Best Hyatt Category 1-4 Hotels to Use Your Free Night Award [2026]
We’ve used our Hyatt FNA five times at the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile
Last updated September 2026: Hyatt changes hotel categories periodically. I do my best to keep this list current but always confirm the award availability before transferring points or booking.
Looking for the best Hyatt Category 1-4 hotels where you can use your annual Hyatt Free Night Award? There are some fantastic options in the U.S. and around the world, including hotels where cash rates can easily be $300-$500+ per night.
We've had the World of Hyatt Credit Card for years and use our Category 1-4 Free Night Awards every year. Below, I'm sharing some of our favorite Hyatt hotels to use your free night certificate, including properties we've personally stayed at and others that are on my list.
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Hi! I’m Stacy. I teach families how to earn and redeem points for (nearly) free flights and hotels. I also share detailed itineraries, travel tips and easy-to-follow tutorials so you travel more for less.
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How Does the Hyatt Free Night Award Work?
The banks call it a free night award (FNA) as an incentive for us to keep the credit card and pay the annual fee each year. So, while it doesn’t really make it a ‘free night award’ because we’re paying $95 a year to keep it, it does offer significant savings each year. If you plan it right, you can get much greater value out of that FNA than the annual fee. We consistently use our FNA’s for rooms that book for greater than $450-$500 a night.
HOW TO EARN THE HYATT FREE NIGHT AWARD
Hyatt has one of the most popular hotel programs among points travelers because redemptions are low. You can book a free night at a Hyatt for as low as 3,500 points a night or a $400 a night room for 15k points. Hyatt is also a transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards® (our favorite points currency) which makes it easy to earn a lot of points for.
There are two Hyatt credit cards but only one of them earns the annual free night award. This card is a keeper. My husband and I have each held ours since 2015.
The World of Hyatt Credit Card
Highlights of the card:
Receive one free night at any Category 1–4 Hyatt hotel or resort every year after your cardmember anniversary.
Earn an extra free night at any Category 1–4 Hyatt hotel or resort if you spend $15,000 during your cardmember anniversary year.
Don’t have a World of Hyatt credit card?
Another way to earn a free night certificate is to stay at five different Hyatt brands (Hyatt Brand Explorer). Hyatt has many different brands, like the Andaz, Destination by Hyatt, Hyatt House, Hyatt Regency, etc. all qualify.
Also, if you have 30 qualifying nights or earn 50,000 base points in a calendar year, you can earn a free category 1-4 certificate.
OTHER WAYS TO EARN HYATT POINTS
We often book longer stays by combining our FNA’s with point stays. I’ll book two free nights with both of our free night awards and then extend our stays by transferring points from our Chase account to Hyatt.
These cards all earn points that transfer to Hyatt:
World of Hyatt Business Card- Earn 60,000 Hyatt points after spending $5,000 in the first three months of account opening. Plus, 1 free night at any category 1-4 Hyatt hotel after spending $15,000 on purchases within the first 6 months of account opening. (Note that this card does not offer the annual free night award at the cardmember anniversary)
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card- This card earns points that can be transferred to multiple airlines and hotels, including Hyatt.
Chase Sapphire Reserve Card - This is a premium version of the Sapphire Preferred and comes with perks like access to the Sapphire Lounges, Priority Pass Membership and tons of perks and benefits. After Oct 1, 2026, cardholders of the CSR will continue to be able to transfer Chase points to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio.
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card - you must have the Chase Sapphire Preferred, or the Ink Preferred to transfer points to Hyatt from this card.
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card - This card earns Ultimate Rewards points that can be transferred to Hyatt.
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card - You must have the Chase Sapphire Preferred, or the Ink Preferred to transfer points to Hyatt from this card.
Important Update (June 2026): Chase has changed the Hyatt transfer ratio for Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Chase Ink Business Preferred® cardholders.
If you were approved for either card on or after June 15, 2026, Chase Ultimate Rewards points now transfer to World of Hyatt at a 4:3 ratio, meaning 1,000 Chase points become just 750 Hyatt points.
If you were approved for either card before June 15, 2026, you'll continue to receive 1:1 Hyatt transfers through September 30, 2026. Beginning October 1, 2026, your transfer ratio will also change to 4:3.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders continue to enjoy 1:1 transfers to World of Hyatt.
HOW TO FIND YOUR HYATT FREE NIGht AWARD AT HYATT.COM (DESKTOP VERSION)
Log into your Hyatt account at hyatt.com
Click the arrow beside your name on the top right
Select “My Awards”
Your FNA should be here, with the expiration date
how to find your hyatt free night award On the Hyatt app:
Log in to your account on the Hyatt app
Click on the “face” icon on the upper right corner or on the Account tab on the bottom right
Click on Awards
HOW TO redeem YOUR HYATT FREE NIGHT AWARD
When you’re ready to redeem your Hyatt free night, you will search for rooms like normal.
When conducting award searches, you must see “Standard Room Free Night” in the booking window in order to use your FNA for that night. These rooms typically book for 12,000-15,000 a night.
You must see “Standard Room Free Night” in order to redeem your Hyatt FNA
TIPS FOR REDEEMING YOUR HYATT FREE NIGHT AWARD:
Use the “Find your Hyatt” feature where you can sort by category and location. You want to search for Category 1-4 properties.
Search one night at a time.
If you don’t see availability for four people, try an occupancy of three, then two, and so on. Most Hyatt’s in Europe and Asia only fit two people.
Please note that you cannot “top off” the Hyatt Free Night Awards with points like you can the Marriott FNA’s. You can only redeem the Hyatt Free Night Awards at Hyatt Category 1-4 properties.
You can filter your search by Category in the “Find your Hyatt” tool
Pro Tip: I love the hotel award search tool maxmypoint. It shows award availability and really saves me hours of searching. It doesn’t update in real time so there may be cases where you see an open date on maxmypoint.com and not on hyatt.com. I still think it’s a great place to start.
CATEGORY 1-4 HYATT PROPERTIES THAT WE HAVE STAYED AT:
Since we have held our Hyatt credit card for over eight years, we have been able to use our FNA’s at some pretty amazing properties. Remember, the FNA can only be used at Category 1-4 Hyatt properties.
Sadly, some of our favorite Category 4 properties like the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile, the Hyatt Regency Amsterdam, Hyatt Place Moab and the Hyatt Place Old Port in old town Portland, Maine, have gone up to a Category 5 recently.
hyatt category 1-4 in the UNITED STATES
We redeemed our FNA at the HR Mission Bay in July 2024
California:
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina - San Diego. Cash rates start around $350/night. We stayed here while we attended our son’s graduation from Marine Corps Boot Camp in 2018 and again in July 2024. Rooms were spacious and hotel has huge resort style pool. Close to the beach and Sea World.
Connecticut:
Hyatt Place Mystic -Cash rates can run over $500/night at this property during popular leaf peeping season. Located just down the road from Historic Mystic and the fabulous Mystic Seaport Museum.
Massachusetts:
Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor - Located by the airport (free airport shuttle), this is a fantastic property to stay at before an early morning flight or after arriving from a late flight. In my opinion it’s too far from Boston to stay here during a multi-day visit. The views of Boston are wonderful.
Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor
South Carolina:
Hyatt House Charleston/Historic District - This property is connected to the Hyatt Place Charleston (which is also a Category 4 property) and they share a breakfast area/bar and swimming pool. Rooms are big enough for families of five and within walking distance to Historic Charleston.
Washington, D.C.
Hyatt Place Washington D.C./National Mall: Just a few blocks from the U.S. Capital. We redeemed our FNA’s here before our son deployed to Afghanistan. Cash rates run from $350/night.
Rooftop pool at the Hyatt Place Washington, D.C./National Mall
France:
Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile - My favorite Hyatt hotel. I’ve stayed here over six times. Each stay we used our annual free night awards. You can’t beat staying in Paris for just 15k-18k points a night in a room that books for over $400 a night. This property is now a Category 5 - however, I leave it on here because there are many nights you can redeem for 12k-20k points a night.
Tokyo:
Hyatt Regency Tokyo - Cash rates start around $350/night. We used our two FNA’s here on our last trip to Japan. Great location - just a short walk to Shinjuku Central Park, the Tokyo Met Government Office (free overlook) and the Golden Gai. Free airport shuttle. Walking distance to Shinjuku Station
Best Hyatt Category 1-4 Hotels in the United States
Views from the swimming pool at the Hyatt Vacation Club at Pinon Pointe in Sedona, AZ
Arizona:
Hyatt Vacation Club at Pinon Point - Sedona, AZ - The FNA can only be used on their studio units that have a queen and sleeper sofa. Each unit has a kitchen.
Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell - This is a perfect spot if you're visiting Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and continuing on to Zion or the Grand Canyon. Rooms sleep five and cash rates in summer start at $270/n.
Hyatt House Scottsdale/Old Town -A Category 3 Hyatt, but worth using your free night, especially when room rates are very high during Spring Break and Spring Training.
California:
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles Airport - ok, not a sexy redemption, but cash rates are high around the airport and it’s a close, safe location.
Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country - I think this is a fantastic use of a FNA. Hotel rates are very high in Sonoma.
Hyatt House at Anaheim Convention Ctr/Disneyland - this property is steps from Disneyland and award nights can be hard to find. I highly recommend setting up alerts on maxmypoint.
Hyatt Place at Anaheim Resort/Convention CenterAnother great choice near Disneland.
Hyatt Vacation Club at Desert Oasis - in Palm Springs - you can book a 1-bedroom King villa with queen pull out sofa and full kitchen. Great Spring Break spot
Hyatt Palm SpringsThis is a Category 3 property but hotels in Palm Springs tend to be very expensive, so I think this is a great value for your Free Night Award.
Hyatt Regency Irvine Gorgeous property - close to UC Irvine, John Wayne airport and a short drive to Newport Beach.
Chicago:
Hyatt Regency Chicago - We love Chicago. Our faves are the Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck Chicago, Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum, etc. So much to do.
Colorado:
Hyatt Place Keystone/Dillon - Fantastic property for a ski vacation or summer in the mountains. Use your FNA and extend your stay starting at just 12k Hyatt points/night
Hyatt Place Boulder/Pearl Street -We just stayed her in July. Rooms are spacious and we had a great free breakfast included. Covered parking. CU campus and Pearl Street Mall are about a 5 minute drive away.
District of Columbia:
Florida:
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort - (pictured above) This property is close to Disney World and has a fantastic resort style pool. Free shuttle to Disney and Universal. Tons of availability. You can extend your stay with points. Award nights range from 12k to 18k a night.
Miami South Beach Boutique Hotel | Dream South Beach, part of Hyatt
Georgia:
Hyatt Regency Savannah - right on the waterfront where you can see amazing sunsets and the Riverboats going up and down the river.
Hawaii:
Hyatt Place Waikiki - Located a block or so from the beach, this property is a great option for families as it sleeps up to five people. Award nights are difficult to find. You want to find and book a year in advance
Illinois:
Hyatt Regency Chicago - We love Chicago. Our faves are the Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck Chicago, Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum, etc. So much to do.
Indiana:
Hyatt Regency Indianapolis - (Cat 3)We redeemed a free night certificate here for the Taylor Swift concert. Rates were over $700/night. Gorgeous property, within walking distance to everything in downtown Indianapolis
Louisiana:
Minnesota:
Missouri:
Hotel Kansas City - This gorgeous hotel in the Power & Light District is part of the Unbound Collection.
New Mexico:
New York:
North Carolina:
Oklahoma:
Fordson Hotel - Gorgeous boutique hotel in Oklahoma City.
The Fordson Hotel in Oklahoma City is a hidden gem
Rhode Island:
The Pell - This adorable hotel is perfect for exploring Newport.
Tennessee:
Texas:
Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk - It’s a Category 3, but cash rates begin around $300 and can be high during special events like during Bowl Games and Dia de Los Muertos Festival in October. We redeemed a FNA to watch our Colorado Buffaloes play in the Alamo Bowl in December 2024. Cash rates were over $600/n.
Hyatt Vacation Club at Wild Oak Ranch - Great resort in San Antonio if you want to be away from the crowds at the Riverwalk.
Grand Hyatt San Antonio Riverwalk - Cat 3 - cash rates start at over $270. We stayed here in 2024 for a cheer competition. Big rooms, lounge was fantastic. walking distance to Alamo Dome and you can access the Riverwalk from the lower level.
Rooftop pool at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk
Utah:
Virginia:
Hyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria - Our first visit to DC with all the kids, we stayed in Old Town Alexandria. It is a little further out, but the train can get you there quickly. Great if you are road tripping or just need a little extra room.
Washington:
Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown - located near the Space Needle. Cash rates in summer can be over $400
Wisconsin:
INTERNATIONAL hyatt CATEGORY 1-4 HYATT PROPERTIES
Australia:
Canada:
Hyatt Centric Montreal - While this is a Cat 3 property, cash prices run from $250-$300+/night during summer and Fall. Think leaf peeping and Christmas Market season
Hyatt Regency Vancouver
best hyatt category 1-4 hotels in europe:
Croatia:
Hotel in Zadar - 5-Star Luxury Stays | Hyatt Regency Zadar -Taking reservations for May 1st now.
France:
Hyatt Place Rouen - Coming soon - keep your eye out for this property. We love Rouen and stay there while visiting Normandy. The historic city center is lined with half-timbered buildings and is so charming.
Germany:
Greece:
Grand Hyatt Athens - This property recently went from a Cat 4 to a Cat 3. Keeping on this list because cash rates can be high, and I still think it’s worth using the FNA here. Payton and I stayed here in June 2025 before our Windstar Cruise and it was absolutely amazing.
Views of the Acropolis from the pool at the Grand Hyatt Athens
Italy:
Hyatt Centric Murano Venice - Venice can be very expensive. While you would be a short ferry ride away, this is a great option to stay free
Istanbul:
Grand Hyatt Istanbul - Cash rates start at $300/night in summertime.
Montenegro:
Portugal:
Spain:
Sweden:
Turkey:
United Kingdom:
Hyatt Regency London City East - Cash rates start at $300 a night for this property. While not located in city center, this is a fabulous value for your annual FNA
Best Hyatt Category 1-4 Hotels in Mexico & the Caribbean
Mexico:
Dominican Republic:
Thompson Playa del Carmen Main House
Best Hyatt Category 1-4 Hotels in the Middle East & Africa
Qatar
Saudi Arabia:
United Arab Emirates:
Best Hyatt Category 1-4 Hotels in Asia
Hong Kong:
Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbor - We stayed two nights here in July 2026. Award nights were 12k points a night so it was easy to book 2 rooms a night. We loved the location, rooms were spacious, breakfast was amazing. It does have a night rooftop pool too.
Indonesia:
Taiwan
Thailand
Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort - great beachfront property with huge pool
Tokyo:
Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay - Perfect property if you’re visiting Tokyo Disneyland
TIPS FOR REDEEMING YOUR HYATT FREE NIGHT AWARD:
Hyatt FNA’s are good for twelve months beginning at the card member anniversary after you have paid your second annual fee. They cannot be extended
Hyatt FNA’s cannot be topped off with points like Marriott or IHG free night certificates
If you are a World of Hyatt member (it’s free to join) you will not have to pay resort fees when you book with points or use your FNA
Don’t forget to search for Category 1-3 properties. Many of these properties have cash rates over $250 a night which I think is still a great value for our $95 FNA.
Happy Travels!
