Hyatt for Families: Best Ways to Book with Points

 

Hyatt for Families: Why It’s a Favorite Among Moms

If you’re a mom trying to stretch your points for family vacations, Hyatt is one of the best programs out there. With family-friendly properties, incredible point value, and perks that make travel smoother, it’s a standout choice for booking hotels with points.

Whether you’re brand new to Hyatt or just want to make your redemptions go further, this guide walks you through everything—from earning and transferring points to maximizing stays with kid-friendly benefits.

What This Guide Covers:

Just getting started with points and miles? Check out my Beginner’s Guide first, then come back to this post for Hyatt-specific strategies.


Why Moms Love Hyatt

✔ Family-friendly features: Many Hyatt properties offer suites, free breakfast, and resort-style pools—ideal for families.

✔ Predictable pricing: Hyatt still uses an award chart, which means you can plan your points redemptions in advance without worrying about price spikes.

✔ Credit card value: Their personal credit card includes a free night every year, which makes it an easy win for families who travel just once annually.

✔ Strong loyalty perks: The Hyatt program consistently ranks among the best for high-value redemptions and family-friendly elite benefits.

✔ Elite perks even at mid-tier: With free parking on award stays and room upgrades, you don’t need top-tier status to benefit.

Want to see a breakdown of the value? Read How to Calculate the Value of a Point—and Why It Matters.


How to Earn Hyatt Points

You don’t need to be a frequent traveler to rack up Hyatt points. In fact, most families can earn them quickly just by using the right credit cards and making a few strategic choices.

1. Transfer Points from Travel Credit Cards

Flexible travel credit cards let you transfer points directly to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. This is one of the fastest ways to build up your balance.

For example, many families earn points on everyday spending—like groceries and gas—and then transfer those points to Hyatt when they’re ready to book a trip.

Need help getting started? Here’s my list of favorite cards for families who want to earn Hyatt points quickly.

If you’re wondering why transferable points matter so much, this post breaks it down: Why You Never Have Enough Miles—and How Transferable Points Solve That Problem.

2. Earn with the World of Hyatt Credit Card

Hyatt’s own credit card gives you bonus points on Hyatt stays, restaurants, gym memberships, and more. You’ll also get a free night certificate every year, which is great even if you only travel once or twice annually.

3. Book Hyatt Stays and Watch for Promotions

Booking paid Hyatt stays is another easy way to earn points—especially when promotions are running.

  • You’ll earn 5x points per dollar spent on Hyatt stays
  • Look out for Bonus Journeys promos in your account dashboard
  • Link your Hyatt and American Airlines accounts to earn both points and miles

4. Combine Points with Family

Hyatt lets you transfer points to another member once every 30 days. This is perfect for couples or families earning separately who want to book one big trip.

To do this, fill out the Points Combining Form and email it to Hyatt. It’s free and super helpful when you’re just a few thousand points short of a redemption.


How to Book Hyatt Hotels with Points

Once you’ve built up your points, booking with Hyatt is refreshingly simple. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of your redemption.

Step-by-Step Booking Guide

  • Go to Hyatt.com or use the World of Hyatt app
  • Log in to your account to see award-night availability
  • Enter your destination and travel dates
  • Select the “Use Points” checkbox before searching
  • Choose rooms labeled “Standard Room – Free Night” for the best point value

Booking Tips for Families

Traveling with kids? Here are a few helpful tips:

  • Need two rooms? You can book both under your account—just call Hyatt to link them
  • Hyatt House and Hyatt Place often have rooms that fit 5–6 people, which is perfect for bigger families
  • All Hyatt award stays are fully refundable, so book early—even if you’re still finalizing plans
  • If you have Globalist status, use the Guest of Honor benefit to share your perks with family or friends

Using Free Night Certificates

Free night certificates are one of the easiest ways to save big on Hyatt stays. You can earn them through credit card anniversaries, spending milestones, or elite status rewards.

Where you can earn them:

  • Every year with the personal Hyatt credit card (good for Category 1–4 hotels)
  • At 30 and 60 nights in a calendar year (Milestone Rewards)
  • By spending $15,000+ on eligible Hyatt credit cards

How to redeem them:

  • Certificates appear under “My Awards” in your Hyatt account
  • Choose eligible dates and properties (make sure they’re in the right category)
  • Select “Free Night Award” at checkout if available

Tip: Use your cert for the most expensive night of your trip to maximize value.


Finding Award Availability

If you’ve ever searched for award nights at the most popular Hyatt properties—like the ones in Maui or Kauai—you’ve probably run into a wall of “No Availability.” One mom messaged me recently and said:

“What’s the trick to finding Hyatt point availability? I was looking for next April for Maui or Kauai and I couldn’t find any availability. Am I too late?”

The short answer: you’re not too late. These properties just book up fast because they’re so in demand, especially during spring break or holidays. But here’s the part most people don’t realize: Hyatt award bookings are fully refundable, so people cancel all the time. Rooms come back into the system often—you just need a way to grab them.

That’s why I use MaxMyPoint.com. You can set an alert for your exact dates and hotel, and it’ll email you as soon as a night becomes available. Your first alert is free, and it saves you from having to check constantly.

So no, it’s not too late. It just takes a little strategy—and a good alert system—to grab those high-demand stays.



Best Times to Book with Points

If you’re booking during school breaks or holidays, Hyatt award nights can go fast. But knowing when to search and how to track openings can make a big difference.

When to start looking:

  • Hyatt opens bookings 13 months in advance—book early for peak travel seasons
  • Use alert tools like MaxMyPoint or Rooms.aero for fully booked hotels
  • Check again 30–60 days before your trip—many people cancel
  • Flex your dates if possible to unlock off-peak pricing

What Is Hyatt Globalist Status & Milestone Rewards—and How Do You Earn Them?

Hyatt Globalist is the top-tier status in Hyatt’s loyalty program, and for families, it’s a game-changer. Think: free breakfast, suite upgrades, waived fees, club lounge access (hello, snacks!), and VIP treatment at check-in. If you’re staying at Hyatt properties even a few times a year, Globalist status can massively upgrade your experience—and your savings.

Globalist Benefits for Families

Benefit What You Get
Free Breakfast For 2 adults + 2 kids at full-service Hyatt hotels
Waived Resort Fees Even on paid (cash) stays
Suite Upgrades Confirmed with Suite Upgrade Awards—no hoping at check-in
Late Checkout 4 PM at most properties
Guest of Honor Friends or family booking with your points get your perks

How to Earn Globalist Status (Without Staying 60 Nights)

Normally, you need to stay 60 nights in a calendar year to qualify. But families can often earn Globalist faster using a combination of credit cards, spending, and smart booking strategies:

Strategy Elite Nights Earned
Hold the personal Hyatt card 5 nights every year
Spend $10,000 on the business Hyatt card 5 nights per $10,000
Book 2 rooms under your name Both rooms count toward status
Use points or free night certs Still count toward elite nights

Sample Strategy to Hit 60 Nights

Source Nights Earned
Personal Hyatt card 5 nights
$40,000 spend on Hyatt business card 20 nights
Actual hotel stays (booking 2 rooms) 35 nights
Total 60 nights

With the right mix of cards, spending, and family-size bookings, Globalist status is within reach—even if you’re not a full-time traveler.


Award chart rates at the time of this writing:

Hotel CategoryOff-PeakStandardPeak
13,5005,0006,500
26,5008,0009,500
39,00012,00015,000
412,00015,00018,000
517,00020,00023,000
621,00025,00029,000
725,00030,00035,000
835,00040,00045,000

All-Inclusive Hyatt Properties

Hyatt’s all-inclusive resorts (like Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Zilara, and Dreams Resorts) use a separate award chart with lettered categories (A–F) instead of the standard numbered categories used for regular Hyatt hotels.

The base award rate covers two guests per room, but if you’re traveling as a family, it’s important to factor in the additional point costs:

  • 3rd guest: +10,000 to 28,000 points per night, depending on the property category.
  • Children: Some properties offer discounted rates for kids staying in the same room.

Check the specific resort’s award category and extra guest pricing when booking. Here’s what those rates look like:

CategoryOff-PeakStandardPeak
A15,00017,00020,000
B20,00023,00025,000
C25,00029,00032,000
D30,00035,00040,000
E35,00040,00045,000
F42,00050,00058,000

Hyatt Brands Simplified

Hyatt Family-Friendly Hotels Worth Booking

Hyatt has a lot of brands, and it can get confusing fast. To make it easier, I broke them down into an easy-to-read chart so you can quickly see what each brand is all about. Whether you’re looking for luxury resorts, budget-friendly family stays, extended-stay suites, or trendy lifestyle hotels, there’s a Hyatt brand that fits.

This chart gives you a quick overview of each brand, what type of hotel it is, and what makes it stand out.

BrandTypeKey Features
AlilaLuxury BoutiqueEco-friendly, nature-focused, high-end experiences.
AndazLuxury LifestyleModern design, local culture influence, premium amenities.
AtonaJapanese RyokanTraditional onsen-inspired hotels in Japan.
Bunkhouse HotelsUnique BoutiqueInstagram-worthy design, small independent properties.
Caption by HyattAffordable LifestyleSocially-driven, modern spaces, select-service hotels.
Destination by HyattLuxury & UpscaleIndependent hotels with unique character and upscale design.
Dream HotelsLuxury LifestyleHigh-energy, nightlife-focused urban hotels.
Grand HyattLuxuryFull-service, large-scale hotels with premium experiences.
Hyatt CentricUpscale LifestyleTrendy, city-center locations with local-inspired decor.
Hyatt HouseExtended StaySpacious suites with kitchens, free breakfast.
Hyatt Inclusive CollectionAll-InclusiveLuxury all-inclusive resorts, including Hyatt Ziva/Zilara.
Hyatt PlaceSelect-ServiceAffordable stays with free breakfast and larger rooms.
Hyatt RegencyUpscale BusinessLarge business hotels with conference space, Regency Club access.
Hyatt StudiosExtended StayBudget-friendly, grab-and-go breakfast, studio-style rooms.
Hyatt Vacation ClubTimeshareResidential-style accommodations, fewer elite perks.
JdV by HyattBoutiqueIndependent boutique hotels with unique designs.
MiravalWellness ResortAll-inclusive wellness retreats, spa and mental health focus.
Park HyattUltra-LuxuryHyatt’s highest-end hotels, luxury accommodations.
The StandardTrendy LifestyleModern, nightlife-focused boutique hotels.
The Unbound CollectionLuxury BoutiqueUnique, story-worthy luxury hotels.
Thompson HotelsLuxury LifestyleModern, design-focused, urban upscale hotels.
UrCoveChina-SpecificHotels designed for Chinese travelers, business focus.

Hotels That Fit Larger Families

Not all Hyatt House and Hyatt Place hotels are created equal! While these brands are known for offering spacious rooms that fit up to six people—making them a favorite for families—not every location delivers the same quality, amenities, or experience. Some properties are newer, have better layouts, or offer extras like upgraded breakfast spreads, resort-style pools, or prime locations near major attractions.

To save you the hassle of sorting through hundreds of options, I’ve rounded up some of the best Hyatt House and Hyatt Place hotels that fit six people in a standard room. These are the ones worth considering for your next trip! Plus, I’ve linked each one so you can check availability and rates directly.

HotelLocationMax OccupancyRoom TypeAward Night Rate (Off-Peak / Standard / Peak)
Hyatt Place Park CityUtah6Two Queen Beds + Sofa Bed9,000 / 12,000 / 15,000
Hyatt Place MoabUtah6Two Queen Beds + Sofa Bed12,000 / 15,000 / 18,000
Hyatt House AnaheimCalifornia6One-Bedroom Suite (Two Queens + Sofa Bed)17,000 / 20,000 / 23,000
Hyatt Place Orlando/Lake Buena VistaFlorida6Two Queen Beds + Sofa Bed9,000 / 12,000 / 15,000
Hyatt House Miami AirportFlorida6Two Bedroom Suite (King + Two Doubles + Sofa Bed)12,000 / 15,000 / 18,000
Hyatt Place KyotoJapan6Two Queen Beds + Sofa Bed9,000 / 12,000 / 15,000
Hyatt House Denver DowntownColorado6Two Bedroom Suite (King + Two Queens + Sofa Bed)12,000 / 15,000 / 18,000
Hyatt Place Panama City BeachFlorida6Two Queen Beds + Sofa Bed17,000 / 20,000 / 23,000
Hyatt Place KnoxvilleTennessee6Two Queen Beds + Sofa Bed9,000 / 12,000 / 15,000
Hyatt House Nashville DowntownTennessee6One-Bedroom Suite (Two Queens + Sofa Bed)12,000 / 15,000 / 18,000

Most Popular Properties for Families

I put together a list of some of the most popular Hyatt hotels for families and linked to their websites so you can check them out for yourself. I also highlighted their best features—whether that’s a prime location, family-friendly perks, or excellent point redemption value—to help get your bucket list started.

HotelLocationBest FeaturesAward Night Rate (Off-Peak / Standard / Peak)
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & SpaHawaiiMulti-level pools, lazy river, 150-foot water slide, family-friendly activities25,000 / 30,000 / 35,000
Hyatt Regency MauiHawaiiWaterslides, penguins on-site, direct beach access25,000 / 30,000 / 35,000
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and SpaCaliforniaBeachfront access, Slyders Water Playground, family suites21,000 / 25,000 / 29,000
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & SpaTexasLazy river, water slide, kids’ club, horseback riding21,000 / 25,000 / 29,000
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & SpaTexasFive-acre water park, lazy river, FlowRider wave machine17,000 / 20,000 / 23,000
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & SpaFloridaThree-acre poolscape, lazy river, five waterslides17,000 / 20,000 / 23,000
Hyatt Place Orlando/Lake Buena VistaFloridaNear Disney parks, free breakfast, family-friendly9,000 / 12,000 / 15,000
Hyatt House AnaheimCaliforniaWalking distance to Disneyland, full kitchens, free breakfast17,000 / 20,000 / 23,000
Hyatt Place Park CityUtahEvening snacks, live music, ski resort access9,000 / 12,000 / 15,000
Hyatt Place MoabUtahNear Arches National Park, spacious rooms, free breakfast12,000 / 15,000 / 18,000
Hyatt Place KyotoJapanRight on a metro stop, Cozy Corner sleeper sofas9,000 / 12,000 / 15,000
Hyatt Regency TokyoJapanGreat location, top-notch service, views of Shinjuku12,000 / 15,000 / 18,000
Hyatt Centric Key WestFloridaOceanfront, laid-back luxury, walkable location25,000 / 30,000 / 35,000
Hyatt Regency Grand ReservePuerto RicoSpacious resort, beachfront, pools, great for families17,000 / 20,000 / 23,000

Common Questions

These are some of the most common Hyatt questions I get asked by families using points:

Can I combine points with my spouse?
Yes. Hyatt lets you transfer points once every 30 days for free using this form.

Can I book two rooms with points?
Yes! If both rooms are under your name, they count toward elite status. Or you can split bookings across two accounts if you’ve transferred points.

What if the room says it fits four but we’re six?
Call the hotel directly—some allow kids to stay free even if the room technically fits four. Otherwise, book a suite or two rooms.

Can I use my points to book for someone else?
Yes. If you’re a Globalist, use Guest of Honor. If not, you can transfer points to their account and let them book.



Final Thoughts: Is Hyatt the Best for Family Travel?

Hyatt is one of the best hotel programs for families looking to stretch their points. Between high-value redemptions, great perks at even mid-tier status, and family-friendly properties, it consistently beats out other hotel chains for overall value.

Next Steps:

  • Start earning points with some of my favorite credit cards.
  • Set up alerts through MaxMyPoint or Rooms.aero to track availability at popular Hyatt properties.
  • Look into Hyatt Ziva or other all-inclusive brands for an easy family getaway.

Want More Travel Tips?

Follow me on Instagram for daily travel tips and the latest points news, or sign up for my email list for exclusive family travel deals and points strategies.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.

Advertiser Disclosure: The Rewards Mom has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Rewards Mom and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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welcome

more about me

I’m a former travel agent and airline employee turned points and miles enthusiast, here to help families travel more—for way less. With four kids of my own, I know how hard (and pricey!) it can be to plan a trip that actually works. That’s where points come in.

We’ve used them to visit 24 countries (Hawaii’s still my favorite), and I love showing other families how to do the same. On this site, you’ll find simple guides, smart tips, and one-on-one help if you want it. Whether you're just starting or ready to dive deeper, I'm here to make it easier—and more fun.

Let’s start checking off that bucket list.

Meet Kristin.
Former Travel Pro Turned Mom & Points Aficionado