Best Hyatt Category 4 Hotels & Resorts

In this post you’ll find a list of recommended hotels for using your Hyatt category 1-4 certificates. Most of these recommendations come directly from readers. Thank you, everyone who has contributed! And, please comment below if you have recommendations of your own!

There are a number of ways to get Hyatt category 1-4 certificates. The World of Hyatt card offers a category 1-4 cert each year upon renewal and again when you spend $15K within a calendar year. Additionally, Hyatt offers cat 1-4 certs as Brand Explorer rewards (when you’ve stayed at 5 different brands); as a Milestone Reward (when you earn 30 elite qualifying nights within a calendar year); and sometimes as rewards for miscellaneous promotions.

Best Uses for Hyatt category 4 Certs in the U.S.

Alaska

Hyatt House Anchorage (Category 3)

Stephen Pepper published a review of this hotel (found here) and wrote:

We had a very good stay at the Hyatt House Anchorage. Being able to use a couple of suite upgrade awards meant we were much more comfortable in a one bedroom suite with a kitchen. The breakfast selection was always good and well-stocked, staff members were friendly and it was pretty good value when using points.

If we return to Anchorage in the future, we’d likely choose to stay at this property again rather than looking to book someplace different.

Sco writes:

Since you’ve added the Hyatt Place Anchorage Midtown, you may also want to add the Hyatt House Anchorage. I haven’t stayed at either, but they are less than a mile away from each other, are generally priced similarly, and get similar reviews.

The HH is still a cat 3, while the HP recently moved up to cat 4. But with how expensive Anchorage hotels can be (especially during the summer), they can be a good use of a FNC.

Hyatt Place Anchorage Midtown (Category 4)

Recommended by Olivia.

Arizona

Hyatt Vacation Club Sedona, Piñon Pointe (Category 4)

Some readers love this place:

• NK3 says: “For those interested in an Arizona adventure, the Hyatt Residence Club in Sedona is a great choice. We have used certs there multiple times. The studio units are good, and we have been upgraded to one bedroom units more than once. Average price (with taxes & fees) is often $350-400. Great hiking and beautiful scenery!”
• Points Adventure says: “I second the Hyatt Residence Club in Sedona for the cat4 cert. The whole area is absolutely gorgeous, I could stay for weeks. Sedona Rouge is a better deal at 15k Wyndham, but when you have Hyatt certs, this is a great option.”

On the other hand…

• The Miles Professor says: “HRC Sedona is sadly a dump! But looks nice in the photos 🙂 I don’t know how it got such high reviews on booking dot com”

Greg’s take: This is a great option for visiting Sedona.  It’s in a perfect location and has beautiful views from the property.  I stayed at this resort in January 2022 on a paid stay in a 1 bedroom unit.  It was very nice and with fantastic views, but note that points or certs book into a studio unit which get mixed reviews, especially from those stuck on a bottom floor.  When checking in, ask for a top floor unit.  Don’t expect elite benefits of any kind: Hyatt Residence Clubs are not required to provide them.  My full review can be found here: Hyatt Residence Club Sedona, Piñon Pointe — Bottom Line Review.

Tempe Mission Palms (Category 3)

Tim stayed here in 2022 and concluded “Tempe Mission Palms is a lovely place to stay that exemplifies what a mid-range hotel should be.  Yes, it’s in Tempe, but we found this hotel to be an excellent value (and an easy way to add Destination Hotels to our brand explorer). Proactive, friendly service, better-than-expected facilities and a terrific location for both Tempe and downtown made this a winner for us.”  Read Tim’s full review here.

Buzz wrote: “I just stayed at Tempe Mission Palms which is a Cat 3. Nice hotel. Never over the top luxury (it’s a conference center) but great location in Tempe. You can walk to the party/restaurant zone and Tempe is growing like crazy right now.”

California

Hyatt House at Anaheim Resort/Convention Center (Category 4)

Elisabeth writes:

We almost exclusively use our 1-4 cert to stay at the Hyatt House in Anaheim for our Disneyland trips. It’s just a quick walk down the street to the parks, breakfast is included, it’s right next to Starbucks and several other restaurants, and we often get upgraded to a suite (ideal for traveling with young kids!). This hotel regularly runs $300+ per night, so it’s a great value.

Hyatt Centric The Pike Long Beach (Category 4)

Jen W writes:

We really enjoyed the Hyatt Centric The Pike Long Beach. Nice room, rooftop pool and bar and easy walking to shops/restaurants. Took the Ferry over to Catalina Island for a day and close to the aquarium as well.

Mist writes:

We stayed there earlier this year. It was small but had relatively new finishes. We enjoyed the pop-up market at the pike. Very walkable neighborhood. The parking structure is located across the street. That was a bit of an inconvenience.

Hotel Figueroa, Los Angeles (Category 4)

Reader reviews would be appreciated.

Hyatt Centric Downtown Sacramento (Category 4)

Garrett writes:

We just finished a stay at the Hyatt Centric Downtown Sacramento last weekend using a Cat 4 FNC, and I would say it was just ok. Check-in was easy and we were upgraded to a Capitol View King even as a lowly Discoverist, which was appreciated. No complimentary bottles of water in the room, but they did have 2 dispensers in the lobby with cups. Wi-Fi was really slow – I think I clocked it at around 10 mbps, but maybe it was just our room or the time of day. Service was really, really slow in the restaurant for breakfast – the hostess was especially bad. Luckily we got seated at the bar and the bartender/waiter was much better. Otherwise we heard people in the regular seats complaining about how long food was taking. Bad part was the restaurant was like 1/2 empty. Location is alright, very close to DOCO mall and Golden 1 Center if you’re there for an event. But Sacramento is pretty bad right now with homelessness and just a generally unsafe feel – so pretty much same as any larger city in California at the moment (I’m from here). Lastly, the worst thing about the hotel was the valet. They warn you to call your car at least 15 min before going down. There were crowds of people waiting during checkout time. I asked a lady there and she had been waiting for 1/2 hour. Ridiculous considering they charged $45 per night for the service. Toiletries provided were very cheap, and the water pressure in the shower was especially bad. Bed was just ok. Overall, I wouldn’t return. We stayed at The Citizen Hotel (Marriott Autograph Collection) the next night and it was all around much, much better.

Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country (Category 3)

I added this one to the list because it is one of the few remaining category 4 hotels in California. But not everyone was impressed with this property…

Optimus wrote:

I’ve stayed at the Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country, which is about as misleading as you can get. It’s in downtown Santa Rosa, not Sonoma, and it definitely doesn’t feel like wine country. It’s right next to a busy freeway and the road noise was noticeable from our room. There was a wedding party in the “garden area” and we felt genuinely sad for them for having picked this venue.

Upgraded as a globalist to a room with a view of a sad grass patch (I did book a 2 queens room) and had no issues with parking or breakfast charges being wiped. Staff was friendly. Restaurant was closed due to Covid at the time of our stay.

Overall, this could be a jumping off point for exploration of the broader area but it is definitely not a destination in itself. Silver lining is that you could walk to the Russian River Brewery to enjoy some NorCal beer, but I don’t think I would stay here again on a cert, points, or otherwise.

Brendan wrote:

I would suggest taking Hyatt Regency Sonoma wine country off the list. We used to enjoy staying there, but there’s no a small homeless camp behind the property and pool. The property backs up to a bike path along a river gorge. There’s lovely bridge leading across the river to a playground. My daughter used to love to run out of the property across the bridge to the playground. Unfortunately, when we went this past summer there is now a small homeless camp on the bike path. There are now board walls up at the back of the grounds so you can’t see the homeless camp.

Sierra Sid wrote:

I used my certificate for the Santa Rosa CA “Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country.” As Explorist, I still had to pay $18 per night for the gated self-parking lot that is half paved, half gravel. Decent hotel but free is not free.

The Welk, San Diego Area (Category 4)

Despite getting average Google reviews, I added this one because it’s a rare opportunity to use a Hyatt category 4 cert for a resort in California.  And, it sure looks nice!

Michelle writes:

THE WELK in San Diego County is a great base for San Diego Wine country, San Diego, Wild Animal Park, Legoland, etc. Stayed in a very nice 1 bedroom unit with full kitchen. Fun amenities like water slide pools, golf, pickleball, and daily events in their market place. Will go again!

Buzz writes:

The Welk is a timeshare property in Escondido, CA. It’s a beautiful property on a golf course. I haven’t stayed with Hyatt points but I have been to it. It seems the minimum you would get would be a 1 bedroom as I don’t believe they have hotel units. Maybe a studio but I think it’s all 1 and 2 bedroom. I wonder if Hyatt will add a brand explorer badge for this.

Welk joined the system when Marriott Vacation club (which owns Hyatt Residence Club) bought Welk (as in Lawrence) to supplement the offerings in the HRC system. So, if someone owns HRC points, they could book stays in Welk which include Escondido, Palm Desert area, Cabo San Lucas and Lake Tahoe. La Sirena is now available via Hyatt.

But Darin isn’t a fan:

I stayed here on a 1-4 certificate last month and was not a big fan. It’s a family-focused timeshare community and if that’s your thing, it might be suitable. My 1 BR was spacious and comfortable, but the definition of basic. I asked at check-in what the Globalist benefits were and was told we had a $25 credit for any on-property purchases. It was not reflected on the bill and at check out they said no such amenity applied. She checked with management to confirm this was correct, which they said it was, but acknowledged that the check-in agent may have gotten it wrong since they are new to Hyatt and removed the charges. No Globalist benefits at all as they are considered a HRC, even though that’s not reflected in any branding.

Also, HARD sell on buying into the timeshare. I received a phone call purporting to be about making sure they have all of our preferences, but what they really wanted was for us to attend the timeshare tour. They threw a lot out there: Hyatt points, offer to extend an extra night free, more that I can’t remember.

I would not stay here again.

Adam doesn’t like it either:

This place is a dump. I’ve been going every year for the last 10 or so because my MIL has a timeshare. It has been going steadily downhill. Don’t waste a cert.

More recently, Shamrock was unimpressed with its management:

Have to comment on Hyatt Welk near Escondido CA. It’s looks like a great value for a family except for the way it’s managed. Rooms are nice with deck areas and some views plus activities for everyone. Management does not know how to handle neighbor room noise issues. Neighbor over loaded unit with 6-7 people and made disturbing noise. Management came over but did not quell the noise. Next day management didn’t make them leave or help find us move to another room. So we checked out. No apologies except to ask if we wanted to consider purchase of a time share. Not a way to treat a Globalist.

Delaware

Hyatt House Lewes / Rehoboth Beach (Category 3)

Stephen writes “We really enjoyed our stay as the hotel has some great amenities, very friendly and welcoming staff, a good location near points of interest and free parking. There are one or two things that could be improved, but we’d highly recommend staying there if you don’t mind not being right at the beach.”

See Stephen’s full review here: Hotel Review: Hyatt House Lewes/Rehoboth Beach, DE

dizzy was less impressed:

Hyatt House Lewes- super nice staff and nice entrance but this hotel has the most puke stains of any hotel I’ve ever been in- both in the rooms and in the hallways. Not the hotel’s fault really (110% the clientele) but still off-putting.
Last time I stayed the toilet was broken, water all over the bathroom floor, but they were unable to give me a different room due to being booked up I guess. Didn’t love this.

Florida

Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale (Category 4)

Tim wrote up his Bottom Line Review for this hotel and concluded the following:

Although 10 minutes from the beach, it’s in a prime location downtown, literally steps from the Fort Lauderdale’s lovely RiverWalk. It can be a very good value for category 1-4 free night certificates and overall would be my top choice if I was staying in Fort Lauderdale and/or needed to be close to the cruiseport.

See his full post here: Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale: Bottom Line Review.

Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port (Category 3)

Olivia writes: “Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruiseport remains a category 3, and the cheapest (senior) rate is $339 in December.”

Dream, South Beach, Miami (Category 4)

Carl says:

In my experience often much cheaper than other Hyatt options in the Miami area. For a reason. I stayed a few times last year when there was a promo for double elite nights. Can’t complain about the location, and Globalist breakfast is pretty good if you like Mexican-inspired food. And the small rooftop pool area is pretty nice. But rooms are dark and worn and mostly small, with outdated furniture. They have that dank feel that rooms in humid climates get when there’s not proper ventilation. Can get loud from outside noise too.

Could maybe be worth it if using a cert when cash rates are high and you really want to be in South Beach, but I’d much rather do the cat 3 Hyatt Regency in downtown Miami over this. And that Regency isn’t exactly sparkling.
(The Centric in South Beach looks nicer than both the above, but I’ve never stayed so can’t say for sure. Also, that’s a cat 5 so doesn’t really matter for the 1-4 cat.)

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, near Orlando, Florida (Category 4)

I’ve been to this resort many times and really enjoy it for escaping the Michigan winter.  Unfortunately the Regency Club has permanently closed, but those with Globalist status are given free breakfast in the restaurant.

Nick stayed here a couple of times recently with his family and is looking forward to returning.  Here’s his review: Great Hyatt Category 4 — Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Bottom line review.

Hyatt Regency Sarasota (Category 4)

Lynn says: “I stay at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota regularly using my certs as my son goes to college nearby. Sadly, this property is being torn down this summer (2025) to be rebuilt as a Thompson. No reservations are being accepted past May 31. Get in while you can.”

Older mentions:

• Lisa wrote: “Hyatt Regency Sarasota was great. Breakfast area a little noisy but decent food. Staff seemed a little overwhelmed but were generally friendly. Great place to use Cat 4 we thought based on room rate.”
• Julie wrote (Via Frequent Miler Insiders on Facebook): “I have not stayed at the HR Sarasota yet but have walked around the property, which looks pretty nice and is walkable to downtown Sarasota attractions.”

Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay (Category 4)

Nick visited recently and says that this hotel offers very good value compared to cash rates.  Their lounge is closed (probably permanently), but for Globalists they offer a free breakfast buffet plus a daily $30 food voucher which can be used at any of their restaurants.

Aunteeee writes:

Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay is no longer offering the $30/day food voucher for Globalists. They were offering the voucher when I stayed in late April 2024, but was told they discontinued that benefit when I went in back 6 weeks later. But they will give you a token for a free sparkling wine in the lobby restaurant/bar.

An employee told me they remodeled the club lounge area to make room for more suites. So they stopped offering the food voucher that was supposed to apologize for the lounge being closed.

Despite the lack of food voucher, it’s still a nice getaway. I live locally, but it has been a nice weekend getaway on multiple occasions. If you stay there, ask if you can stay in the Casitas. It’s like a totally different property back there – much more secluded.

Georgia

Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead (Category 3)

Josh says: “Grand Hyatt in Atlanta should be on the list. Solid hotel”

Thompson Atlanta Buckhead (Category 4)

cjr writes:

Wife and I stayed at Thompson Atlanta in January. The room was small, slightly bigger than Andaz Savannah and was very modern and nice. Bed was great and bathroom was huge. The fitness room was very well equipped but the outdoor pool was closed and small. The rooftop restaurant was cool with a dj and outdoor fire pit and seating. Globalist benefits were normal with valet parking and breakfast off the menu, no buffet, no welcome drinks. For breakfast the server wasn’t really confident in what we could get and just told us get what we want. The hotel offers a Range Rover to take you within 2 miles which is enough to get you to nearby shopping and dining by Lenox Mall and Phipps Plaza. The hotel ambiance was really relaxing and warm. I would say this was a nice surprise for my Cat4 Cert.

Andaz Savannah (Category 4)

Tim reviewed this Andaz (see full review here) and wrote:

The Andaz Savannah checks most of the boxes for an enjoyable stay in Savannah. It can be booked with a category 1-4 free night certificate, which can be valuable during peak season when weekend rates sometimes top $400. It’s a small hotel without a ton of frills, but the lovely, outdoor pool terrace, desirable location, excellent elite recognition and included extras make it a worthwhile option. Thumbs Up

Josh wrote:

Stayed at the Andaz Savannah three times in the last year. Amazing hotel. Incredible location right in the center of Savannah. Highly recommend. My go-to use of Category 1-4 certificates since the cash rates are usually high.

Tmount added:

Lovely hotel, great location, on award stays for Globalists, valet parking is included and was speedy.

Melissa liked it too but with some caveats:

Savannah Andez has fantastic staff. Super friendly and the room was nice. We were updated to a small suite that served our purposes. It is located in a busier bar section of town where I would not be comfortable walking after dark. I prefer the historic district to stay such as Perry Lane with Marriott but it is a nice use for 1-4 certificate or on points. I would do a quick one night stay here again. There is a very nice parking garage that is very cheap that is super close to the Andez.

Also recommended by Olivia

Guam

Hyatt Regency Guam (Category 3)

whocares writes:

stayed at HR Guam 2H 2023…I don’t recommend it.

Especially on weekends — very noisy. But even on weekdays too – the pool area is just way too busy. Annoying gurgling fountain which runs all night seemingly. The hotel is way too big for its location, and cleanliness may be an issue. They also keep captive macaws.

While you may have an ocean view, the sides are obstructed with the bulk of the building.

The Crowne Plaza is in a far superior and open location. Much more human-sized.

Hawaii

Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach (Category 4)

Thomas writes:

Hyatt Place Waikiki is a great value for families and first time Hawaii visitors. It is only two blocks from the ocean and although it is on the tail end of Waikiki, everything is still within easy walking distance. As a lowly Discoverist, I stayed there and was upgraded to a high floor ocean view room.

While this hotel is great, there are some downsides. I’ve noticed they have started to play games with award availability, similar to the Hyatt Centric Waikiki. They require a minimum night stay to get around this. This property is set up in a tower, and bottlenecks at the elevators are common. Also, people need to be realistic that this is a limited service Cat 4 Hotel. A hoity-toity Globalist FlyerTalker shouldn’t compare this to a Park Hyatt. There aren’t any suites to upgrade here breakfast is likely going to be busy.

Illinois

Ambassador Chicago (Category 4)

Johnny Utah writes:

I’ve really enjoyed the Abassador in Chicago. It’s just a couple blocks north of the Thompson and is tucked away a bit more. More of a neighborhood vibe. Had no problem walking to and from the river, but it could be a trek if it’s super hot or super cold. I’d rather be closer to the north neighborhoods anyway.

Everyone there was super friendly. Vibe is a bit jazz age. The bar is pretty cool. Can’t speak to status perks or suites.

Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile (Category 4)

shelly_phl wrote: “Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile: received a suite upgrade as a Globalist; huge living room area with desk (and enough plugs to charge laptop and devices while working); I recall the Globalist buffet breakfast being above average, but not memorable enough that anything sticks out; great location for my purposes”

Louisiana

Hyatt Centric French Quarter New Orleans (Category 4)

Stephen stayed here in 2020 and loved it. He wrote: “The hotel is in a great location and had excellent service, so we’d happily stay there again if we visit New Orleans again in the future,” and “We had a great stay at the Hyatt Centric. The staff were all very friendly and professional despite Mardi Gras being the most hectic time of the year for them. The hotel has some nice amenities and our room was more spacious than expected despite it seeming to be a standard room.” Read Stephen’s full review here.

Maryland

Hyatt Place National Harbor (Category 4)

firstglobal writes:

I have stayed here multiple times when visiting for conventions at the Gaylord which is a short walk away. The hotel is a bog standard Hyatt Place and I’m always placed on the side of the hotel with a Potomac view due to Hyatt status. There is a single coin-operated washer and dryer on the top floor which is handy. Staff has always been very pleasant and helpful.

If you are considering this hotel because you want to be in National Harbor – or possibly even Alexandria if prices there are high – then it’s a fine choice. I would never recommend this for someone who is more generally visiting DC though. Parking is expensive, nearby food options are substandard and expensive, public transport to this location is limited (must take a bus to a subway station), the roads between there and downtown DC can be very busy.

If you do find yourself staying here and want to visit downtown DC though, consider taking the Potomac Water Taxi. It’s not a cheap or efficient way to get around but is very scenic.

Massachusetts

Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor (Category 4)

Points and Miles Doc writes:

The Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor is a good value for those looking to be close to BOS. The location is in East Boston, so you won’t be able to walk to anything, but it’s only 5 minutes from the airport and one of the very rare places in Boston with free parking. We’ve stayed here on many trips coming home from Maine in the winter, so it’s great for positioning.

In the summer, this might be a fantastic place to stay – it’s right on the water with the ferry to the North End just steps away. So if you want a place slightly away from the hustle and bustle of downtown and don’t mind ferrying, it’s a good deal with a lovely waterfront. Inside, it’s a basic city Hyatt Regency with all the elite amenities and great views of the city.

Minnesota

Hyatt Centric Downtown Minneapolis (Category 3)

This is one of several category 4 hotels in the United States that I added to this guide because it earned decent Google reviews. If you have any experience with this hotel and whether it would be a good use for a Hyatt category 4 cert, please comment below.

Missouri

Hotel Kansas City (Category 4)

Reader Pam says: “The Hotel Kansas City is downtown and a completely renovated gem. It is beautiful with a colorful history as a social club with famous & notorious members. If you stay, ask for a tour. As they say, they don’t make em like they used to and you will never see fixtures and detail quite like you will here. Cat 4. Plenty to do in the nearby entertainment district or take a short drive north to the cute town of Weston, I recommend Green Dirt Farm to eat. Is also a creamery & their cheese is to die for.”

Hyatt Vacation Club at The Lodges at Timber Ridge (Category 4)

Dr Jay writes:

It’s a newer Hyatt acquisition and is a great option for families coming to Branson, MO or Table Rock Lake for a trip.

New Jersey

Hyatt House Jersey City (Category 4)

Andrew writes:

I see the Hyatt Regency Jersey City listed – how about the Hyatt House Jersey City next door? I have that one booked for next summer, looked like a better deal for non-Globalists with the included breakfast. Reviews mention train noise can be an issue though the PATH doesn’t run all night, but also that the rooftop bar/restaurant is amazing with its views.

Dhejej says:

Break is really great and amazing views of nyc both from the breakfast area and the rooftop bar

Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson (Category 4)

James wrote: “Cat 4, it has the BEST views of Manhattan out there. Seriously. It’s hard to find a quality hotel in NYC that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. They have a buffet breakfast that you can also order an entree from as a globalist. It gets solid reviews across the board and it’s just a PATH/ferry away from Manhattan or to go uptown.”

Nick says: the hotel is “literally about 20 yards from the entrance to the PATH train and it is one stop to the first stop in Manhattan (World Trade Center). Takes 3 minutes (though of course you’ll see a good 20min from midtown stuff if you’re looking for the heart of the touristy action.”

My take (I stayed at the hotel briefly a few years ago): A nice hotel with great views and a very nice walkway along the Hudson. This could be a great choice for a “light” visit to New York City since you get great views of the city and it’s easy to take the PATH train across to the city.  It’s also close to the Newark Airport, so it’s convenient if flying in and out of Newark.

New Mexico

Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa (Category 4)

Miles Ahead says: “I can totally recommend Regency Tamaya, I stayed there with Privé rate and had the best value ever! The breakfasts (and dinner) were first rate. Great walking/running trails and horseback riding right on property. As a tip, I could recommend booking the Privé rate here when rates are inexpensive rather than burning a cat 4 cert for this Cat 3 property…

New York

Hyatt Regency JFK Airport at Resorts World New York (Category 4)

Stephen reviewed this one recently. He wrote: “This is a great option if you’re booking a positioning flight into or out of JFK. This Hyatt Regency can be good value when booked with points or a category 1-4 free night certificate, especially because booking an award stay means you won’t be charged the hotel’s destination fee of $25 + tax.”

See: Bottom Line Review — Hyatt Regency JFK Airport At Resorts World New York

Hotel Nyack (Category 3)

Danny says: “Lots of charm and culture in the Hudson Valley.”

Hyatt Place Long Island City (Category 4)

Plain Yogurt writes:

I’ve stayed at the Hyatt Place Long Island / East End several times during the past few years using Cat 1-4 certificates. We’ve used it as a mid winter getaway as it’s adjacent to the Long Island Aquarium and there’s an indoor pool. Facility was updated a few years ago, and the staff has always been helpful. It’s a short 15 minute drive to Long Island wineries and is a great base to explore the North Fork. There’s a second, outdoor pool open in the summer. Rates are over $500 a night on summer weekends but I haven’t seen much points availability. (They do show availability during the week in the summer). There are a number of new restaurants within walking distance in Riverhead and a nice boardwalk trail along the Peconic River. The ocean beaches are about a 30 minute drive.

HarlanKoolSport wrote “have used 1-4 certificate at Hyatt Place Long Island City – easy commute into midtown Manhattan, quiet, clean, good breakfast (pre-pandemic), independent book store, coffee shops, breweries etc. in walking distance.”

Dee replied:

I just stayed at the Hyatt Place Long Island City this weekend to see our daughter who lives in Queens. I agree on the easy subway ride into Manhattan, clean and quiet. There are some nice coffee shops in the immediate area.

On the negative side: Most of the negative I experienced and witnessed was related to staff. The hotel was understaffed and seemed unprepared for the influx of travelers. One night was sold out.

Pandemic breakfast was okay – plain bagels, Sara Lee danish, individual boxes of cereal, sealed small cups of canned fruit cocktail. They had cream cheese (no butter), yogurt and milk in a refrigerator behind the bar. So, the front desk guy was jumping back and forth between checking people out and getting cream cheese. We went to the diner down the street for breakfast each morning.

Jeanette writes: “HP Long Island City isn’t quiet. I’m on the third floor and was woken at 6:35am b/c of loud guests in the hallway and traffic noise.”

Hyatt Place Long Island/East End (Category 4)

This is one of several category 4 hotels in the United States that I added to this guide because it earned decent Google reviews. If you have any experience with this hotel and whether it would be a good use for a Hyatt category 4 cert, please comment below.

North Carolina

The Carolina Inn, Chapel Hill (Category 4)

Pam says: “The Carolina Inn Cat 3 is on the UNC Chapel Hill campus. It is a lovingly restored historical property with very nice rooms & a wonderful on-site restaurant. It was pulled over as part of the Destination portfolio. The rates are usually very good so may not even want to use a FNC. We used Prive because we already knew we loved the restaurant and would use the $100 credit from booking in that manner. They are also good about addtl nominal fee offered for upgrades (I wasn’t yet Globalist when we were there).  We spent a coupla hours enjoying the photos/captions all over the property. Andy Griffith first performed at the hotel as a student & frequented the property often until his death.  Couple of hrs drive from Charlotte & well worth a visit as just so pretty!”

Oregon

Hyatt House Portland/Downtown (Category 3)

Reader PeterSFO says: “The Hyatt House in Portland is great. It’s near the Willamette river so you can walk along it and it’s also close to Portland downtown. I think there a couple hotels that are in some of the rougher parts of Portland so you have to watch out for that. The only downside is that paid rates are usually low in Portland so not sure if you’ll get good value.There’s a brand new Hyatt Centric closer to downtown too.”

Pennsylvania

The Bellevue Hotel, Philadelphia (Category 5)

Dee says: “The Bellevue in Philadelphia is an Unbound Collection. I just took a class on antique skyscrapers and the Bellevue was featured. I’ve stayed a few times. Great location right in the middle of downtown, excellent service, beautiful restaurant and bar on the top floor. Some rooms are gorgeous, some are just nice. It is an old building and rooms are not necessarily uniform.  I used a suite upgrade cert a few years ago. The suite was ENORMOUS, which was great. We were there for a family event and had tons of room for family to hang out in the living room.”

Biggie F says: “Yeah, the top (19th floor) setting for the b’fast is really a delight. (This is in addition to the bar and restaurant, which have their own retro-glamour feels.) I find the b’fasts good, and in combination with the setting, I was even willing to pay on one occasion when I had lost my Globalicity.  I have used more than a couple of free award nights here, and hope to do it again.”

Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia (Category 4)

Pupusaman wrote:

We have stayed at The Centric three times this past year and we think it is great, service is amazing, we have had enthusiastic greetings every time we have arrived and the restaurant staff has been very effective and engaging. Breakfast is pretty good but I believe its $30, so unless it’s a globalist benefit I don’t think I would pay for it as there is a Kismet Bagel around the corner and they are great. The rooms are a little compact, even though they come with a couch. The bathrooms have the toilet separate from the sink and shower, not our favorite set up. I love the Hotel location for University City but it is not as centrally located as the Bellevue. We don’t drive in Philly so I cant say about the parking but it seems to be a bit tight at the garage next door.

Rhode Island

The Pell, Middletown (Category 4)

Plain Yogurt writes: “This year we used our certificates at the Pell in Middletown RI – it’s about 10-15 minutes from downtown Newport. Another nice use if you are planning to a weekend to tour the mansions and explore the area. Hotel looks brand new. Plenty of good diners nearby for a cheaper breakfast option as well.”

Texas

Hyatt Regency Austin (Category 4)

shelly_phl wrote: “Hyatt Regency Austin: received a Congress Ave Bridge View upgrade as an Explorist, it had a huge window with a chaise for viewing the famous bats, was perfect to sit there with a to-go cocktail from the bar (this was during covid), rest of the room was standard/non-memorable; I recall the gym being nice; no free breakfast at that time so can’t comment on that; access to the Lady Bird Lake path from the back of the hotel”

Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk (Category 3)

Stookey says: “The Hyatt Grand Riverwalk San Antonio can no longer be considered a “new” hotel. I had a recent staycation there and I can report that the club lounge is open, however to arrive there you must take the hotel elevator down to the lobby, then exit and walk over to the residence tower elevator and go back up to the 23rd floor. There is no direct access from the hotel side. For the same points I recommend the Hyatt Regency Riverwalk. No lounge, but if you have lounge a certificate, GOH or Globalist you will receive a very generous breakfast in the hotel restaurant which is far superior to the Grand Hyatt lounge breakfast. Furthermore, the Hyatt Regency Riverwalk is located in the most popular section of the Riverwalk. It’s an older hotel, but well maintained and the river flows right through the lobby!”

Pam says: “I very much like the Cat 3 Grand Hyatt on the riverwalk. It is new, shiny, & in a great location by the riverwalk mall. It will be upgraded to a 4 or 5 easily with time. It is really more a convention hotel so is quiet without one in town! Within an easy walk to the Tower of Americas, you can eat up there, too, & not have to pay for the observation deck. I booked a premium suite with points (based on your prev write-up of how to do this!) then used Cat 1-4 certs for a free adjoining room for another family mbr. The entire space was fantastic. Don’t forget a riverwalk boat tour if you head that direction – the tours are now managed by one company so the experience is much better.”

Stephen writes “It’s a pretty nice hotel and we had an even nicer stay thanks to the status I have with Hyatt.”  See Stephen’s review here: Executive Suite, Grand Hyatt San Antonio, TX.

Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk (Category 3)

Stookey says: “For the same points [as the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk] I recommend the Hyatt Regency Riverwalk. No lounge, but if you have lounge a certificate, Guest of Honor or Globalist you will receive a very generous breakfast in the hotel restaurant which is far superior to the Grand Hyatt lounge breakfast. Furthermore, the Hyatt Regency Riverwalk is located in the most popular section of the Riverwalk. It’s an older hotel, but well maintained and the river flows right through the lobby!”

Hyatt Vacation Club San Antonio, Wild Oak Ranch (Category 4)

Stookey writes: “The Hyatt Vacation Club at Wild Oak Ranch in San Antonio is currently adding a 2.2 acre lagoon to the property for additional water fun!”

Carson B says: “Hyatt Residence Club San Antonio, Wild Oak Ranch is a great Cat 4, especially for families! You also get access to the next door Hyatt Hill Country (cat 5). You do have to drive between the properties. The Wild Oak Ranch is more apartment style rooms with a kitchenette in base studio rooms. It is quieter, rooms are more dated, and the property does have fewer amenities than it’s sister property, but it does have it’s own lazy river and plenty to do at Wild Oak Ranch itself. I would book Wild Oak ranch vs Hill Country Hyatt if I needed to use a 1-4 certificate or wanted the extra space and kitchenette for the whole family.”

Utah

Hyatt Place Park City (Category 4)

Miles Ahead writes: “For Utah in ski season, the Hyatt place Park City is a great value. It has a ski rental shop inside, a great big hot tub and free city bus trasport right outside the hotel to lift. Otherwise it’s a good, but standard Hyatt Place with some nice mountain view rooms. Tip, I’ve combined a cat4 cert w cat 7 cert and stayed at PC Centric., which is right on the ski lift. Centric shuttle picked me up in the frm the HP and held my stuff so I could jump right on the lift from the Centic.”

Washington

Hyatt Regency Seattle (Category 4)

Our own Stephen Pepper reviewed this hotel in 2021.  He wrote:

We really enjoyed our stay and it’s definitely somewhere I’d be interested in staying again when we visit Seattle properly on our road trip in the future…  It’s in a great location downtown, has excellent staff and can be good value for category 1-4 free night certificates.

Hyatt Regency Bellevue on Seattle’s Eastside (Category 4)

My wife and I stayed here in February 2023, and yes we used a Hyatt category 4 cert. The location was great (unless you want to visit downtown Seattle) and the hotel was nice. There wasn’t anything really amazing about the hotel, but we had a good stay and it offered an excellent Globalist free breakfast benefit in one of the hotel’s restaurants. They told us that we would get free breakfast for four, but we actually paid for six people and they erased the entire bill. The breakfast food was terrific.

Washington D.C.

Thompson Washington D.C. (Category 4)

shelly_phl wrote:

Thompson DC: really enjoyed this stay in Dec 2022 — received a suite upgrade as a Globalist, suite was very nice with high end furniture, marble accents, two walls of windows with amazing views; great gym — I specifically recall the TRX equipment and kettle bells which made for a great workout for me; Globalist breakfast in the hotel restaurant was very nice (a la carte ordering); location is great IMO, The Yards area with tons of bars and restaurants, City Winery, Nationals Park; vibe is a little hip/clubby, music in the lobby is very loud and they’re very enthusiastic about their rooftop bar/club, but the floors were quiet and I had no trouble sleeping (my stay was for work); loved the scent of the D.S. Durga bathroom amenities (large, mounted dispensers), but the scent may be strong for some

Eric P was less enthusiastic:

Thompson Washington DC – Stayed one night in the fall of 2022; no Globalist suite upgrade due to it being very full due to nearby conferences. Given courtyard facing room that was very dark and small. Murphy desk was a disappointment. Breakfast from the restaurant was OK; they were short-staffed so were disorganized and took a while. Location in Navy Yard is what it is; not proximate to main tourist sights, but close to the baseball stadium.  Dropping a category feels appropriate given my experience.

Zac adds:

Thompson DC: Rooftop bar gives you a great view of the DC area, Hotel appears new and well designed. Not quite as nice as the PH DC but also much more affordable. Location is a bit out of the way from all the DC museums.

Best deal is the suite upgrade. Instead of Junior Suite, it books into the Thompson suite that usually sells for twice the price as the Junior Suite

Best uses for Hyatt category 4 Certs outside U.S.

Americas (not including the U.S.)

Park Hyatt Mendoza, Argentina (Category 4)

Jeanette writes: “The PH Mendoza is a beautiful hotel. It has been years since I stayed but the service was excellent. I had status but not too tier status and was in a massive room. Given Argentina’s economic troubles and Visa/MasterCard offering the blue exchange rate, this can’t be a good use of certs.”

Hyatt Regency Calgary, Canada (Category 3)

Olivia writes: “check out the HR Calgary – gets better ratings, remains a category 3 and the cash prices are outrageous (e.g., $2412 for 4 nites in July).”

Spirit Ridge, Osoyoos, British Columbia, Canada (Category 4)

Stephen Pepper published a review of this hotel (found here) and wrote:

The resort is beautiful, with all kinds of great amenities and features. Every room there is at least a one bedroom suite with a kitchen. There are separate adults-only and family pools and whirlpools, a water slide, hiking trails, a cultural center and even North America’s first indigenous-owned winery.

Breakfast options were very good, elite recognition – particularly when it come to room upgrades at check-in – was excellent and, depending on which suite you get, the views of the vineyard and Osoyoos Lake are tremendous.

What makes this hotel even better is that it’s a category 4 property in the World of Hyatt program (it’s part of The Unbound Collection) and so you can redeem category 1-4 free night certificates there or as few as 12,000 points per night.

Prateek wrote:

I can talk about Spirit Ridge in Osoyoos, BC. We have visited twice on free nights and it’s a beautiful resort in BC wine country. There is a lake close to it and the pools and jacuzzis are beautiful. There is also a winery on the resort called NK’MIP and walking the vineyard is a beautiful experience with a view of the lake. The area generally is very nice and full of fruit orchards, and it gets really warm in the summer for Canada (closest place to a desert in Canada, the Okanagan). The nearby cities of Oliver, Penticton and kelowna are worth a visit as well.

Asia

Park Hyatt Siem Reap, Cambodia (Category 4)

Tom Rossi writes:

This hotel was recently named the #4 hotel in the world by Travel & Leisure, and I can vouch for its fabulousness. Great location, amazing service, and a beautiful pool and grounds. Wife and I received 10 minute neck massages and welcome cocktails while we were being checked in – not too many Cat 4 Hyatts offering that! The hotel has its own tuk-tuks and can arrange all manner of Angkor Wat tours. Highly recommended!

Grand Hyatt Sanya Haitang Bay Resort, China (Category 4)

Reader reviews would be appreciated.

Park Hyatt Suzhou, China (Category 3)

If you have any experience with this hotel and whether it would be a good use for a category 1-4 cert, please comment below.

Park Hyatt Jakarta, Indonesia (Category 4)

Olivia writes:

A favorite. Terrific service. Large breakfast buffet. Globalists are well treated. Yes, traffic is bad in Jakarta but have found that it took just as long to get to FM7 the one night we stayed there (an hour) as it does to get to the Park Hyatt Jakarta.

Grand Hyatt Fukuoka, Japan (Category 4)

Tom Rossi writes:

Grand Hyatt Fukuoka is a Cat 4 and is a very nice hotel in the middle of the action in Fukuoka. It’s the number three hotel in Fukuoka per TripAdvisor, for whatever that’s worth.

Hyatt Regency Yokohama, Japan (Category 3)

Reader Matt says:

We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Yokohama in December 2022. We really enjoyed our stay. Prices were crazy in Tokyo, so this one was way more affordable. We upgraded to a suite with points, which was great for 2 adults and a child. We loved the suite! The hotel is pretty new and everything was beautiful. We got club access with our suite. The club was small, but at least gave us something for breakfast.

If you plan on spending all your time in Tokyo, it might not be so convenient, as it is about an hour from Shibuya Station, but for a day or two, or if you are spending time in Yokohama or going down to Kamakura, it would be great.

Grand Hyatt Macau (Category 4)

The entire FM team stayed here in 2023 as part of our Party of 5 Challenge. It was great! See our review here: Bottom Line Review: Grand Hyatt Macau (Standard & Premium Suites)

Vivian wrote:

I stayed at the Grand Hyatt in Macau a few times before the pandemic and would really recommend the property. They have two towers with different room configurations. When I stayed, they served delicious food at their lobby lounge for the Elites. Their gym and spa were amazing. Am going back in May.

This property is close to other major hotels and is connected to a Mall and a few other hotels. The location is on Cotai (a manmade strip of land that sorta feels like the Las Vegas strip of Asia) but can walk to Taipa Village in about 10 min. There is also a shuttle to the airport and ferry terminals.

Grand Hyatt Jeju, South Korea (Category 4)

Reader reviews would be appreciated.

Australia

Grand Hyatt Melbourne (Category 4)

Raylan says:

Grand Hyatt Melbourne! Wildly good location and a steal of a deal when Aussie dollar rates generally are in excess of A$500 in high season.

Hyatt Hotel Canberra – A Park Hyatt Hotel (Category 3)

I’d love to hear reader reviews of this one. Please comment below.

Hyatt Regency Sydney (Category 4)

Isaac Pollak wrote: “stayed a month before lockdown in January 2020-one of the best club rooms with excellent selection, rooms are very spacious.”

Europe

Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere, Austria (Category 3)

James wrote: “Category 3! It’s right next to the main train station (super convenient if coming/going early or late). It’s not centrally located like the superb Park Hyatt, but it’s fairly close to urban transportation and it’s a very easy city to get around. It’s very new, rooms are great, fabulous breakfast and great globalist recognition (room had a welcome tray of fruit and drinks). It’s also a fantastic use of a [Suite Upgrade] if you want a little extra space.”

Hyatt Regency Cologne, Germany (Category 4)

If you have any experience with this hotel and whether it would be a good use for a Hyatt category 4 cert, please comment below.

Hyatt Regency Lisbon, Portugal (Category 4)

Sasha writes:

Hyatt Regency Lisbon remains a good use of Category 1-4 certificates, especially during the high season. It is closer to Belem than the historical center of Lisbon, but with low-cost Uber/Bolt it becomes a great place to stay. Nice sauna with an indoor pool.

Hyatt Regency Hesperia Madrid, Spain (Category 4)

Aunteeee writes:

I would also nominate the Category 4 Hyatt Regency Hesperia Madrid to this list. I was going to stay at one of the pricier Hyatt properties in Madrid, but ended up earning a free night cert, so I used it there. I was pleasantly surprised with this hotel. There’s a Regency club, I got an upgrade to an executive suite without asking (going price of €578 per night.) There was so much attention to detail. I was provided with several toiletries, as well as a list (in English and Spanish) of other amenities they offered if I forgot anything. The lobby and my floor were decorated with interesting art, and I felt very welcome there. And there is a Michelin star restaurant in the hotel. It is not as central as the other Hyatt properties in Madrid (3 miles from the Prado instead of 1/2 mile), but there is a metro stop nearby. I was very pleased with my stay.

Lindner Hotel Mallorca Portals Nous, Mallorca, Spain (Category 4)

Bob writes:

Stayed at Lindner Hotel Mallorca Portals Nous early last November. I think we had an expiring Cat 4 certificate we used, but mostly booked a very good off-season cash rate, then got upgraded to two huge suites as a Globalist. (Only P2 is a Globalist.) Great property, great breakfast, very German-oriented, which makes sense, since they’re a German chain. Spa that you can use for free, so sauna and steam for free, you pay for services. Indoor and outdoor pool, beautiful outdoor pool was a little cool to use, but the indoor was nice. They have an African safari lodge theme, which some might be put off by, but it’s kinda of quicky and fascinating, like a hotel of a bygone age.

They have their own scent that you can buy to take home. We liked it so much, we bought two and use it in the half-bath on the main floor to remind us of the place. Would love to go back, Mallorca is a lot like California, but with only a million people, great food, beautiful scenery. I have no idea what it would be like in high season, but shoulder season is awfully nice, and as a Cat 4, it’s a steal of a great cash bargain shoulder/off-season.

Hotel Reisen, Stockholm, Sweden (Category 4)

Raylan writes:

Hotel Reisen in Stockholm is in a fantastic location. Had a stay booked here that I unfortunately had to cancel so I don’t have first-hand; but this place gets great reviews and is very centrally located.

Expired Opportunities

Hotels no longer bookable with category 1-4 certificates

The following hotels used to be listed above but have since increased to category 5 or higher.

Hyatt Centric The Liberties Dublin, Ireland (Category 5)

Stephen writes: “This Hyatt Centric is a great hotel in a great part of a great city.”

See Stephen’s full review here: Bottom Line Review — Hyatt Centric The Liberties Dublin, Ireland.

Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile, France (Category 5)

James wrote: “A category 4 in Paris literally on top of a metro line. They recently completed a renovation and [rooms] are very nice (but Europe small). They have a perfectly fine lounge for globalists. It’s still within a fairly short (downhill) walking distance to Arc de Triomphe and the rest of downtown. I’m very surprised that it’s stayed at a Cat 4. And some rooms have a great Eiffel Tower view.”

Hyatt Regency Koh Samui, Thailand (Category 5)

Beth writes:

Add the Hyatt Regency Koh Samui to the Category 4 list. They upgraded us to a lovely suite. It had a balcony with a view of the water and the waves crashing against some nearby cliffs. Outstanding breakfast at an open air restaurant overlooking a beautiful view of the infinity pool. Great breakfast with both U.S. and Asian style dishes-it was free for us (I am a Globalist). The Regency Club has light appetizers, wine and beer-one night, it was an ample enough spread to serve as dinner for us. The women working in the RC are awesome! We enjoyed a glass of wine with a view of the water from their wraparound patio each night. Staff are very kind-and the GM is a visible and welcoming presence.

Hyatt Regency Tokyo, Japan (Category 5)

Regarding his stay at this hotel, Nick previously wrote: “I was given an upgrade to a nice spacious room (larger than the standard rooms at the Grand Hyatt) and the club lounge had decent breakfast and evening appetizers. Each night there were two hot options — each person could order one of the two options and that plate would arrive with 4 small bites. I didn’t like the choices every night, but there was decent variety.”

Anita wrote:

A few comments from last year’s stay at the Hyatt Regency Tokyo Shinjuku. This was my 3rd stay there, because it’s such a great deal. The airport bus stops right in front. This last time I was Globalist. I received a 4-category upgrade, which turned out to be a high floor. This hotel has only one kind of suite, which I’ve never seen available to book. I think there are very few suites, so don’t expect that upgrade. All the other rooms are pretty equivalent. The lounge was just like Nick described. I did like just about all the appetizers at the lounge. I was disappointed with the limited choices at the lounge breakfast. There is a 7-11 in the basement, which also goes to the closest metro station, which is a small one. The main downside of the hotel now, is that they eliminated the shuttle that would take you to Shinjuku station. It’s about a 10 min walk, which isn’t bad a few times, but got old this last trip. If I stay again, I will be using the taxi to go to the station, since the rest of the day there is so much walking in Tokyo. The other downside is that this section of Shinjuku is more office and government buildings, so there are long walks to any nearby restaurant. The shopping is near and behind Shinjuku station.

I was not globalist on my previous visits, but looking at pre-2020 reviews, the cocktail hour food looks similar. Last November they had prosciutto, parmesan, smoked salmon, crackers, snack mix, plus the served appetizers, which were very good. But not enough for dinner for me. In the past Globalists could have breakfast in the restaurant, and the lounge breakfast had a bigger selection. There is also a small afternoon tea service. The shuttle was a COVID casualty. On this last trip I also stayed at the Hilton Nagoya (Diamond), Grand Hyatt Fukuoka, and the Hyatt Regency Osaka, and the buffet breakfasts were unbelievable at these 3 hotels. That is why the HR Tokyo doesn’t compare well in these areas. But the price is the best for a Hyatt in Tokyo.

Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui (Category 5)

Isaac Pollak wrote: “stayed at least 30 times at Hyatt Regency Tsim in Hong Kong- great club room-always upgraded to suite, great location close walk to ferry or to train , excellent Chinese restaurant in Hotel- wonderful use for #4 cert.”

Hyatt Regency Vancouver, Canada (Category 5)

Raylan writes: “I think that the Regency Vancouver is a worthwhile addition to this list. Category 3, soon to be 4 right in the middle of downtown. It isn’t anything super unique but with Vancouver hotel rates being what they are in peak seasons, it represents a heck of a deal if one were to use the Chase card free night.”

Hyatt Regency Dharamshala Resort, India (Category 5)

If you have any experience with this hotel and whether it would be a good use for a category 1-4 cert, please comment below.

Grand Hyatt Washington (Category 5)

This is one of several category 4 hotels in the United States that I added to this guide because it earned decent Google reviews.

Reader Tim Grable writes:

We have stayed at the Grand Hyatt Washington DC several times.

Pros:

Great location.
No Hidden fees for Award nights. A number of their competitors now have their destination fee that they add on.
The room that you get with a sweet upgrade is huge.
Staff is very nice.

Cons

Hotel is a tad dated.
Club lounge is on the small side and can get crowded.

Overall one of the best options in DC.  Especially if you want a suite and lounge access. We just booked a 7 night’s stay for this summer.

Thompson Chicago (Category 5)

Stephen’s wife stayed here once and loved it.

Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach (Category 5)

• Sean says: “We really liked the Hyatt Centric Waikiki… If you go, make sure you get one of the “WET” rooms. One of the best hotel bathrooms we’ve ever had! Also, a great location. It’s a couple blocks from the beach. IIRC, it’s just inland from the Moana Surfrider.”  Further, when asked what “WET” rooms are, Sean added “It’s a Japanese style bathroom where the shower and tub are in the same room. So the room can get entirely ‘wet’. It had a super deep soaking tub with the faucet in the ceiling so the tub filled from the ceiling. In our room, looking to the right of the tub, was the shower. It was all enclosed in glass. Hope this helps. There are some pictures of it on the hotel website.”
• TravelBloggerBuzz says: “This property plays game with Suites!”
• NK3 adds: “They also play games with standard award availability, which limits the ability to use these free night certs. I think they have a five night minimum. There are tricks to get around this, but it is annoying. Hyatt Place Waikiki is not as nice but I just use my certs there because they don’t play these games.”

Hyatt Place Panama City Beach / Beachfront (Category 5)

Jeanette writes: “The HP Panama City Beach would be an excellent use of a Cat 1-4 cert. The hotel opened in mid 2022. The rooms are large and as a globalist I was upgraded to an ocean view room before arrival. The beach is lovely and the hotel has beach chairs and umbrellas in season. The breakfast buffet is very good, although it gets crowded especially when weather prevents the outdoor seating from being used. The pool has a party vibe feel to it but we were there on a weekend they were hosting a wedding.”

The Wellem, Dusseldorf, Germany (Category 5)

Quentin Sylwester writes: “I stayed at the wellem in germany on a recent trip summer 2021. I also stayed at hyatt properties in munich, cologne, mainz and heidelberg. The wellem was overall probably the best taking everything into consideration. Rooms, location, and service.”

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego (Category 5)

Readers recommend this one for a San Diego stay:

• Buzz says: “Manchester Hyatt in San Diego is another great hotel.”
• PeterSFO says: “Great view of the water, walking distance to old town San Diego San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. Great food and great weather. Location wise, I prefer it to the Andaz which is right downtown but the Andaz is also a Cat 4.”
• Gene cautions: “I am not sure if the guy still owns the hotel, but the Manchester Grand Hyatt was/is owned by one of the bigger funders of 2008 CA Proposition 8, which outlawed gay marriage in CA (later overturned by courts). I would never stay there in a million years or recommend that anyone else stay there.”

Lahaina Shores Beach Resort, Maui, Hawaii (Category 5)

This is a Destination brand resort with full kitchens in every room.  My understanding is that this resort doesn’t provide any elite benefits like breakfast, late checkout, etc., but come on, it’s in Maui and on the beach!  The full kitchen is a big perk in itself.  This looks like an incredible use of free night certificates.

jak says: “I’ve stayed at Lahaina Shores Beach Resort and found it to be perfect for what we needed: clean, easy access, free parking and down the street from Lahaina Town. The room was fairly large because of the kitchen. It has a decent-sized pool and hot tub, and it’s right on the beach. I don’t need a big resort so this fit the bill.”

Chicago Athletic Association (Category 5)

This Unbound Collection hotel gets great reviews from our readers:

• ActualMichael wrote: CAA is probably my favorite hotel that I have ever stayed at. The history, the quality of the drinks and food, the vibe, and the location right across from Millennium Park are all unbeatable. Not the biggest rooms, but everything else is top notch.
• Sco wrote: I visited a friend who was staying at the CAA a few years ago when I happened to be in Chicago for the day, and I had no idea it was part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection! Such a fun place with a great location. Will probably be using a lot of my future Cat 1-4 certs there now.

The Eliza Jane, New Orleans (Category 5)

Pam says:

I want to go into a little more detail about the Eliza Jane in New Orleans since not yet on the “list” & certainly deserves to be. It is a Cat 4, & I found it to be a better-than-expected FNC redemption (I expected it to be too fussy).

Located in the warehouse area so not ideal for some but for those wanting a little less noise & drunks is on the “right” side of Canal. Mothers (an institution) is just around the corner for casual dining & August for fine dining. The hotel restaurant Couvant/oyster bar are excellent for dinner. I wasn’t yet Globalist so cannot attest to their breakfast.

Like an Autograph, Tribute, Curio, or 21c, there are visual reminders everywhere (incl the rooms) of its previous occupants which incl a newspaper & bitters company.

The Eliza Jane is a thoughtful blend of elegance, combined with just the right mix of fancy and funky.” Like other converted warehouses, the rooms & pubic spaces can be on the dark side by day but are also so lovely lit up warmly at night. I managed a Suite upgrade even as an Explorist.

It’s not an over-the-top Hotel Zaza or an antiseptic 21c Museum Hotel, it strikes the right balance.

Not much need to mention activities in NOLA, but we did esp like the Murder Carriage night tour bookable with URs. More historic than scary. And a Garden District walking tour for architectural/landscaping eye candy & interesting celeb stories.

Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico (Category 5)

This looks like an amazing winter getaway!  Readers seem to like it too:

• Ross says: “The Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve in Puerto Rico is a category 4 and a gorgeous property.”
• Dan says: “Completely agree [with Ross]. Stayed here for 4 nights and loved it. Great beaches and pool, beautiful property. A little isolated but if you have a car some very good food options within a 1/2 hour of driving. Plus very close to El Yunque rainforest, a must do PR activity.”

Hyatt Place Moab (Category 5)

Readers like this place:

• Andrew says (Via Frequent Miler Insiders on Facebook): Check out the Hyatt Place in Moab, UT. It’s not luxurious like some of the others you listed, but it’s brand new and quite expensive considering it’s category. What you’re getting is a prime location to explore two national parks (Arches and Canyonlands) plus all the outdoor adventure you’d ever want only minutes away. Again, it’s the area you’re buying into, not the hotel. We stayed there recently during Spring Break and had an awesome time at both parks and on a float down the Colorado.
• zzz says: Not exactly a luxury resort, but the hyatt place in Moab, UT is a cat 2 with cash rates frequently at $350+/night. I had a nice stay there about a month ago.
• goob6008 says: “I can’t say enough good things about the Hyatt Place Moab… It was our first trip after being vaccinated. It’s the nicest HP I have ever seen. It’s clean and very modern. The staff were so nice and really seemed like they wanted to be there. It’s got a great pool, huge hot tub and a playground. Even the way breakfast was handled was refreshing. It’s was grab and go, but they kept offering more. They wanted to make sure you were fed haha.”
• Robert says: “I agree about Moab. This is one of the better hotels in town anyway, but throw in Arches and Hell’s Revenge 10 min away and you can’t beat it.  But please stay away from Moab, it’s too crowded now.”

Park Hyatt Saigon, Vietnam (Category 5)

Nick says: “I stayed there years ago. The Park Hyatt Saigon feels like old school luxury. Staff were excellent and breakfast was very good. Far cheaper options abound in Vietnam, but unlike Greg’s recent description of the Park Hyatt Auckland, you will definitely walk away from this one feeling like you stayed at a Park Hyatt.”

Hyatt Regency Amsterdam, Netherlands (Category 5)

This one had just dropped to category 4 in 2022 and now it’s back up to category 5.

Reader Kristin writes: “HR Amsterdam: nice property, great breakfast, good use of a Cat 1-4 FNC. Club wasn’t open when I was there but has re-opened. It is a bit of a walk from a subway stop and the main touristy areas, which you may consider a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you feel about hoards of tourists.”

Hyatt House Naples (Category 5)

Miles Ahead says: “In Florida, I also was really pleasantly surprised by Hyatt House Naples. Rooms with balconies overlook an estuary, very peaceful and surprisingly serine given that you’re just off the Highway and walking distance to downtown Naples with great shops and restaurants. Also Hyatt House offers a made to order omelet station at breakfast, which was nice (at least pre-Covid it did).”

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa on Del Monte Golf Course (Category 5)

Reader Grant says: “Great central location to all things in Monterey.”

• But Peter says: “I stayed at the Hyatt Regency in Monterey in 2020. It felt like quite a stretch to call it cat 4 given its condition. Can’t believe it’s now moving up rather than down…”

And another reader via personal communication said: “So convenient & easy but LOL what a DUMP!! Had a FNA expiring so used it here. Deferred maintenance everywhere – felt like someone’s fire-hazard apt you’d visit in the 70’s… steer clear.

• But Grant says: “The Hyatt Regency Monterey has been under construction for the last few years. I like the remodeled rooms. I have an upcoming stay in a few weeks and can provide an update after the stay. Sad to see this hotel move up in category.”

The Confidante Miami Beach (Category 5)

This one looks like it would be a great winter escape. Most readers agree:

• Lynn says: “Been to the Confidante. Rooms are quirky art deco but the restaurant and pool area was very nice. Would stay again.”
• Zed says (Via Frequent Miler Insiders on Facebook): “Can’t go wrong with El Confidante, great location right on Miami Beach but more mid beach than South Beach so also a bit quieter.  Not sure about globalist benefits but there is very cheap public parking nearby if you have a car. Good default option to have in mind if you can’t think of anything else.
• Miles Ahead says: “Can vouch for The Confidante, totally agree (and love) the location and about rooms.. Globalist breakfast is great and decent results with room upgrade requests.”
• Ann L Forstenzer says: “We’ve also stayed at the Confidante in Miami. No drawers or places to unpack your clothing. We lived out of our suitcases, literally. The pool(s), while they look nice in photos, are shady most of the day. It is on the beach, which is a plus. And I second the cheap parking nearby.”
• Lynn replied: “I agree on the shade by the pool, but for us that was a plus to get out of the sun after a few hours on the beach!”
• Dan C says: “We stayed at The Confidante in March and they do provide free parking for globalists. The parking is valet. I agree on the comment about the rooms. They are ok. Bathroom is big. Beach location is very nice unless you are looking for the craziness of South Beach.”
• Lisa says: “Great stay at Confidante last year. Globalist breakfast was sensational and included one item from every category on the menu. Word of caution is beware of medical waste including syringes on the beach that wash up in surf.”

Hyatt Place Portland – Old Port (Category 5)

Via Frequent Miler Insiders Group on Facebook, a couple of people suggested this one.

• Matthew says: “The HP Portland ME looks like a good value proposition for the Hyatt certs.”
• Jennifer says that the hotel itself isn’t anything special but it is clean with decent sized rooms and in an ideal location.

And readers of this post added…

• Paul says: “I feel like the Hyatt Place Portland Maine is just so so average. It’s just literally near by the port and thats it. Personally I feel like you can get much better value of your Hyatt certificate at any other hotels on this list.”
• Dan C says: “Regarding the Hyatt Place Portland, Maine, the location is great for Portland. It’s right downtown near many very good restaurants and Portland activities. You will want a car as you will need to drive a little for a decent beach. It’s a Hyatt Place so it’s not the most glamorous use of a free night cert, but for people in New England it is a decent option for a nice weekend.”
• Lanny says: “Stayed at the HP Portland (Maine) – Old Port for 3 or 4 nights in 2019. Had a GREAT time. Staff was helpful. Room was clean. We pre-arranged a cash co-pay on top of points to get into their biggest, best room and it had a huge balcony and great views. Would LOVE to return. Parking is a bit tough since its valet only.”

Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort (Category 5)

Reader Lynn says: “Been to the Hyatt Chesapeake Resort many times. Its very nice. Great spa. Nearby you can go sailing, on a fishing charter, or visit St. Michaels, which is a cute little town. Annapolis is also on the way if you are driving from either DCA or BWI. You could also combine with a day or two in Washington, DC if you fly in/out of DCA.”

Also see our guest review of this property here: Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa, and Marina. Bottom Line Guest Review.

Gild Hall, a Thompson Hotel (Category 5)

• Dina Lapoint says: “Gild Hall in NYC is a great quirky hotel, decent location. I enjoyed my visits there.”
• Ann L Forstenzer says: “We’ve stayed at Guild Hall in NYC. Good value, but all the way downtown. So if your aim is to be midtown or uptown, it’s a bit of a hike on the subway or taxi. The rooms are somewhat claustrophobic in size. There’s a cute bar/restaurant in the lobby.” We’ve also stayed at the Confidante in Miami. No drawers or places to unpack your clothing. We lived out of our suitcases, literally. The pool(s), while they look nice in photos, are shady most of the day. It is on the beach, which is a plus. And I second the cheap parking nearby.”
• NK3 says: “Agree on Gild Hall. I thought it was just ok. It is great that a free night cert obtained from a card with an AF less than $100 gets you a night in Manhattan. Marriott has a few category 5 hotels in lower Manhattan but they always seem to be on peak pricing when I want to go. But the rooms at Gild Hall are a bit too small and quirky for me. Its far from most things people want to do in NYC, though the subway entrance is quite close. It is a toss up if I would go back there.”
• Dee says: “I agree about Gild Hall. Rooms are small and it is way downtown. I’m happy use my free night certs there though. I don’t hang out in my room when in NYC.”
• goob6008 says: “Stayed at Gild Hall just a few weeks ago. If you are globalist, this is a great choice. We had a rental car as we were traveling outside the city and free parking benefit is a big deal in nyc. We were upgraded to a HUGE suite as well! The hotel is quirky and cool. It made for a memorable stay.”

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa (Category 5)

• Reader Brant says: “A somewhat older property, but very relaxed with large, comfortable suites and many onsite amenities and amusements across a large acreage. Shuttles to Sea World and Six Flags Fiesta Texas. An Uber or rental car will have you in downtown San Antonio in a few short minutes for daylong, nightlong adventures to the Riverwalk, Alamo, Tower of the Americas, Hemisphere Plaza, La Villita, The Pearl entertainment district, San Antonio Art Museum and so much more.”
• DiscoPapa says: “Hill Country is our go-to. We love it there! Between my wife and I, getting 4 nights this summer on free night certs. A great property with a lazy river!”
• Pam says: “I have stayed at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort. “When the resort opened in 1993, it was the first new hotel built in Texas in five years and established the “destination resort” market in San Antonio. A FlowRider® wave machine and a tower slide were added to the resort’s onsite water park, expanding it to 5 acres. The heated wave machine can be enjoyed year-round and provides resort guests the options of body boarding, knee boarding or stand-up boarding – the only location in Texas with a stand-up boarding option. This property is comfortable like an old shoe. It is also crawling with excited children because of the water features. This includes the public areas as well as restaurants so a bit romper-roomish if you’re not in that vibe. I wouldn’t make this property a destination unto itself without small children in tow and/or a desire to spend time on their lazy river.”

Reader Suggestions?

Have you stayed in any Hyatt category 1-4 hotels which you’d recommend?  Are there ones you advise that we avoid?  This post depends on readers to contribute their thoughts and experiences.  Please comment below!