The Ultimate Guide to Using Points for Hotels in the Caribbean

Picture yourself on a pristine white sand beach, crystal-clear turquoise waters gently lapping at the shore, while palm trees sway in the warm tropical breeze. The Caribbean offers this version of paradise and more—but paradise often comes with a steep price tag. Fortunately, hotel points can make these dream vacations far more attainable.

Whether you dream of an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica, a luxury stay in the Turks & Caicos, or a family-friendly property in Aruba, this guide will show you how to use your hotel points to maximize your Caribbean getaway.

Planning Your Caribbean Hotel Stay

Planning a Caribbean vacation requires careful consideration of both flights and accommodations. While conventional wisdom often suggests booking flights first, the Caribbean presents a unique situation where you’ll want to plan both simultaneously. Here’s why:

• Many Caribbean islands are served by specific airlines and hotel chains, so your points portfolio should align with both
• Hotel award availability in the Caribbean often opens up further in advance than flight availability
• Some islands have limited point-redemption options, making accommodation choice a critical first step
• Resort fees and additional charges can vary dramatically between properties and islands

For example, if you have a stash of World of Hyatt points and United miles, you might focus on Puerto Rico where both programs offer strong options. However, if you’re set on visiting Martinique with Hyatt points, you’ll need to reconsider since Hyatt has no properties on the island.

Understanding Seasonality and Pricing

Caribbean hotel award pricing typically follows these seasonal patterns:

• Peak Season: Mid-December through mid-April
• Shoulder Season: Mid-April through June, November to mid-December
• Low Season: July through October (hurricane season)

Most hotel programs now use dynamic pricing, meaning point requirements can fluctuate based on demand and cash rates. However, some programs still maintain fixed award charts or at least maximum point requirements, which we’ll cover in detail.

Planning Timeline

For best availability and selection, consider this booking timeline:

• 12+ months out: Book high-end properties during peak season (especially festive periods)
• 6-12 months out: Book standard peak season stays
• 3-6 months out: Book shoulder season stays
• 1-3 months out: Book low season stays
• Last minute: Look for points & cash options, periodic point discounts or last-minute availability

Let’s dive into each major hotel program and explore your best options for using points in the Caribbean.

Major Hotel Programs in the Caribbean

Depending on where in the Caribbean you want to travel, you can find properties from every major hotel chain. Here are some details you should be aware of as well as some notable properties from each chain.

World of Hyatt

World of Hyatt offers some of the Caribbean’s most luxurious point redemption opportunities, though their footprint is smaller than some competitors. Their fixed award chart makes planning easier, even though pricing variations exist due to the peak/off-peak pricing model Hyatt utilizes.

Key Program Features:

• Fixed award chart (with peak/off-peak variations)
• Points transfer 1:1 from Chase Ultimate Rewards
• No resort fees on award stays
• Suite upgrades available using points

Notable Properties and Point Requirements:

• Hyatt Centric Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) – Category 2: 6,500-9,500 points/night
• Grand Hyatt Baha Mar (Bahamas) – Category 6: 21,000-29,000 points/night
• Park Hyatt St. Kitts – Category 7: 25,000-35,000 points/night
• Hyatt Regency Aruba – Category 7: 25,000-35,000 points/night
• Hyatt Zilara/Ziva Cap Cana (Dominican Republic) – Category F: 42,000-58,000 points/night (all-inclusive)

Sweet Spots:

• All-inclusive Hyatt Zilara/Ziva properties offer exceptional value for couples and families.
• Park Hyatt St. Kitts represents one of the highest-end redemptions in the Caribbean.
• Pay no resort fees on award stays can save $50-100 per night.

Marriott Bonvoy

With the largest footprint in the Caribbean, Marriott Bonvoy offers everything from budget-friendly options to ultra-luxury resorts.

Key Program Features:

• Dynamic award pricing with approximate ranges
• Fifth night free on award stays
• Points transfer from American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards (though this may not be the best use of your transferable rewards)

Notable Properties and Point Requirements:

• Westin Punta Cana (Dominican Republic): 41,000-69,000 points/night
• Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort: 43,000-76,000 points/night
• The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort (Puerto Rico): 82,000-136,000 points/night
• The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos: 106,000-148,000 points/night

Sweet Spots:

• Shoulder season and off-peak times can offer exceptional value.
• Use free night certificates from credit cards at properties up to 50,000 points (with top-up) for most certificates or 100,000 (with top-up) from the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant’s certificate.
• Combining fifth night free with off-peak pricing for maximum savings.

Hilton Honors

Hilton Honors uses dynamic pricing but can offer competitive redemption rates, especially for elite members.

Key Program Features:

• Dynamic pricing with no award chart
• Fifth night free for elite members (easily obtained through credit cards)
• Points transfer from American Express Membership Rewards (but isn’t often a good value)
• Regular point sales and promotions

Notable Properties and Points Ranges:

• Embassy Suites by Hilton Dorado del Mar Beach Resort (Puerto Rico): 60,000+ points/night
• Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton (Dominican Republic, all-inclusive): 100,000+ points/night
• Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort: 90,000+ points/night
• Tamarind Hills Resort and Villas, an SLH Hotel (Antigua): 120,000+ points/night

IHG One Rewards

IHG has significantly improved its Caribbean portfolio, offering a mix of familiar brands and upscale properties, with a particularly strong presence on Mexico’s Caribbean coast.

Key Program Features:

• Dynamic pricing with general price bands
• Fourth night free for IHG credit card holders
• Points transfer from Chase Ultimate Rewards (typically not the best value use of your points)
• No blackout dates on standard rooms

Notable Properties and Point Ranges:

• Holiday Inn Mayaguez & Tropical Casino (Puerto Rico): 22,000-43,000 points/night
• InterContinental Real Santo Domingo: 35,000-62,000 points/night
• Holiday Inn Resort Aruba: 49,000-113,000 points/night
• Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa (Grand Cayman): 70,000 points/night

Sweet Spots:

• All-inclusive properties often provide excellent value for families
• Kimpton properties bookable with points with no resort fees
• Fourth night free benefit can significantly reduce the cost of longer stays

Wyndham Rewards

Often overlooked, Wyndham offers some interesting Caribbean options, particularly for budget-conscious travelers and all-inclusive seekers.

Key Program Features:

• Fixed award pricing at 7,500, 15,000, or 30,000 points per night
• Points transfer from Capital One
• All-inclusive properties available
• No blackout dates on standard rooms

Notable Properties:

• Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach (Bahamas, all-inclusive): 30,000 points/night
• Wyndham Alltra Cancun (all-inclusive): 30,000 points/night
• Wyndham Grand Rio Mar (Puerto Rico): 30,000 points/night
• TRYP by Wyndham properties (various locations): 15,000 points/night

Sweet Spots:

• All-inclusive properties for just 30,000 points represent excellent value
• Simple award chart makes planning straightforward
• Good coverage in less-visited destinations

Choice Privileges

Choice Hotels has expanded its Caribbean presence through partnerships and acquisitions, offering some unique opportunities.

Key Program Features:

• Dynamic pricing with seasonal variations
• Points transfer from American Express Membership Rewards and Citi ThankYou points
• Regular points sales and promotions

Notable Properties:

• Comfort Inn & Suites St. Thomas: 25,000 points/night
• Emotions All-Inclusive Juan Dolio, Ascend Hotel Collection (Dominican Republic): 30,000 points/night
• Radisson Blu Aruba: 35,000 points/night

Sweet Spots:

• Points often go on sale, making redemptions more affordable
• Good budget options in secondary markets

Island-by-Island Guide for Point Redemptions

Aruba

Known for consistent weather and beautiful beaches, Aruba offers numerous point redemption options.

Best Point Redemptions:

• Hyatt Regency Aruba (World of Hyatt): 25,000-35,000 points/night
• Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino (Hilton Honors): 90,000+ points/night
• Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort (Marriott Bonvoy): 43,000-76,000 points/night
• Holiday Inn Resort Aruba (IHG): 49,000-113,000 points/night

Strategy Tips:

• Palm Beach properties often command higher points but offer better amenities.
• Consider Eagle Beach properties for a quieter atmosphere and lower point requirements.
• Book well in advance as Aruba maintains high occupancy year-round.

Bahamas

The Bahamas offers everything from budget-friendly points stays to ultra-luxury redemptions.

Best Point Redemptions:

• Grand Hyatt Baha Mar (World of Hyatt): 21,000-29,000 points/night
• The Cove at Atlantis (Marriott Bonvoy): 88,000-122,000 points/night
• Hilton at Resorts World Bimini: 60,000+ points/night
• Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach (Wyndham): 30,000 points/night

Strategy Tips:

• Grand Hyatt Baha Mar typically offers exceptional value for points
• Watch for Atlantis promotions through Marriott Bonvoy
• Consider combining points with cash rates during shoulder season

Dominican Republic

The DR excels in all-inclusive point redemptions across multiple programs.

Best Point Redemptions:

• Hyatt Zilara/Ziva Cap Cana (World of Hyatt, all-inclusive): 42,000-58,000 points/night
• Westin Punta Cana (Marriott): 41,000-69,000 points/night
• Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton (Hilton, all-inclusive): 100,000+ points/night
• Various Dreams/Secrets properties (Hyatt): 21,000-58,000 points/night

Strategy Tips:

• All-inclusive properties often provide solid value for points
• Consider shoulder season for significant point savings
• Watch for Choice points sales to book AMR Collection properties

Jamaica

Jamaica shines with all-inclusive point redemption opportunities.

Best Point Redemptions:

• Hyatt Zilara/Ziva Rose Hall (World of Hyatt, all-inclusive): 35,000-45,000 points/night
• Iberostar Waves Rose Hall Beach (IHG, all-inclusive): 120,000+ points/night

Strategy Tips:

• Hyatt all-inclusives typically offer the best luxury value.
• Consider splitting stays between properties to experience different areas.
• Watch for IHG flash sales for Holiday Inn Resort bookings.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico offers excellent value for U.S. travelers, with no passport required and extensive point options.

Best Point Redemptions:

• The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort (Marriott): 82,000-136,000 points/night
• Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve: 17,000-23,000 points/night
• Wyndham Grand Rio Mar: 30,000 points/night
• Caribe Hilton: 75,000+ points/night
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Dorado del Mar Beach Resort: 60,000+ points/night

Strategy Tips:

• Consider splitting time between San Juan and coastal resorts
• Look for off-peak savings during shoulder season (May-November)
• Combine points stays with local paradores for authentic experiences

Turks & Caicos

Here you can find premium destinations with limited but high-quality point redemption options.

Best Point Redemptions:

• The Ritz-Carlton (Marriott): 106,000-136,000 points/night
• Point Grace Resort and Spa (Hilton/SLH): 120,000+ points/night

Strategy Tips:

• Book well in advance, especially during peak season
• Consider mixing points stays with vacation rentals
• Watch for new properties joining loyalty programs

Maximizing Value

Credit Card Considerations

To maximize your Caribbean hotel stays, consider these top credit cards for earning hotel points:

1. Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Flexible points transfer to Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott, though the best value transfers will typically be to Hyatt.
2. The Platinum Card® from American Express : Transfers to Hilton, Marriott and Choice
3. World of Hyatt Credit Card: Automatic Discoverist status and annual Category 1 to 4 Free Night Certificate
4. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: High-value Free Night Certificate worth up to 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points (+15,000 point top-up allowed) and complimentary Platinum elite status which will include free breakfast at some properties.
5. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: Annual Free Night Certificate valid for use at any hotel plus complimentary top-tier Diamond elite status.
6. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: Platinum status, annual Free Night Certificate worth up to 40,000 points, and fourth night free benefit

Leveraging Elite Status

Elite status with some hotel chains can significantly enhance your Caribbean stay—and certain levels of elite status are relatively easy to get thanks to the credit cards listed above.

Best Elite Status Benefits

• Marriott Platinum/Titanium: Suite upgrades, breakfast/lounge access
• Hilton Diamond: Space-available upgrades, breakfast, executive lounge
• Hyatt Globalist: Suite upgrades, waived resort fees, breakfast

Status Strategy

1. Consider credit cards that offer automatic elite status
2. Match status between programs when available
3. Focus on one program to achieve higher tiers
4. Use status challenges when planning multiple stays

Combining Benefits

Stack multiple benefits to maximize value:

1. Fifth Night Free:
   • Marriott Bonvoy all members
   • Hilton Honors elite members
   • Stack with off-peak pricing
2. Fourth Night Free:
   • IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
3. Credit Card Benefits:
   • Resort credits from premium cards
   • Free night certificates
   • Airline incidental credits fees for flying to/from the Caribbean

Tips & Tricks for Caribbean Point Stays

When to Book Your Caribbean Point Stay

Timing is crucial when booking Caribbean properties with points. During peak season (December through April), aim to book 11-12 months out when award calendars first open. This is especially important for festive season dates around Christmas and New Year’s, which often sell out within hours of availability opening. Hurricane season (June through November) offers more flexibility and frequent point discounts, while shoulder season stays can typically be booked three to six months in advance with good availability.

Strategic Award Booking Tips

Set calendar alerts for when booking windows open, particularly for programs like Choice Hotels that have specific booking timeframes. Check award calendars regularly, as properties occasionally release additional rooms or adjust point requirements. Whenever possible, book refundable awards to maintain flexibility if plans change. For highly sought-after properties or peak dates, consider booking backup options if cancellation policies allow—just remember to promptly cancel any reservations you won’t be using.

Award Availability Search Techniques

When searching for award stays in the Caribbean, flexibility and persistence are key. Rather than searching for your entire stay at once, try checking individual nights to uncover hidden availability. Take advantage of flexible date calendars when programs offer them, as shifting your dates by just a day or two can often reveal more options. If you’re planning a longer stay and struggling to find consecutive nights at one property, consider splitting your time between multiple hotels, which can also add variety to your Caribbean experience and help you explore different areas of your chosen island.

Managing Resort Fees

It’s best to calculate the total cost, including resort fees, when comparing properties.

Programs That Waive Resort Fees on Award Stays

• World of Hyatt (all award stays)
• Hilton Honors (award stays using all points)
• Marriott Bonvoy (some properties)

Weather Considerations

Weather plays a crucial role in Caribbean travel planning, particularly during hurricane season (June-November). During these months, always book refundable rates and consider trip insurance for peace of mind. The ABC islands—Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao—offer lower hurricane risk due to their southern location, making them popular choices during storm season. While December through April delivers ideal weather, it also demands the highest point requirements. Consider traveling in shoulder months like May or November, when you’ll find pleasant weather and lower point requirements before peak pricing kicks in. Hurricane season often brings significant point discounts, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers willing to be flexible with their plans.

Final Tips for a Successful Caribbean Vacation on Points

1. Flexibility is Key:
   • Consider multiple islands/properties
   • Be open to different seasons
   • Mix points with cash stays when valuable
   • Combine multiple program currencies
2. Building Your Points Strategy:
   • Diversify points across major programs
   • Watch for credit card welcome bonuses
   • Consider business credit cards for faster earning
3. Stay Updated:
   • Monitor program changes
   • Watch for new property additions
   • Subscribe to loyalty program communications
   • Join relevant online communities

Remember that the Caribbean offers something for every type of traveler and point budget. Whether you’re planning a luxury getaway at a St. Regis or a family vacation at an all-inclusive Hyatt, points can help make your Caribbean dreams a reality while saving thousands of dollars.

The key to success is planning ahead, staying flexible, and understanding how to maximize the various loyalty programs’ sweet spots. Start planning your Caribbean points adventure today, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey of getting there as much as the destination itself.

Note: Point requirements and program details are accurate as of January 2025. Always verify current rates and terms when booking.