Jennae sent us her reader success story where she traveled to Europe in luxury for $4,940 – retail value $44,000! Here’s her story:

 

I just returned from a 15-day dream European vacation with my family of four, and let me tell you—points and miles absolutely changed the game for us. Here’s a breakdown of what we spent for a 15-day trip through Paris, Rome, Florence, Venice, and London, and how we turned our travel dreams into a reality for a fraction of the cost! 

It all began in July 2013 when I opened my first credit card. At the time, I had no idea that this simple decision would lead to countless adventures for our family. My husband was initially skeptical about the idea of award travel. He didn’t quite see the appeal of collecting points and miles. But everything changed when I booked our trip to Ireland after using just two credit cards. That trip was a game-changer—it was our first taste of how miles and points could open doors to luxury travel without the hefty price tag.

Fast forward to today, and my husband is now fully on board. In fact, he often asks, “Which card are we getting next?” We feel like we’ve won the lottery every time we book a trip using points and miles. It’s been a rewarding journey, and we’re excited to continue exploring the world together.

 

Paris: Hôtel du Louvre & Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile

We kicked off our adventure in Paris, staying at two fabulous Hyatt properties. First, we checked into the elegant Hôtel du Louvre, part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection. This historic hotel, built in 1855, boasts grand marble interiors and is nestled right next to the Louvre. It was a very convenient location. 

I reached out to each hotel we stayed at using the Points Talk Squad hotel template letter to let them know it was my girls’ birthday trip. The response was beyond our expectations. Every hotel went out of its way to make our celebrations special, surprising us with sweet treats, thoughtful gifts, and personalized touches that truly made our stay unforgettable.

 

 

Then we moved to the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile, which offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower from its rooftop lounge. To book these stays, we transferred Chase Ultimate Rewards® to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. This allowed us to enjoy luxury accommodations without the hefty price tag.

At the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile, we had club access, which was a game-changer for our family. Each morning, we enjoyed a delightful breakfast spread featuring fresh pastries, cheeses, cold cuts, and hot dishes like scrambled eggs and bacon. The lounge also offered a variety of fresh juices and a coffee machine for our caffeine fix. In the evening, we returned to the lounge for complimentary snacks and drinks, including wine and beer, making it a perfect spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

Rome: The Tribune Hotel

Next, we headed to Rome and stayed at The Tribune Hotel, part of Hyatt’s JDV brand. I used a Guest of Honor Award with Hyatt to get complimentary breakfasts. Booking this stay was a breeze by transferring more of our Chase Ultimate Rewards® points to Hyatt, making it both luxurious and budget-friendly.

Florence: Il Tornabuoni Hotel

Our next stop was Florence, where we stayed at the magnificent Il Tornabuoni Hotel, a Category 8 Hyatt property. This hotel, part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection, is housed in an historic 13th-century palace. The decor is a blend of Renaissance elegance and modern luxury, featuring bold colors and luxurious furnishings. We transferred more of our Chase Ultimate Rewards® to Hyatt to book this stay, and it was worth every point. The hotel’s central location made it easy to explore Florence’s iconic landmarks, and the rooftop terrace offered stunning views of the city. It truly felt like we were living in a movie!

 

Venice: Hyatt Centric Murano Venice

Just outside of Venice, we stayed on the charming island of Murano at the Hyatt Centric Murano Venice. This hotel is a unique blend of modern luxury and historical charm. We transferred more of our Chase Ultimate Rewards® to Hyatt to book this stay, and it was an unforgettable experience. The hotel is conveniently located with a water taxi stop right outside, making it easy to explore Venice and the surrounding islands. The peaceful atmosphere of Murano provided a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of Venice, and we loved how small and quaint the island felt.

 

London: Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars

Our final stop was London, where we stayed at the Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars. We transferred more of our Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Hyatt to book this stay, and it was a fantastic choice. The hotel offers club access benefits, which include a buffet breakfast at the Chinese Cricket Club and an evening reception with complimentary drinks and canapés in the City Lounge. The lounge provides a comfortable space to relax and enjoy these amenities. The hotel’s location is excellent, with easy access to public transportation and nearby attractions. The service was exceptional, making our stay in London truly memorable. 

 

Flights: Business Class to Europe, Economy Home

We flew business class from Miami to Paris, then from Paris to Rome, thanks to Air France’s Flying Blue program. We took full advantage of its free stopover feature: Flying Blue lets you add a stopover. We had a four-night stay in Paris. The stopover allows a one-way award ticket at no extra miles, as long as you book by phone. This perk applies to Air France and KLM. That segment cost us 187,000 points + $832, versus nearly $16,000 in cash.

After soaking in the history and romance of Rome, we flew business class from Venice to London on British Airways (40,000 points + $8), and then returned home in economy with Virgin Atlantic from London to Orlando for 26,000 points + $811. 

Ground Travel & Experiences

On the ground, we hopped around Italy in trains for $365 total. We also used local metros, buses, and water taxis for about $600. For sightseeing, tours and museum tickets ran $824, and we savored delicious meals with a $1,500 food budget—helped immensely by complimentary hotel lounge access & Guest of Honor Awards. 

 

Total Cost Breakdown

• Hotels (14 nights): 497,000 points → ~$15,000
• Flights: 253,000 miles + ~$1,651 → ~$17,000
• Trains & Transit: $965
• Culture & Dining: $2,324
• Total Spent: 750,500 points + $4,940
• Total Value: ~$44,000
• Savings: ~$39,000!

Final Thoughts

Our biggest takeaways? Mixing cabins is golden: fly business class outbound for comfort, economy inbound for value. Hotel elite perks (like lounge access) and airport lounge access, can seriously cut food costs. Planning ahead was a game-changer for our European adventure. I booked our business-class flights 10 months in advance and reserved our hotel stays 13 months in advance, especially for popular properties. By checking availability daily, I secured these sought-after accommodations, ensuring a luxurious and budget-friendly experience for our family.

 

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