Then we got an email from the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek in Colorado. We’ve gone skiing there over Christmas the last 2 years. We hadn’t planned to go again this year but they made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. :)
They emailed saying if we booked again by May 15th, they’d give us 10,000 points off per night! For our 4 night stay, that’d be an extra 40,000 points saved. Sign me up!
The rooms are typically 45,000 Hyatt points per night because the cash price is so high. Right now, the cash price is $1,026/night. The reason for this is that the resort is ski-in/ski-out right on the slopes.
I then booked 2 American flights to the nearby airport using our AA points and 2 more flights through British Airways (a partner with American) so I could use my Chase points.
This is a great hack to taking more American flights on points. Transfer points from Chase to British Airways and then use British Airways to book the American flight (assuming it’s available).
After booking this trip, my wife brought up possibly going to the Cayman Islands this summer. She went there growing up and loved it. Sounded fun to me!
I used points from an IHG card welcome bonus plus extra Chase points to book 5 nights in an ocean view room at the Kimpton Seafire Resort.
Then I transferred Chase points to British Airways again to book our flights on American.
Flights and hotels were nearly free for both trips (still paid a little in taxes & also took a cheap upgrade offer).
Our only costs will be food, a ride to/from the airport, and any other activities we do (like ski rentals).
I’m still amazed how easy it is to book nearly free vacations using points.
And what a great way to get away with your family and rejuvenate after a busy season of ministry!
