January 2, 2026
Reader Success Story: Puerto Rico
Pam
Gabb sent us this recent reader success story to sunny Puerto Rico!
I have been using points and miles for about three years now. I live on the East Coast & have taken flights to Paris, Italy, Florida, and California using points and miles, but this trip, we used points and miles not only for our flights, but for our hotel stay as well. This trip was planned in about nine months after getting a Hyatt and a Southwest credit card.
We flew Southwest Airlines® from PVD to SJU round-trip. It cost 11,088 Rapid Rewards + $11.20 per person. We did have a layover both ways; it was about an hour each time, which was just enough time to stretch our legs and visit the restroom.
I booked a two-queen-bed garden-view room for 17,000 Hyatt points per night. This was off-peak pricing.
I have the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, which let my family into the lounges in Providence & San Juan. They didn’t ask how old my children were & didn’t charge me for the extra guests. (WINNING!)
Lodging in Puerto Rico
My family and I recently stayed at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. On this trip, I was traveling with my husband and our two daughters (ages three and eight). We were there from October 26 to 30th. This resort is about 25 minutes from the airport & 10 minutes from El Yunque Rainforest & Luquillo Beach & Kiosks, all of which I highly recommend.
I booked a standard garden-view room. I had a Guest of Honor award, which meant we were upgraded to an oceanfront double upon arrival. It also gave us complimentary valet parking, which was great. The breakfast buffet was also free with the GOH award.
We were welcomed at check-in with four drink vouchers. Alcoholic beverages started at $10. Water bottles were also put in our mini-fridge every day. The resort charges a 16% gratuity on every tab, so even at the swim-up bar, four pina coladas cost us $77.
Because it was off-season, only two to three restaurants were open. Having a car was nice because we were able to go places and explore on our own.
Overall Cost
Total out-of-pocket travel expenses (taxes/fees for flights): $44.80
Total Hyatt points used: 68,000
Total Southwest® Rapid Rewards® used: 44,352
Bottom Line
Thanks for your report, Gabb. Going to Puerto Rico and only paying for food is a fantastic feat! We wish you more amazing vacations on points and miles!
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