Getting the Most out of Hyatt Gold Passport Points

I've booked several iterations of a trip to Tokyo over the past few months.  Based on changing schedules, we've had to make a few changes and now Emily is going to join me!

I was waffling on where to stay given so many great options.  Patience won out and the Andaz opened up with Points + Cash availability a few days ago.  I quickly booked the reservation and couldn't be more excited to stay in what is supposed to be the best Andaz in the world.

Even though the date of the trip changed, the price remained roughly the same.  The two nights will run me roughly $388 and 25,000 HGP.  As a Platinum member paying with the Hyatt Chase card, I'll earn roughly 2,712 points which I value at around $54.  That brings my total "cash outlay" down to $334.

If I paid cash, the total outlay would be around $1,080 and I would earn 7,560 points valued at around $151.  That brings down the total "cash outlay" to $929.

So the 25,000 points are replacing $595 in cash.  That's a point value of 2.38 cents.  Redeeming points straight (50,000 total) and you receive a point value of 2.16 cents.  Either way, it's a great redemption and above where I value HGP points.  But the vast majority of the time, Points + Cash is going to result in a higher per point valuation.

If you are points rich and cash poor, than the calculation may be a bit easier.  But if you can afford to pay $155/night ++ than it's worth taking a look at the C+P valuation to see if you come out ahead.