Hyatt is actually very simple. It just sounds complicated.
This guide explains Hyatt in the easiest possible way with no jargon and no confusion. If you’re brand new to all of this, you’re in the right place.

Whether you’re just getting started with Hyatt or already earning points from your everyday spending, how to earn and use Hyatt free night certificates is something that is important to understand. Once you know how to earn them (and how to maximize them), they can turn an ordinary weekend into a nearly free family getaway.

Can you use Capital One points for Accor hotels? Yes—but the math might surprise you. Here’s when it makes sense, and when to save your miles instead.

Most people use their Hyatt perks one at a time.
Globalists use them like ingredients in a recipe.

Because when you stack a Guest of Honor award (for perks) + a Suite Upgrade Award (for guaranteed space) + a Free Night Certificate or points stay (to reduce cost), that’s when you unlock those “Wait, how are you staying in THAT room for free?” moments.

Let’s turn your random Hyatt perks into one unforgettable stay.

Some Hyatt perks are nice-to-have. Suite Upgrade Awards are don’t-you-dare-waste-them perks.

Used right, one click can turn a tight standard room into a full living room, balcony, and separate bedroom with a door. Used wrong… you’ve burned a golden ticket on a room that was already empty.

If you’ve ever wished you could share your elite hotel perks with someone you love, Hyatt is one of the only programs that officially lets you do it.

That’s exactly what the Guest of Honor Award is designed for.

I’m here to tell you a secret…
You don’t have to stay 60 nights in a hotel to earn Hyatt Globalist status. You can piece it together, even as a busy parent who only travels a few times a year.

I’ve come to love IHG properties for family travel, not because they’re flashy or influencer-trendy, but because they are often:

The only chain hotel in smaller destinations (like the Columbia River Gorge or near national parks)

Way more likely to offer suite-style rooms or sofa sleepers

Loaded with perks like free breakfast or kitchens, which is huge when feeding multiple kids

I felt bad the other day when I posted a ski week we took due to the Epic Pass that was limited to Utah moms because of the School Kids program they have. So, I got curious and wanted to give you a list of some of the best ski trips I could find that you could book on points. Yes, skiing itself can be a bit pricey, but when you know how to book the hotels for your winter wonderland vacation on points, it suddenly gets a whole lot easier to book.

I had a realization the other day that we could stretch our points farther at the same kinds of hotels we were already booking as a family. We don’t necessarily have to book a fancy resort, and we still have a great time.