“The major hotel brands, Hyatt, Marriott, and Hilton, are all pushing the envelope in the all-inclusive space,” says Tanner Saunders, senior hotels reporter at The Points Guy. “If you haven’t been to an all-inclusive resort, now’s the time to give it a chance.”But before you cash in your points for that beachfront suite, there are a few things you should know. Points programs vary widely. For example, Hyatt uses a fixed award chart for all-inclusives, while Hilton and Marriott rely on dynamic pricing. Flexibility with dates is key, and it's imperative to always double-check guest count before booking to avoid unexpected charges. Whether you're dreaming of the Dominican Republic’s newest luxury openings or a laid-back escape in Mexico, these seven tips from seasoned travel pros will help you book smarter and better, with points.
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7 Tips for Booking Hotels Using Loyalty Points
Hilton Vallarta Riviera All Inclusive Resort. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. Photo by Victor Elias Photography.“Hyatt uses a fixed award chart, often offering the best value,” he said. “While Hilton and Marriott use dynamic pricing, meaning point costs fluctuate depending on demand.”
2. Flexibility Is Key to Finding the Best Value
“The more flexible you are with your travel dates, the better chance you’ll have of scoring a great deal,” Tanner said. “High-season trips, like summer holidays in Europe or spring break trips in Florida, will typically require more points, especially with Hilton and Marriott.”
According to Sarah Blevins, a lifestyle blogger at Our Little Lifestyle and points booking pro, this is the number one mistake many travelers make.
"Unlike many standard hotels, all-inclusive properties are often priced based on double occupancy and charge extra for additional guests. When people do not include children in their booking, they are frequently met with additional charges at check-in," she said.
4. You Really Can Leave Your Wallet Behind
"I would just say: If you haven’t been to an all-inclusive resort, now’s the time to give it a chance. The know-what-you-pay-upfront resorts have been getting better, and when I’m at one, I love the stress-free nature of leaving my wallet behind and not worrying about how much money I’m spending. To me, that’s a great vacation," he said.
For Sarah, getting into points was all about maximizing the ways she and her family (four in total) can travel together most affordably. She’s taken more than a dozen international trips on points—something she credits to strategic research and a well-curated lineup of travel credit cards.
She also found that you often get more value for your points this way, rather than redeeming them for travel through the bank's travel portal.
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6. Maximize Your Points for More Amenities
7. Don’t Overlook the Standout Properties
If you're using points, know which properties are worth the splurge. Saunders recommends the Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic: an adults-only beachfront resort you can book with World of Hyatt points, with access to sister property Ziva’s waterpark and restaurants. It’s a great example of how luxury and loyalty programs can intersect. The W, which is set to open later this summer, is a brand-new member of Marriott's portfolio and sits along a pristine stretch of Uvero Alto beach and boasts amenities abound, including four restaurants, 9 bars, private beach access, a spa, and more.
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