Labor Day Weekend Getaway With Points

For many, Labor Day weekend functions as a pleasant last hurrah for summertime before school dives back in, even if the school year has technically already begun! The much-anticipated three-day weekend gives us a chance to plan a little extra fun for ourselves, our friends, and our families.

If you’ve made it through the summer without spending your stockpile of points and instead have been adding to the pile, Labor Day Weekend is a great opportunity to use them. Here are a few points properties in the US that we think would be ideal home bases for your last getaway of the summer.

Courtyard Petoskey at Victories Square

There are few better places to spend the latter days of summer on Labor Day than on the shores of the Great Lakes, and with Little Traverse Bay to the north and Lake Charlevoix to the south, Petoskey is a prime spot.

Just off US131 lies the Courtyard Petoskey at Victories Square, a pleasant hotel that places guests within minutes the shores of Lake Michigan. During your stay, take a quick drive up to US31 to take advantage of the state parks, beaches, and country clubs in town.

Enjoy an afternoon at Petoskey State Park or set up a tee time at Bay Harbor Country Club, then enjoy a colorful sunset over the water. Finally, tuck into your cozy bed for a restful night’s sleep at the Courtyard.

A night at this Category 4 property is currently available from 55,000 Marriott Rewards points.

Hampton Inn & Suites Bemidji

While Michigan’s nickname is the “Great Lakes State,” Minnesota is lauded as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” One of those is Lake Bemidji, a beautiful post-glacial lake that is perfect for an end-of-summer vacation.

Book in with the Hampton Inn & Suites Bemidji for direct access to the Lake Bemidji shoreline, and easy access to several favorites in town. These include the Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox statues, Headwaters Science Center, and Lake Bemidji State Park as well as Bemidji Town and Country Club to the north.

As the nickname suggests, there are dozens of other lakes in the nearby areas so feel free to take an adventurous drive on the US2 to Chippewa National Forest, or up the US71 to Three Island Lake County Park. For those who enjoy being close to the water and the forest, the Hampton Inn & Suites at Bemidji is an ideal choice.

A night at this property starts at just 37,000 Hilton HHonors points.

Holiday Inn St. Augustine – World Golf

Although there are several country clubs and golf courses near the aforementioned properties, booking in at a property with dedicated golf packages is best for those who wish to enjoy a few rounds of golf on Labor Day. For that, the Holiday Inn St. Augustine – World Golf is an excellent choice.

The nearby World Golf Village in St. Augustine isn’t just great for playing the game; it has its own Hall of Fame and Museum, where visitors can learn about the history of golf and its greats. If golf isn’t your jam, note that this property is located just a 15-minute drive from St. Augustine’s historic center.

Famous as the oldest colonial city in the US, it’s worth a trolley tour around town or at least a jaunt to the St. Augustine Lighthouse. Remember: kids stay and eat free at select Holiday Inn properties, so this hotel is a great deal for the whole family!

A night at this property starts at 21,500 IHG Rewards points.

Hyatt Residence Club Sedona, Pinon Point

Flanked by a mesmerizing skyline of sandstone buttes, the Hyatt Residence Club Sedona, Pinon Point blends right in with its background. This property is perfect for a long weekend away or even an extended stay, with the option of renting out a studio and cooking for yourself.

Located near Sedona center, visitors are never too far away from a great cafe or gallery; if you’d like to get out of town and into nature, that can easily be arranged. Book in with a tour company in town, or take a quick drive out to Red Rock State Park or Devil’s Bridge. When you’re ready to come back from your adventure, enjoy the seamless transition from outdoors to indoors with your Earth-toned, colorful room at the Hyatt Residence Club.

A night at this property starts at 15,000 World of Hyatt points.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites La Jolla – Windansea Beach

For one last beach-bum weekend before vacation ends, why not head down to La Jolla? The Holiday Inn Express & Suites La Jolla – Windansea Beach is located just blocks from Windansea Beach, perfect for easy access to the Pacific.

Take a short drive up to La Jolla Boulevard to La Jolla Tide Pools and La Jolla Cove, and don’t forget to check out the San Diego – La Jolla Underwater Park. This area is very important to oceanographers and plays host to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, so if you have an aspiring oceanographer in your family, a trip to La Jolla could be a great inspiration for them!

With easy access to both the beach and La Jolla Village, this Holiday Inn Express is well-poised to provide a comfortable, simple, relaxing Labor Day weekend.

A night at this property starts at 55,000 IHG Rewards points.

The Alida, Savannah, a Tribute Hotel

For that unparalleled summertime vibe, the American southeast rarely disappoints; especially if summer for you means a sea breeze, a swampy sunrise, a riverside walk, or delicious Georgia barbecue. For a luxury getaway to Savannah’s renewed riverfront area, book in with The Alida, Savannah, a Tribute Hotel. This property truly has everything you might need during your Labor Day weekend getaway.

In addition to onsite dining and a rooftop bar, this hotel has its own retail space as well as a whiskey bar, complete with bartenders eager to share tricks of the trade. While there is plenty to do at the property, it’s worth venturing out to bike along the riverside or tee off at one of the many country clubs nearby. Alternatively, hop on the US80 east through the swamplands to get to Tybee Island and enjoy a day at the beach. Whether you choose to spend your time in the outskirts, downtown, or at the property itself, this hotel is a Savannah treasure that you won’t want to miss.

A night at this Category 6 property is currently available from 40,000 Marriott Rewards points.

Credit Card Rewards To Use For Your Labor Day Weekend Getaway

Even if you don’t have currency-specific points stashed up, it is still possible to book many of the aforementioned properties with Chase Ultimate Rewards points. If you have a Chase account and have been stashing Ultimate Rewards Points, you can redeem them through the Ultimate Rewards Portal in order to finance your vacation at these or thousands of other properties.

If you don’t yet have an account open with Chase, consider applying for the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card ; the sign-up bonus alone would be enough to finance a Labor Day getaway!

Whether you’re funding your trip with hotel-specific rewards or credit card rewards, there are plenty of ways to spend your points this summer. What are your Labor Day plans?