The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Advertiser disclosure
The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Guides
The best points hotels to book for shoulder season — and before (or after) the summer crowds
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
Related stories
Quick summary
Traveling during spring and fall, known as shoulder seasons, can offer lower hotel rates, fewer crowds and pleasant weather in many destinations.
A variety of aspirational hotels across the U.S. and Europe provide attractive experiences during these periods, from city stays to nature retreats.
Properties highlighted include options in Florence, Nantucket, Utah, California, Miami Beach, New York, Kauai, Cabo, Santa Monica and Crete.
Many featured hotels can be booked using major hotel loyalty points, often at more accessible rates than during peak travel periods.
What to consider
Shoulder season timing varies by destination, so research local weather and event calendars before booking.
Hotel rates and points requirements are generally lower in spring and fall, but can still fluctuate based on demand and special events.
Some amenities or experiences may be seasonal, so check availability for pools, restaurants or outdoor activities.
What you'll miss from the article
Detailed descriptions of standout hotels, including unique amenities, location highlights and specific tips for maximizing a shoulder season getaway.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
After winter thaws but before summer heats up, travel feels like a cheat code. Sure, spring weather can be a little damp or variable in some places — but in others, it can also be refreshingly sunny and comfortable, lending itself to both beach days and sightseeing alike. The same goes for fall, when summer's warm temperatures and bountiful sunshine can linger throughout the day giving way to sweater weather at night.
The best part? Both spring and fall are typically when aspirational hotels can feel a little more attainable, rates-wise: The summer crowds either haven't yet come or have already gone, cash rates are softer and you can embark on a getaway without demolishing your entire points balance on a single night.
Of course, the definition of shoulder season will vary based on destination, but there are quite a few desirable spots — home to some of our favorite hotels — that offer a dreamy vacation during the spring and fall on a slightly more modest budget (and likely with fewer crowds). From Mediterranean gems to domestic escapes that are closer to home, here are some of the best points hotels if you’re in the market for a getaway during a shoulder season.
Spring in Tuscany is about as close to perfection as Europe gets — warm but not hot, lively but not chaotic — and if you’re looking to immerse yourself in the Italian pinnacle of Renaissance grandeur, there’s nowhere better than Florence. The newly opened W Florence (featured on our list of the best new hotels of 2025) has brought a modern, design-forward, swanky edge to the city.
Expect bold interiors, a classic W Living Room that’s buzzing from day to night and a location that’s steps from Florence’s top museums and landmarks, including the Duomo, Uffizi Galleries and the Ponte Vecchio. Don’t miss the partially covered courtyard, which is perfect for a little pre-dinner aperitivo.
Rates at W Florence start at $507 or 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
The Wauwinet
ELLIE NAN STORCK/THE POINTS GUY
Nantucket in both the spring and fall feels like the island's best-kept secret. Sure, there aren’t as many consistently hot and sticky beach days as there are in July and August — but during the shoulder seasons, the days are often sunny and warm, the crowds nonexistent and the island’s flora and fauna is abundant, like April's signature daffodils. Up on the island’s northeastern edge, far from the bustle of town, The Wauwinet feels like a private escape for those in the know. Picture it: morning coffee overlooking Nantucket Harbor, breezy bike rides, and long, indulgent lunches at the hotel’s popular restaurant Topper’s (without sparring for a reservation). And since the summer throngs haven’t snatched up all the availability yet, you can expect rates to be less than half what they’ll be come August.
Rates at The Wauwinet start at $375 or can be booked via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts.
Under Canvas Moab
SPORTSTOCK/GETTY IMAGES
Hiking enthusiasts and outdoorsy types know: spring is the best time to visit the deserts of southern Utah, before peak summer brings oppressive heat. Under Canvas Moab offers a safari-style clamping experience just outside Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. The comfortable and spacious tents are far from basic, featuring proper beds, wood-burning stoves for those chilly desert nights, and expansive views. Don’t miss campfires with complimentary s’mores, or the chance for fantastic stargazing—this is a certified DarkSky location.
Rates at Under Canvas Moab start at $169 or 16,750 World of Hyatt points per night.
AutoCamp Sequoia
MATT KISIDAY/AUTOCAMP
Melting snows in the Sierra Nevada mountains make springtime in particular an exciting time to visit Sequoia National Park and nearby Kings Canyon National Park, where you’ll find roaring waterfalls, fresh greenery and temperate weather. Come fall, the air turns crisp — ideal for cozying up next to a fire pit after a long day of hiking. AutoCamp Sequoia offers a stylish basecamp, with converted Airstream suites and modern cabins that balance a true camping experience with all the creature comforts, like proper bathrooms, comfy beds with foam mattresses, and functional kitchenettes. There’s even a Clubhouse where you can buy SPF, snacks and other sundries. This is a great choice for those traveling with dogs or kids, too.
Rates at AutoCamp Sequoia start at $260 or 131,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Andaz Miami Beach
GISELLE GOMEZ/THE POINTS GUY
When the Northeast is still experiencing a damp, chilly spring or the cooler climes of fall, South Florida is basking in hot, sunny weather. Fresh off a $60 million renovation last year, Andaz Miami Beach is a crisp, contemporary option for those looking for a Miami Beach escape.
The hotel has its own private beach, complete with cabanas featuring “popsicle pagers” for on-demand ice cream delivery. This is a Miami Beach option for the modern traveler, less about nightlife and partying and more about rejuvenation and experiences: the fantastic Ondara Spa offers facials and massages, and the hotel’s bar and two restaurants are all helmed by the acclaimed Jose Andre Group.
Rates at Andaz Miami Beach start at $506 or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Waldorf Astoria New York
JOE THOMAS/WALDORF ASTORIA
Has there been a hotel opening in recent memory that has generated as much buzz as the return of Manhattan’s iconic Waldorf Astoria New York? After a yearlong closure and top-to-bottom reimagining, this Park Avenue icon is once again welcoming guests — this time with a sharper, more residential feel that trades some of that old-world formality for something a little more current.
The bones, of course, remain: think art deco detailing restored to its original sheen, grand public spaces worthy of New York and an address that puts you in the middle of everything. Rooms are larger than most in Midtown, and have a distinctly residential feel, making them feel more like glamorous apartments than traditional hotel rooms.
Spring is when New York likes to show off: the trees and flowers in Central Park and along Park Avenue are in bloom, the days are longer and the warm weather is ideal for long walks around the city — and the rates might be a bit more manageable than peak holiday season and summer. The same goes for the fall months when, as we all know, there's nothing quite like autumn in New York.
Spring hits a sweet spot in Kauai, after the peak demand of winter and before the family rush and hot temperatures of summer. Visit in the shoulder season timeframe and you’ll find better availability, softer pricing and a more relaxed pace across the island.
At the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, that means more room to spread out in the resort’s sprawling pool complex (which features a lazy river and waterfalls) and on its beachfront. This is a solid Hawaii option for those who take their beach time with a side of adventure, too — the resort is adjacent to the Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course, an enormous course and driving range considered as one of the best in the state, as well as horseback riding stables that offer guided trail rides along the ocean.
Cabo in the spring is a different animal. The weather is reliably warm and dry, and the party crowds of spring breakers and hordes of summer families haven’t fully taken over. And set just outside the main drag of Cabo San Lucas, The Cape, a Thompson Hotel, is one of the area’s more sophisticated, design-forward stays. Think raw concrete, clean lines, and unobstructed views of the ocean and of El Arco from many of the rooms. There are two pools — one more social, one quieter — so you have options depending on your mood, and the hotel is well situated for day trips into town for shopping and gallery hopping. Don’t miss drinks at the rooftop bar, which offers a fun scene at sunset.
One of the favorite California comebacks of recent years, the Regent Santa Monica Beach is one of Los Angeles’ most luxurious places to stay on the beach. The property was formerly a Loews-affiliated hotel with 340 rooms but when it reopened as a Regent in late 2024, the renovation brought that room count down to 167, which makes even entry-level guest rooms feel more like spacious suites.
While technically a city hotel, this Regent offers a distinctly resort-like feel. There’s a Guerlain Spa that offers aromatherapy-driven treatments, a Mediterranean restaurant, Orla, by celebrity chef Michael Mina, as well as a gorgeous pool deck overlooking the Pacific. The best of Santa Monica is on your doorstep here — whether that’s the Santa Monica Pier, the Ocean Front Walk or shopping on Third Street Promenade.
Crete’s position in the Mediterranean means that summer starts a little earlier here than other hotspots like Italy’s Amalfi Coast and France’s Côte d’Azur — and it lasts well into fall. Both an autumnal or springtime visit offers serene beach days and comfortable sightseeing while the temperatures aren't too hot. Built into a hillside on the island’s northern side, this stunning JW Marriott offers fantastic views of Crete’s mountains and the Aegean everywhere you turn.
The location is a selling point, offering proximity to both sightseeing in nearby Chania as well as scenic hiking trails at Imbros and Samaria Gorges. Back at the resort, opportunities for relaxation abound, whether that’s at the spa or in the privacy of your sleek guest room, many of which come with swim-up access or private plunge pools. In the common areas, there are three main pools, one of which is a wading pool for children, and there are also free cabanas along the resort’s rocky beach.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
