Traveling can be expensive, but using Chase Ultimate Rewards points can help you save on hotel stays. Knowing how to book a hotel with Chase points can open significant savings and maximize your travel rewards if you plan a weekend getaway or a luxurious vacation. Using your points wisely allows you to enjoy high-end accommodations without stretching your budget. Your upcoming trip can be affordable and unforgettable if you apply the right strategies.

This guide breaks down the process into 15 detailed steps to help you stretch your travel points for the most value while booking hotels.

Let’s dive in!

 

1. Choose the Right Chase Card for Travel

Chase cards differ in their ability to earn, and credit cards redeem points effectively. The Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Chase Ink Business Preferred are excellent travel options. These cards increase redemption value when using the Ultimate Rewards portal and offer lucrative earning rates on travel and dining purchases.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers 3x points on travel and dining, making it a top choice for frequent travelers. Beyond earning, these cards often include valuable perks such as travel insurance, airport lounge access, and no foreign transaction fees. It enhancing the overall travel experience.

Selecting a card that matches your spending habits and travel goals is essential. If you frequently dine out or book flights and hotels, focusing on cards with bonus categories in these areas will help you accumulate points faster.

For business owners, the Chase Ink Business Preferred offers added benefits like shipping and online advertising bonus points.

💡 Related – Chase Ink Business Credit Cards – Which One is Right for Your Business?

 

2. Log in to the Chase Ultimate Rewards Portal

Once you’ve accumulated points, access the Ultimate Rewards portal through your Chase account. Guide to the “Travel” section to search for hotels. This portal simplifies booking, allowing you to redeem hotel points without worrying about blackout dates or restrictions. You can browse thousands of properties worldwide, from budget-friendly stays to luxurious resorts tailored to your travel preferences.

The user-friendly interface provides filters to narrow your search by price range, hotel chain, and amenities, making it easy to find accommodations that suit your needs. Further, the portal often includes helpful reviews and ratings from previous guests, offering insights to help you choose the best property.

Another advantage of the portal is its integration with other travel booking options, including flights and car rentals. By planning your entire trip in one place, you can streamline your travel arrangements and maximize the value of your points.

 

3. Search for Hotels by Destination and Preferences

In the portal, input your travel destination, preferred dates, and the number of guests. The search results will display pricing in cash and points, along with detailed descriptions of the properties. The detailed filters allow you to sort hotels based on star ratings, proximity to popular landmarks, and customer reviews.

They help you customize your search to find the best options for your trip. If you prefer luxury resorts or budget-friendly accommodations, the portal offers something for everyone. Besides, the portal frequently updates hotel availability and pricing in real-time.

It ensures you have the most accurate booking options, reducing the chance of missing out on great deals or sold-out properties.

 

4. Compare Cash, Points, and Redemption Value

A critical step is evaluating the points-to-cash ratio. Aim for a redemption value of at least 1.5 cents per point. If a hotel costs $200 or 13,333 points, the redemption value is 1.5 cents per point ($200 ÷ 13,333 = $0.015). This comparison helps you decide whether to pay in cash or redeem your points. Tracking these values ensures you maximize savings across multiple bookings. 

Some hotels offer seasonal deals where point redemptions yield significantly higher value, making them an even better choice.

Consistently checking this ratio before booking ensures you spend your points wisely. This approach can save points for future trips or allow you to book higher-end rental properties for the same budget.

 

5. Take Advantage of Transfer Partners

You can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio to several hotel loyalty programs, including Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, and IHG Rewards. Transferring points to these partners often yields better value than booking directly through the portal. For example, transferring points to Hyatt can unlock free stays at high-end properties for far fewer points than their cash equivalents.

Marriott Bonvoy offers many hotel options worldwide, giving travelers flexibility and access to unique experiences. By researching each partner’s rewards program, you can identify where your points will have the most effect. This strategy lets you enjoy luxury accommodations or longer stays without depleting your credit card points balance.

 

6. Focus on Hyatt for Maximum Value

Hyatt consistently offers the best value for Chase points. Many of their properties require fewer points than their cash prices, resulting in exceptional redemption value. For instance, Hyatt’s Category 1 hotels can be booked for as little as 5,000 points per night, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

High-end properties like the Park Hyatt or Andaz provide luxurious experiences at relatively low point costs, with some redemptions starting as low as 20,000 points per night for rooms that typically cost over $600. Moreover, Hyatt’s loyalty program often includes complimentary upgrades or late checkouts, valued at an average of $50 to $100 per stay.

Also, elite members of the World of Hyatt program can save up to 10% more points on award bookings and receive complimentary breakfasts, further enhancing the value of your stay.

 

7. Check for Limited-Time Promotional Offers

Chase and its partners often run limited-time promotions, such as bonus points on transfers or discounted redemptions for specific hotels. These promotions can stretch your points further and make luxurious stays more affordable. A recent Hyatt promotion offered a 25% discount on award nights, allowing travelers to save thousands of points on multi-night stays.

Chase has previously offered up to a 30% bonus on transfers to Marriott Bonvoy, increasing the value of every point transferred during the promotional period. For example, Chase may offer a 30% bonus when transferring points to specific hotel loyalty programs, reducing the total points needed for a booking. The biggest Hotel chains frequently discount award nights, allowing you to book high-value properties for fewer points.

Staying updated on these promotions by subscribing to newsletters or following travel blogs like Million Mile Secrets, One Mile at a Time, and View from the Wing can help you seize opportunities to maximize your points.

These platforms often share detailed analyses of promotions, transfer bonuses, and redemption strategies, informing you of the best deals.

 

8. Book Directly Through the Portal

Book directly through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal if transferring points doesn’t yield better value. This method often includes taxes and fees, providing a straightforward way to redeem your points for hotel stays. The portal also integrates loyalty benefits for certain hotels. For example, you may still earn points if you’re a member of a hotel chain’s loyalty program.

You can also enjoy elite status perks when booking through Chase. Booking through the portal also allows for seamless cancellation and rebooking if plans change, giving you flexibility and peace of mind during travel planning.

According to Chase, users who book directly through the portal report saving up to 15% compared to third-party travel websites. The portal features access to over 1.3 million properties worldwide.

 

9. Use the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Extra Value

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders enjoy a significant perk. Their points are worth 50% more when redeemed through the Ultimate Rewards portal. For example, 10,000 points become $150 in travel value, making it one of the most rewarding options for hotel bookings. This increased value benefits high-cost bookings, as it reduces the points needed to secure a stay.

It also opens the door to premium properties that might otherwise be out of reach. The Sapphire Reserve also includes travel insurance and concierge services, adding more value to your travel experience when using points for hotels. Cardholders receive complimentary Priority Pass membership, granting access to over 1,600+ airport lounges worldwide.

If you want to know more, read the complete review of Priority Pass.

This card reimburses up to $500 per ticket for trip delays, protecting your travel plans from unexpected disruptions.

💁‍♀️ Also read – Which Credit Cards Have Priority Pass Restaurant Access?

 

10. Combine Points and Cash for Flexibility

If your points balance falls short, you can combine points and cash through the Chase portal. This flexibility allows you to reduce out-of-pocket expenses while still utilizing your points. You might cover most of the cost with points and pay the remaining balance in cash, making even high-end stays more accessible. This option ensures no points go unused, regardless of your balance.

Combining points and cash also lets you stretch your rewards across multiple bookings, enabling you to enjoy various trips on a limited points budget. Covering part of a $500 stay with 15,000 points and $200 cash ensures more significant savings than paying in full.

This strategy is particularly valuable during peak travel seasons when prices are higher. It allows you to maintain affordability without compromising quality.

 

11. Redeem Points for All-Inclusive Stays

All-inclusive resorts in destinations like the Caribbean or Mexico offer exceptional value for Chase Point redemptions. These stays often include lodging, meals, drinks, and activities, making them an excellent option for families or couples. A five-night stay at a Hyatt Ziva resort in Cancun can cost around 100,000 points, compared to cash rates exceeding $2,500, giving you a redemption value of over 2.5 cents per point.

You can enjoy a stress-free family vacation without worrying about additional costs by redeeming points for all-inclusive stays. These resorts often include luxurious amenities like private beaches, spa services, and gourmet dining, adding more value to your points.

Some all-inclusive properties offer discounts on award stays, with extended packages providing savings of up to 20% on points for stays of seven nights or longer.

Recommended read – 12 Best Hotels for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers to Work Productively

 

12. Check for Cancellation Policies

Always review the cancellation policies for your booking. Many hotels booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal offer free cancellations up to 24 or 48 hours before check-in, providing flexibility and peace of mind if your plans change. Some luxury properties even allow cancellations up to the day of arrival, depending on their policies, making these options ideal for travelers with unpredictable schedules.

Flexibility in cancellation policies allows you to rebook without penalty, which can be invaluable during uncertain travel periods. It ensures that your points or cash investment is protected. Planning with cancellation-friendly bookings also allows you to adjust travel dates as promotions or better deals arise.

 

13. Look for Hidden Fees and Charges

While Chase Ultimate Rewards often includes taxes and fees, it’s essential to double-check the fine print when booking hotels. Many properties impose additional charges, such as resort fees, parking fees, or service charges, that your points redemption does not cover. Resort fees, for example, can range from $20 to $50 per night, and in cities like Las Vegas or Hawaii, they can exceed $60 per night.

Knowing the full cost of your stay, including these potential add-ons, ensures you’re fully prepared. A five-night stay at a property with a $40 per night resort fee would add $200 to your out-of-pocket costs, even if points fully cover the room itself. Some properties may charge for amenities like Wi-Fi, fitness centres, or breakfast, ranging from $10 to $30 daily.

 

14. Pool Points with Authorized Users

If you have family members or friends as authorized users on your Chase account, you can pool your points for more significant redemptions. This feature is especially beneficial for families or groups, as combining points can make it possible to book high-end properties or secure more extended stays. Pooling 60,000 points from two accounts can cover a luxurious two-night stay at the Park Hyatt, which might cost over $1,200 if paid in cash.

This feature is convenient for group trips and allows everyone to contribute rewards toward shared accommodations. It prevents wasting points and maximizes the value of collective spending. Moreover, by pooling points, users can take advantage of promotions that might otherwise require higher point balances, such as discounted award stays or bonus redemption deals.

Households that pool points save an average of 25% more on travel expenses than individual redemptions.

 

15. Monitor Your Points Expiration

Although Chase points generally don’t expire as long as your account is open, monitoring your account is wise. If you plan to close a Chase card, transfer your points to a loyalty partner or use them before they disappear. Transferring points to partners like IHG Rewards, Southwest Airlines, or United MileagePlus ensures continued usability, even if your card account closes.

This proactive approach preserves your rewards for future trips. Keeping track of promotions and balances ensures you don’t miss opportunities to use your points effectively while protecting them from expiration risks. Regularly reviewing your points through tools like Chase’s Ultimate Rewards dashboard or apps like AwardWallet can help you stay organized.

 

Why Use Chase Points for Hotels?

Using Chase points for hotel stays can help you save hundreds of dollars per trip. With no blackout dates and flexible redemption options, you can enjoy high-end accommodations without draining your wallet. These points also offer access to exclusive deals and partner programs, giving you even greater value. If you’re traveling for business or leisure, Chase points make premium stays affordable and accessible. Following the above steps, you’ll know exactly how to book a hotel with Chase points and maximize your rewards.

 

Struggling to Book a Hotel with Chase Points and Save Big on Stays?

Relo.AI makes it simple by guiding you through the best ways to redeem your Chase points for maximum savings on hotel stays.

Also, if you’re relocating, we’ll thoughtfully integrate your travel rewards into the process, turning every point and dollar into valuable savings.

Book a session with us to maximize your points and create a smooth relocation process!