World of Hyatt Category 4 properties often serve as a sweet spot for award redemptions, especially for families seeking extra space without spending a fortune.
After all, hotels in this category bucket cost a low 15,000 World of Hyatt points per night during standard dates, and they are also the highest qualifying options for guests redeeming World of Hyatt award night certificates, which are earned with the World of Hyatt Credit Card after completing eligible stays at five different Hyatt brands or by accruing 30 stays or 50,000 base points in a calendar year.
Even when you book a property during a peak date (when a Category 4 property costs 18,000 points per night to reserve), you can still use your Category 1-4 free night certificates, making them extremely valuable and pretty easy to use.
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While Hyatt just went through its annual category shift of hotels, which led to some notable Category 4 properties changing categories, there are still many family-friendly properties available at this lower category level.
Whether you crave a stay in a charming New England town, a visit to sunny San Diego or a ski vacation in Colorado, you’ll find an array of Hyatt hotels where you can cash in a Category 1-4 certificate for a free night. Here are 12 properties to consider for your next family vacation that includes a World of Hyatt award redemption.
Related: How to make Hyatt free night certificates more valuable
In This Post
Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port — Portland, Maine
For a visit to New England, consider the Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port. Located right in the city and within walking distance of many attractions, restaurants and the waterfront, this Hyatt outpost is ideally situated to take advantage of all coastal Maine has to offer. You can sail on Casco Bay, take a train ride along the promenade and hop on a ferry to Peaks Island, among other activities.
While the property itself is not a fancy resort, its standard rooms are large enough to sleep up to six people on two queen-size beds and a pullout sofa, so every member of your family will have plenty of room to stretch out.
Plus, the hotel offers on-site amenities like a small indoor pool and a fitness center. You’ll receive complimentary breakfast, too, if you book directly with Hyatt.
Related: 11 tips for choosing the perfect beach house rental every time
Although there are many other hotels in Portland, this is a great one to lock in now for this summer or the fall leaf-peeping season.
Andaz San Diego and Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
If San Diego is on your radar, there are two high-end properties at the Category 4 level: the Andaz San Diego and the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego.
At the Andaz, a small boutique hotel in the historic district, you’ll receive complimentary snacks and beverages from the minibar. You’ll also have access to a rooftop pool and a fire pit where you can unwind while watching the sun set.
For slightly larger beds, book a stay at the Grand Hyatt. At this waterfront property by The New Children’s Museum, you can reserve rooms with two queen-size beds. Additionally, the hotel offers bike and kayak rentals, as well as a designated family pool with an area for lawn games, should you and your family wish to have some fun in the San Diego sun.
Related: Planning a family trip to San Diego
Regardless of which property you choose, you’ll enjoy proximity to both the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego, two world-renowned attractions ideal for kids of all ages.
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa on Del Monte Golf Course — Monterey, California
Driving the Pacific Coast Highway is a great way to spend a family vacation, and stopping in the Monterey and Carmel area is definitely a must-do.
Stay at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa on Del Monte Golf Course to enjoy the sights as well as a resort-style property. This Hyatt Regency property is less than 1 mile west of the Monterey County Fairgrounds, which hosts many family-friendly festivals, concerts and events throughout the year. Plus, it’s a short drive away from top Monterey attractions like the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Point Pinos Lighthouse.
Related: The ultimate California road trip on the cheap with points
You’ll find two outdoor pools, many bike trails, tennis courts and fire pits, among other amenities. Golf-loving families can also take advantage of the property’s Del Monte Golf Course.
Hyatt Place Moab — Moab, Utah
The Hyatt Place Moab is a convenient place to stay if you and your family are planning a national park getaway in Utah.
Situated only a few miles away from Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, the property is the perfect home base for outdoor activities like hiking and biking, but you’ll find reasons to linger on the property, too.
Related: 8 national parks that are spectacular in spring
This Hyatt Place hotel offers a beautiful pool, a hot tub and even a splash pad for the kids. Families will also love that a standard room includes two queen-size beds plus a pullout sofa — allowing up to six guests to stay in the room comfortably.
Related: 7 World of Hyatt properties that give you more space for fewer points
Hyatt House Jersey City and Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson — Jersey City, New Jersey
New York City is never cheap, even when you use points.
Although there are no longer any Hyatt Category 4 properties within Manhattan, there are two options just across the Hudson River in New Jersey: the Hyatt House Jersey City and the Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson.
Related: From budget to luxe: 9 New York City hotels where you can use points
Both properties are within minutes of a Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corporation (PATH) train station, so you can easily get to NYC to go sightseeing.
When you want to take a break from exploring New York City, check out Liberty Science Center in Jersey City. This is a great interactive facility that boasts an aquarium, a 3D theater and the largest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere.
As for accommodations, you can’t go wrong with either property. Each offers standard rooms with two beds. The Hyatt House provides complimentary breakfast, while the Hyatt Regency offers a heated indoor pool.
Related: The fastest way to get from Newark Airport to New York City
Hyatt Place Keystone — Keystone, Colorado
While not a true ski-in/ski-out hotel, the Hyatt Place Keystone is a terrific place to stay with children.
Normally, you’d have to pay a daily resort fee to stay here, but on award stays, Hyatt waives these charges. As a result, you’ll receive a free lift ticket for kids 12 and younger and complimentary night skiing on the day you arrive (two amenities covered by the charge) without paying extra. The former can save you up to $115 per day, per kid.
Although the lift ticket offer is technically for stays lasting at least two nights, in recent years, TPG’s Summer Hull has had luck enjoying this perk during one-night stays.
Related: How to plan your ski trip with points and miles
Additional amenities you’ll have access to at the property include free breakfast, several hot tubs and daily kids events. If you’re planning a summer visit, be sure to put the complimentary gondola lift tickets for children 12 and younger to use.
Related: Best credit cards to use on ski trips
Hyatt Place Delray Beach — Delray Beach, Florida
South Florida is a great winter escape for many families.
Despite the Hyatt Place Delray Beach lacking a prime oceanfront location, it sits less than a mile from a public beach and within walking distance of many restaurants, shops and art galleries.
You can play tennis or picnic at a nearby park before returning to the property to unwind in your spacious room with two queen-size beds and a sofa bed.
Related: 13 of the best beaches in Florida
This Hyatt Place also boasts an outdoor pool and a hot tub on its rooftop and provides breakfast for free every day, so you can save even more as you spend time in the Florida sun.
Related: Our 15 favorite Florida hotels for every type of traveler
Grand Hyatt Washington — Washington, D.C.
Being able to stay in a major city on a capped award night certificate is increasingly rare, but it can be done at the Grand Hyatt Washington.
Situated just a few blocks northeast of the White House, this Washington, D.C., Hyatt property is ideally located for a day of sightseeing. Check out one (or more) Smithsonian museums and monuments, or spend the day enjoying the interactive exhibits at the nearby National Children’s Museum.
Related: The best times to visit Washington, DC
While you won’t find any designated kids amenities at the Grand Hyatt Washington, you’ll have access to rooms with double beds and an on-site concierge who can help make dinner reservations, book tour tickets and more.
Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico
A visit to Puerto Rico gives you an international feel without having to worry about a passport (and travel restrictions to get back into the United States).
At the sprawling Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico, you’ll discover a tropical paradise right on the ocean that’s packed with amenities. Although the kids club is currently closed, you and your family can swim in the massive main pool or the kids pool, tee off on the beautiful golf course and enjoy nonmotorized water sports at the beach, among other activities.
When you’re ready to venture off-site, head 45 minutes west to downtown San Juan or spend some time exploring El Yunque National Forest.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress — Orlando
If you want to hang your hat near Disney World without breaking the bank to stay at a Disney-affiliated resort, consider the 1,500-acre Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress.
This large Orlando resort has a huge lagoon with 12 waterfalls, caves, a rope bridge, a waterslide and more. There is also an on-site arcade room, should your kids need a break from the sun.
Related: 10 Florida hotels where families can use points to escape winter
An added bonus is the property’s Disney shuttle, which you can take at set times to Disney World and Disney Springs. Simply visit the front desk to get the shuttle schedule.
Bottom line
While there are many Category 4 properties that accept World of Hyatt award night certificates, these are some of our favorites for families. Not only will you find plenty to do at these properties or in the area, but you may even enjoy some complimentary perks during your stay.
Related: World of Hyatt credit card review
Even though you won’t be able to use a suite upgrade when redeeming an award night certificate, know that there’s a workaround that may help you snag that higher-level accommodation. Simply use the free night certificate for the last night of your reservation, then call the hotel to ask the property to link the reservation to your other nights that have the suite upgrade applied. This should hopefully ensure that the free night certificate stay keeps you in the same room, as long as the suite is available.
Featured photo by Jamie Oppenheim/The Points Guy.