14 best Wyndham properties to book with points
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
With more than 9,000 properties worldwide, Wyndham has one of the biggest footprints among the major chains. With everything from budget-friendly to moderately luxurious properties, Wyndham caters to both the business and leisure traveler. While Wyndham Rewards might not be one of the more popular programs among points-and-miles enthusiasts, there are many gems within the company's brands.
A little more than a year ago, Wyndham moved from a fixed award chart where all redemptions cost 15,000 points a night to a three-tier chart where properties range in cost from 7,500 to 30,000 points per night. While this change was beneficial for budget-conscious travelers, the more desirable and aspirational properties ended up requiring double the number of points.
- Tier 1: 7,500 points (or 7,500 points + cash)
- Tier 2: 15,000 points (or 3,000 points + cash)
- Tier 3: 30,000 points (or 6,000 points + cash)
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On Feb. 11, 2020, Wyndham made another adjustment to where properties fall in the three-tiered award chart. Approximately 800 properties moved up or down a tier level, but unfortunately, there is no list of which properties were affected. You can still check the Wyndham site to see the category for a specific property, but here at TPG we went through a mass number of properties to gather a list of the best places to now use your Wyndham Rewards points based on the recent changes.
Note: Check existing reservations to see that property went down a tier. If so, you will receive the difference in points back. For any previously booked reservations that went up a tier, your lower-point reservation will stay intact as long as no changes are made to the reservation.
Related: Wyndham is a new transfer partner of Capital One
Here are some of the best Wyndham properties to book on points right now.
Wyndham Park City
Shockingly, Wyndham kept almost all of the Vacation Club properties at the Tier 2 level: 15,000 points a night. (There are only three Vacation Club properties at the higher tier level: Wyndham Rio Mar, Wyndham Clearwater Beach Resort and Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek.) This was very exciting news as these are some of the best properties within the Wyndham Rewards program.
One of my favorite Wyndham properties, which also falls into the Vacation Club category, is Wyndham Park City. At this property, you can book a one-bedroom suite with a full kitchen and washer/dryer for just 15,000 points per night. At the base of Canyons Village in Park City, Utah, this is truly a ski-in/ski-out property. From the ski valet in the morning to soaking in the hot tub for apres-ski, this property wins the award for one of the best values within the Wyndham Rewards program. You can also book a two-bedroom suite, if available, for double the number of points.
I was fortunate to just experience this property during prime ski time and would highly recommend it to others — especially for those looking to stay on the mountain in Park City. Although my stay only included myself and my husband, it's a property that I absolutely would consider for a West Coast ski trip with my kids.
Availability on points can be challenging, but if you look far enough out, you should be able to find award availability. Note: Typically you need to book a two- or three-night minimum at this property.
Related: Best credit card to use on ski trips
Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach Resort
Clearwater Beach is one of my favorite beach destinations in Florida due to the white sugar-like sand and the crystal clear water. I also love the lively beach vibe and the abundance of nearby activities. Although during my visit I stayed at the Hyatt Clearwater Beach & Resort, the Wyndham Clearwater Beach Resort was right next door and blew all of the other hotels out of the water. I had the opportunity to walk around the lobby and pool area and am certain it's one of the best Wyndham properties out there.
There are actually two Wyndham properties right next to each other: the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach Resort and Club Wyndham Clearwater Beach. Although the Club property has large one-bedroom suites, availability with points is pretty limited. The resort rooms are just as nice and new, but your Wyndham Rewards points will only book you into a standard hotel room at 30,000 points a night. During peak dates, you'll want to book far in advance.
Related: Why Florida's Clearwater Beach is great for families
Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs
If you're looking for a Wyndham property that includes Disney World perks, then you might find the Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs to be the perfect property for your visit. Fortunately, it did not change tiers and still costs the same 15,000 points a night. Staying at this property, even on points, will give you access to Extra Magic Hours, 60-day FastPass+ reservations and a shuttle to take you to Disney World. Here you'll have two pools, a splash pad, an arcade, basketball, volleyball and tennis. For families wanting to experience a character breakfast right at the property, you can do that with Goofy and Pluto.
Now, if your goal is simply to spend the day at Disney and you are just looking for a bed close to the park, there are a handful of Wyndham properties that you can book for just 7,500 points a night. These properties include Days Inn by Wyndham Kissimmee FL, Ramada by Wyndham Kissimmee Gateway, Travelodge by Wyndham Kissimmee East, Travelodge Suites by Wyndham Kissimmee Orange and Baymont by Wyndham Celebration. I do suggest, however, checking reviews ahead of time to make sure the property is right for you.
On the flip side, if you're looking to splurge on your Disney vacation, you can stay at the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek, but that will cost you twice the number of points (30k per night) of the Disney Springs option.
Related: Top 10 properties when visiting Disney World
Days Inn by Wyndham Aonang Krabi
Although not a fancy property, the Days Inn by Wyndham Aonang Krabi is right in the heart of Ao Nang Beach in Thailand where you can walk to restaurants, shops and get a cheap massage. It's also perfectly situated to allow you to catch a boat to Railay Beach. Although this isn't a resort area, I found Ao Nang to be a very convenient location for day tours around the area, especially to Phi Phi Island. Best of all, this property is only 7,500 points per night. You'll also find that the Ramada by Wyndham Aonang Krabi right up the street is also now 7,500 points per night (previously 15k points).
Unfortunately, like many properties in Europe and Asia, rooms at this hotel (and the Ramada), when booked with points, only include rooms for two guests. However, cribs are available, so if you are traveling with a baby who doesn't need its own bed, you'll be perfectly situated. For everyone else, you might have to book two rooms, but that will still only cost you 15k a night total.
Related: 10 gorgeous Thai islands that aren't Phuket
The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel
In downtown Charleston, South Carolina, The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel is one of Wyndham's most historic properties. Here you're on Museum Mile where museums, restaurants, historic tours and the waterfront are at your fingertips. After exploring the city for the day, you can relax at the hotel's outdoor pool and courtyard. At 30,000 points a night you can select a room with one king or two double beds.
Related: 10 things no one tells you about Charleston
Silverado Resort and Spa
If you're looking for more of a resort-type setting during a wine-tasting Napa Valley vacation, the Silverado Resort and Spa is the perfect place to redeem your Wyndham Rewards points. Aside from being close to many wineries, right on-site you'll find 10 tennis courts, 10 swimming pools, two PGA champion golf courses and a 16,000-square-foot spa.
This is a unique property, with cottage-like rooms throughout the resort. At 30,000 points per night, you can stay in a room in the Mansion Estates, The Grove or The Cottages. (Only rooms in The Grove will accommodate a family of four.) This gives you a good amount of flexibility to select your ideal location within the property.
Related: 8 mistakes to avoid Napa Valley
Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort
The Wyndham Grand Rio Mar is an ideal beach destination in Puerto Rico. Forty-five minutes from the airport and close to El Yunque National Forest, this resort features three swimming pools, two oversized whirlpools and many poolside activities. There's also a private stretch of beach just for hotel guests. Beach chairs are complimentary and even during peak dates, you'll never have to fight the crowds to relax in a chair.
Even though this property moved up to the 30,000-point level last year, you can book an amazing room on points as even family suites still price at the 30k point level. These rooms are more than 1,200 square feet and feature one kid bed, a set of bunk beds and a pull-out sofa. Tip: Book early to reserve the largest room possible.
Related: A beginners guide to visiting Puerto Rico
Club Wyndham Inn on the Harbor
The Club Wyndham Inn on the Harbor is in Newport, Rhode Island, where you're walking distance to Bowen's Wharf with many restaurants, bars and shopping. You're also only a few blocks away from the International Tennis Hall of Fame and a mile away from the Cliff Walk and Easton Beach.
This is one of Wyndham's many Vacation Club properties in the Newport area, where you can book a one-bedroom superior suite for just 15,000 points a night. (Note: Some of the Vacation Club's in Newport only offer two-bedroom suites, which require 30,000 points a night.)
Alternatively, if you prefer to be closer to the beach, you can stay at the Wyndham Newport Hotel but unfortunately, this property was hit by the category changes and now requires 30,000 points per night. My family stayed here for a weekend stay last summer and although we had a great time, especially since it is only a 15-minute walk to the beach, I personally am not sure I'd pay double the number of points versus staying in town.
Related: Use Wyndham Rewards points to book timeshares
Kona Coast Resort
Hawaii is filled with Wyndham properties, such as the Kona Coast Resort. As a Vacation Club property, you can book a 1,000-square-foot villa for just 15,000 points per night. The villa boasts a full kitchen, washer/dryer and a private lanai.
On the property, you'll find two swimming pools, many Jacuzzis, tennis courts, volleyball, fitness center and a playground for kids. There are also on-site activities such as hula lessons. While this is not the fanciest hotel on the island, you'll receive a large room close to many beaches and hiking trails. One thing to keep in mind is that you cannot walk to the beach from this resort.
With many vacation club properties on the island, you might find that another property fits your needs better. Unfortunately, though, availability is limited for many of the properties, and this property typically has at least some availability if you have some date flexibility.
Related: Why you shouldn't overlook Hawaii's Big Island
Club Wyndham Midtown 45
New York City is one of the more expensive city destinations around the world. And even with many hotel options for using points and miles, many times you'll be forced to redeem a decent number of points for a small room solely for a bed to sleep in. At the Club Wyndham Midtown 45, you can stay in a studio suite with a full kitchen for just 15,000 points a night. (Or, a room with two double beds for a party of four.) Note: Reservations require a two+ night stay.
If you are not able to find availability at this property, you can also book a night at the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Times Square South. This will cost the same 15,000 points a night. The rooms are not nearly as big, but it will fit the bill if you are looking for a New York City vacation. If you happen to be traveling with a larger crew and in need of a suite, the TRYP Times Square South also has a family suite for up to eight available for cash and points (unfortunately using just points is no longer available).
The Club Wyndham Midtown 45 is in a great location in Manhattan with Times Square, Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center all within walking distance. The property is also extremely close to Grand Central Station, which makes getting around the city extremely easy on the subway.
Related: Best times to visit New York City
TRYP by Wyndham Mexico City World Trade Center Area
The TRYP by Wyndham Mexico City World Trade Center is a hidden gem at just 7,500 points a night (previously priced at 15,000 points a night). If you're looking to stay in Mexico City or if you're attending a conference at the World Trade Center, this is a great option. This boutique hotel receives great reviews as it offers a gym, restaurant and complimentary Wi-Fi. The only issue with this property is that when you are looking to redeem your points, you are maxed at three guests per room.
Wyndham Grand Crete Mirabello Bay
The Wyndham Grand Crete Mirabello Bay was just reduced from 30,000 points a night to 15,000 points a night. If you're looking to redeem your points in Crete, Greece, this is a property to look into, especially when other hotels throughout the island can be quite pricey — both in points and cash.
This beachfront resort offers a full-service spa, outdoor pool, nine on-site restaurants and bars, fitness center, tennis courts, volleyball court and many water activities. Although rooms on full points only lock you into a standard room, there are much larger family rooms available or even rooms with a shared pool. You can, however, use cash plus points to book yourself into one of these higher-end rooms to lower your cash outlay.
If you're looking to visit additional Greek Islands, you can also continue to use your Wyndham Rewards points at the Wyndham Loutraki Poseidon Resort, also for only 15,000 points a night.
Costa Blu Beach Resort, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
The Costa Blu Beach Resort is an adults-only property right on the beach in Belize. This remote location in Ambergris Caye is just seven miles north of San Pedro Town where you can rent golf carts or take a public water taxi to get up and down the coast. This is a great spot for a relaxing vacation with beautiful beaches and outdoor activities.
This is another property that recently reduced the number of points required for a free night stay. Instead of the previously 30,000 point rate, it now costs just 15,000 points per night.
Dolce by Wyndham CampoReal Lisboa
The Dolce by Wyndham CampoReal Lisboa is a resort property located about 30-minutes north of Lisbon. If you are looking to combine a city vacation with the countryside, this could be a great getaway — especially if you are looking for some golf and spa relaxation. This hotel offers three pools (2 outdoor and 1 indoor), four restaurant and bars, an 18-hole golf course, two tennis courts, a spa and 23 meeting rooms.
This property costs 15,000 points a night for a standard room, although they do have townhouses and villas (with its own private pool) for paid stays. If you are interested in a larger room, you can always reach out to the hotel directly to see if there are any cash upgrades available. Note: The standard rooms available on points are limited to just two guests plus one child.
Bottom Line
Although the re-categorization took place, the changes were not nearly as bad as I anticipated. The fact that all of the Vacation Club properties stayed the same was a big sigh of relief as I currently believe they are the "sweet spot" in the Wyndham Rewards program. The overall changes pretty much evened themselves out — while some desirable properties increased in the number of points required, many properties also decreased providing some great value as well.
If you are low on Wyndham Reward points, there are now a few more credit card options to increase your balance. Just recently, Capital One announced that Wyndham is a new transfer partner. This means you can transfer miles from your Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card to your Wyndham Rewards account (1,000 Capital One miles = 750 Wyndham points). There are also two different Wyndham Rewards Visa Credit Card options: The no annual fee version will allow you to earn 15,000 bonus points and the annual fee version ($75 per year) will allow you to earn up to 30,000 bonus points.
What is your favorite Wyndham Rewards property?