5 of The Best-Value Points Hotels in Sydney
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
In the latest installment of our “Points and Miles Destination Guide” series, TPG Contributor Whitney Magnuson explores the many different ways to maximize hotel redemptions in Sydney using points and miles.
It's no surprise that a trip to Australia makes many a points and miles enthusiast's bucket list. At 14-plus hours, long-haul flights from the West Coast to Sydney provide an opportunity to truly maximize the value of a mileage award, with ample hours to enjoy the luxury of a first-class redemption.
And with the Australian dollar recently hitting a six-year low, now's a great time to visit the land down under. Below, I'll look at how best to maximize points redemptions for hotels in Sydney for five different types of travelers.
If You Want to See the Big Tourist Sites: The Park Hyatt Sydney
If you're planning to stay close to the most popular tourist attractions, it's tough to beat the Park Hyatt Sydney. With breathtaking views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge, rooms average about $707 or 30,000 Hyatt points per night. That breaks down to a redemption rate of about 2.4 cents per point, which is favorable, compared to the most recent TPG monthly valuations, which peg Hyatt points at 1.8 cents apiece.
Some dates also offer a Points + Cash rate of 15,000 points and $232 in cash. While this option does require opening the pocketbook, you'd end up getting a better value: a whopping 3.2 cents per point.
Alternately, with the Hyatt Credit Card, cardholders who complete the $2,000 minimum spending in the first three months of card membership can earn two free nights at any Hyatt property worldwide. Given the high price of rooms at this property, this would be a great use of those free nights — and could easily get you more than $2,000 in value. You can also transfer points instantly from Ultimate Rewards, earned with a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
If You Want to Hang with the Locals on Manly Beach: Novotel Sydney Manly Pacific
Sydney culture is beach culture, and the locals love to spend their time swimming, surfing and soaking in the rays. While you could explore the more popular and touristy Bondi Beach, a quick ferry across the harbor to Manly Beach offers a more authentic experience.
Accor Hotels, the parent group for such brands as Sofitel and — most recently — Fairmont, boasts two properties on Manly Beach, with the Novotel Sydney Manly Pacific getting slightly better reviews. Rates start at about $152 a night, and members of the "Le Club" loyalty program can redeem 2,000 points at a time for €40 vouchers, redeemable at any Accor hotel. That equates to a redemption value of 2.2 cents per point, given current exchange rates.
Earning points with Le Club can be a bit challenging, however, as there isn't an Accor Hotels credit card. There is a workaround, though, and that's to use a bank-affiliated travel portal like Chase Ultimate Rewards to book your stay. A one-night stay can be had for as few as 10,300 points when booking through the Chase portal, and given the current 50,000 points bonus available with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, a four-night stay is easily within reach.
If You Have an Early Flight out of SYD: Holiday Inn Sydney Airport
What's worse than an international long-haul in economy? Missing your flight and having to camp out at the airport for a day until the next flight leaves. For travelers with an early morning or late-night departure from Sydney International Airport (SYD) wishing to avoid that situation, there are several hotels close to the airport.
One such property, the Holiday Inn Sydney Airport, offers an airport shuttle and is located close to a rail station for those wishing to venture into the city proper during their stay. Rates start at $143 or 35,000 IHG points a night.
If you're looking to earn IHG points, you might consider the IHG Rewards Club Select Credit Card, which currently offers a sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening. IHG's Points + Cash option can also be quite lucrative.
If You Want to Party at Sydney's Version of Mardi Gras: Best Western Plus Hotel Stellar
In Sydney, Mardi Gras is a month-long celebration of all things LGBTQ, that culminated with a pride parade and massive party in early March that's easily one of the largest such celebrations in the world. While it might be a bit late to plan a Mardi Gras trip for this year, it's a great time to start thinking about 2017!
While events take place all over the city, if you're hoping to book a room close to the parade route, you should check out the Best Western Plus Hotel Stellar, located toward the start of the route at Oxford Street and Wentworth Avenue. Rates average around $140 a night most of the year, but nearly double to $260 a night during Mardi Gras.
Similarly, while award nights can normally be had for about 20,000 Best Western points per night, you might have trouble booking free nights for next year's event. Still, if you're planning far in advance for 2017, it could be worth a shot. Unfortunately American Express Membership Rewards no longer transfer to Best Western, however.
You do have an opportunity to earn up to 70,000 points with the Best Western Rewards Premium MasterCard, which breaks down into 25,000 bonus points for spending $2,500 in the first three months, another 25,000 bonus points for spending $5,000 in the first six months and an additional 20,000 for spending $10,000 in the first 12 months. Assuming you complete the full bonus and associated spending, you'd have enough points to earn a free four-night stay at this property for next year's festivities or on any other trip to Sydney.
If You Want to See Some Australian Sports: Hotel Harry, An Ascend Hotel Collection Member
Sydneysiders are a sporty bunch, and in Sydney you can even find a number of sports you're unlikely to see played anywhere else. But whether you prefer rugby, cricket or something further afield, it's likely you can find it happening within the Centennial Parklands, home of Allianz Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The complex is located southeast of downtown Sydney in Surry Hills, and one of the many nearby hotels is the Hotel Harry, a member of the Choice Hotels network. A room in this historic Victorian-era property can be had from around $140 or 25,000 Choice Privileges points per night, for a redemption value of 0.6 cents per point.
If you're looking for a way to earn those 25,000 points, you might consider the Choice Privileges Visa Signature Card. However, while the card advertises a bonus of up to four free nights, that actually equates to just 8,000 points after your first purchase on the card, and an additional 24,000 points only after you pay for your first stay at a Choice hotel using the card.
A better option for those looking to earn Choice points would be to apply for one of the American Express cards that offer a bonus of Membership Rewards points. Membership Rewards transfer to Choice Privileges at a 1:1 rate, so you can easily earn enough points to book your Australian adventure without the need for a paid stay elsewhere.
Need More Advice on What to Do During Your Sydney Vacation? See these relevant TPG articles below:
- Fly United to Sydney for Just 60,000 United Miles Round Trip
- How to Use Airline Miles for Award Travel to Sydney
- My Sydney Restaurant Recommendations
- Destination of the Week: Sydney
What’s your favorite points hotel in Sydney? Let us know in the comments, below.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.