Best Ways to Redeem Hotel Points for Complimentary Stays in Major U.S. Cities

Dinogo collaborates with CreditCards.com and may earn a commission from card issuers. This website does not feature every financial institution or all available financial options. Compensation may influence how an offer is displayed. Our content remains independent and objective, having not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these organizations. The views expressed here are solely those of the Dinogo editorial team.

Conditions apply to American Express benefits and promotions. Enrollment might be necessary for certain American Express benefits and offers. For further details, visit americanexpress.com.

Earning miles and achieving elite status with airlines has become increasingly difficult, yet the scenario for hotel chains is quite the opposite. Following a significant post-pandemic initiative to promote loyalty, hotel programs and their co-branded credit cards now provide various avenues for quickly accumulating points, status, and complimentary nights. (For example, the no-annual-fee Hilton Honors American Express Card offers 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points if you spend $2,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership, along with automatic first-level Hilton Honors Silver status upon approval.)

After accumulating hotel points, many travelers often save them for trips to exotic destinations. However, utilizing your hotel points in major cities is also a wise choice, where cash rates can be exorbitant. On your next urban adventure, consider booking a points stay at a luxury hotel that reflects its surroundings with both character and elegance. Here are six of our top recommendations for big-city hotels in the United States that provide some of the best points redemption options across all leading loyalty programs.

Kimpton Hotel Eventi

• Location: New York, NY
• Loyalty program: IHG One Rewards
• Cost in points: Starting at 51,000 IHG points per night, ihg.com

In a city where prices can be shocking, this artistic and budget-friendly hotel stands out, occupying a full city block in Chelsea, Manhattan. With 292 guest rooms and suites, the Kimpton Hotel Eventi maintains a boutique ambiance with its vibrant personality and thoughtfully designed common spaces, as well as stylish, colorful rooms that often feature impressive skyline views through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. The lively lobby serves as a great place to enjoy cocktails and people-watching between meals, meetings, or sightseeing. Additional perks include complimentary Kimpton staples such as no pet fees, a morning coffee and tea service, a hosted evening wine hour, and even bikes available for guests to explore the city.

Waldorf Astoria Washington D.C.

• Location: Washington, D.C.
• Loyalty program: Hilton Honors
• Cost in points: Starting at 110,000 Hilton Honors points per night, hilton.com

Reimagined as the Waldorf Astoria Washington D.C. in June 2022, the historic Old Post Office, built in 1899 on Pennsylvania Avenue, exemplifies the architectural splendor of Washington, D.C. The newly updated exterior evokes the grandeur of a magnificent European castle, complete with a clock tower and turrets, showcasing the Romanesque Revival style. Inside, 263 guest rooms featuring dark wood and gold accents encircle a central atrium that is flooded with natural light from a massive arched skylight soaring 12 stories high. The bustling ground-floor lobby is a favorite haunt for D.C.’s elite, enjoying martinis in the elegant Peacock Alley and savoring Spanish-influenced dishes at the Bazaar by José Andrés.

The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel

• Location: Boston, MA
• Loyalty program: Marriott Bonvoy
• Cost in points: Starting at 52,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, marriott.com

In Boston, a remarkable transformation has occurred within the former Charles Street Jail, originally constructed in 1851. This building, known for its “Boston Granite Style,” was reinvented as the Liberty Hotel in 2007, with further enhancements in 2016. It stands as a prime example of adaptive reuse in the U.S. The expansive five-story open-plan lobby is illuminated by the warm glow of chain-link chandeliers and natural light that filters through intricate ocular windows. Former prison cells have been converted into Restaurant Clink, where guests can indulge in North Atlantic seafood in a unique setting. Meanwhile, the Alibi cocktail bar now occupies the former “drunk tank,” featuring authentic bluestone floors and brick walls adorned with striking black-and-white portraits of DUI-convicted celebrities—a delightful irony! The Liberty’s 298 rooms and suites seamlessly blend classic elegance with modern comforts, all while honoring the building’s rich history.

Thompson Atlanta–Buckhead

• Location: Atlanta, GA
• Loyalty program: World of Hyatt
• Cost in points: Starting at 20,000 World of Hyatt points per night, hyatt.com

Opened in late 2021, the Thompson Atlanta-Buckhead soars 10 stories above one of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods. The hotel features 201 rooms and suites that elegantly blend modern and vintage styles, showcasing patterned wood floors, midcentury-inspired decor, and spacious bathrooms with marble vanities. The top floor boasts a rooftop pool deck adorned with private cabanas and chaise lounges, as well as the rooftop bar and restaurant, Tesserae. On the ground level, the Italian American restaurant Dirty Rascal has quickly become a local favorite. (For a true taste of Italian comfort food, indulge in the signature spicy rigatoni, featuring Calabrian chilies in a creamy pink vodka sauce.)

Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

• Location: Beverly Hills, CA
• Loyalty program: Hilton Honors
• Cost in points: Starting at 120,000 Hilton Honors points per night, hilton.com

Inaugurated in June 2017, this 12-story, art deco-inspired masterpiece is situated in one of the most prestigious and costly zip codes in the United States, 90210. As the flagship of the Waldorf Astoria collection, the Beverly Hills location captivates from every angle, featuring a glamorous retro lobby, chic guest rooms designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon, and the star-studded Rooftop by JG. With a minimum size of 537 square feet plus an additional 110-square-foot balcony, the 119 guest rooms combine luxury with a minimalist design. For those seeking the ultimate experience, 51 opulent suites are available, often accessed through complimentary upgrades for elite members, enhancing the Hollywood dream.

JW Marriott Tampa Water Street

• Location: Tampa, FL
• Loyalty program: Marriott Bonvoy
• Cost in points: Starting at 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, marriott.com

Tampa is emerging as Florida’s latest hotspot, outshining even Miami. A significant part of this buzz comes from the rapid transformation of the Water Street neighborhood into a vibrant destination. At the heart of this area stands the impressive 519-room JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, offering an array of luxurious amenities, including a spacious sixth-floor sun terrace, two resort-style pools, and the Spa by JW, featuring ten treatment suites. The highlight is Beacon, Tampa’s highest rooftop bar located on the 27th floor, serving innovative cocktails with stunning downtown views. (Don’t miss the Panacea, a delightful mix of coconut-washed Astral Blanco tequila, Campari, grapefruit, lime, and agave.) The guest rooms combine modern aesthetics with JW’s signature understated elegance. A mandatory daily $30 destination fee grants guests a $30 credit for on-property dining, a daily spirit or wine tasting for two (4–5 p.m.), an hour of bike or kayak rentals, and daily fitness classes on the event lawn.

Although the deals mentioned above are accurate as of the publication date, they are subject to change at any moment and may have been modified or may no longer be available.