When it comes to travel, finding unique accommodations can really make the whole trip. Luckily, with the right miles and points strategies, you can book incredible stays—from Scottish castles to private islands—without breaking the bank. Here’s a guide on how to navigate the world of unique accommodations using your travel rewards.
World of Hyatt's Unique Offerings
Hyatt has an impressive collection of unique properties under the Destination by Hyatt collection. One standout is Schloss Roxburghe, a stunning Scottish estate steeped in nearly 900 years of history. After recent renovations, this luxury property is available for booking at just 12,000 points per night, a fantastic value considering its amenities and setting. The best part? You can maximize your points with a Category 1-4 free night award, turning a super boujee stay into an incredible deal.
If you prefer a more traditional experience, consider booking the Castle Suite at Schloss Roxburghe for 27,000 points per night. With a cash value of $836, this translates to an impressive redemption value of over 3 cents per point, making it a worthwhile splurge.
Marriott Bonvoy: Beyond Standard Hotels
Marriott offers a range of unique accommodations through its Design Hotels and luxury brands. One of the most extravagant options is the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, where you can book cruises using points. While this option may seem outlandish, it opens up an exciting realm of travel experiences. Other notable stays include the luxurious Al Maha Desert Resort in Dubai or a safari lodge in Africa, all bookable with Bonvoy points.
For travelers looking to make the most of their points, consider using transfer bonuses when moving points from Chase or American Express to bolster your Marriott account, enabling you to reach those high-point destinations more easily.
Virgin Limited: Exclusive Experiences
For those adventurous at heart, Virgin Limited offers an array of unique stays and experiences bookable with Virgin Atlantic points. From private islands to luxury cruises, the opportunities are numerous, especially when utilizing transfer bonuses.
Hilton Honors: Luxury Resorts and Free Nights
Hilton features a collection of luxury resorts under its LXR Hotels and Resorts brand. While these are primarily high-end stays, they can be a great option for unique accommodations. Notably, Hilton’s free night awards are not capped by category limits, making them a fantastic tool for booking high-value properties. If you’ve earned a free night award, consider using it at one of Hilton’s luxurious resorts for a memorable experience.
IHG: Unique Properties and Credit Card Bonuses
IHG has expanded its portfolio with unique properties through the Six Senses collection and the growing Vignette Collection. Both offer distinctive accommodations bookable with IHG points. Plus, IHG credit cards often come with really nice welcome offers, which can help you accumulate points quickly. If you’re looking to stay at unique properties without spending a fortune, this is an excellent path to consider.
Using Airbnb for Unique Stays
While not a traditional hotel, Airbnb offers tons of unique stays under its OMG! Stays category, featuring everything from treehouses to castles. Although you can’t redeem traditional travel rewards for Airbnb directly, using a travel credit card to book an Airbnb can earn you significant points toward future travels.
For example, consider using a known travel expense like an Airbnb booking to meet the minimum spend requirement on a new credit card. This strategy can help you earn welcome bonuses, significantly boosting your points balance.
To Wrap Things Up
With the right strategies, booking unique accommodations using miles and points can transform your travel experiences. From Hyatt’s historic estates to Virgin Atlantic’s exclusive island stays and Airbnb’s eclectic options, the possibilities are endless! Be sure to leverage transfer bonuses, credit card rewards, and free night awards to make the most of your travel budget. Happy travels, friends!
