For many, planning a trip to a national park starts the same way: you search for lodging, only to find independent lodges, expensive cabins, or boutique hotels that don’t participate in any major loyalty program. If you’re hoping to use your Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, or IHG points, it can feel like there aren’t many options.

The good news? Fantastic hotels are actually near many of America’s most popular national parks; you just have to know where to look. If you’re planning a family road trip to one of America’s national parks and looking to maximize your points for an unforgettable outdoor adventure, here are some hotels you may want to consider.

 

Arches & Canyonlands National Parks

Hyatt Place Moab

If you’re visiting southeastern Utah, Hyatt Place Moab is one of the easiest and most valuable points redemptions you’ll find. It’s just minutes from Arches National Park and a short drive to Canyonlands National Park, making it a perfect basecamp for visiting both parks. 

This property has spacious rooms, complimentary breakfast, and a large family-friendly pool that is perfect after a long day on the trails. The Hyatt Place Moab is now listed as a World of Hyatt Category 5 property, so you cannot use any Category 1-4 free-night certificates, but, it is still an excellent redemption option—especially considering the high cash rates and limited hotel-chain options in the Moab area. 

 

 

Zion National Park 

SpringHill Suites Springdale Zion National Park

Finding chain hotels near Zion isn’t easy, which makes this property stand out. It’s within walking distance of the Zion shuttle, so you’ll be able to leave your car behind and enjoy free access to the park. The property has spacious suites, complimentary breakfast, and an outdoor pool, making it a great choice for families. (Request a room with a balcony overlooking the cliffs for an amazing sunrise view!)

Another bonus is the hotel’s location in Springdale, where restaurants and shops are all within walking distance, making it easy to relax and explore. As one of the major chain hotels closest to the park entrance, it’s also one of the best ways to redeem Marriott points for a Zion vacation. 

 

 

Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Parks

If your itinerary includes both Grand Teton and Yellowstone, consider staying several nights in Jackson Hole to explore Grand Teton first and then driving through the park into Yellowstone for a full day of sightseeing.  Jackson Hole offers far more hotel and restaurant options than staying inside either park. 

The Cloudveil, Jackson

If you’re looking for a luxury redemption, The Cloudveil is hard to beat. This property is perfect for families if you’re trying to explore Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, or if you just want to stay and explore downtown Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This property offers suites with full kitchens and separate living areas for extra space. After a day of hiking, you can relax in the rooftop hot tub and outdoor pool, and then enjoy walking to shops and restaurants for dinner.  

 

 

Springhill Suites By Marriott Jackson Hole

This property is an excellent spot for exploring both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. It’s located in downtown Jackson Hole, within walking distance of restaurants and shops, yet still only a short drive from the park entrance. The suites are spacious and great for families, and there is also complimentary breakfast, an outdoor pool, and a hot tub.  With award nights often available for fewer points than some of the area’s more luxurious properties, it’s one of the best Marriott options if you’re looking to maximize your points value. 

 

 

Holiday Inn West Yellowstone

If your goal is to spend as much time as possible exploring Yellowstone National Park, it’s hard to beat the location of Holiday Inn West Yellowstone. This hotel is just a short walk from the park’s west entrance, and it’s super family-friendly, making it easy to start early on wildlife viewing and sightseeing.

You can enjoy the complimentary buffet breakfast before heading out for the day, and don’t miss the hotel’s free bike rentals (available by reservation at the front desk) to explore the town of West Yellowstone. It’s one of the best chain-hotel options for families looking to stay close to the park. 

 

 

Saguaro National Park

Residence Inn Tucson Williams Centre

Saguaro National Park may not get the same attention as some of the country’s more famous national parks, but it’s a hidden gem that’s well worth a visit. Residence Inn Tucson Williams Centre is a great option, especially for families.

This property offers large suites and complimentary breakfast, and there are several restaurants within walking distance. After a day of hiking among saguaro cacti and taking in the desert landscapes, you’ll appreciate returning to a comfortable hotel with plenty of room to relax. 

 

 

Yosemite National Park

Fairfield Inn & Suites Oakhurst Yosemite

If you’re looking to use Marriott Bonvoy® points near Yosemite National Park, Fairfield Inn & Suites Oakhurst Yosemite is a great choice. This property is only 30 minutes from the park’s South Entrance.

The convenient location, along with family-friendly amenities like complimentary breakfast, spacious rooms, and an indoor/outdoor pool, makes this an ideal spot for spending several days exploring Yosemite while avoiding the high cost of lodging inside the park. 

 

 

Badlands National Park

Hyatt Place Rapid City / Downtown

Hyatt Place Rapid City Downtown is a great Hyatt option if you’ll be exploring western South Dakota. It’s the perfect location if you’re visiting Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park, and Mount Rushmore, which are all within an easy drive of Rapid City.

The property’s convenient location, spacious rooms, and complimentary breakfast make it a great choice, especially for families looking to maximize both points and time exploring the Black Hills. 

 

 

Grand Canyon

Mountain Modern Sedona, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Mountain Modern Sedona, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is a great Hilton Honors redemption if you’re planning to visit both Sedona and Grand Canyon National Park. You can spend a few days exploring Sedona’s red rocks, hiking the scenic trails, and exploring downtown Sedona before making the drive to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. This property has family-friendly, stylish rooms and a prime location within Sedona.

 

 

Hampton Inn & Suites Flagstaff East

If you’re looking to skip Sedona and head straight to the Grand Canyon, a stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites Flagstaff East puts you in a great spot to get in and out of the park. This property is located in Flagstaff, which is about 90 minutes from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.

The large rooms, free hot breakfast, and indoor pool are perfect for families, especially after a day of hiking and sightseeing. This location also makes it easy to explore nearby parks, including Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Walnut Canyon National Monument, and downtown Flagstaff. For Hilton Honors members, it’s one of the best-value redemptions in the area. 

 

 

Rocky Mountain National Park

Holiday Inn Estes Park 

If you’re visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, staying in Estes Park will put you in the best location for access into the park. The Holiday Inn Estes Park is a great IHG option, located just a few minutes from the park’s Beaver Meadows Entrance. If you’re traveling with family, you will love the spacious rooms, indoor pool, and on-site mini golf. There is also a complimentary shuttle to downtown Estes Park, making it easy to explore the shops and restaurants without worrying about parking. 

If you’re visiting during the summer or fall, be sure to reserve your Rocky Mountain National Park timed-entry permit well in advance, as they often sell out really quickly. Staying directly in Estes Park also makes it easy to enter the park early and beat the crowds. 

 

 

Acadia National Park

Hampton Inn Bar Harbor

If you’re exploring Acadia National Park, the Hampton Inn Bar Harbor is a great Hilton Honors option since it’s located just a few minutes from the park entrance and within walking distance of downtown Bar Harbor.

The property offers complimentary hot breakfast, large rooms, and an outdoor pool. The hotel’s location makes it easy to spend the day hiking Acadia’s scenic trails or maybe catching a sunrise from Cadillac Mountain. It’s one of the best Hilton properties in the area and a perfect spot for experiencing one of New England’s most beautiful national parks. 

 

 

Bottom Line

One of the best parts about traveling with points is that they can take you almost anywhere, even to some of America’s most breathtaking national parks. Whether you’re hiking through Yosemite, spotting wildlife in Yellowstone, or watching the sunrise over Acadia, using points can make these unforgettable adventures more affordable.

Which National Park are you most excited to visit using points?  We’d love to hear about your favorite national park or the one that’s still on your bucket list!

 

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