Check AmEx referral links to see if you can get this offer to show:
American Express is offering 200,000 points after $15,000 in spend on the American Express Business Gold card.
The card also has a 0% intro APR for 6 months.
Card Details
$375 annual fee, not waived first year.
$240 flexible business credit. Up to $20 in statement credits each month after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores
$12.95 monthly Walmart+ credit.
Card earns 4x points on the two categories your business spends the most each billing cycle, from the following list (up to $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year):
Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S
U.S. purchases at restaurants
U.S. purchases for advertising in select media
U.S. purchases at gas stations
U.S. computer hardware, software, and cloud computing purchases made directly from select providers
3x points on AmEx Travel
Our Verdict
This is an amazing offer if you can get it to show. People are talking about certain referral links being 200k, but in reality I think it might depend more on the user who use opens the link (depending on location, etc).
No referral links or sharing in the comments below.
The Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa is an icon in Waikiki, a beachfront neighborhood in Honolulu popular amongst tourists. In fact, it was the first hotel in Waikiki Beach. Walking through the lobby of the hotel, which first opened its doors in 1901, feels like stepping into a bygone era. Much of the elegant architecture remains — and of course, so do the ocean views.
The sprawling courtyard, shaded by a massive, 100-year-old banyan tree, is a delightful spot for an afternoon mai tai as you soak up the Hawaiian sunshine. And the Moana Surfrider breakfast — held on a wraparound porch overlooking the water — is divine.
(Photo by Sally French)
But here’s the thing — anyone can visit the bar or restaurant, whether they’re a hotel guest or not. So do the rooms make it worth staying at the hotel? Or, would you be better off staying at another hotel on an Oahu vacation and simply popping over to the Moana Surfrider for a meal or drink?
Here’s our review of the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa:
The Moana Surfrider location
The Moana Surfrider’s beachfront location is top-notch. It offers direct access to Waikiki Beach, steps away from the ocean.
(Photo by Sally French)
The opposite side of the hotel lines Kalakaua Avenue, which is Honolulu’s main shopping street. The prime location means it’s bustling with people, both outside the hotel and on the beach.
Speaking of cars, though, you might not want a rental car in Honolulu given this hotel’s central location, proximity to public transportation and expensive parking rates. The Moana Surfrider parking fee is $65 daily for valet, which is the only option.
There’s also no free airport shuttle sadly, so you’ll have to book a shuttle or rideshare if you forgo a rental car.
Moana Surfrider rooms
(Photo by Sally French)
Moana Surfrider rooms with an ocean view are exceptional; the best rooms offer a panorama that includes both the ocean and Diamond Head, which is a volcanic tuff cone that now stands out as one of the most iconic natural landmarks on Oahu. However, these rooms tend to cost about $200 or more per night as an upcharge for the view.
(Photo by Sally French)
Aside from the view, the rooms are somewhat forgettable and a bit dated. Here’s a look at a Tower room with a king bed and Diamond Head vista:
(Photo by Sally French)
Beds are comfy, but nothing to rave about.
(Photo by Sally French)
The in-room coffee maker is a nice touch.
(Photo by Sally French)
Bathrooms typically feature a tub, though it’s not an oversized tub you’d necessarily want to soak in for a long time.
Rooms also have amenities including a mini fridge and hair dryer.
Key amenities at the Moana Surfrider
The Moana Surfrider charges a $42 daily resort fee, but there are a fair amount of amenities that potentially make the resort fee feel more worth it.
(Photo by Sally French)
The Moana Surfrider pool offers ocean views.
(Photo by Sally French)
The gym is good, but not amazing. Its low ceilings feel a bit cramped, but the cardio machines that face Kalakaua Avenue offer a nice view. There are dumbbells, weight machines and other small pieces of strength equipment like plyometric boxes.
Other, employee-led activities or classes vary by day but include yoga, hula dancing, lei making, a historical hotel tour and a traditional sunrise ceremony.
The resort fee also covers a few extras like a complimentary shopping tote bag and GoPro camera rental.
Moana Lani Spa, a Heavenly Spa by Westin
(Photo by Sally French)
There’s one key amenity that’s not included in the resort fee: Moana Lani Spa. As is usually the case with resort spas, services like facials and massages come at an additional cost. The Moana Surfrider spa is unique in that it’s Waikiki’s only oceanfront spa.
Moana Surfrider restaurants
The Moana Surfrider has one main restaurant serving breakfast, dinner and afternoon tea. There’s also a beach bar, a cafe, a coffee shop and a cocktail lounge.
Dining on the wraparound porch
For a fancier meal, head to the Moana Surfrider’s wraparound porch facing the water. That porch moonlights as a few different restaurants, depending on the time of day.
Veranda at the Moana for breakfast
In the morning, it’s called the Veranda at the Moana. You can choose to dine either buffet-style or order a la carte. Menu items embrace Hawaiian flavors, including the hearty loco moco (a Hawaiian dish of rice, hamburger patty, gravy and egg) and the mango pancakes served with lilikoi curd (lilikoi is the Hawaiian word for passion fruit).
(Photo by Sally French)
If you are committed to dining here, it can make sense to upgrade to the buffet, which offers one of the best brunches in Waikiki. It costs about $10 more than ordering entrees individually, but it entails an all-you-can-eat version of many items on the a la carte menu. Rather than decide between mochiko (local rice flour) waffles, Moana pancakes or an omelet, you might just try it all.
(Photo by Sally French)
Moana Surfrider afternoon tea
After breakfast, the space turns into the site for afternoon tea. Prices for Moana Surfrider tea start at $73 per adult and $37 per child. There, you’ll sip on island flavors like Hawaiian coconut or passion orange guava tea. Treats include tropical sorbet.
Beachhouse at the Moana
At night, that same wraparound porch becomes Beachhouse at the Moana. The white tablecloth restaurant serves fancy fare including steak and seafood.
Other standout dining at the Moana Surfrider
(Photo by Sally French)
The Beach Bar at Moana Surfrider: For casual dining with a stellar atmosphere, consider The Beach Bar. Menu items include poke, burgers and salad. The big draw is the live entertainment — typically ukulele — performed under the famous Moana Surfrider banyan tree.
(Photo by Sally French)
Vintage 1901: For drinks indoors, Vintage 1901 is one of the most charming bars in Waikiki. It’s primarily a wine bar, though other drinks include cocktails with local liquors. Located in the lobby, the bar stands out for its live piano music.
(Photo by Sally French)
Honolulu Coffee: The Moana Surfrider also hosts an outpost of Honolulu Coffee, which is a local coffee chain. Be aware that the lines can get long.
Who is the Moana Surfrider best for?
Travelers who want the best location: If you prioritize being within walking distance of major attractions, restaurants and shopping, then the Moana Surfrider is one of the best hotels in Waikiki. Direct access to Waikiki Beach is convenient, and the beachfront pool is delightful if you’d rather swim in a pool than the ocean.
(Photo by Sally French)
People who appreciate a historic property with charm: Known as the “First Lady of Waikiki,” the property is the first hotel on Waikiki Beach. The property goes a long way to acknowledge its history, including a museum on the second floor plus biweekly historic tours.
Who should skip the Moana Surfrider?
People who prioritize value over the view: Moana Surfrider rooms are impressive primarily because of the views, but you only get a view if you’re willing to splurge. If you’re the kind of person who ends up booking the cheapest available room, you’re better off booking a room without a view at a different hotel.
(Photo by Sally French)
Those travelers might be better off at properties like the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, which is also a Marriott Bonvoy property. Though it’s not waterfront, that hotel is located just across the street from the Moana Surfrider, providing tourists a similarly central location (albeit a walk across the street to get to the water). Prices vary by night, but NerdWallet found some examples where the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani was going for nearly 50% less on the same night than the Moana Surfrider across the street.
Travelers seeking peace and calm: The lobby, wraparound porch and outdoor space under the banyan tree draw tourists who aren’t staying at the Moana Surfrider, which means the lobby and porch might be packed with a lot more than just hotel guests. If you’re seeking a quiet getaway, you might find the Moana Surfrider overwhelming.
(Photo by Sally French)
Booking the Moana Surfrider
(Photo by Sally French)
One of the best ways to earn Marriott points and free night certificates is through Marriott credit cards.
Top cards for Marriott stays
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
Annual fee
Rewards
• 6 points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
• 4 points per $1 on up to $15,000 a year in combined purchases at grocery stores and on dining.
• 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• 6 points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
• 4 points per $1 on up to $15,000 a year in combined purchases at U.S. supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S).
• 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
• 6 points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
• 3 points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines.
• 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
• 6 points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
• 4 points per $1 on worldwide dining, U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
• 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
Elite status benefits
• Gold Elite status, plus 15 Elite Night credits each year toward Platinum Elite status.
• Gold Elite status, plus 15 Elite Night credits each year toward Platinum Elite status.
Terms apply.
• Platinum Elite Status and 25 Elite Night credits per year.
Terms apply.
• Gold Elite status, plus 15 Elite Night credits each year toward Platinum Elite status.
Terms apply.
Welcome offer
Earn 85,000 Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.
Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Earn 3 Free Night Awards after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Each Free Night Award has a redemption level up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points, for a total potential value of up to 150,000 points, at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees. Terms apply.
Learn more
Another good booking option is to reserve through The Edit by Chase. If you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you can use either Chase points or cash to book from a curated collection of luxury hotels worldwide and get added benefits including daily breakfast for two, an $100 property credit and space-available room upgrades.
And unlike many other travel portals, The Edit is an official Marriott booking channel, meaning you can earn rewards from both the hotel and Chase for a stay booked through The Edit. Compare prices though before booking.
To view rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, please visit this page.
To view rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, see this page.
Update 7/13/24: Showing up in app with no lifetime language.
Update 6/20/24: This is working for more people again.
Update 5/24/24: There is a direct link you can try, YMMV as always when using these links as there is always a risk of shut down.
The Offer
No direct link to offer, sent out via e-mail. Subject line is ‘<name>, maximize your value on everyday business spending’
American Express is offering 150,000 points after $10,000 in spend on the American Express Business Gold card
Card Details
$375 annual fee, not waived first year.
$240 flexible business credit. Up to $20 in statement credits each month after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores
$12.95 monthly Walmart+ credit.
Card earns 4x points on the two categories your business spends the most each billing cycle, from the following list (up to $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year):
Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S
U.S. purchases at restaurants
U.S. purchases for advertising in select media
U.S. purchases at gas stations
U.S. computer hardware, software, and cloud computing purchases made directly from select providers
3x points on AmEx Travel
Our Verdict
This looks to bypass pop up jail so should be able to get the bonus even if you’ve had the card before, but that might be YMMV. Good deal if targeted, especially if you’ve already had the card before.
Update 5/23/24: Deal is back and valid until 7/10/2024
The Offer
Direct link to offer
American Express is offering a sign up bonus of five free nights (up to 50,000 points per night) Marriott Bonvoy Business Card after spending $8,000 within 6 months.
Offer ends 7/10/2024.
Card Details
Anniversary free night award up to 35,000 points (this is a free night certificate that can be used on properties costing up to 35,000 points)
$125 annual fee (not waived first year)
Card earns at the following rates:
Six Marriott rewards points per dollar spent at participating hotels
Four Marriott rewards points per dollar spent at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping
Two points per dollar spent on all other purchases
Marriott Gold status
7% discount on rooms
Receive 15 nights towards elite status
Premium in room internet access at participating properties
No foreign transaction fees
Can only get the bonus once per lifetime
Our Verdict
Excellent offer. Previous bonus in November 2023 was three free nights. Prior offers were 100k-125k points or 125k + two free night certificates.
Offer is available via referrals as well. No referrals in the comments below. Check out these Things To Know about American Express credit card before applying. We’ll add this to our list of Best Credit Card Signup Bonuses.
Some of the best budgeting methods include proportional budgeting, zero-based budgeting, and reverse budgeting.
This article was originally published on Arrest Your Debt and has been republished here with permission.
A budget method sets out how an individual, company, or organization plans to spend money over time. Budgeting for beginners can be an extensive process, but a failure to budget is a quick path to long-lasting debt problems.
Multiple budgeting methods address different needs—some people might only need to set a budget for a specific purchase, while others might be looking for long-term financial strategies. Here, we’ll explore several different budgeting methods and valuable personal finance resources to help you address future financial questions.
The Traditional Budgeting Method
The traditional way to budget is rooted in the business and corporate world. Those who are willing to invest the time can use this method to handle their personal finances.
With this method, you study the income and expense figures from a previous month or year to help you plan out an upcoming period. You subtract the expenses from your take-home income, the funds in your checking account, or cash in your savings account. With this method, you’ll also need to account for inflation and any significant changes to your income.
Track Your Expenses
Check with your bank for options to get spending reports, and use banking apps to help streamline this process. You can then update your expenses daily or weekly for the most accurate results.
This type of accounting helps you understand what you’ve brought in, what you’ve spent, and what you have left each period. You can then decide where you may need to trim spending—especially if you find that your funds are running low each month. For example, you might see opportunities to lower food expenses by:
Using store-label or generic brand groceries rather than national name brands
Cooking more and eating out less
Opting for water instead of sodas at the restaurant
Change Your Shopping Habits
Switching up your shopping habits based on sales and price hikes is an excellent way to save money. Some common habits to target include:
Driving less can help lower your monthly gas or EV charging expenses.
Ordering online, especially if you can avoid shipping and handling charges.
Purchase foods that can serve multiple meals to reduce the time and money spent at grocery stores.
Wait to grab extra supplies until you’re already commuting from work or running errands.
Zero-Based Budgeting Method: AKA Zero-Sum Budget
In this approach, you give a task to every dollar you bring home. Since you account for every dollar of income, you should not have any money left over in your budget at the end of the month.
Here, you don’t simply rely upon expense categories. However, you would identify specific categories for food spending and then set funds aside for that distinct purpose.
Below is an example of a zero-based budgeting system for a particular month:
Total Monthly Income: $3,000.00
(-) Expenses:
Rent – $700.00
Electrical – $100.00
Water – $50.00
Cable and Internet – $175.00
Wireless/Cell Phone – $200.00
Grocery Shopping – $400.00
Dine out – $75.00
Car Payment – $200.00
Gasoline – $200.00
Car Insurance – $150.00
Credit Card 1 – $75.00
Credit Card 2 – $100.00
Doctor’s Visit – $25.00
Church Offering – $100.00
Deposit to Savings Account – $450.00
(=) $0 leftover after paying all expenses
You have all of your $3,000 in take-home pay allocated to various expenses and items in this example.
The zero-based method might not involve as much detail and time as you think. Remember that you have many fixed expenses such as mortgage or rent, car payments, and phone or cable bills. If one-time expenses crop up that are high priority, you can briefly pull funds from non-essential items.
Proportional Budgeting Systems
In a proportional budget, you devote a certain amount of your monthly income to specific categories. Unlike the zero-based method, you focus less on specific items. Instead, general areas of expenses guide the budgeting process.
The 50/30/20 Budget Method
The 50/20/30 method calls for you to reserve 50% of your funds for fixed expenses (i.e. rent & car notes), 20% for emergencies, long-term savings goals, and paying extra on your debts. The remaining 30% can then go to your wants.
Suppose you have a monthly after-tax income of $3,000. In the 50/20/30 budget, you distribute your money as follows:
(50%) Essentials: $1,500
(20%) Savings, Retirement, Emergency-Fund: $600
(30%) Discretionary: $900
The 50/30/20 helps you keep long-term savings in mind, but it might not be effective if your income is low and inflation is high. When the cost of living increases, it’s easy for the essential budget to exceed 50% of your monthly income.
The 60/40 Budgeting Style
The one-time MSN Money Editor-in-Chief Richard Jenkins developed another proportional budget. In the 60/40 approach, you spend 60% of your net income on committed expenses. This categorization of spending includes mandatory expenses and non-essentials to which you commit.
You then dedicate savings and money that might not have any utility beyond “fun” to the remaining 40%. Ideally, you can distribute these funds in 10% increments across three 401(k) or retirement plans, including a tax-free account. In developing his budgeting plan, Jenkins expressed a strong preference for saving well above the recommended 5% of income.
With enough income and the ability to shave expenses from your committed expenses, you might reach significant savings goals and future spending power in a few years.
Proportional Budgets for Would-Be Homeowners
If you plan to buy a home, your monthly debt payments should not exceed 43% of gross (pretax) monthly income. In calculating this debt-to-income ratio, you include car loans, student loans, credit card debt, and the anticipated monthly mortgage payment in debt. For example, your debt payments should stay at or below $2,580 per month on a monthly gross income of $6,000.
Also, consider the cost of maintaining your home. Some financial or home experts suggest budgeting 1% of your home’s price for maintenance. Other advisors include maintenance costs with mortgage payments and suggest that your housing costs do not exceed one-fourth of your income.
Reverse Budgeting: AKA Pay Yourself First Budget
Reverse budgeting makes saving the top priority. Most budgets have you start with mandatory expenses such as debt payments, food, and utilities. When you put the budget in reverse, you first decide how much to save and then set funds aside for your other expenses.
Reverse budgets should include a mixture of short-term and long-term savings goals. If you’re planning to buy a home or car or save a certain amount for college or retirement, start the process by estimating the cost of the particular benchmark.
Envelope Budget AKA Cash Envelope Method
Many budgeting techniques focus on determining how much to spend on particular categories depending on your financial goals. With the cash envelope system, you’re mentally forcing yourself into a planned spending limit.
Specifically, you label envelopes according to spending categories. Your take-home pay goes into particular envelopes based on your budget for each category. To that end, you might use some of the methods we’ve discussed, especially a proportional budget method, to decide how to allocate the money.
As you want or need to pay for something, you take money out of the envelope for that category and pay for the items with cash. Once you have emptied the envelope, you no longer spend on that category. With discipline and commitment, you resist the urge to borrow from another category.
Calendar Budgeting
Calendar budgeting encourages you to base your spending on your paydays and your monthly due dates. For example, if you get paid on the first and the fifteenth of each month, you would mark down those days on your budget along with the amount you expect to receive.
Next, you can mark down each fixed payment that will be due during your payment periods. If you receive $1,500 on the first and you have an $80 smartphone payment due on the 10th, you’ll want to jot down $1,500-$80 on your budget. Knowing how to read your paycheck stub is vital to effectively using this method.
Value Proposition Budgeting
Value proposition budgeting, also called “priority-based budgeting,” prompts people to measure the importance of every item they spend money on. The more integral an expense is, the more it’s justifiable if a large percentage of your budget is spent on it.
Businesses and entrepreneurs might favor this method, as it illustrates which expenses are worth their weight in revenue and which you can trim down. Using this method before applying for small business loans can also help you stay within your limit.
Budgeting Methods FAQ
A lot of questions can surface when you’re building out a budget. Here are some of the most common questions we’ve encountered.
What is the best budgeting model?
Budgeting isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, so there isn’t one model that beats the rest. It helps to learn about as many different budgeting strategies as possible to help you construct a plan that suits your specific needs.
The following information will highlight some of the most prominent budgeting methods people use. However, incorporating ideas and budgeting categories from multiple different methods is also a fantastic strategy.
What Things Do I Need to Include in My Budget?
Excel spreadsheets, Google Sheets, a printable monthly budget template, or a budgeting app can all help you account for your income and expenses. Start by listing your take-home pay and other income you received in a given period. If you’re basing the budget on a year, find your W-2 form and subtract all of the taxes withheld from the gross income. As an easier approach, use your final pay stub for the calendar year or total the paystubs in the particular previous month.
Next, list your common expenses for each month. You might have debt payments such as mortgage, car, student loan debt, and credit cards. Other categories of expenses include transportation, food, clothing, utilities, entertainment, television, and other media and insurance.
Build a Better Budget with Credit.com
The budgeting method that works best for you is a personal preference and depends on your financial situation, goals, and ability to be detail-oriented. Whatever you use to create your budget, budgeting should enhance your financial literacy, help you find approaches to debt repayment and other financial goals, and afford you discipline and structure in your spending habits.
A successful budget involves total buy-in and a belief that you can achieve financial independence and finally fix your debt payoff problems. Choose one of these simple budgeting methods to take control of your financial future and reduce your overall money stress.
Check out Credit.com’s guide for managing debt if you need help recovering from a financial setback. When you’ve got the funds, our investing guide can help you learn more ways to strategically increase your income.
Folks on Reddit report that American Express has now added terms to exclude Google Fi from counting as the Wireless category. This matters for things like the $10 Amex Business Platinum credit and for the 4x earn on the Business Gold.
Any purchases from Google Fi, third parties, authorized retailers or resellers are excluded. (Terms link)
From the statement: “Effective June 21, 2024, Google Fi is not an eligible US wireless provider and purchases of Google Fi will not be eligible for additional rewards or statement credits under the wireless rewards category”
From what I gather, it hasn’t worked in a while, and needed manual application to get credit. Going forward it’s less likely we’ll be able to get manual credit given it being clearly excluded.
Amazon Prime Day is July 16-17. It’s like Black Friday, but in July and with less burden to buy for others.
Some people may already have holiday gift-buying in mind, but most are likely shopping for themselves, says Jane Boyd Thomas, a professor of marketing at Winthrop University.
More emphasis from retailers on summer deals has shifted trends on Google. “In recent years, searches for ‘deals’ have spiked in mid-July, even surpassing search interest in ‘vacation,’” said Sean Scott, vice president and general manager of consumer shopping at Google, in a blog announcing Google’s enhanced shopping tools. Its updated “deals destination” is intended to make it easier to shop for deals across retailers in one place.
Whether you start on Amazon or Google, the key is to nab deals on planned purchases over impulse buys. Keep this list in mind as you decide what to buy (or skip) on Prime Day.
Buy: Electronics
Thomas says electronics will be the best category for Prime Day deals, which will likely include Apple products. She chuckled when mentioning an Apple Pencil she recently paid full price for ($129.99), only to hear later that it’ll likely be cheaper on Prime Day. In fact, it is $79 on Amazon at the time of this writing, before Prime Day. AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) ear buds were down to $189.99 in late June (Apple’s price is $249, but Amazon regularly sells them for $199), and could go lower during the sale.
Select models of TVs, soundbars, speakers and other headphones should see deep discounts too. Amazon is already touting an invite-only deal of up to 40% off Sony wireless headphones. But be mindful that limited quantities on the hottest products could mean you have to act quickly.
My experience: I dropped the “bar” last Prime Day. I had coveted a particular model of Sony soundbar that normally sells for about $300 all year long. I saved it and waited for the price to drop. On Prime Day, it went down $100. But instead of getting it, I hesitated for a few hours, and when I decided to buy it, it was not only out of stock on Amazon but also at other retailers. I settled for a similarly priced but inferior model.
This year’s sale starts promptly at 12:01 a.m. PDT on July 16 and ends at 11:59 p.m. PDT on July 17. The specific start and end times motivate people to buy on whim for fear of missing out, says Thomas.
But you can prep for Prime Day now, by making a list and checking your budget, to avoid overspending at crunch time.
Before you build a budget
NerdWallet breaks down your spending and shows you ways to save.
Buy: Car seats and strollers
Prime Day is likely to bring good deals on baby gear. NerdWallet monitored prices on a handful of popular products during every major sale of 2023. The Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat we tracked went on sale often, but hit its lowest observed price during last year’s July Prime Day, coming in at $139.99. It’s $199.99 on Amazon at the time of this writing.
Thomas, a new grandmother, needs to get equipped to drive her granddaughter around.
The car seat base she needs typically goes for around $160, she says. “I’m going to put it in my wish list and set alerts, which you can do with Amazon, to let me know when it goes on sale,” she adds.
Strollers, cribs, pack-and-plays and other typically pricey baby products could hit lows during Prime Day. Last year, for example, the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 All-Terrain Stroller was 40% off during Amazon’s sale.
Buy or skip: Amazon devices
Buying an Amazon device during Amazon’s biggest sale of the year is a no-brainer, but only if you’re in the market for one. Fire tablets and TV sticks, Kindles and Echo devices are all likely to be discounted. And many of the gadgets Amazon makes are pretty well-reviewed.
Of course, you can also wait. The next big Prime sale, which should come in October, is all but certain to bring similar prices on Amazon’s own tech.
My experience. I skipped both the July Prime Day and October Prime Big Deal Days last year and still got a great deal on the latest Echo Show 8 (3rd gen) smart display device, which wasn’t released until late in the year. I ordered mine on Dec. 28, 2023, for $60 off the normal price. It’s a good reminder that products are often refreshed and prices are constantly in flux.
Buy: Toys
If you are prepared enough to put a gift list together in July and have kids to buy for, sensory-type creative toys can be a good way to go. One of the best Prime Day deals NerdWallet spotted last year was on the Magna-Tiles Classic 100-Piece Set. Kids love them, and the set went down to $82.99 on Prime Day. The same set is $119.50 on Amazon at the time of this writing.
Thomas says Amazon is inclined to mark down already hot sellers to draw people in.
“I would look at things like gifts for children, scooters, Lego sets because those are things that are pretty steady sellers year-round for them,” she says.
Buy or skip: Small appliances
Kitchen gadgets are fair game for deals on Prime Day, but NerdWallet’s research shows Cyber Monday is better for deals on small appliances like air fryers, mixers and coffee makers. And for these items especially, don’t let Amazon be your only stop. Target, Walmart, Best Buy and other retailers will compete.
You could also wait and stumble upon a deal later, if you’re not quite ready to buy.
My experience: While at a friend’s house for dinner late last year, I couldn’t help but notice the side-by-side Instant Vortex Plus 6-quart XL Air Fryers they were using to cook the meal. The food was good, and the stainless look was slick. I got home, opened Amazon and saw the same model going for $74.15, about $55 off the normal price. I nabbed it on Nov. 5, 2023, a random Sunday. Moral of the story: good sales happen throughout the year if you’re not ready to buy now.
Nerdy reminders about online shopping
Doing the necessary product and price research should be second nature by now, but here’s a refresher on how to e-shop smartly.
Know the going rate: If you’re shopping on Amazon, it’s quick and easy to use a price-tracking site like camelcamelcamel to check the price history over time. Paste the Amazon URL in the camelcamelcamel search bar to view lowest-ever, highest-ever, current and average price.
Set your pounce price: Once you know the lowest price and how often the item is discounted, you can use your budget to set a price threshold. Once the price drops below that line, you’ve given yourself permission to buy.
Save it for later and set alerts: Set alerts to take the effort out of tracking prices. In the Amazon app, you can set deal alerts for items of interest by going to the account section, scrolling down to “message center” and tapping deal alerts.
Google it before you get it, or search “shop deals”: Amazon may be the loudest, but other retailers will quietly compete with Prime Day. A quick Google search of the specific product you’re after will let you compare prices, but you can go deeper with Google’s new “deals destination.” Type the words “shop deals” into the search bar to view a carousel of products with recent price drops from across the web. Click on the product to view its typical price range based on averages over the past 90 days.
Shopping online is easier than ever, and there are tricks and tools that can definitely help you save. But there’s also a time-consuming and inescapable nature of online shopping. As we hit the peak of summer, don’t let chasing the best deal keep you from things that matter most. Those things are probably free anyway.
Get more financial clarity with NerdWallet
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In the era of remote work, having a functional and inspiring home office has become more important than ever. However, not everyone has the luxury of a spacious room to dedicate solely to work.
Designing a home office in a small space can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it’s entirely possible to create an efficient and comfortable workspace, whether that’s in your apartment in Orlando, your rental home in New York, or your home in San Francisco. Here are some tips, tricks, and ideas to help you maximize your small space and design a home office that boosts productivity and enhances well-being.
Create the perfect home office in a small space
“Make small changes at a time, test it to see what works, and adjust accordingly. Start small and build up, and keep a wishlist of desired products or features that you can iterate towards, little by little,” states Jose Munoz. “It’s important to remember that the setup will never be perfect or finished. No matter how much you improve it, you will see someone else’s setup and think, ‘Oh, I wish I had that.’ Enjoy the process, make it unique, and work for you.”
1. Choose the right spot
The first step in designing a small home office is finding the right spot. This could be a corner in your living room, a nook under the stairs, or even a closet. The key is to choose a location that minimizes distractions, offers enough privacy for focused work, and inspires you and your work.
“To me, the most important thing about a home office is to make it inviting, bright, and inspiring!” Katie Gardner with The Occassio Collective shares. “Pick the room with the most windows for plenty of daylight.”
2. Optimize vertical space
When floor space is limited, look up. Marcy with The Unpopular Mom recommends taking advantage of vertical space to in turn save space. “Create a space that will help to increase your productivity, your focus, and your drive,” Marcy shares. “Floating shelves can help save space and give more options when selecting your workspace.” By using vertical space, you can choose corners for office spaces. “Build a desk into the nook in the corner of the room, as little work nooks can be a very productive area,” Marcy explains.
3. Multifunctional furniture
In small spaces, furniture needs to be multifunctional. “Create a dual-purpose room to carve out an office space in your home,” Dawn Stewart with Crafidly recommends. “Any room can pull double duty without looking overstuffed with the right furniture and storage. A fold-out desk and a chic sideboard cabinet for storage may be all you need to add an office nook to your family room or bedroom.”
Multifunctional furniture is important for saving space too. “For a small home office, especially when working remotely, choose furniture that saves space and serves multiple purposes,” echoes Nguyen Le, marketing lead for Esevel Marketing. “Pick a small desk with built-in storage to keep your items organized. Consider a wall-mounted desk to free up floor space and make the room feel bigger. Use a foldable chair that you can store away when not in use. Add wall shelves to keep your workspace tidy and efficient. These tips help you stay organized and productive in a small space.”
4. Declutter, organize, and keep it simple
It’s especially important to not overcrowd the space, especially when crafting a small home office. “After working from home for the last six years, the biggest workspace realization I’ve had is that simplicity creates productivity,” Abby Flynn notes. “If you’re anything like me, you’ve been tempted to walk down the office supply aisle and purchase every little knick-knack and organizer for your home office. (It’s tax-deductible, right?!) But at the end of the day, a clean, simplistic home office with a few key pieces that inspire you will actually help you to do your best work,” Flynn explains.
In the same vein, a clutter-free workspace is essential for productivity. “In a small space, less is more,” Brittney Gaddis notes. “We find that clutter makes it difficult to think creatively. Stick with a clean space without a lot of knickknacks. If you are one to like lots of things, find organized ways to house them, such as on shelving around your office space that get them out of the way.”
Nikki Cox echoes this sentiment sharing that intentionality behind your office design assists in keeping your space clutter-free. “In my opinion, the most important thing you can do when decorating a small office space is to declutter what you are planning on putting in there,” Cox explains. “Intentionally choosing items that will add value to your workspace and omitting those that don’t. This alone will significantly reduce the need for lots of elaborate storage solutions and allow you to focus on creating systems for the things that truly matter.”
5. Tech-savvy solutions
Incorporate technology that saves space and improves efficiency. Wireless devices, such as a keyboard and mouse, can reduce cable clutter. A compact printer or an all-in-one device can save valuable desk space as well.
6. Creative storage solutions
Think outside the box when it comes to storage. “If your home office is short on square footage, think of your wall space as the backdrop to a storage haven,” The Working Stay at Home Mom recommends. “There are hundreds of clever wall storage solutions available that can help keep your workspace looking organized and stylish. However, keep in mind that the area in your peripheral vision should be free of clutter when looking at your screen. Too much visual stimulation can lead to a loss of focus and ultimately trample on your productivity.”
7. Flexible layouts
Flexibility is key in a small home office. Opt for furniture on wheels or lightweight pieces that can be easily rearranged. This allows you to adapt your workspace as your needs change.
“Working in a smaller space like an RV has taught me the value of optimizing every inch,” shares Tina Goyzueta. “I set up an outdoor tent equipped with a comfortable chair and table, creating a perfect workspace in nature’s embrace. Additionally, I rely on a versatile lap desk that allows me to work from virtually anywhere, be it inside the RV or while enjoying the great outdoors,” Goyzueta notes. “This flexibility not only boosts my productivity but also ensures I have a refreshing change of scenery whenever I need it.”
8. Don’t sacrifice style
There’s no reason you can’t make the most of a small office while keeping it a space tailored to you and your preferences. “Create a focal point with your desk space, allowing any adjacent zones to complement it in usability and design,” Jennifer with Our Blog Life shares. “Focus on functional items that double as decor, investing in items that solve an organizational problem while adding to your aesthetic. Add houseplants wherever you can — the benefits are endless.”
Crafting your perfect small-space home office
Designing a home office in a small space requires creativity and careful planning, but it’s entirely achievable. By using multifunctional furniture, keeping the area organized, and getting creative with storage solutions, you can create a workspace that is both functional and inspiring. With these expert tips, tricks, and ideas, you can transform even the smallest corner of your home into a thriving workspace.
Wesley Masters works on Redfin’s stellar Content Marketing team as a content writing specialist. She has been with Rent. since 2023 and her previous experiences include non-profit communications, graphic design, and content creation. Wesley lives in Atlanta, GA, and loves outdoor walks, hanging out with her loved ones, and finding new recipes to try on Pinterest. Her ideal home is a brownstone with contemporary interiors.
Taking off from the Zayed International Airport’s recently opened Terminal A in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, was a special treat, especially considering I was flying on an Airbus A350-1000 in Etihad Airways’ business class, which offered sliding doors at each seat.
From on demand a la carte dining to a new triple-level lounge in the airport, traveling aboard Etihad, one of the national airlines of the UAE, is a unique way to learn about Emirati culture while also enjoying top-notch service.
Etihad’s many partnerships with other airlines puts award flights more easily within reach for those who want to redeem their points and miles. Here is what to expect when traveling business class with Etihad.
The airport experience
Etihad offers chauffeur service in Abu Dhabi for business class passengers, which was easy to book online. My personal driver arrived right on time to take me from my city-center hotel to the new terminal. The driver dropped me off at the business class check-in area, which was bright and airy.
(Photo by Ramsey Qubein)
There was a short wait, and an agent from the first class check-in area flagged me over to check me in. All in all, check-in took two minutes. In addition, there were comfortable seating areas and even refreshments to enjoy before heading through security.
(Photo by Ramsey Qubein)
Terminal A, which just opened in November 2023, is bright and airy. It showcases enormous windows and an undulating roof sculpture that looks like the shape of the region’s desert sand dunes.
After a little shopping, I made my way to the terminal’s new Etihad business class lounge, which has three floors.
Etihad business lounge in Abu Dhabi
Once I arrived at the Etihad Airways lounge for business class passengers, I asked the friendly check-in agent which floor they recommended and made my way to the suggested top floor. A full-service bar and buffet setup proved an interesting way to pass the time.
My flight was departing at 3:05 a.m., which was a difficult time to stay awake for, but surprisingly, I was hungry and helped myself to the large selection of salads and curries on offer. When it was time to board, there was no extra security check, and I was in my seat in minutes.
The business class seat
The 1-2-1 layout in Etihad’s business class meant the seats have spacious side counters and wireless charging surfaces, which worked brilliantly.
(Photo by Ramsey Qubein)
Several storage compartments allowed me to keep my belongings in order, and the enormous touch-screen monitor in front had a wide range of movies and TV shows. Even with a flight duration of 14 hours and 30 minutes, I had barely enough time to even scratch the surface of entertainment options.
(Photo courtesy of Etihad Airways)
The best part of the seat was the sliding privacy door that was unlocked by the crew after takeoff. This keeps movement in the aisle from disturbing passengers while trying to rest. I kept mine closed most of the flight except when eating.
(Photo by Ramsey Qubein)
Waiting near my seat was a large pillow, padded seat cover, blanket and beige Acqua di Parma amenity kit. It had hand lotion, lip balm, eyeshades and socks. Cushioned noise-reducing headphones were wrapped in a compartment to one side with a bottle of water.
I appreciated how often the crew offered to refill my water bottle, as I prefer to stay hydrated in flight.
Meal service
Etihad offers a dine-on-demand service, and I struggled to decide when I wanted to eat and when I wanted to sleep.
Not wanting to miss out, I decided to try a light snack after takeoff and ordered the Arabic mezze with a glass of Chardonnay plus an acai bowl for dessert.
Just what you want at 4 a.m., right?
(Photo by Ramsey Qubein)
It was quite tasty, and I liked how my flight attendant brought out a bowl of warm nuts before serving my food.
After the light snack, I reclined my seat into bed mode and slept for four hours. My plan was to sleep for eight or nine hours and then have a larger meal before landing, but I could not stay asleep.
So what do you do on an Etihad flight when you can’t sleep? Eat again!
I went to the galley to see if there were snacks available. Sure enough, a display of potato chips, chocolate bars and fruit was laid out. I grabbed a few snacks and informed the flight attendant I also wanted to order something more substantial.
Another glass of wine soon arrived along with a tray of lentil soup and a side salad. It was served at the perfect temperature and with a slice of lemon to squeeze onto it.
After this, my next course arrived, Indian paneer curry. Other options on the menu included a roasted chicken dish and local Emirati grouper fish.
(Photo by Ramsey Qubein)
Etihad has a new partnership with Armani Casa to supply its cutlery, dishes and glassware from the brand. It was very elegant and had the appearance of a fine restaurant.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Interestingly, Etihad uses trays in business class rather than putting the dishes one by one on the table like its peers. Still, this made the service more efficient for the flight attendants and did not detract from the presentation.
For dessert, I ordered the cheese plate, which had cheddar, brie and blue cheeses with fresh fruit. After working a little on my laptop, I reclined my seat again to doze until landing.
(Photo by Ramsey Qubein)
The details
I loved how the crew was from different parts of the world. In addition to the Lebanese flight attendant who took care of me, the purser was from Thailand, another flight attendant in my aisle was from Egypt and the pilot was from Ireland.
Etihad has a very international crew, and its uniforms, in hues of beige and purple, made them look like runway fashion models.
The bathrooms were clean and tidy the entire flight, and they had Armani Casa toiletries, although I was surprised and disappointed there were not more products like shaving or dental kits on display.
Another bummer was the lack of air nozzles at each seat, as the cabin was rather warm.
(Photo courtesy of Etihad Airways)
One unique feature about U.S.-bound flights from Abu Dhabi is that the airport has a preclearance facility. This means passengers complete U.S. customs and immigration formalities before boarding, allowing them to land in the U.S. as a domestic passenger.
Unfortunately, the new airport terminal meant that not all U.S. flights were eligible yet for this service, as the U.S. officers worked only during the morning hours. This added some extra time to my itinerary when arriving at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, but normally, this is an excellent reason to connect on Etihad in Abu Dhabi versus other area airports.
How to book Etihad business class
Redeem points and miles
In addition to paying cash for Etihad’s premium cabin, members of its own Etihad Guest loyalty program can redeem miles for the experience.
The airline uses a distance-based chart, which means the number of miles you need varies by flight. This flight clocks in at more than 7,000 miles, which means a business class seat requires 110,000 miles in each direction.
Transfer travel rewards from airline partners
Another popular way to enjoy business class is by redeeming American Airlines AAdvantage miles, as Etihad is one of the carrier’s partners. A one-way business class flight from the U.S. to Abu Dhabi costs 70,000 miles based on its partner award chart.
Smart cards for Etihad flights
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Citi Premier® Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Annual fee
Earning rates
• 5 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 spent per year.
• 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
• 10 ThankYou® points per $1 spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through the Citi Travel site.
• 3 points per $1 on air travel and other hotel purchases.
• 3 points per $1 on supermarkets.
• 3 points per $1 on gas stations and EV charging stations.
• 3 points per $1 on restaurants.
• 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
• 5 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
• 2 miles per $1 on all other purchases.
Learn more
Etihad impresses on ultra-long-haul flights
Etihad offers an impressive business class product on the A350-1000. If you can’t redeem miles to fly on one of the airline’s first class A380 flights (complete with in-flight shower), this is the next best thing.
To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.
The information related to Citi Premier® Card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.”
Maui is a popular Hawaiian vacation destination for a reason. The island boasts beautiful beaches, year-round warm weather, welcoming locals and a rich culture to learn about and experience during your trip. But it’s also a very expensive island to visit, with hotel rooms averaging more than $550 per night before taxes and fees in the first quarter of 2024, according to data from Hawaii Tourism Authority.
If you’re looking to book a Maui vacation without breaking your budget, below we dive into the best hotel on Maui to book with points, including the best hotels on Maui for families and for guests looking for a luxury stay.
Hyatt’s best hotels in Maui
Hyatt has a relatively small footprint on Maui, with only four hotels on the island: the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, Hana-Maui Resort, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, and the Hyatt Vacation Club at Ka’anapali Beach. Still, these are great options to use Hyatt points.
Best overall Hyatt hotel on Maui: Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
View from the balcony of an ocean view room at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort. (Photo courtesy of Josh Garber)
On 15 acres of beachfront in Wailea, the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort is a beautifully designed luxury property.
The hotel features five pools (including an adult tranquility pool for guests 18 and older), a spa and four on-site restaurants. Be sure to check out the Feast at Mōkapu Lu’au, an oceanfront luau that takes place at the hotel on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday nights.
Rooms at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort start at 35,000 Hyatt points per night.
Best Hyatt hotel for families: Hyatt Vacation Club at Ka’anapali Beach
For families visiting Maui and looking to use Hyatt points, the Hyatt Vacation Club at Ka’anapali Beach is your best bet. The Hyatt Vacation Club at Ka’anapali Beach has a number of family-friendly options, including a children’s area of the pool, a small in-hotel market where you can shop for snacks and sandwiches, and rooms with full kitchens.
Rooms at the Hyatt Vacation Club at Ka’anapali Beach start at 25,000 Hyatt points per night.
Cards for Hyatt points and perks
World of Hyatt Credit Card
on Chase’s website
World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
on Chase’s website
Annual fee
Welcome offer
Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
60,000 Bonus Points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Earn rates
• 4 points per $1 at Hyatt hotels and resorts.
• 2 points per $1 on dining, airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, gym memberships, and local transit and commuting.
• 1 point per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• 4 points per $1 at Hyatt hotels and resorts.
• 2 points per $1 in your top three spend categories each quarter through Dec. 31, 2024, then your top two categories each quarter.
• 2 points per $1 on fitness club and gym memberships.
• 1 point per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Benefits
• Earn one free night on each cardmember anniversary to redeem at any Category 1-4 World of Hyatt property.
• Earn five elite night credits when you get the card, and two additional elite night credits for every $5,000 spent.
• Earn one free night on each cardmember anniversary to redeem at any Category 1-4 World of Hyatt property.
• Earn up to a $100 Hyatt statement credit on your cardmember anniversary.
• World of Hyatt Discoverist status.
• Earn a rebate of 10% of points (up to 200,000 points) redeemed after reaching $50,000 in annual spend.
• Earn five elite night credits for every $10,000 spent.
Learn more
Marriott’s best hotels in Maui
Marriott has the largest hotel footprint on Maui, with 10 hotels throughout the island. Given all the options, here’s which Marriott Maui property to stay at if you’re booking with points.
Best Marriott hotel in Maui: The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali
Ka’anapali Beach on Maui. (Photo courtesy of Josh Garber)
Located beachfront on Ka’anapali Beach on Maui, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali is a great hotel for couples, families and even solo travelers.
While you could easily spend your entire stay on the property (taking advantage of the pool, spa, restaurants and beach right in front of the hotel), the hotel is right next to Whalers Village, an outdoor shopping mall that includes local shops and restaurants, including Monkeypod, Hula Grill and Leilani’s on the Beach.
Rooms at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali start at 64,000 points per night.
Best Marriott hotel for a luxury experience: The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is a 54-acre resort overlooking the Pacific Ocean with amenities that include two 18-hole championship golf courses, six distinctive restaurants and a spa with treatments inspired by ancient Hawaiian traditions.
Rooms at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua start at 84,000 points per night.
Best Marriott hotel for families: The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas North
For family trips on Marriott points, check out The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas North.
All rooms at this hotel feature either a full kitchen or kitchenette, which can come in handy if you have hungry kids who just need a quick snack (or if you’d like to save money from dining out). The hotel also offers one- and two-bedroom villas, which can be a great option for families that would like a bit more space and privacy.
The hotel has a separate children’s pool and a cultural center for families wanting to learn more about local traditions and history.
Rooms at The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas North start at 70,000 points per night.
Cards for Marriott points and perks
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
on Chase’s website
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
on Chase’s website
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Annual fee
Welcome offer
Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after spending $1,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card.
Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card!
Earn 85,000 Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.
Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Earn rates
• 3 points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
• 2 points per $1 on other travel purchases (such as airfare, taxis and trains).
• 1 point per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• 6 points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
• 3 points per $1 on up to $6,000 a year in combined purchases on grocery stores, gas stations and dining.
• 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• 6 points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
• 4 points per $1 on up to $15,000 a year in combined purchases at grocery stores and on dining.
• 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• 6 points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
• 3 points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines.
• 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
Benefits
• 15 Elite Night Credits annually, qualifying you for Silver Elite Status
• Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
• 15 Elite Night Credits annually, qualifying you for Silver Elite status, plus path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
• 1 Elite Night Credit toward Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
• Free Night Award (valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $15,000 in a calendar year.
• Gold Elite status, plus 15 Elite Night credits each year toward Platinum Elite status.
• 1,000 points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott Bonvoy at participating properties. Terms apply.
• Free Night Award (valued up to 85,000 points) every year after your account renewal month.
• Platinum Elite Status and 25 Elite Night credits per year.
• Fee credit for either Global Entry or TSA Precheck.
• Up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide.
• Terms apply.
Learn more
Hilton’s best hotels in Maui
Similar to Hyatt, Hilton also has a small footprint on Maui with only four hotels (although Hilton is opening a fifth hotel in June 2025).
If you’re looking to book a Hilton hotel with points on Maui, the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort has the honor of not only being the best overall hotel to book on Maui with points, but also being the best luxury hotel and family hotel.
Best overall Hilton points on Maui: Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort
Palm trees and green grass at the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. (Photo courtesy of Josh Garber)
The Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort is a massive property, sitting on 40 acres with 844 rooms (of which 57 are suites and 50 are villas) that range in size from 640 square feet to 1,300 square feet. The hotel is perhaps best known for its Wailea Canyon Activity Pool, which is actually a collection of nine pools spanning 25,700 square feet that are connected by waterslides and a lazy river.
The Wailea Canyon Activity Pool is enough to make the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort the best resort for families (and arguably the best hotel for families on the entire island of Maui).
Not only does the pool feature a lazy river and waterslides connecting the nine pools mentioned earlier, but it also features a Tarzan pool with rope swing, six waterfalls, caves, a sand “baby” beach and a swim-up bar for parents who need some time away from the kids. If you or your kids are more adventurous, you can enjoy the Lava Tube Slide, a three-story waterslide with 360-degree turns where you can reach speeds as fast as 22 miles per hour.
The hotel also offers a Grand Passport for kids. During check-in, children are given a passport that maps and lists all educational and cultural activities on the island to keep them engaged during their stay.
After a day at the pool, be sure to make reservations for dinner at Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, the hotel’s signature beachfront restaurant that specializes in seafood.
Rooms at the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort start at 110,000 Hilton points per night.
While Hilton does have another luxury option on Maui, Ho’olei Villas at Grand Wailea, rooms at that hotel will set you back around 574,000 points per night. Given that you can stay at the Grand Wailea for 110,000 points per night, the Grand Wailea wins as the best Hilton points hotel on Maui for a luxury experience.
Cards for Hilton points and perks
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Annual fee
Welcome offer
Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 7/31/2024. Terms apply.
Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $8,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first six months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 6/5. Terms Apply.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Earn rates
• 12 points per $1 on eligible purchases with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
• 6 points per $1 at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations.
• 4 points per $1 on U.S. online retail purchases.
• 3 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
• 12 points per $1 on eligible purchases with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
• 5 points per $1 on other purchases made using the Hilton Honors Business Card on the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year, 3 points per $1 thereafter.
Terms apply.
• 5 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 spent per year.
• 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
• 5 points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels booked American Express Travel.
• 1.5 points per $1 in key business categories and eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2,000,000 in purchases per year).
• 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
Benefits
• Hilton Honors™ Gold Status, which gives you an 80% points bonus, as well as complimentary breakfasts at select hotels and room upgrades at select properties where available.
• Path to Diamond status. Get an upgrade to Diamond if you spend $40,000 or more on the card in a calendar year.
• $200 annual statement credit for eligible Hilton purchases on your card (doled out in $50 statement credits per quarter).
• Potential free night. Earn a weekend night reward after you spend $15,000 on purchases on your card in a calendar year.
Terms apply.
• Hilton Honors™ Gold Status, which gives you an 80% points bonus, as well as complimentary breakfasts at select hotels and room upgrades at select properties where available.
• Path to Diamond status. Get an upgrade to Diamond if you spend $40,000 or more on the card in a calendar year.
• Potential free nights. Earn a free night reward after you spend $15,000 on purchases on your card in a calendar year and a second when you spend an additional $45,000 in the same calendar year ($60,000 total).
• Airport lounge access. Ten complimentary Priority Pass visits each year. Enrollment is required.
Terms apply.
• Access to more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including AmEx’s own Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta).
• Credit for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
• Hundreds of dollars a year in credits for travel, shopping and entertainment. These include up to $200 a year for incidental fees on an airline you choose, up to $240 for digital entertainment from select providers, and up to $200 a year for Uber. Enrollment required. See terms for details.
Terms apply.
• Get 35% of your Membership Rewards points back when you redeem points for an eligible first or business class flight on any airline, or a flight in any cabin of travel on an airline you choose (up to 500,000 points per year).
• Access to more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including AmEx’s own Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta).
• Credit for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
• Up to $1,000 a year in credits for various business expenses and travel. These include $400 a year for U.S. Dell purchases, $200 a year for incidental fees on an airline you choose, $120 for a U.S. wireless credit, and more. See terms for details.
Terms apply.
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Final thoughts on the best hotels on Maui to book with points
Hyatt, Marriott and Hilton all have great options for guests looking to stay at a hotel on Maui using points. Some of our favorite points properties on Maui include the Hyatt’s Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, Marriott’s The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali and Hilton’s Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort.
To view rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.
To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, see this page.