As we close in on the Holidays, I am preparing for my family’s upcoming post – Christmas vacation.  This is such a great time of year to take a vacation for many since lots of people have time off from work.  But, it can be a really expensive time to travel too.

Thankfully, most hotel award charts don’t vary based on time of year (although sometimes availability might be limited or blacked out).  This is a great time to use some points when hotel rates can be sky high.  While many hotels haven’t released rooms to book yet for next winter break, Hyatt and Starwood both have.   So, just for fun I decided to take a peek at some  award availability for next winter break to see what I could find.  Today I’ll take a look at Hyatt.

Hyatt is a great transfer partner for your Chase Ultimate Rewards points!  Hyatt points can be loosely valued between 1.5 -1.8 cents per point based on how you calculate the value.  I like to use this as a guideline when I am looking for a valuable redemption, but there are a lot of other factors that go into choosing how to use your points.  If you find something that works for you then it’s not a bad redemption.  Here are a few ideas to consider for your next winter break trip!

*All prices quoted are for standard rooms for  Dec 26-30, 2017.  Subject to change.

Orlando

Want to get away to a warm location and maybe take the family to Disney, but don’t want to break the bank?  Try Hyatt Place Orlando/Convention Center .  This hotel is conveniently located between Walt Disney World and Universal Studios and is steps away from Madame Tussauds Orlando, Sea Life Aquarium and the Orlando Eye . All 3 of these exciting new attractions are just steps away from the hotel.  I found availability for $270 per night or only 8,000 Hyatt points.  That’s a 3.4 cent per point value!  They also have a Points + Cash availability for 4,000 points and $55 – that gets you an even better 5.4 cents per point!  If you are working towards status, you should consider the Points and Cash option as you will still earn your stay credits for each night.  While this hotel doesn’t claim to be a luxury destination, it looks clean and comfortable with some nice amenities to make for a pleasant stay with the family – free Wi-Fi, full-service bar, 24-hour fitness center,  heated outdoor pool and free breakfast!

New York City

Take in the hustle and bustle of New York for a post Christmas get away.  Stay at the new Hyatt House New York/Chelsea for $519 or 20,000 points per night.  Using points will net you a 2.6 cents per point value.  Not bad for such a pricey town.  This hotels offers complimentary daily breakfast, on-site bar and food market,  free wifi  and 24-hour business and fitness centers.  The central Chelsea location is also a great spot to base yourself while you explore this exciting city.  While you are there, head around the corner and visit my alma mater, The Fashion Institute of Technology!

If you are looking for luxury, the Park Hyatt New York has availability for 30,000 points per night.  Cash rate for these dates is $927!  That gives you a 3.1 cent per point value.  Cash + Points is available for 15,000 points and $300 – a 4.2 cent per point value and stay credits!

Hawaii

If you are based on the west coast, you might consider a quick hop over to Hawaii for some sun and surf between Christmas and New Year’s.  You can book the Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach  for only 12,000 pts per night.  Cash rate is $315, giving you a 2.6 cents per point value.  Or go the Cash + Points route for 6,000 points + $75 per night.  This gives you a fantastic 4 cents per point value!  This property is located a few minutes from famous Waikiki beach near Diamond Head.  You will receive complimentary wifi and breakfast with no resort fees!  With great reviews on TripAdvisor, this hotel offers a great value for a Hawaiian getaway.

The Wrap Up

With Hyatt room availability now posted through January 2018, it’s a great time to start to do some advance planning for a post Christmas winter getaway.  Hyatt offers a nice point value on redemptions and flexibility with Cash +  Points options.  Where would you like to go for your winter break?