Best Hyatt Hotels for Using Category 1-4 Certificates

Best Hyatt Hotels Category 1-4

World of Hyatt is considered as one of the best hotel programs by many people. One feature of that program which is quite popular is the Category 1-4 free night award. With this certificate you get a free night at any Hyatt property that is in a Category 1 through 4.

You can find all Category 4 Hyatt hotels here (or select any other category). Those hotels will cost you 12,000 points off-peak, 15,000 standard and 18,000 for peak travel.

While that list has gotten much shorter in recent years, there’s still plenty of value and many worthy Hyatt properties. Here you will find a list of the best hotels where you can use 1-4 certs, as suggested by many of our Facebook members. Some are unique properties, some are conveniently located near airports, and other are near popular areas or attractions.

Check out how to earn of these certificates, and then the list of best hotels where you can use it. Also don’t forget to leave a comment below (or join the discussion in our Facebook Group) if your favorite Cat 1-4 Hyatt hotel is not listed!

How to Earn Hyatt Cat 1-4 Certs

You can earn these free nights certificates through:

• Hyatt Brand Explorer
• Hyatt Milestone Rewards: when you reach 30 qualifying nights or 50,000 base points.
• World of Hyatt Credit Card: Get one Category 1-4 free night award every year after your cardmember anniversary. Plus, you earn another Category 1-4 award if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year.
• Promotions: Hyatt sometimes runs promotions that will earn you a Category 1-4 free night award. Here’s an example.

Now let’s look at some of the best uses for these free night certs.

USA

Alaska

The Wildbirch Hotel – Category 4 (JdV by Hyatt)

This one is brand new, and a friend of mine brought it to my attention as he’s planning a trip to Alaska. The Wildbirch Hotel is located in the heart of Anchorage’s Mushing District in Anchorage. It’s the first JdV by Hyatt property in Alaska. It offers an elevated, communal outdoor deck with cozy fire pits and sweeping views of Mount Susitna and Knik Arm.

California

Hyatt Centric The Pike Long Beach – Category 4

This hotel is located steps from Shoreline Village, the Long Beach waterfront, The Pike Outlets, and the Aquarium of the Pacific. It also walking distance to Long Beach’s entertainment, dining, and shopping scene. There’s a a rooftop pool with ocean and city views. The property was suggested by Grace who adds that there’s no lounge but the breakfast is OK.

Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina – Category 4

Another property suggested by Grace. The hotel is located on Mission Bay, featuring beautiful marina views, direct water access, and close proximity to SeaWorld, Pacific Beach, and Mission Beach. The hotel features three outdoor pools with waterslides, fire pits and on-site water sport activities.

Colorado

Hyatt Place Keystone / Dillon – Category 4

If you like to ski, then this can be a good use of your free night. The hotel was suggested by Devi who says that he stayed there in the summer and got a 1 BR suite upgrade for a mid-week 4 night stay, with a nice mountain view as well.

Florida

Hyatt Place Lake Buena Vista Orlando – Category 2

Suggested by Stephanie, this is a good option for those visiting Disney and Universal, even if it is only a Category 2. It offers free breakfast and spacious rooms with a sleeper sofa. It is located just minutes from Walt Disney World, with many dining and shopping options nearby. Worth keeping in mind that it might be better to use points for lower categories.

Georgia

Andaz Savannah – Category 4

This is the only Andaz property in the US that is Category 4, and one of the three worldwide. It’s centrally located on Ellis Square, steps from River Street, City Market, and historic sites. It comes highly recommended by David.

Hawaii

Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach – Category 4

This is a rare option in Hawaii. The property is just two blocks from the ocean and offers a good breakfast.

Illinois

Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile – Category 4

The hotel is in a good location in downtown Chicago location, making it easy to explore top attractions like Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the Riverwalk. You also have quick access to public transportation.

Hyatt Regency Chicago – Category 4

Terri suggested this one. Location by Michigan Ave and the Chicago river is ideal for getting around the city. The breakfast buffet is vast and outstanding. The club has a great spread of apps and desserts in the evenings. And if you’re lucky to get a room upgrade, the views of the river and Lake Michigan are spectacular!

New Mexico

Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa – Category 4

This property was suggested by Devi who says that the hotel is a bit dated but overall you can expect a good stay with great pools. Su also adds that it’s a good place for those with kids as there are plenty of activities.

New York

Hyatt Place Flushing/LaGuardia Airport – Category 4

Not the sexiest redemption but as Tim puts it, it is usually lifesaver if you need to fly in or out of LGA.

Hyatt Place Long Island City – Category 4

The property is located in one of the best neighborhoods in Queens, and it’s just one subway stop from Manhattan.

Hyatt Place Long Island/East End – Category 4

This hotel is located on the Peconic River in Riverhead, and it gets quite expensive in the summer. It’s a good location for those looking to explore the far end of Long Island, including the North Fork, the Hamptons (a bit of a drive), Long Island vineyards, farm stands, beaches, and Tanger Outlets. The hotel is also right next to the Long Island Aquarium, and hotel guests get discounted tickets of $33 which is almost half off. It’s worth noting that this is one of the Hyatt Place locations that charges for breakfast if you don’t have status.

Hyatt Regency JFK Resorts World – Category 4

This can be a good option when needing a place to stay when flying in or out of JFK. However, the hotel is about 15 minutes away from the airport. There’s not much to do in the area around the property, but the hotel is attached to a casino.

Utah

Hyatt Place Park City – Category 4

This is another great option for those who love to ski. The property itself is average, but it gets quite expensive during ski season. It’s located just minutes from the slopes of Park City Mountain Resort, Canyons Village, and Main Street, it offers free ski shuttles.

Washington D.C.

Thompson Washington D.C. – Category 4

The hotel is located in the Navy Yard, near Nationals Park, waterfront dining, and metro access. Cash rates often exceed $250–$400 per night during peak dates.

Caribbean & Latin America

Mexico

Hyatt Regency Mexico City – Category 4

This was was suggested by Melissa. She says that they “stayed there last month on a guest of honor booking. Absolutely blown away! Club access allowed us to have free breakfast and dinner daily plus snacks throughout the day. Amazing amenities. Location was unbeatable! Staff was so attentive. We can’t wait to go back!”

Europe

Germany

Hyatt Regency Cologne – Category 4

This one was also suggested by Devi who says that the property is conveniently located across the river from the cathedral. Globalist get complimentary breakfast in club or restaurant, plus there a decent club/lounge on 6th floor.

Spain

Hyatt Regency Hesperia Madrid – Category 4

This hotel is located on Paseo de la Castellana and it offers easy access to Madrid’s main attractions, including the Prado Museum, Retiro Park, and upscale shopping districts. It’s also near metro and bus lines which makes for quick transport around the city.

Türkiye

Grand Hyatt Istanbul – Category 4

This property recently went from a Category 3 to a Category 4, but Erin says that it is an incredibly nice hotel. On her stay two years ago, “the breakfast was fantastic and we loved the club – great appetizers and desserts. The pool was really amazing too. Highly recommend.”

UK

SCHLOSS Roxburghe – Category 4 (Destination by Hyatt)

This one was suggested by Donnie, and there’s really no need to sell it… it’s a castle in Scotland!

Asia

India

Grand Hyatt Goa – Category 4

Grand Hyatt Goa is an excellent use of a Hyatt free night certificate given its luxury resort setting on India’s scenic west coast. The property offers spacious, elegant rooms, multiple outdoor pools, lush gardens, and direct beach access. There’s also a large spa, a variety of restaurants serving Goan and international cuisine, and family-friendly amenities.

Andaz Delhi – Category 4

Andaz Delhi is just minutes from Indira Gandhi International Airport, making it perfect for both short layovers and longer stays in India’s capital. The hotel offers spacious, modern rooms with locally inspired design, multiple on-site dining options, a relaxing outdoor pool. 

Taiwan

Grand Hyatt Taipei – Category 3

The Grand Hyatt Taipei was suggested by Richard. This is a 5-star hotel with nightly rates of $250–$350+, but it still a Category 3. Located in the upscale Xinyi District and directly connected to Taipei 101 and the MRT, it offers convenience for sightseeing, shopping, and dining. Guests enjoy spacious, luxurious rooms, a resort-style pool, multiple restaurants, and club lounge with city views. 

Thailand

Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit – Category 3

The Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit is a great option for those visiting Thailand, especially if you are looking for a central location in Bangkok. While it’s only a Category 3 property, this is a 5-star hotel with direct access to BTS Skytrain Nana Station, offering seamless connections to major attractions, shopping, dining, and nightlife. Facilities include spacious guest rooms, an outdoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, the Regency Club Lounge, and ample room upgrades as pointed out by Travel Hacktivist.