TRAVEL WITH TROY

I’ve discussed previously how to leverage credit card points for airlines but I have yet to tackle utilizing points for hotel bookings. For many, it seems incredibly confusing (I can attest as I too get lost in all the information) but I aim to break it down as simply as possible and show you how your next vacation could potentially be booked for a fraction of the cost.

In case, you aren’t well-versed with point redemption bookings, I got you covered. All it means is you accumulate points through making purchases on your credit card, staying at the hotel chain, or even buying the points to then make a hotel booking using those points rather than paying cash rates. A mouthful I know but hang in there. Most major hotel chains (ex Marriot, Hilton, IHG, Hyatt, etc) have their own loyalty programs that allow you to redeem these points at any of their properties. Some chains like Marriot have a dynamic point system which just means the points coincide with the cash price and don’t allow you to maximize all those hard-earned points.

It may sound trivial but when we’re talking about properties like the Ritz Carlton Maldives with an average going rate of $2,500 and nightly redemption of 150k you start to see the potential of point redemptions. However, I want to specifically focus on my current favorite hotel chain/redemption program and that is World of Hyatt. I’m sure you are familiar with the hundreds of Hyatt properties you’ve passed driving along but did you know their hotel portfolio boasts some of the most aspirational hotels including Park Hyatt Vendome in Paris or the world-famous Park Hyatt in Tokyo? Not only does the brand set itself apart with its 5-star properties but they also happen to have the best point redemption chart. In other words, Marriot has a dynamic chart while Hyatt has a fixed-point redemption chart. Ultimately you don’t have to worry about what the cash prices are if you can find point redemption availability instead. For example, a nightly stay at the Park Hyatt Kyoto, which by the way is an exquisite hotel, averages $2,000 per night but can be booked with points for just 35k points. Comparing that to the 150k point redemption at the Ritz Carlton it’s a no-brainer which is more bang for your buck so to speak.

Now you might ask, Troy I don’t have a bunch of Hyatt points laying around to make a booking. Have I ever left you hanging? It turns out Hyatt is running their summer promotion for a 25% bonus on all point purchases and you can purchase 110k worth of points. Even with the 25% bonus, the points may seem expensive to purchase but if you break them down you can save around 75% in comparison to cash rates. Take for example you buy 56,000 points plus the 25% bonus of 14,000 which costs exactly $1,344. You decide to book the Park Hyatt in Kyoto which averages a cash rate of $4600 for two nights including taxes. Instead of paying cash you pay with points and are roughly saving 71%. You can start to see why I love the Hyatt brand because you can’t beat these kinds of deals. the by comparing rate of sales versus inventory

Keep in mind there is a yearly cap (usually 55k with Hyatt but is currently 110k) on how many points you can buy so make sure to choose wisely. However, many point redemption bookings have a 14-day cancellation policy which is just another perk (always check cancellation policies beforehand as some properties do vary).

A very coveted and difficult property to book using points under the umbrella of Hyatt is Alila Ventana Big Sur. Take a look online and you will start to see why it’s regarded as one of the best luxury all-inclusive hotels in the United States perched on top of a mountain overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Expect nightly rates in the summer to near $3,000 a night but if you’re able to find award space you can spend just 45k Hyatt points and not spend a penny more. Quick tip, use Max My Point to search calendar availability as you must be flexible to book desirable hotels like Alila Ventana Big Sur. Then once you find available dates, go to World of Hyatt’s website to make the reservation.

Last but not least, in all World of Hyatt point redemptions there are no additional taxes, resort fees, or surcharges so what you see is what you get. Now go ahead and book that dream vacation you deserve. Happy traveling!

Need some more help with point redemptions, booking your next luxury getaway, or just in need of some travel advice? Email me at troyjourneys@gmail.com and I would be glad to help.

This week the median list price for San Diego, CA 92127 - Rancho Bernardo is $2,850,000 with the market action index hovering around 63. This is less than last month's market action index of 69. Inventory has increased to 45.

LastMonth

Strong Seller's Market

Market appears to have begun to cool. As we’re still notably in a Seller’s market, prices have not yet adjusted. If the market continues to cool, then expect prices to follow lower. It may take a few more weeks of slack demand for prices to reflect and begin to fall. Expect this condition if the index falls to the Buyer’s zone.

Each segment below represents approximately 25% of the market ordered by price.