February 26, 2025
Best New York City Hotels on Points
Pam
From Broadway to museums to world-class food, the Big Apple has something for everyone–but it’s certainly not cheap! That’s why we love traveling to New York City on points and miles, and why many of our readers and Facebook Group members do, too. The high hotel prices mean this city can be a great place to use your points for a stay. So what are some of the best New York City hotels on points?
We mostly stay at Hyatts in New York City because of the outsized value these points offer via the Hyatt award chart. Each Hyatt property falls into a category that determines how many points you’ll pay per night. All properties in Manhattan are Category 5 or higher. If you’re willing to stay outside of Manhattan and commute in, you may be able to use your Category 1-4 free-night awards or get a better points bargain.
But if you have other types of points or free-night awards, I have some suggestions for those, too.
High-End Hyatt Properties in Manhattan (Categories 7 and 8)
Park Hyatt New York
The Park Hyatt is the height of luxury in the city’s heart. It’s a Travel Mom Squad favorite, and our group members love this hotel as much as we do. This elegant property features modern, spacious rooms and bathrooms. The fabulous location is close to Central Park, Carnegie Hall, and much more. This hotel also features an indoor pool, which is an unusual find in Manhattan. Their breakfast is also one of our favorites!
Park Hyatt NYC entrance
The Park Hyatt New York is a Category 8 and costs between 35,000 and 45,000 points per night for a standard room. If you have a lot of points and want to splurge on urban indulgence, you can’t go wrong here! This hotel absolutely makes the list of best New York City hotels on points!
Check-in at the Park Hyatt.
Andaz 5th Avenue
I enjoyed the Andaz 5th Avenue, and readers rave about the property’s location. It’s close to Central Park, Bryant Park, and the New York Public Library. The breakfasts are also highly rated, which is ideal if you have Globalist status or a friend who can give you a Guest of Honor award. We also love it when a hotel provides treats, and the Andaz serves complimentary snacks and beverages. The hotel also has an impressive fitness center, though you’ll likely get plenty of exercise walking around the city.
The Andaz 5th Avenue is a Category 7 hotel, and a standard room costs between 25,000 and 35,000 points per night.
The Andaz 5th Avenue bathroom was a stunner.
Moderate Hyatt Properties in Manhattan (Categories 5 and 6)
Thompson Central Park
The Thompson Central Park is very close to the Park Hyatt, so you could book the Thompson and enjoy the same great location as the Park Hyatt for fewer points. The hotel is not quite as luxurious, but it can still be a great value for your points. Our Facebook group members love the breakfasts at this property. One reviewer noted the fun “secret” restaurant known as The Burger Joint. You have to ask where it is, and they don’t take reservations.
The Thompson Central Park is a Category 6 and costs between 21,000 and 29,000 points per night for a standard room. I think Hyatt undervalues this property. I wouldn’t be surprised if it jumps to a Category 7 in the future.
This Thompson Central Park suite only cost me 21K points per night on an off-peak night.
Hyatt Centric Times Square
While the Times Square area of the city can be very busy, there’s nothing quite like it, and you’ll also be near many tourist attractions. Some group members have even gotten upgrades at this property; it never hurts to ask!
The Hyatt Centric Times Square is a Category 6 hotel. A standard room costs between 21,000 and 29,000 points per night. This can be the hotel for you if you love being in the action! Times Square is electric!
Hyatt Place New York/Chelsea
This centrally located property is close to Madison Square Garden, Chelsea Market, the High Line, Greenwich Village and more. It also offers free breakfasts—great for families staying in the city! Like most Manhattan hotels, standard rooms here are relatively small.
The Hyatt Place New York/Chelsea is a Category 5 and ranges in points price from 17,000 to 23,000 points for a standard room.
Hyatt Place
Hyatt Hotels Outside Manhattan (Categories 3 and 4)
All the properties listed in this section are Category 4 or below in Hyatt’s award chart (as of early 2025). Though they’ll require commuting to the tourist sites, these hotels are options for your Category 1-4 free night certificates.
Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson
This hotel boasts beautiful waterfront views of Manhattan. It’s an easy train ride into the city, and the property has an indoor pool. It’s also convenient to the Statue of Liberty. Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson is a Category 4 hotel. A standard room costs between 12,000 and 18,000 points per night. This hotel is just completing a renovation, making it an even more appealing option.
Hyatt Regency Jersey City renovated room.
Hyatt Place Long Island City
Our group members report easy access to Manhattan and Brooklyn via the subway from this convenient hotel. Reviewers especially recommend this hotel if you’re driving to New York and don’t want to have to park in Manhattan. The property also offers free breakfast.
Hyatt Place Long Island City is a Category 4 hotel. A standard room costs between 12,000 and 18,000 points per night.
Hyatt Place Secaucus/Meadowlands
While a little farther from the heart of the city, this New Jersey hotel has a bus just steps from its front door that will take you to Manhattan. You can also drive to the nearby Secaucus train station and take a quick train ride to the city. This hotel is also close to the American Dream mall, a hit with kids!
Hyatt Place Secaucus/Meadowlands is a Category 3 hotel. A standard room costs between 9,000 and 15,000 points per night.
Picture courtesy of Hyatt.
Non-Hyatt Options
The other hotel chains all use dynamic pricing, so it’s hard to predict the points price you’ll pay. You can use a service to monitor the points price and rebook if it becomes cheaper. These properties can also be advantageous if you’re staying longer than a weekend, because these programs sometimes offer a free night with longer stays, which can save you points.
New York Hilton Midtown
This well-reviewed hotel is across from the Museum of Modern Art and close to many other sites in Midtown, including Central Park and Broadway. It could be an ideal option for your Hilton points or a free-night certificate.
Marriott Marquis New York
This hotel is in the heart of everything and even has its own theater. Our group members have noted the views of Times Square and the convenience of having a Starbucks on the ground level. (This property has a quirky elevator system; if it’s confusing, just ask.)
Coming Soon: Waldorf Astoria New York
The Waldorf Astoria New York has been closed for renovations since 2017. This gorgeous, high-end hotel on Park Avenue will reopen in 2025. While we expect the points price to be high, you should be able to use a free-night certificate and get excellent value from this pricey hotel.
Bottom Line
Wherever you stay in or near New York City, you can stretch your travel dollars further by using points and miles. Upgrades are especially valuable in the New York area, as standard rooms tend to be small. Use our free template to contact the hotel before your stay, and you may be surprised with a nice upgrade! What are the best New York City hotels on points that you have stayed at?
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