We are all still collectively mourning the changes World of Hyatt is making to their award chart starting May 1st, 2026. If you have been following us for a while, you know we are Hyatt girls through and through. For years, we have been saving all our precious Chase Ultimate Rewards® specifically for Hyatt redemptions. Even though the Hyatt changes will probably make us hoard our points even more, there are plenty of other ways you can use your Chase Ultimate Rewards®. 

 

Chase Rules You Need to Know Before You Apply

The 5/24 Rule (an unofficial rule)

Chase will typically deny approval for most of their cards if you have opened five or more personal credit cards in the last twenty-four months (from any bank, not just from Chase). Because of this, you want to be strategic with your Chase applications and prioritize applying early in your points journey. 

We recommend starting with either the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve®. The Sapphire cards unlock the ability to transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards® to the Chase travel partners, which is where the real magic happens.

 

Marriott Hotels Worth Using Your Ultimate Rewards® Points For

Marriott Bonvoy® can be a bit unpredictable with its dynamic pricing, but when you find the right redemption or an extra transfer bonus, Marriott stays are incredibly valuable.

 

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Room rates range from 106,000 (off-peak) points per night to 160,000 (peak) points per night

 

 

This is one of those properties that just feels like a true escape. Crystal-clear water, white-sand beaches, and that effortless luxury the Ritz-Carlton is known for. I have been eyeing this property for a while now, and it is high on my list for a future family trip. If you can snag this property on a lower points night, it is absolutely worth it!

 

St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort

Room rates range from 90,000 (off-peak) points per night to 146,000 (peak) points per night

 

 

Think Miami, but elevated. This property feels calm, exclusive, and just the right amount of bougie. Between the oversized rooms and oceanfront views, this is one of those stays where using points feels like a major win.

 

JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge

Room rates range from 212,000 to 236,000 points per night

 

 

This one is for the bucket list. A luxury safari booked on points is about as good as it gets. Award availability can be tricky, but if you can make it work, this is one of the most unique Marriott redemptions.

 

IHG Hotels & Resorts 

IHG Hotels & Resorts has seriously stepped up its game over the last few years, and it is becoming one of our favorite programs to keep an eye on.

 

InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

Room rates range from 70,000 (off-peak) points per night to 120,000 (peak) points per night

 

 

If Bora Bora is on your bucket list, this property is a great way to make the trip possible. This hotel is currently undergoing refurbishment. But it is slated to reopen in mid 2026 and will be bookable on points for 2027. The best part? You are able to book overwater bungalows with a view of Mount Otemanu for nearly free. Say less! Bora Bora is always a good idea, and being able to book a stay like this with points makes it even better.

 

Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & Spa

Room rates range from 60,000 (off-peak) points per night to 110,000 (peak) points per night

Tucked away on the quieter side of Roatán, this property feels like one of those hidden gems you almost want to gatekeep. IHG really nailed the balance here between boutique charm and laid-back luxury. Think beachfront bungalows, swaying palms, and water so clear it barely looks real. Pam and Alex love this hotel and think you should have it on your bucket list.

 

 

Wyndham: New Kid on the Block

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has been making some serious moves lately, and we are paying attention. They have some great hotel deals both abroad and domestically. They even have some all-inclusive options you can book for as few as 30,000 points per night for two adults. 

 

Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lords Castle All-Inclusive Resort

Room rates range from 30,000 points per night.

 

This property offers a luxurious Caribbean escape with large, modern rooms featuring expansive private balconies. As an all-inclusive property, you can enjoy seamless dining experiences at all the restaurants and bars on the property, most of which have stunning oceanfront seating. Who doesn’t love getting your lodging and meals covered all by points? We think this resort is a steal when you book it on points!

 

Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek 

Room rates range from 30,000 points per night.

If you have been following us for a while, you know we love a great Disney option! This hotel is perfect for families that want to visit Disney without breaking the bank. This hotel has everything you want from an Orlando hotel.  You get all the resort-style amenities, like a fabulous pool. And the rooms here are so spacious that everyone gets their own space, making this hotel perfect for families. And did I mention your proximity to Disney World is ideal!

 

 

Airline Transfer Partners 

United Airlines

We love United Airlines, and booking flights using your Chase Ultimate Rewards® is one of the simplest ways to book a United Polaris seat.

Real World Availability:

You can regularly book the Polaris cabin for 88,000 to 300,000 points one way. Or you can find domestic flights for as few as 8,000 to 15,000 points one way.

Example: 

I booked a United Polaris flight for my return home from Bora Bora this coming September. For 160,000 points, I am flying from Tahiti to San Francisco, then to Philadelphia, and finally to Wilmington. The biggest win here is that I get to fly Polaris for our first two legs of our nineteen-hour trip, have no positioning flight, and get to arrive back at our home airport on one reservation. That’s what I call a points dream!

 

 

Southwest®: The Family Favorite

Southwest Airlines® is one of the easiest and most flexible airlines to book. 

Real World Availability:

Flights can start as low as 5,000 to 10,000 points

Example:

Fly from Raleigh (RDU) to Nashville (BNA) for under 8,000 points

If you have the Companion Pass, this is one of the best travel deals. I always check Southwest first when planning domestic family trips.

 

JetBlue: Comfortable and Convenient

JetBlue offers a more comfortable economy experience with extra legroom and great service. 

Real World Availability: JetBlue uses dynamic pricing; point costs are closely tied to cash prices. You can typically find flights ranging from 6,500 to 15,000 points for one-way on domestic routes.

Example: I love using JetBlue for East Coast flights, especially when I want something easy, comfortable, and still a solid value for my points. You can fly from New York (JFK) to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) for 6,500 to 12,000 points, depending on the time of year.

 

Aeroplan Air Canada: The Hidden Gem

Aeroplan is one of our favorite programs for international travel. If you are willing, this is where you can unlock some incredible value from your Ultimate Rewards® points. 

Real World Availability: 

Business-class flights to Europe can start around 60,000 to 70,000 points one-way

Example:

Fly from Chicago (ORD) to Zurich (ZRH) in business class for 70,000 points.

 

 

Bottom Line

Chase Ultimate Rewards® are some of the most valuable and flexible points you can earn. While we will always love transferring our Chase Ultimate Rewards® to Hyatt, there are many other ways to turn your points into unforgettable travel experiences.

Whether you are booking a luxury hotel stay, a family-friendly vacation rental, or a business class flight across the world, your Chase Ultimate Rewards® can take you there. At the end of the day, the goal is to use points to create trips you will never forget.

 

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