45 Hyatt Category 1-4 Hotels For a Fabulous Free Night Award Redemption - Part 4: Caribbean, Central and South America

Each year, Hyatt shakes up its portfolio and adjusts the redemption costs at some properties, moving some up a category and others down a category. Points and miles fans, Hyatt loyalists in particular, often bemoan these changes, as inevitably, several popular properties shift to higher categories, making them more expensive point redemptions. To me, it's much ado about nothing - Hyatt's a fast-growing hotel chain with a thirst for acquisition and on a mission to win the 'luxury traveler.' Thus, there's always going to be new properties coming into the portfolio that represent solid redemptions. Additionally, there's a lot of skin on the bone, particularly at the lower-level hotels - properties tagged in categories 1-4. If you're like me and love finding a 'value gem' - a hotel that punches above its weight or otherwise presents a unique opportunity - say, for its convenient location, you'll enjoy the list I've set out below. I listed compelling Hyatt category 1-4 properties offering outsized value. Why 1-4, you ask? Well, those are the category ranges you can book with Hyatt's base-level Free Night Award (FNA). 

Before diving into the list, a few things to keep in mind. Free Night Awards are much easier to come by nowadays, mainly since Hyatt made all of its awards transferable. In the past month alone, I've accumulated three FNAs for an upcoming stay by trading other awards that I value less - Club Access Awards and Guest of Honor certificates. Don't underestimate how a few savvy trades and a winning search on your favorite hotel award tool can result in a few free hotel nights at a fabulous property. 

Of course, you won't find every category 1-4 hotel here. I've cherry-picked these properties for several reasons: some for their location, others for the outsized value they offer compared to the cash rate, still others as they represent a premium option in an otherwise lacking hotel market, and finally, some for the 'bucket-list' factor. I've grouped them into four regions: Asia and Oceania, Europe and Africa, North America, and South American/Caribbean/Central America. I've split the list into four parts, and this fourth and final part focuses on properties across South American/Caribbean/Central America.

And, YES! These properties all should still be bookable with a FNA 1-4 after Tuesday. 

Finally, if you're wondering how to acquire or trade for awards, many social media groups are dedicated to safely exchanging Hyatt awards - I even created one here. Join the group and feel free to start trading awards with your fellow Hyatt members.

Ok, let's jump into it!

7 Category 1-4 Hyatt Hotels in South American, the Caribbean and Central America

The Caribbean

Royal Beach Hotel Punta Cana - This hotel will open in Q2 or Q3 of this year but I'm flagging it as it's bound to be a great redemption. If you're a fan of Hyatt's all-inclusive Secrets (adults-only) or Dreams (family friendly) properties, then you should note that this hotel is located on the exact same development as Hyatt's upcoming Dreams Punta Cana and relatively new Secrets Punta Cana, but is bookable for a 1-4 FNA. I don't believe the Royal Beach to be all-inclusive, which if you're like me is actually a good thing. That said, I can imagine there's an all-inclusive option you can pay for while on property.

Bottom line, you get the same beach, possibly better food (or at least the freedom to eat where you want) without blowing the points you'd need at the Dreams or Secrets next door. You're 'Dreaming' if you think this one will stay a 'Secret' for long.

Central America

Hyatt Centric San José Escazú - Everyone writes off San José on their trip to Costa Rica and that's a mistake. It's one of the most underrated food cities in the Americas, if not the world, in my opinion, and I'm not just talking about típico. There's an impressive roster of Michelin-style fine dining restaurants (ahem, Amana - review forthcoming!). I recently stayed at this new Hyatt Centric in the Escazú 'suburb' and it boast comfortable rooms, friendly service, a solid elite breakfast and a wonderful location. It's located right off the highway for easy transit to the airport and into other neighborhoods of San Jose, two blocks from the posh Avenida Escazú shopping district, and near one of Central America's best hospitals for anyone in need of a check-up. You're only a short drive from Santa Ana and some solid hiking in the hills. Use this as your post-up spot for actually experiencing Costa Rica's capital city.

South America

Grand Hyatt São Paulo - If you're been reading regularly you know that São Paulo, in my opinion, slacks when it comes to luxury hotels for a city of its size and significance. Thus, the Grand Hyatt represents an outsized value as it's capable of catering both to those looking for an upscale place to lay their head and anyone who might be in town on business as well. You'll enjoy solid amenities - a great spa, two pools, and a more-than-respectable club lounge. Though fun and new accommodations have recently arrived you're still getting great value with a 1-4 FNA at this hotel.

Grand Hyatt Bogotá - Near the airport but somehow also really accessible to all of Bogotá's to-dos. I stayed here as a Globalist a few years back (review forthcoming) and I got upgraded to the Presidential Suite for one night and had to 'downgrade' to the second best room in the place the next night which actually had a better view. The hotel has a great club and the property has strong elite recognition.

The Legend Paracas - Peruvian beach town famous for its ceviche, located nearby a sandy national park where you can go see penguins. If you're in Peru and searching for something different after your journey to the Sacred Valley and following your tour through Lima's finest eats (with Pisco Sour in hand), then head on down to the coast and relax at The Legend Paracas. A few years back I stayed at a Marriott property in Paracas, Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort, Paracas. It was decent overall but I have my suspicions that this Hyatt will offer a much better experience overall.

Hyatt Centric Montevideo - Located right next to Uruguay's Playa Pocitos, you can enjoy both urban adventures and the beach at this hotel. Remember, Montevideo is accessible via ferry from Buenos Aires, Argentina, so consider getting a two-for-one country visit on your journey to deep-south South America. Honestly, don't sleep on this spot. Look at the photos. This is one of those properties that is a prime of example of my advice to not overlook room types in place of brands. You can find a lot of value in those mid-tier soft-brands or quasi-soft brands. You could end up with a suite overlooking the Atlantic ocean.

Hyatt Centric Las Condes Santiago - Similar to São Paulo, Chile's capital city, in my opinion, could use more upscale accommodation options. Thus, a mid-tier hotel like this Hyatt Centric could be the move, especially if you plan to spend your days out and about exploring. Skip the 'Ritz' and stay here.

Conclusion

And that's a wrap on the Caribbean, South America and Central America. I'll post the master list of all properties through this four part series tomorrow. 😀