All-inclusive resorts have come a long way from the spring break clichés of the past. Today’s top properties offer elevated dining, design-forward suites and amenities tailored to every type of traveler, from couples seeking candlelit dinners on the beach to families chasing waterpark thrills. And increasingly, travelers are using points to unlock these experiences.
“The major hotel brands, Hyatt, Marriott, and Hilton, are all pushing the envelope in the all-inclusive space,” says Tanner Saunders, senior hotels reporter at The Points Guy. “If you haven’t been to an all-inclusive resort, now’s the time to give it a chance.”
But before you cash in your points for that beachfront suite, there are a few things you should know. Points programs vary widely. For example, Hyatt uses a fixed award chart for all-inclusives, while Hilton and Marriott rely on dynamic pricing. Flexibility with dates is key, and it’s imperative to always double-check guest count before booking to avoid unexpected charges. Whether you’re dreaming of the Dominican Republic’s newest luxury openings or a laid-back escape in Mexico, these seven tips from seasoned travel pros will help you book smarter and better, with points.
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7 Tips for Booking Hotels Using Loyalty Points
1. Not All Points Programs Work the Same
Hyatt, Hilton and Marriott, the major hotel players, offer all-inclusive properties that can be booked with points. However, their systems differ. According to Tanner, each brand offers different types and levels of point systems.
“Hyatt uses a fixed award chart, often offering the best value,” he said. “While Hilton and Marriott use dynamic pricing, meaning point costs fluctuate depending on demand.”
2. Flexibility Is Key to Finding the Best Value
Just like you’ll often save when booking flights with more flexible dates, the same is true for booking with points. Award availability also frequently shifts: users report that rooms vanish and reappear as cancellations happen, and some have saved up to 30,000 points by canceling and rebooking once rates fell.
“The more flexible you are with your travel dates, the better chance you’ll have of scoring a great deal,” Tanner said. “High-season trips, like summer holidays in Europe or spring break trips in Florida, will typically require more points, especially with Hilton and Marriott.”
3. Always Input the Correct Number of Guests
When booking an all-inclusive, the number of guests in your party directly affects the price, even when using points. Forgetting to include a child or partner can result in unexpected fees upon check-in.
According to Sarah Blevins, a lifestyle blogger at Our Little Lifestyle and points booking pro, this is the number one mistake many travelers make.
“Unlike many standard hotels, all-inclusive properties are often priced based on double occupancy and charge extra for additional guests. When people do not include children in their booking, they are frequently met with additional charges at check-in,” she said.
4. You Really Can Leave Your Wallet Behind
According to Saunders, one of the biggest perks of all-inclusives is the peace of mind that comes from knowing what you’re spending upfront. Aside from optional extras like excursions or special dinners, most expenses are covered, making points redemptions feel even more rewarding.
“I would just say: If you haven’t been to an all-inclusive resort, now’s the time to give it a chance. The know-what-you-pay-upfront resorts have been getting better, and when I’m at one, I love the stress-free nature of leaving my wallet behind and not worrying about how much money I’m spending. To me, that’s a great vacation,” he said.
(And by leave behind, we mean in your room, because you should never travel anywhere without your wallet!)
5. Explore All Your Options—Both Credit Cards & Hotels
For Sarah, getting into points was all about maximizing the ways she and her family (four in total) can travel together most affordably. She’s taken more than a dozen international trips on points—something she credits to strategic research and a well-curated lineup of travel credit cards.
“For me, I found it best to focus on credit cards that allow transferable currencies, such as Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Citi Thank You Points, and Capital One Miles,” Sarah said. “These allowed me to transfer points directly into my hotel loyalty programs as needed for each trip, as opposed to only earning and redeeming points with one hotel chain. “
She also found that you often get more value for your points this way, rather than redeeming them for travel through the bank’s travel portal.
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6. Maximize Your Points for More Amenities
One of the best ways to get more out of your points is by pairing redemptions with elite status or co-branded credit card perks, which can unlock valuable extras like free nights, waived fees or room upgrades.
“Some hotels offer additional free nights on stays booked with points and/or if you hold a credit card or status,” Sarah said. “For example, Marriott offers the 5th night free on award stays. So, when using points for a Marriott stay, you get the best value when booking five nights. On the other hand, Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG) offers the 4th night free on all stays to certain cardholders. And, Hilton offers the 5th night free on some stays for elite members.”
So, for Sarah, pairing additional benefits, whether they come from elite status or various co-branded credit cards, can help you stretch your points further.
“Also, with some hotel chains, added resort fees and/or parking charges are waived on points stays or for elite members. So, see where those extra benefits would come into play and consider that when making a decision,” she said.
7. Don’t Overlook the Standout Properties
If you’re using points, know which properties are worth the splurge. Saunders recommends the Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic: an adults-only beachfront resort you can book with World of Hyatt points, with access to sister property Ziva’s waterpark and restaurants. It’s a great example of how luxury and loyalty programs can intersect. The W, which is set to open later this summer, is a brand-new member of Marriott’s portfolio and sits along a pristine stretch of Uvero Alto beach and boasts amenities abound, including four restaurants, 9 bars, private beach access, a spa, and more.
Related: 7 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Bahamas, According to a Travel Expert
