-hotel vibe in the heart of Jakarta.

Why stay here: Spacious rooms with modern, yet dark, design and a friendly, professional staff make this one of the best luxury hotels in Jakarta.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

The Park Hyatt Jakarta in Indonesia opened in July 2022 with 220 rooms, including 36 suites. This Park Hyatt is a nine-minute walk from the Stasiun Gondangdia train station and within walking distance of various shopping malls and restaurants.

You can book 613-square-foot standard rooms with a king bed or two twin beds starting at 12,000 points per night. Meanwhile, you can book three standard suite types ranging from 936 to 1,367 square feet starting at 21,000 points per night. You can book premium suites starting at 24,000 points per night. The rooms and suites have Indonesian touches and excellent views, as the rooms start on the 25th floor.

While staying at the Park Hyatt Jakarta, you can enjoy the outdoor pool, a sun deck with city views and a 24-hour fitness center on the 35th floor. The hotel also offers a spa.

The Park Hyatt Jakarta offers several dining outlets. Dining Room serves Indonesian and Italian cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner on the 22nd floor, while Kita Restaurant offers Japanese cuisine for lunch and dinner on the 37th floor. On the 23rd floor, Conservatory offers several multiuse spaces where you can work, relax or socialize while enjoying European cafe-style comfort food and light meals.

If you’re looking for a drink or live music, check out The Bar on the 23rd floor or Kita Bar on the 36th floor.

Rates at the Park Hyatt Jakarta start at 12,000 points or $308.04 per night.

Related: The 23 best Hyatt hotels in the world

Hyatt Regency Tokyo

Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan

HYATT

Best for: This old yet stunning hotel is well connected to Tokyo’s JR trains and metro.

Why stay here: Clean and spacious (albeit slightly dated) rooms and a Regency Club let you rest while the hotel’s location in the middle of Shinjuku lets you explore Tokyo.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

The Hyatt Regency Tokyo is an older property, but it’s in a solid location, just a five-minute walk from Tokyo’s Shinjuku station. This hotel offers 746 rooms, including 18 suites, across 17 room types. Although it doesn’t offer a pool or onsen, it does have a spa and fitness center with Technogym equipment.

If you want to redeem a Hyatt free night award, you can book a 301-square-foot standard room with one king bed or two twin beds starting at 12,000 points per night. Meanwhile, 376-square-foot Regency Club rooms start at 18,000 points per night, and standard suites start at 21,000 points per night. The Regency Club, available to Hyatt Globalist members and guests staying in club rooms and suites, offers views over Shinjuku Central Park for breakfast, tea service and evening cocktails.

You may want to eat outside the hotel for many meals while visiting Tokyo. If you prefer to eat on-site, the Hyatt Regency Tokyo offers Beijing and Shanghai cuisine for lunch and dinner at Jade Garden, Italian-inspired fares at Caffe and Japanese dishes at three different venues. You can also try fine wines and whiskeys at Eau de Vie or order room service if you want to dine in your room.

Rates at the Hyatt Regency Tokyo start at 12,000 points or $266.07 per night.

Related: The best ways to travel to Japan with points and miles

Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui

Kowloon, Hong Kong

HYATT

Best for: A prime location in the heart of Hong Kong, just a short walk from the harbor and two metro stops.

Why stay here: Offering spacious (for Hong Kong) rooms and a Regency Club, this well-located property provides compelling city and harbor views from most rooms.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

The Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui is in the heart of Kowloon next to the Tsim Sha Tsui station. It’s an easy walk from the Star Ferry and Avenue of Stars. Tourists will enjoy its excellent location, as many attractions are easily accessible by foot or public transit.

This Hyatt Regency has 381 guest rooms and suites, each offering views of Victoria Harbour or the city. The least expensive room type — and the one you can book starting at 12,000 points per night — is a 301-square-foot standard room with one king bed or two twin beds. You can also book club rooms starting at 18,000 points per night, standard suites starting at 21,000 points per night and premium suites starting at 24,000 points per night. If you’re looking to book a paid rate, it may be worth shelling out a little more to guarantee a corner room or a view of Victoria Harbour.

You’ll find an 82-foot outdoor heated swimming pool with views over the surrounding neighborhood at the Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui. The outdoor pool deck includes a children’s pool, a whirlpool and lounge chairs. Plus, you’ll find a 24-hour fitness center with Technogym equipment on the 10th floor.

There’s plenty of excellent dining in Hong Kong, regardless of your budget. But, if you want to eat at the Hyatt Regency, you’ll find dim sum and barbecued pork at The Chinese Restaurant, an international buffet at Cafe, fine dining cooked tableside at Hugo’s and drinks with nightly live entertainment at Chin Chin Bar. Additionally, eligible guests can enjoy continental breakfast, all-day coffee and tea service, and evening canapes and cocktails at the Regency Club.

Rates at the Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui start at 12,000 points or $219.44 per night.

Related: What is World of Hyatt elite status worth?

Andaz Bali

Sanur, Bali, Indonesia

HYATT

Best for: A relaxing holiday that feels authentically Balinese.

Why stay here: Built around mature landscaping in the style of a modern Balinese village, this beachfront resort lets guests relax with an attentive staff and a thoughtful design.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

Andaz Bali is an attractive beach resort next to the Hyatt Regency Bali on the eastern coast of Bali, Indonesia. Guests love the resort’s landscaping, modern rooms and large pool.

There are 149 rooms, including 20 suites and 22 villas. The standard rooms are 710 square feet and include a living area, floor-to-ceiling windows, garden views and one king bed or two twin beds. But you can also reserve pool-view or ocean-view rooms and private pool villas if you book a paid rate.

There are various types of suites you can book with points or cash. Standard rooms start at 12,000 points per night, standard suites start at 21,000 points per night and premium suites start at 24,000 points per night.

The Andaz Bali is designed to feel like a modern interpretation of a Balinese village. The resort has three swimming pools: ocean-facing Liang for fun, secluded Santhi for relaxation and kid-friendly Alit for families. Andaz Bali also offers a spa with a 24-hour fitness center, sauna, steam room, yoga studio and hydrotherapy pools.

There are ample dining options at the Andaz Bali. The Fisherman’s Club offers light bites, meat and seafood for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Wok Wok is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner with Indonesian comfort food. Blue Oven is open daily for dinner with Mediterranean favorites, while Fire Fox is open Thursday through Saturday in the evening for Asian steakhouse delights. Deli & Bakery is open daily from noon to 10 p.m. with drinks, cakes, desserts and homemade ice creams.

Rates at the Andaz Bali start at 12,000 points or $256.52 per night.

Related: 5 easy ways to maximize Hyatt award redemptions

Source: thepointsguy.com

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Apache is functioning normally

June 5, 2023 by Brett Tams

With the start of summer upon us, now may be a great time to evaluate your credit card portfolio. Credit card sign-up bonuses and welcome offers are the quickest and easiest way to rake in lots of points and miles, so we regularly update the roundup of our favorite current offers in our best credit cards guide.

But to help you keep up with an ever-changing list of bonuses, we’ve also compiled a list of the best card offers currently available — especially the ones that are worth an extra look right now because they are at all-time highs or may end soon.

Since many issuers have restrictions on how often you can earn a bonus on a card, it’s important to time your application for when there’s a good offer. Also, higher bonuses don’t always stick around for long, so if you’re considering one of these offers, you’ll want to hop on it sooner rather than later.

Finally, if you’re not ready to jump on a higher-end card, consider these great starter cards or even one with a 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR) offer.

The best credit card offers for June 2023

Card Sign-up bonus/welcome offer Welcome offer value* Annual fee 
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express 120,000 points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the card within the first three months of card membership. $2,400. $695 (see rates and fees).
Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
100,000 points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the card within the first three months of card membership. $2,000. $95.
The Platinum Card® from American Express 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 in the first six months, though you may be able to get a higher bonus through the CardMatch tool (terms apply). $1,600. $695 (see rates and fees).
American Express® Green Card 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in their first six months of card membership. Also, get 20% back on eligible travel and transit purchases in your first six months to earn up to $200 back. $1,400 ($1,200 in points plus up to $200 in cash back). $150 (see rates and fees).
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card 75,000 miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.  $1,388. $395.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card 75,000 miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.  $1,388. $95.
Chase Sapphire Reserve 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. $1,200. $550.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. $1,200. $95.
American Express® Gold Card 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first six months of card membership, though you may be able to get a higher bonus through the CardMatch tool (terms apply). $1,200. $250 (see rates and fees).
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card, and Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card 60,000 bonus points plus a 30% off promo code after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $900. $69 (Plus), $99 (Premier) and $149 (Priority).
United Club Infinite Card 80,000 bonus miles and 1,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Offer ends Aug. 9. $880. $525.
IHG Rewards Premier Business Card 165,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. $825. $99.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points and a free night reward after spending $2,000 in purchases on the card in the first three months of cardmembership. Offer ends July 19. $780. $95 (see rates and fees).

* Welcome offer value is determined using TPG valuations and is not provided by nor reviewed by the issuer.

The Business Platinum Card from American Express

RYAN PATTERSON/THE POINTS GUY

This business card stands out not only for its 120,000-point welcome offer but thanks to added travel perks that can easily cover the card’s $695 annual fee (see rates and fees). Cardholders enjoy automatic Gold status in both the Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programs, along with access to a wide variety of airport lounges — including Amex Centurion, Priority Pass and Delta Sky Club (when traveling on same-day Delta flights). Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Cardholders also enjoy 5 points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked at American Express Travel, along with 1.5 points per dollar on eligible purchases in select business categories and eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year).

Related: Amex refreshes Business Platinum Card with new perks, higher annual fee and a 120,000-point bonus

On top of that, the card comes with up to $200 in annual airline fee statement credits and a 35% points rebate for flights booked through Amex Travel in first or business class on any airline (up to 1 million points back per calendar year), or in any class on the U.S. airline of your choice each year. Non-travel benefits include up to $400 in annual statement credits toward U.S. Dell purchases, up to $360 in credits toward Indeed, up to $150 toward select Adobe purchases and up to $120 toward wireless telephone services.

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Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Read our review of the American Express Business Platinum Card for more information.


Official application link: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express with 120,000 points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the card within the first three months of card membership.


Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

JOHN GRIBBEN/THE POINTS GUY

Then there’s the Ink Business Preferred. According to TPG’s valuations, this card’s welcome bonus alone is worth $2,000 since you can take advantage of Chase’s excellent collection of airline and hotel transfer partners. Points redeemed through the Chase travel portal are worth 1.25 cents each, which isn’t bad, either.

Another factor in this card’s favor? Its tremendous earning rates. You’ll earn 3 points per dollar across the following categories on up to $150,000 in combined purchases (1 point per dollar thereafter):

  • Travel.
  • Shipping purchases.
  • Internet, cable and phone services.
  • Advertising on social media sites and search engines.

Depending on which categories you spend in, you could earn a whopping 450,000 bonus points per year if you maxed out that $150,000 cap.

Among the Ink Business Preferred’s unsung benefits are cellphone protection, primary rental car coverage (when renting for business purposes) and other travel and purchase protections. You can also add employee cards to your account for free.

Read our full review of the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card for more information.


Official application link: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card with 100,000 bonus points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the card within the first three months of account opening.


The Platinum Card from American Express

ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

Often referred to as the king of the premium travel rewards cards, the Amex Platinum offers a slew of benefits — along with a $695 annual fee (see rates and fees). Cardholders enjoy perks such as automatic Gold status with both Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy plus access to a wide range of airport lounges, including Amex Centurion, Priority Pass and Delta Sky Club (on same-day Delta flights). On top of that, you’ll get up to $200 in annual airline fee statement credits, an up-to-$200 hotel statement credit to use toward prepaid Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings (the latter of which requires a minimum two-night stay) via Amex Travel, and an up-to-$189 Clear Plus membership statement credit — along with numerous other perks. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Related: It’s a ‘lifestyle’ card now: A closer look at the Amex Platinum’s 6 new benefits

Non-travel benefits include an up-to-$240 digital entertainment statement credit (split into monthly $20 credits) for Audible, The New York Times, SiriusXM, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal and services under the Disney umbrella — including Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu.

Cardholders also receive an up-to-$155 Walmart+ credit (subject to auto-renewal; Plus Ups are excluded), an up-to-$300 SoulCycle bike credit and an up-to-$300 Equinox statement credit for eligible Equinox memberships (now available as an annual benefit rather than monthly credits). You also receive Uber VIP status and up to $200 in annual Uber Cash (split into monthly $15 credits for U.S. rides and Uber Eats orders plus a $20 bonus in December).

Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Finally, cardholders will enjoy enhanced earning rates on many travel purchases:

  • 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year).
  • 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel.
  • 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases.

And while the current welcome offer provides solid value, be sure to check the CardMatch Tool to see if you can receive an even higher one (offers are targeted and subject to change at any time).

Read our review of the American Express Platinum Card for more information.


Official application link: The Platinum Card® from American Express with 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.


The American Express Green Card

WYATT SMITH/THE POINTS GUY

The American Express Green Card provides a compelling offering in the mid-tier travel category. With 3 points per dollar on broader travel, restaurants and transit as well as annual statement credits for Clear and LoungeBuddy that more than cover its annual fee, the Green from Amex is a card that modern travelers should consider.

The earning rates and benefits of the American Express Green Card will be most attractive to young professionals and millennials (or millennials at heart) who travel for work, pleasure or both. The card earns 3 Membership Rewards points per dollar on travel, restaurants and transit, so you’ll want to consider this card if a large chunk of your budget goes toward these categories.

The Amex Green also offers annual up to $189 Clear Plus and up to $100 LoungeBuddy statement credits that can more than offset the $150 annual fee (see rates and fees) while making your time in the airport more efficient and relaxing. If you can utilize these statement credits, the card can easily be a worthwhile addition to your purse or wallet.

Read our review of the Amex Green for more information.


Official application link: Amex Green with 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first six months of card membership. Also, get 20% back on eligible travel and transit purchases in your first six months to earn up to $200 back.


Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

JOHN GRIBBEN/THE POINTS GUY

The Venture X card is Capital One’s premium rewards card and offers great earning rates and incredible perks.

Aside from a hefty welcome bonus of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months – worth about $1,388 according to our valuations thanks to Capital One’s excellent airline and hotel transfer partners – the card gives members up to $300 back in statement credits annually for bookings made through Capital One Travel and 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary, starting on their first anniversary (worth $100 toward travel, or $185 by our valuations).

As for earning rates, the Venture X racks up 10 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked via Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights booked via Capital One Travel, and an unlimited 2 miles per dollar on everything else.

Frequent travelers will also enjoy taking advantage of access to Capital One’s developing network of airport lounges as well as the ability to enroll for Priority Pass membership for entry into more than 1,300 lounge locations worldwide (though this no longer includes participating restaurants). It also added the ability to access Plaza Premium lounges worldwide in 2022 and launched The Premier Collection in 2023, giving cardmembers on-property perks at a curated set of luxury hotels.

Read our review of the Capital One Venture X card for more information.


Official application link: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card with 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.


Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

WYATT SMITH/THE POINTS GUY

The Venture Rewards packs a pretty good punch for a mid-tier credit card. It earns a flat 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases worldwide, but you can earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel. The miles you earn with this card can be transferred to Capital One’s 17 airline and three hotel partners or redeemed through the Capital One Travel portal.

The card stands out for offering an application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years; many other cards that offer this benefit have annual fees of $400 or more. This TSA PreCheck/Global Entry application fee credit alone is worth up to $100. When making everyday purchases, you may also get Warranty Manager Service which can be used for extended warranty protection. The Venture Rewards card doesn’t impose foreign transaction fees, so you can use the card overseas without accumulating extra charges.

Read our review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Card for more information.


Official application link: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card with 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.


Chase Sapphire Reserve

WYATT SMITH/THE POINTS GUY

This is one of the best premium credit cards available.

It earns a whopping 10 points per dollar on Lyft (through March 2025), Chase Dining booked through Ultimate Rewards, and hotel and car rental purchases through the Ultimate Rewards Travel portal. Cardholders also earn 5 points per dollar on airline travel booked through the Ultimate Rewards Travel portal, 3 points per dollar on travel (after using the $300 travel credit) and dining, and 1 point per dollar on everything else.

Chase defines travel and dining quite broadly, including everything from parking fees to Airbnb stays and food delivery orders. Perks of the card include a $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass membership, a $5 monthly DoorDash in-app credit (through December 2024), a complimentary DashPass membership and an impressive array of travel protections.

Read our review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve for more information.


Official application link: Chase Sapphire Reserve with 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.


Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

JOHN GRIBBEN/THE POINTS GUY

If you can’t justify a high annual fee or want a solid card with an appealing set of perks, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is an ideal fit. It earns 5 points per dollar on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 3 points per dollar on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out; 3 points per dollar on select streaming services; 3 points per dollar on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs); 2 points per dollar on all other travel; and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

The points you earn with this card can be transferred to Chase’s airline and hotel partners or redeemed for 1.25 cents each through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. Benefits include a $50 annual credit on hotel stays purchased through Ultimate Rewards, at least 12 months of DashPass membership (when activated by Dec. 31, 2024), primary rental car coverage, up to $500 in trip delay reimbursement if you’re delayed more than 12 hours or overnight, up to $10,000 in trip cancellation and interruption insurance and up to $100 per day for up to five days in baggage delay reimbursement if your bag is delayed more than six hours.

Read our review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred for more information.


Official application link: Chase Sapphire Preferred with 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.


American Express® Gold Card

WYATT SMITH/THE POINTS GUY

The Amex Gold card is a favorite of many TPG staffers thanks (in large part) to its terrific earning rates:

  • 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.)
  • 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year (1 point per dollar after that).
  • 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel.
  • 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

The card also offers up to $120 in annual credit for Uber rides and Uber Eats purchases and up to $120 in statement credits for select dining purchases (enrollment is required for select benefits) — all for a manageable annual fee of $250 (see rates and fees)

And while it’s not providing a limited-time bonus for new cardmembers, you can often find elevated welcome offers through the CardMatch tool. The card currently features a public welcome offer of 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. However, some new customers can earn a 75,000-point or even 90,000-point welcome offer via the CardMatch tool after meeting the same minimum spending requirements. Note that these elevated offers are targeted and subject to change at any time.

Alternatively, you can refer a friend through the Amex referral program — and when your friend applies for a new account by June 7, you can earn an additional +5 rewards per dollar (as either points or cash back, depending on the card) on eligible U.S. supermarket purchases for three months after they’re approved (starting from the first date the referred friend’s account is opened), on up to $25,000.

Additionally, new applicants for the Amex Gold through a referral link will be eligible for an up to $200 statement credit after reaching minimum spending requirements, on top of that card’s usual welcome offer.

Read our review of the American Express Gold Card for more information.


Official application link: American Express® Gold Card with 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first six months of card membership.


Southwest personal cards

JOHN GRESS MEDIA INC/SHUTTERSTOCK

All three personal of Southwest’s personal credit cards — the Rapid Rewards Plus, Rapid Rewards Premier and Rapid Rewards Priority — are currently sporting identical welcome offers: 60,000 bonus points plus a 30% off promo code after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. This is the first time Southwest has offered a promo code as part of a sign-up bonus on a credit card.

The code will appear directly in your Southwest.com account within eight weeks of meeting the spending requirement. It can be used — only once — on a single one-way or round-trip Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime and Business Select fare, and is available for use until October 31, 2024.

Given it is a single-use promo code, it would be best to save this for a more expensive ticket. You’ll get the biggest savings when using the code for round-trip travel and/or during peak travel periods like the summer or the holidays.

Read more about the three cards and this limited-time offer.


Official application link: Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus

Official application link: Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier

Official application link: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority


United Club Infinite Card

The United Club Infinite Card is the ideal card for United lounge access — bar none.

The United Club Infinite Card’s $525 annual fee sounds high until you factor in the United Club membership included with the card. Membership normally costs $650 per year for non-elite members.

In addition, one of the primary disadvantages of many airline credit cards is a low return on spending, even on branded purchases, as most airline cards only offer 2 or 3 points per dollar on airline purchases. But the United Club Infinite Card sets a new standard with an impressive 4 points per dollar on United purchases.

If you spend thousands of dollars on United flights each year, the United Club Infinite Card is worth considering.

Read our review of the United Club Infinite for more information.


Official application link: United Club Infinite with 80,000 bonus miles and 1,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Offer ends Aug. 9.


IHG Rewards Premier Business Card

THE POINTS GUY

New applicants for the IHG Rewards Premier Business card can earn 165,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.

Your bonus will come in the form of IHG points, which TPG values at half a cent each. Thus, this bonus is worth $825.

Generally speaking, you won’t get fantastic earning rates on most hotel credit cards — especially on broad categories like dining and groceries. That said, the IHG Premier Business card could be a solid option, especially at participating IHG properties.

When you use your card at IHG hotels and resorts, you’ll earn 10 points per dollar spent on your stay. This is in addition to the 10 base points that all IHG One Rewards members accrue at most participating brands. And since you have automatic Platinum Elite status with the card, that’ll give you another 60% bonus on top of the base points. When combined, that translates to a total of 26 points per dollar spent on most IHG stays — or a 13% return on spending, based on TPG’s valuations.

Beyond IHG purchases, cardholders of the IHG Premier Business will earn points at the following rates:

  • 5 points per dollar spent on travel, dining and gas purchases.
  • 5 points per dollar in select business categories, such as social media and search engine advertising and at office supply stores.
  • 3 points per dollar spent on all other purchases.

You’ll also receive a free night certificate (worth up to 40,000 points) every year when you renew your card and enjoy your fourth night free on award stays of four nights (or longer)

Read our full review of the IHG Rewards Premier Business for more information.


Official application link: IHG Rewards Premier Business card with 165,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.


Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

THE POINTS GUY

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card provides solid earnings at Hilton properties and automatic Hilton Gold elite status, which offers complimentary breakfast, increased earnings and space-available upgrades when you stay at Hilton properties.

Hilton Honors Gold status is one of the best mid-tier hotel loyalty statuses you can obtain. As a Hilton Gold elite member, you’ll get complimentary breakfast, space-available room upgrades and improved earnings when staying at Hilton brands. Luckily, you can easily earn and maintain Hilton Gold status since it is an automatic perk of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card.

The Hilton Surpass card is an ideal choice for those who stay at Hilton properties often and want a cobranded credit card with a modest annual fee and valuable perks.

Read our full review of the Hilton Surpass for more information.


Official application link: Hilton Surpass with 130,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $2,000 in purchases on the card in the first three months of cardmembership. Offer ends July 19.


*Bonus offer value is based on TPG valuations and not provided by issuers.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold card, click here.

For rates and fees of the Amex Green card, click here.

For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex Surpass, click here.

Additional reporting by Ryan Wilcox and Eric Rosen.

Source: thepointsguy.com

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