Maximize Your Points: The Top Category 1 Hyatt Hotels in the U.S.

Everyone approaches their points and miles differently. For hotels, some travelers like to spend their points on a luxurious night or two, while others prefer to stretch their points for as many nights as they can. In our new "Maximize Your Points" mini-series, we’ll highlight the latter by showing you how to enjoy premium hotel chains for the longest stay possible using points.

Today, we'll explore how to extend your Hyatt points at domestic Category 1 Hyatt hotels. We'll look into how many nights you can enjoy with 60,000 Hyatt points after fulfilling the minimum spending requirement on the World of Hyatt Credit Card.

How many nights can I get from my points?

The current Hyatt award structure consists of eight categories, with Category 8 exclusively allocated for select properties under the Small Luxury Hotels of the World partnership.

Hyatt's initiative to introduce peak and off-peak pricing has faced several delays during the pandemic — and it's now expected to roll out in October 2021. If you plan to redeem your Hyatt points during busy travel periods, be sure to do so before the new award structure takes effect.

Today, we’ll focus on Category 1 properties, as these allow you to maximize your stay with 60,000 points. Category 1 hotels are priced at 5,000 points per night. You can also use extra points to book club rooms and suites at select locations.

Unlike other hotel chains, Hyatt does not provide a fourth or fifth night free on award stays. Thus, the maximum number of complimentary nights you can enjoy with 60,000 points is 12. However, if you're low on points, you can opt for points and cash rates, allowing you to spend fewer points with a cash supplement.

Property Overviews

Hyatt boasts 146 Category 1 properties across the U.S., with the majority being Hyatt Place hotels, which serve as Hyatt's entry-level brand. At Hyatt Place locations in the U.S., guests enjoy complimentary breakfast with a World of Hyatt membership when booking an eligible rate, including award nights.

Additionally, there are several Category 1 Hyatt House properties in the U.S. Hyatt House caters to extended stays, featuring apartment-style accommodations with space to work and unwind. Guests can indulge in free breakfast buffets, often complete with an omelet station, as well as access to on-site laundry and communal areas equipped with fire pits and grills.

Completing the list of U.S. Category 1 properties are a select few Hyatt Regency hotels. Hyatt Regency, one of Hyatt's original brands, continues to be recognized as an upscale offering. These properties focus on providing cozy rooms adorned with regionally inspired artwork.

Explore all Hyatt Category 1 properties through Hyatt's Explore Hotels tool. Up next, we’ll highlight some of the most appealing Category 1 Hyatt hotels in the U.S.

When Extra Space is Needed

Hyatt's Hyatt House properties cater to extended stays, offering more space than typical hotel rooms, making them ideal for families, digital nomads, and other travelers who appreciate room to unwind and the ability to cook their own meals.

There are 19 Hyatt House locations in the U.S. priced at 5,000 points per night. Three of these are featured in the "When you need to stay near an airport" section, but here are some of the most appealing non-airport Hyatt House properties available for just 5,000 points per night.

Hyatt House Colorado Springs (Colorado)

The Hyatt House Colorado Springs is nestled in a picturesque area of Colorado, surrounded by stunning mountains and rivers. The hotel features a heated outdoor pool with a hot tub, along with a fitness center. For 5,000 points per night, you can reserve a studio suite with one king bed and a sleeper sofa, or an executive suite featuring two double beds and a sleeper sofa. Room rates typically range from $102 to $209 per night, excluding taxes and fees.

Hyatt House Philadelphia/Plymouth Meeting (Pennsylvania)

The Hyatt House Philadelphia/Plymouth Meeting is situated 20 miles northwest of Philadelphia, making it a great choice for families thanks to its close proximity to Legoland Philadelphia. The hotel boasts a seasonal outdoor pool and a fitness center. For 5,000 points per night, you can choose from a 350-square-foot studio with one queen bed, a 425-square-foot one-bedroom suite with one king bed, a 505-square-foot conference suite with one king bed, or a 650-square-foot one-bedroom suite with two double beds. Nightly rates generally range from $116 to $174 before taxes and fees.

Hyatt House Houston/Galleria (Texas)

Located just three blocks from The Galleria mall in Houston's southwest suburbs, the Hyatt House Houston/Galleria features an outdoor pool, fire pit, grilling area, and fitness center. For 5,000 points per night, you can enjoy a studio suite with one king bed or an executive suite with two double beds. Nightly rates typically range from $85 to $131 before taxes and fees.

Hyatt House Provo/Pleasant Grove (Utah)

The Hyatt House Provo/Pleasant Grove is conveniently located near Brigham Young University and Utah Lake State Park. The hotel offers a heated outdoor pool, fitness center, and an outdoor fire pit. For 5,000 points per night, you can book a 307-square-foot guest room with one king bed or a 365-square-foot room featuring two queen beds. Rates usually vary from $80 to $114 per night before taxes and fees.

When Seeking an Upscale Experience

Currently, there are 10 Hyatt Regency hotels across the U.S. available for booking at 5,000 points per night. Two of these Hyatt Regency locations are mentioned in the "When you need to stay near an airport" section, but here are the remaining eight Hyatt Regency properties that can be reserved for just 5,000 points per night.

Hyatt Regency Wichita (Kansas)

Nestled along the Arkansas River in downtown Wichita, the Hyatt Regency Wichita is linked to the Century II Convention Center. The hotel features a state-of-the-art fitness center, an indoor heated pool, and two whirlpools. For 5,000 points per night, you can book a 312-square-foot room with either one king bed or two queen beds. Nightly rates generally range from $104 to $159 before taxes and fees.

Hyatt Regency Albuquerque (New Mexico)

Situated in downtown Albuquerque, the Hyatt Regency offers rooms with stunning views of the city and nearby mountains. The hotel features a rooftop pool and a fully equipped fitness center. For 5,000 points per night, you can book a 389-square-foot room with either one king bed or two double beds. These rooms, typically priced between $107 and $173 per night before taxes and fees, may appear minimally decorated in photographs.

Hyatt Regency Tulsa (Oklahoma)

Located in the heart of downtown Tulsa's bustling business, entertainment, and cultural scene, the Hyatt Regency Tulsa features a rooftop pool offering stunning city views. For 5,000 points per night, you can secure a stylish room with either one king bed or two double beds. Cash rates typically range from $102 to $212 per night before taxes and fees. Notably, this Category 1 hotel includes a club lounge for elite members, with non-elite guests able to upgrade for an extra 2,000 points per night. Club lounges provide breakfast and snacks, making the additional points a worthwhile investment for families traveling together.

Additional Hyatt Regency Locations

Here are five other Category 1 Hyatt Regency hotels that may suit your travel needs:

• Hyatt Regency Deerfield (Illinois): Recently renovated in the Chicago suburbs.
• Hyatt Regency Lisle near Naperville (Illinois): Located in the Chicago suburbs.
• Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, Chicago (Illinois): Situated in the Chicago suburbs.
• Hyatt Regency North Dallas (Texas): Close to The University of Texas at Dallas in the Dallas suburbs.
• Hyatt Regency Fairfax (Virginia): Just outside Washington, D.C.

When you need accommodation close to an airport

While budget-friendly hotels are sometimes available near airports, finding a reliable hotel with an airport shuttle can be a challenge, especially for early morning flights, late night arrivals, or overnight layovers. Here are several Hyatt Category 1 hotels with airport shuttle services that you can reserve for just 5,000 Hyatt points per night.

Hyatt Regency Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

The Hyatt Regency Houston Intercontinental Airport offers a free airport shuttle, a well-equipped fitness center, and a beautiful outdoor pool featuring cascading waterfalls and stone accents. For 5,000 points per night, you can book a spacious 400-square-foot room with either one king bed or two double beds. Typical cash rates range from $88 to $160 per night before taxes and fees.

Hyatt Regency Dulles (IAD)

The Hyatt Regency Dulles offers a free airport shuttle, an indoor swimming pool, and a fitness center that overlooks the pool area. For 5,000 points per night, you can book a 374-square-foot room featuring either one king bed or two double beds. Typical cash prices range from $76 to $161 per night before taxes and fees. If you’re traveling with family or need extra space, consider the Hyatt House Sterling/Dulles Airport-North, which also costs 5,000 points per night and might be more suitable.

Hyatt House Charlotte Airport (CLT)

The Hyatt House Charlotte Airport offers a complimentary airport shuttle, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a half-court for basketball. For 5,000 points per night, you can reserve a spacious 565-square-foot one-bedroom suite featuring either one king bed or two double beds, along with a sleeper sofa and kitchenette. Typical cash prices range from $128 to $186 per night before taxes and fees.

Hyatt House Raleigh Durham Airport (RDU)

The Hyatt House Raleigh Durham Airport provides a complimentary airport shuttle, a seasonal outdoor pool, a fire pit, and a fitness center. For 5,000 points per night, you can stay in a 425-square-foot guest room with two double beds or a 450-square-foot studio suite featuring a king bed, sleeper sofa, and kitchen. The guest room is simply a large space, while the studio suite includes separate living and sleeping areas, though without a door between them. Cash prices typically range from $93 to $180 per night before taxes and fees.

Other Properties With Airport Shuttles

Here are additional properties that you can book for 5,000 points per night, all offering complimentary airport shuttle services:

• Hyatt Place Albuquerque Airport (ABQ)
• Hyatt Place Atlanta Airport-South (ATL)
• Hyatt Place Austin Airport (AUS)
• Hyatt House Hartford North/Windsor (BDL)
• Hyatt Place Baltimore/BWI Airport (BWI)
• Hyatt Place Charlotte Airport/Lake Pointe (CLT)
• Hyatt Place Cincinnati Airport/Florence (CVG)
• Hyatt Place El Paso Airport (ELP)
• Hyatt Place Chantilly/Dulles Airport-South (IAD)
• Hyatt Place Sterling/Dulles Airport-North (IAD)
• Hyatt Place Indianapolis Airport (IND)
• Hyatt Place Milwaukee Airport (MKE)
• Hyatt Place Pittsburgh Airport (PIT)
• Hyatt Place Richmond Airport (RIC)
• Hyatt Place Roanoke Airport/Valley View Mall (ROA)
• Hyatt Place San Antonio Airport/Quarry Market (SAT)
• Hyatt Place Tucson Airport (TUS)

How to Acquire Hyatt Points

If any of these options catch your eye but you're short on World of Hyatt points, there are several ways to acquire them. One option is to transfer Ultimate Rewards points to Hyatt. Another is to buy points during promotional sales. Finally, consider signing up for the World of Hyatt Credit Card, which may also offer various benefits during your stays, while fulfilling the minimum spending requirements to earn up to a 60,000-point sign-up bonus (30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months, plus an additional 30,000 bonus points by earning 2 bonus points per $1 spent in the first six months on purchases that typically earn 1 bonus point, on up to $15,000 spent).

Conclusion

There's a lot to appreciate about using your points to enjoy luxurious accommodations that you might never book with cash. However, if you're aiming to maximize your points, you'll find numerous Category 1 Hyatt properties in the U.S. available for just 5,000 Hyatt points per night. The best part is that you're not limited to just Hyatt Place locations; there are also spacious Hyatt House options and even a selection of upscale Hyatt Regency properties to explore.