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The The World of Hyatt Credit Card‘s annual free night award (valid at Category 1–4 hotels) is a big reason why we think it is one of the most valuable hotel cards available. Each year, you'll get a brand free night award in exchange for a nominal $95 annual fee. Additionally, if you spend $15,000 on the card each year, you'll get a second World of Hyatt free night award just like the first one.
You also can earn free night awards with World of Hyatt in other ways. You can earn up to five free nights through the Brand Explorer perk and earn more through Milestone Rewards, earned as you spend more nights at Hyatt properties each year.
World of Hyatt still uses an award chart with categories, and your Hyatt free night can be redeemed at any property in categories 1–4. There are some incredible options to maximize this perk. We've included a variety of hotel types and destinations — from family-friendly hot spots to luxury tropical destinations. Here are the best uses of your Category 1–4 Hyatt free night awards.
Hyatt Categories
You may already know that all Hyatt hotels are assigned a category, and pricing is standardized among the categories. Unfortunately, Hyatt adjusts its categories annually. Every once in a while, hotels move down a category, and you get more bang for your points. More often, hotels move up a category and they'll cost more points. The most painful moves are when hotels jump from Category 4 to 5, moving out of reach of your Category 1–4 Hyatt free night awards.
Additionally, Hyatt changed its pricing a few years ago to include peak and off-peak pricing, instead of just one standard price. Hyatt also introduced a points calendar that allows you to easily search for the lowest-priced nights at any given hotel. However, neither of these things affect your free night award, since that's based on category, not pricing.
If you want to view a list of all World of Hyatt properties, filtered for Categories 1–4 only, follow this link.
Our Favorite Hotels to Redeem a Hyatt Free Night Certificate
Andaz Bali — Indonesia
Bali is a must-visit spot for travelers seeking relaxation, spirituality, and cultural immersion. The natural beauty of Bali's beaches and waterfalls, along with its traditional ceremonies and arts, has helped Bali become a slow-paced traveler's dream. The Andaz Bali is just nine miles from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). You can stay at the resort and relax by the pool or beach or explore famous sites like the Pura Besakih Temple, Ubud Monkey Forest, and the Kanto Lampo Waterfall.
- Award category: 4
- World of Hyatt points per night (standard pricing): 15,000
- Average cash rate: $295 per night
Andaz Savannah — Georgia, USA
Sophisticated and modern with a touch of art-deco, the Andaz Savannah is located in Ellis Square in the Savannah Historic District. An easy walk to Savannah Theater and less than one block from City Market, explore the sights, sounds, and tastes of the south before retreating to the bar for one of 22 Square’s standout cocktails. Pro tip: Ask the bartender if they have any bar snacks; they've been known to have candied bacon.
- Award category: 4
- World of Hyatt points per night (standard pricing): 15,000
- Average cash rate: $185 per night
Grand Hyatt Berlin — Germany
A stroll from Berliner Philharmonie and less than a mile from the iconic Brandenburg Gate, the Grand Hyatt Berlin is centrally located in Berlin’s inner city with easy access to public transport that can get you around the city (Berlin is fairly spread out). The hotel features a fantastic indoor pool for year-round use with views over the Berlin cityscape. If you have Globalist status and score a suite upgrade, your suite may even contain a piano to serenade your loved ones.
- Award category: 4
- World of Hyatt points per night (standard pricing): 15,000
- Average cash rate: $252 per night
Grand Hyatt Dubai — United Arab Emirates
The Grand Hyatt Dubai has an impressive 13 restaurants and bars. From Italian to classic Americana to traditional Arabic food, there's something for everyone. Dubai itself is a perfect mix of traditional culture and futuristic technology. Check out Burj Khalifa's “At The Top,” one of the world's tallest observation decks, or check out the Etihad Museum to learn how the UAE has developed since its founding in 1971.
- Award category: 4
- World of Hyatt points per night (standard pricing): 15,000
- Average cash rate: $129 per night
Grand Hyatt Melbourne — Australia
If you’ve never been to Melbourne, you may wonder at this hotel making the cut, but Melbourne is the premier urban destination in Australia. Where Sydney provides oceanfront glamor, Melbourne has understated sophistication and culture. It offers fantastic nightlife and is home to the best shopping and cafe scene in the world. Spend a weekend cruising Melbourne’s laneways and back alleys, and you will leave a small part of your heart behind when you fly out.
- Award category: 4
- World of Hyatt points per night (standard pricing): 15,000
- Average cash rate: $196 per night
Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach — Hawaii, USA
Who doesn't want to visit Hawaii? While there are fancier Hyatt hotels in Hawaii — which will cost many more points per night — the Hyatt Centric Waikiki is an excellent use of a Hyatt free night award. Walk to Waikiki Kuhio Beach, the birthplace of modern surfing, and watch the professionals ride the waves. Or grab a delicious meal and tiki drink at Duke's. Diamond Head State Monument, one of Oahu's most famous landmarks, is just two miles away and offers some of the most beautiful hikes in the world.
- Award category: 4
- World of Hyatt points per night (standard pricing): 15,000
- Average cash rate: $235 per night
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort — Florida, USA
The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort was ranked ninth in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2021 Reader’s Choice Awards for Top Orlando Resorts. This hotel has a free shuttle to both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, an award-winning golf course, and a pool with 12 waterfalls, a waterslide, and a lazy river. Orlando is centrally located in Florida and has endless things to do. You're sure to find something that suits you.
- Award category: 4
- World of Hyatt points per night (standard pricing): 15,000
- Average cash rate: $170 per night
Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile — France
Oui oui, mon ami! This points enthusiast fan-favorite hotel boasts the highest bar in the city, the Windo Skybar. You can't beat the views of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. While it's just outside the city center, it's near the metro line, giving you easy access to everything Paris has to offer. Club-level rooms (if you qualify for an upgrade) offer unlimited free food all day long.
- Award category: 4
- World of Hyatt points per night (standard pricing): 15,000
- Average cash rate: $226 per night
The Grand Hotel — England
The Grand Hotel is a Small Luxury Hotel of the World (SLH) property, which became a Hyatt partner in 2018. This Victorian-era, 5-star hotel is nicknamed “The Palace by the Sea” for its sprawling grandeur, complete with columns, terraces, and archways. The hotel sits on the southernmost edge of England with views of the English Channel and dramatic cliffs at Beachy Head. The Grand Hotel boasts an old-world charm, including some rooms with four-poster beds and clawfoot tubs. There's fine dining, afternoon tea, and champagne on the lawn — a truly unique experience.
- Award category: 4
- World of Hyatt points per night (standard pricing): 15,000
- Average cash rate: $226 per night
Park Hyatt Siem Reap — Cambodia
No list of great Hyatt hotels would be complete without a Park Hyatt property — Hyatt's hallmark luxury brand. The Park Hyatt Siem Reap is centrally located in the city of Siem Reap, Cambodia. While you can explore nearby nature and fantastic markets within walking distance, the main draw to the city is the massive complex of temples at Angkor, capital of the ancient Khmer empire. It's just a short tuk-tuk ride from the hotel's front door.
- Award category: 3
- World of Hyatt points per night (standard pricing): 12,000
- Average cash rate: $240 per night
Using Hyatt Pay My Way for More Nights
Obviously, your Hyatt free night award is only good for one night. You may have multiple free nights in your World of Hyatt account, but it's likely that you will need to add additional points or cash to your stay if you're spending more than one night at any of these properties. Thankfully, Hyatt makes it easy with its Pay My Way option. You can use a combination of both points and cash to add additional nights to your reservation, and a recent update even allows you to choose which award you want to use.
Final Thoughts
Hyatt's free nights can provide fantastic value when used at the right property. Whether you're looking for relaxation, go-go-go to visit tourist hotspots, or something with activities for your kids, there's something for everyone on this list.
Even though categories have changed and some former favorites are no longer available, there are still plenty of great options to use your free nights.
Is your favorite hotel for using a Hyatt free night award not on this list? Let us know what it is in the comments below.
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We’ve been going to the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo every January since 2015 for a combined total of 22 nights and have never paid for a single night! Every year my wife and I combine our annual free credit card nights along with just 45K points for a five night stay. Since I’m a Globalist with Hyatt, I’ve been upgraded on every stay to a suite which would normally go for around $1500 a night. Combine that with the free breakfast buffet every morning (one of the best at any Hyatt property including most Park Hyatt’s), and the value you get from using your points and free nights simply can’t be beat by any other Hyatt property which is why we keep coming back!
Rock on! Nicely done Greg.
Color me surprised that Park Hyatt Hamburg, which even has a nice lounge, is not on the list.
We’ve never stayed. Care to share your experience?
Thank you! Is there a fee for transferring CSR reward points to Chase Hyatt?
There is no fee and transfers are virtually instant.
I apologized if someone has asked this question. Since the free anniversary night only applies to category 1-4, is there anywhere that I can check this? Thanks
Check out AwardMapper.com. You’ll want to find Hyatt properties priced at 15,000 points or less.
I’m still several months away from getting my first free night certificate, but already planning on how to use it! Thanks for the list of great redemptions.
Great info! I will use that in my next vacations!
Good list!
WOH has been a disappointment but there are still great Hyatt properties to stay at.
The Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa in India is a wonderful place, and the deal is outstanding!
The Hyatt Palm Springs is a nice option for SoCalifornians who want a quick and easy weekend getaway. It’s right on Palm Cyn Drive practically ground zero DTPS. It’s now standing next to a bright spanking new hotel complex Which makes it look a little older/less less attractive than it actually is.its also a big, traditional hotel so if you want a lush casita or small bnb set up, this is not it. However, the rooms are spacious with balconies. Many ask for the rooms looking out over the main drag or pool, but i always ask for top floor Mountain View in the rear. Quiet and private with lovely sunsets from your balcony.
These are fabulous hotels and great recommendations. I also appreciate that resort fees are waived for free nights. It’s so nice to see that free really means free at Hyatt.
I stayed at the Andaz Savannah a short while ago and must say, this is a spectacular property. It’s located two or three blocks from dozens of restaurants – so many choices! Beautifully appointed rooms, terrific, helpful staff. 10/10 for me.
Glad you enjoyed Savannah and the Andaz. One of our favorite places to visit when we walk downtown.
Agree about resort fees.
Too bad we can’t use the lounge pass(from Explorist) with the free night. Good thing is the free night now counts as qualify night for elite.
And this free night will make the annual fee bearable.
All solid properties. I wish this card was available in Canada!!
Very nice that the resort fees are included. I find it really detracts from the “free night” when resort fees are charged. (Much like the huge fuel fees for “free”flights using points.)
Haha, this list was practically tailor-made for me. Siem Reap, Berlin, and return trips to Hong Kong, Saigon, and Melbourne, are all in our near-term plans. Bookmarked.
Wow, those price tags are hefty! Getting them for free definitely sounds like a better deal, even with the high points prices.
great if we ever found ourselves in these places
Tsim Sha Tsui was awesome, with the free cell phone to use. I don’t know why Berlin made this list, given how cheap quality hotels in Berlin are.
I like this subset of posts, often lower categories offer great reward opportunities.
And really helps stretch out the length of a vacation
I change my mind I like most of them except the US and the Germany locations.
That’s a shame. The property in Savannah is in a perfect location.
Park Hyatt Saigon is a lovely property.
GREAT INFO !!!
Making a list. Thanks!
Looks like a nice bunch of properties to explore
Helpful post! Thanks so much.
Thanks for listing these out… gives me some ideas of where to plan my next getaway
This is a great list. Thank you ever so much.
Look like great places to stay.
Oh, to travel the world and actually stay at some of these gorgeous properties!! One can dream.
SO nice. These properties are super enticing.
Awesome list. Hope to see more lists like these with other chains.
Hyatt Regency in New Orleans can be a great spot if you are in town for a game/match of some sort. Adjacent to Dome and Arena, and less than a mile walk to basically anywhere in downtown/CBD/Bourbon.
Great list, although I wish there were a few more in the US.
Just need more vacation time!
We love using our free annual night at the Grand Hyatt in Santiago. Great proerty -amazing pool and lovely bi-level rooms. Also great exec. lounge.
The annual free night certificate is one of the best recurring perks you can get for a $75 annual fee. Great card!
Awesome list!
Our first free night certificate will arrive in a couple of months. Looking forward to using it for a stay at the Andaz Papagayo Costa Rica (+ points) very soon!
Park Hyatt Siem Reap is a very nice property. I stayed there many times and always loved it. All my friends I recommended this hotel to also enjoyed their stays a lot!
My wife and I have stayed at the Andaz Savannah . It was a boutique hotel called AVIA and now it has joined Hyatt Group. It is walking distance to everything in town and an outstanding hotel.
Indeed it is. One of my favorite bar stops when we walk downtown!
Thinking about using the free night in Savannah. Can you use it for one night only ? Or is they require a certain amount of nights. How did you like the location? Not going to have a car
One night is ok — but you need more than one night in Savannah. Perfect location to not have a car actually.
Such gorgeous properties! Drool!
Wow all the hotels look awesome! I thought that I read on some blog comment before that Hyatt wasn’t as good as Hilton or some other hotel. However, they do look nice. I have UR so I could transfer to Hyatt or just go from Chase’s website, I assume, to book something with them. Out of Hyatt, Hilton, IHG, Wyndham, Marriott, etc. who has the best amount of hotels in different cities? For instance, I find that where I go there are a lot of Hiltons but not really Mariotts. Should I really go with several different hotel companies or just focus on Hilton and Marriott, for instance?
Karen, if you’re not staying enough to earn elite status in any particular program, you shouldn’t have any loyalty but rather instead focus on programs that have properties where you want to go at rates you want to pay. Focus on what makes sense based on your travel goals.
I’d love a list that straight up gives the best hotels in each category (I have 8,000 points burning in my hyatt account right now)
I’ve stayed at the Andaz Papagayo and can confirm that it is an amazing hotel!
These look great!
beautiful hotels. great offer.
Some great hotels to use my free certificate – will def keep in mind!
Great info ! I need to use those in the upcoming weeks so I need to chat with my wonderful spouse about our options!
some nice choices there
The Cat 4 limit on the annual Hyatt free night has always been a thorn in my side, but this is a great list. Definitely some excellent values there.
These look like some great options for redeeming your annual free night certificate at.
sign me up!
Coincidentally we’ve been looking at the HR HKG Tsim Sha Tsui, several friends recommended Kowloon as a better place to stay compared to the Grand Hyatt on the HK side.
The HR TST is also significantly cheaper!
Thanks, useful list, as I’ve been considering applying for the Hyatt card…
My wife and I each have a certificate to use by July 9th. We will try to use them somewhere in USA even if it is a low level redemption.
I redeem mine every year at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa. Even better – excellent value if you are able to get a room during the Albuquerque balloon Fiesta.
I can’t attest to the specific property, unfortunately, but I just experienced the balloon festival for the first time this past year, and it’s bucket list stuff by the sheer volume of balloons and the unique shapes.
Andaz Papagayo looks awesome, thanks for sharing
Would love to stay at some of these. Thanks for sharing. Hopefully we can head to Germany to redeem our free night.
great redemption options. I used the anniversary offer on Hyatt at Monterey last year.
To get a $430 room for just spending on a card all for free is an amazing deal. Think we will both sign up to get a weekend away.
Those are some great redemption opportunities. Unfortunately, due to the distance to get to them, I’d want to stay many more nights, and those $400/night rooms will add up!
Free anniversary night is a great card benefit. I had it once upon a time. I got the 2 free nights first month and tried to use during peak times. Supposed to be NO BLACKOUTS. Not easy. Even though I was 11 months out and could book with points. Over last two years I checked Hyatt system. During peak travel they take most standard rooms out of service on web & hyatt award reservations. Example I called up had a few agents several times to check Aruba property during peak times and no availability for chase nights. I got a person in reservation at Aruba property in her 10 years She has never seen anyone be able to use a chase free night during holidays. She has seen people be able to use points at New Years but not chase free night. Sorry for rant..just trying to inform of my experience
Don’t know about redeeming free night, but I started there for points during spring break several times. Great redemption value.
Siam Riep definitely on my list
Good list – adding some to my list of possible options – thanks!
Hyatt Regency Boston is a great category 4 redemption.. It’s walkable to the theater district and china town. Great way to spend a night in Beantown,
It is a nice property and I agree in a great location. I used to only stay at the Westin/Sheraton in Copley, but this is soon becoming my favorite. Great rates, decent enough breakfast in the morning and looking forward to some Globalist upgrades!
I’m still waiting for this Card to make it to Germany….Fingers crossed!
The Grand Hyatt Melbourne is a really nice hotel.
Better than the Park Hyatt in Melbourne IMHO.
I can attest to this, the Park Hyatt has seen better days.
Definitely! And the Park Hyatt is in a less convenient location.
I definitely would have hidden the PH Toronto at the bottom of your list. Decent enough hotel, but not PH standard at all…
Hong Kong TST is only really worthy because it is Hong Kong and the views from the hotel are pretty good. The hotel itself is rather meh…
Wow, some great value to be had with the hotels in the list. It still amazes me how the free night certificates do not exempt the higher grade rooms but while it does not take full advantage of the generosity.
I like the first five on the list.
Helpful, I was just starting to search for properties recently.
These are all beautiful hotels and would offer great value for the annual free night. It is just one more reason to apply for that Chase Hyatt Card.
Can you confirm that this card doesn’t affect the Chase 5/24 rule. I’m still wanting to get approved for the CSR.
This card counts towards the 5 in 5/24, however when you apply for this card (at least currently based on evidence reported), your 5/24 count is not taken into consideration when applying for the card.
Y\Thanks. The 3/24 has kept me away from the Sapphire and other Chase cards. Now I can consider this and the British Airways cards.
I think you mean 5/24, yes? Keep in mind the Hyatt and BA cards are not impacted by 5/24: https://awardwallet.com/blog/chase-524-policy-work/