I started the Best Hyatt Hotel Redemption series back in April 2013, and wrapped things up fairly quickly, since Hyatt had just six categories and very few hotels compared to programs like Club Carlson. On January 7, 2014 Hyatt devalued it’s Gold Passport program. Several properties were moved around, a new Category 7 was added, and point redemptions for Categories 4-6 increased by a few thousand points.
The newly created Category 7 required 30,000 points per night. This is pretty significant, considering many of these hotels were previously available for just 22,000 points. What’s more, there are just six hotels in the new category, which is a bit bizarre. On the upside, it makes it easy to round off the top hotels in this category (most of which are remnants of the old Category 6). Without further ado, here are the top redemption options for Hyatt Gold Passport’s Category 7:
Americas
US
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa (Beaver Creek, CO)
Distinctions: Tripadvisor #7 hotel in Beaver Creek
Accommodations: Standard Alpine View King rooms are spacious at 400 sqft and feature views of the hotel grounds. Each room features floor-to-ceiling windows that open, a flatscreen television, and if the weather is getting to you – a humidifier. The hotel was recently renovated, and the decor has improved significantly.
Location: Typical of a ski resort, the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek is surrounded by mountains, offering stunning scenery. Denver International Airport is two hours away, though there are variety of shuttle services available to the resort.
Honorable mention: N/A
Asia/Pacific
Park Hyatt Sydney (Sydney, Australia)
Source: Hotel website
Distinctions:
- Tripadvisor: #2 Hotel in Sydney
- Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence 2013
Accommodations: Every single room at this property has a great view of either the city or the Opera House, so you’re sure to get a great room even on an award stay.
At the standard level, you can choose between a City Harbour King or Twin room. Both rooms are 430-486 sqft and feature floor-to-ceiling windows with a balcony overlooking Sydney’s harbour or city skyline. Rooms come equipped with a Bose digital music system, Nespresso coffee maker, and butler service.
Aside from the Park Hyatt Maldives, this is one property where you’re pretty much guaranteed an amazing room even if you’re just booking a standard.
Location: With a terrific location right on Sydney Harbour, this hotel provides a great base from which to explore the city. Within walking distance, you’ll find the Ferry Terminal. Walk a bit further and you’ll hit the Opera House.
The city’s business district is half a mile away, along with the shopping district. If you’re looking to get out of the city, the Central Railway Station is less than two miles from the hotel. The popular Bondi Beach is equally accessible at under 6 miles, and Manly Beach is a ferry ride away. Whether you’re in town on business or to enjoy all the city has to offer, this hotel is a great option.
Honorable mention: Park Hyatt Tokyo
Europe, Africa, Middle East
Western Europe
Park Hyatt Zurich (Zurich, Switzerland)
Source: Hotel website
Distinctions: Tripadvisor #1 hotel in Zurich
Accommodations: At the standard level, guests can book a 387 sqft Park Twin or King room with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the city or courtyard. The bathroom has a mirror with a built-in television, bathrobe and slippers.
In the room, you’ll find a complimentary Nespresso machine and tea provisions. Impressively, the hotel offers twice daily housekeeping services and all guests receive complimentary wifi.
Location: The hotel is located near the Bahnhofstrasse shopping district and less than two miles from Old Town (Altstadt) Zurich. Within walking distance, you’ll find Lake Zurich, Paradeplatz Square, Congress Centre, and other attractions.
The hotel is just six miles from the airport. There are no less than three subway/tram stations within walking distance, which is convenient if you want to avoid astronomical taxi rates.
Honorable mention: N/A
Mediterranean
Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome (Paris, France)
Distinctions:
- Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice 2013: #5 Top 25 Luxury Hotels in France
- Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice 2013: #8 Top 25 Hotels in France
Accommodations: With standard rooms going for upwards of $1,000 per night, it’s easy to see why this hotel is a favorite redemption choice and one of the most talked about properties in Hyatt’s portfolio.
Standard rooms are anything but, with the 260-320 sqft Park Twin and Queen rooms both offering tremendous luxury. Walls are accented with wood, silk, and bronze while bathrooms are outfitted with limestone, floor heating, soaking tub, and rain shower. Standard rooms feature views of the courtyard or Rue Volney.
Location: The property is in the 16th arrondissement, just steps from Place Vendome, in an upscale neighborhood known for high-end boutiques and restaurants. There is plenty to see within walking distance, including Place de la Concorde, Champs-Elysees, The Louvtre, Jardin des Tuileries, the Eiffel Tower, and more.
Honorable mention: Park Hyatt Milan (Milan, Italy)
Park Hyatt Sydney: “Every single room at this property has a great view of either the city or the Opera House, so you’re sure to get a great room even on an award stay.” This is incorrect.
Stayed here on points and the rooms that are furthest from the elevator on 1st – 3rd floors face a tree and a street – no city or opera house views.