Name: American Express® Gold Card
Brand: American Express

Summer is here, and for many New Yorkers, that means Hamptons season.

Most city dwellers who “summer” in the Hamptons either own houses there or rent them, as there aren't many hotels — let alone points hotels. However, the Hamptons, a group of towns and villages out on Long Island, are home to two Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) properties that participate in the World of Hyatt program: The Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton and The Roundtree in Amagansett.

The two hotels are about 20 minutes apart from each other but have many similarities. Both are luxurious boutique hotels with less than two dozen rooms each. Both offer easy beach access. Finally, the two hotels are classified as Category 8 World of Hyatt properties, requiring 35,000 to 45,000 points per night.

So how do these hotels stack up against each other and which one should you stay at? Here's what I would suggest based on recent stays at each of the properties.

our beginner’s guide.

Cost

Both properties are Category 8 Hyatt hotels, requiring 35,000 points on off-peak nights, 40,000 points on standard nights or 45,000 points on peak nights. However, the cash rates vary between them.

During the summer season, standard rooms at the Topping Rose House typically start between $1,500 to $2,000 per night before taxes and fees. Rooms at The Roundtree are usually between $900 to $1,200 per night.

Here's a tip, though: The Topping Rose House charges the same award rate for its standard "House" rooms and its higher category "Studio" rooms, which usually sell for an extra $100 per night, so you can get even more value from your points by using them there.

Regardless of which property you book, you should get well above the TPG valuation of 1.7 cents per World of Hyatt point.

Topping Rose House cash rate — (Screenshot from hyatt.com)

Topping Rose House award rate — (Screenshot from hyatt.com)

One thing worth noting is that both hotels have much stricter cancellation policies for award nights than many other properties. The Topping Rose House allows free cancellations up to 21 days before arrival, while The Roundtree only allows them up to 30 days before arrival. Otherwise, you can expect to pay for the full stay if you cancel.

Roundtree award rate — (Screenshot from hyatt.com)

Location

The Topping Rose House is located in the heart of Bridgehampton, in an upscale neighborhood with plenty of restaurants, boutiques and art galleries within walking distance. One of the Hamptons' most popular wineries, Wölffer Estate Vineyard, is very close by and there are several terrific beaches just a short drive away.

What's nice about Bridgehampton is that it's sort of in the middle of it all. It's located in between Southampton and East Hampton, and you have easy access to all the popular areas. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Hampton Jitney bus stop near the hotel and the drive to East Hampton Airport only takes about 10 minutes.

The Roundtree is located a bit farther east in Amagansett, putting it closer to Montauk. The town has its own LIRR and Hampton Jitney stops as well as some cute restaurants and shops nearby and is even closer to the beach than the Topping Rose House. But overall, its Amagansett location is much quieter. This is a quaint, more residential town with less of a see-and-be-seen sort of vibe. You won't find any rowdy bars or nightclubs nearby.

Rooms

A perk of booking SLH properties through World of Hyatt is complimentary space-available, one-category room upgrades. This perk is available to all World of Hyatt members, regardless of status.

At the Topping Rose House, I was automatically upgraded from a Studio King room to a House King Suite. This suite actually was a two-category upgrade from the Studio King room I'd reserved, and usually costs $700 more per night, so this was a major win.

My suite was located on the third floor of the historic main house. At 700 square feet, it was twice the size of the studio room I had originally booked and larger than my New York City apartment. It featured a spacious living room, a separate bedroom and two full bathrooms. Elements like a vaulted ceiling, Frette linens and cozy decor helped give the suite an upscale, yet homey feel.

Topping Rose House — (Photo by Benji Stawski/The Points Guy)

Despite the main house dating back to the 19th century, the room was equipped with all the modern necessities like easily accessible power outlets, a wireless phone charger, smart TVs and fast Wi-Fi.

All snacks, such as the Tate's Bake Shop cookies, North Fork potato chips and non-alcoholic drinks within the minibar, were included at no extra charge. There was also a welcome gift of a bottle of rose, which was a nice surprise.

I wasn't quite as lucky at The Roundtree, as I was assigned just a standard room. However, this still was no ordinary hotel room. The rooms were spread across a barn and a collection of cottages dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

Similar to the Topping Rose House, it felt like I was staying in a vacation home or a friend's guest house, but this room had a more modern, minimalist design. Standard rooms range between 250 and 330 square feet, but the room felt bigger than that thanks to separate living and dining areas.

The bed was also dressed in luxurious Frette linens, but it was just a queen rather than a king. Like at the Topping Rose House, the room was stocked with complimentary local snacks and soft drinks. I was also left delicious fresh cherries. A unique feature I hadn't seen in a hotel room before was a UV light sanitizer box for items like the TV remote, keys and phones, which I appreciated in today's day and age.

Both hotels provided nightly turndown service, which included neatly placed slippers at the side of the bed and indulgent chocolates.

Activities and amenities

Unusual for a hotel of this size, the Topping Rose House offered an array of amenities similar to what you'd find at a large, full-service hotel. For starters, there is a beautiful outdoor lap pool and hot tub. Even better, it's heated so you can dip in even during chillier weather.

If you're more of a beach person, you have access to several great beaches in the area and can even borrow beach equipment like umbrellas, chairs and towels. The hotel offers guests much-coveted beach parking permits, or you can get there with the hotel's complimentary BMW shuttle service or house bikes.

Other amenities include a small, 24-hour gym, which has two Peloton bikes, free weights, a few other cardio and weight machines, a sauna and a spa treatment room. There is also a library in the main house and a fire pit out on the lawn.

The Roundtree has beach parking permits for all East Hampton Town beaches except for Indian Wells and Ditch Plains. There is also a complimentary beach buggy to transport guests or you can borrow one of the hotel's beach cruiser bikes.

The Roundtree doesn't have a pool or gym, but there is a large lawn with lounge chairs, day beds, games and a fire pit. It was a nice place to soak up some sun, but unfortunately, the Wi-Fi didn’t reach out here.

Every day from 3 to 5 p.m., the Roundtree staff served freshly baked cookies at the reception. Then, at 7 p.m., the hotel lit the fire pit on the lawn and provided complimentary supplies to make s'mores.

Parking is included at both hotels — valet at the Topping Rose House, self at The Roundtree.

Food and beverage

Another perk of booking SLH properties through World of Hyatt is daily complimentary continental breakfast, even if you don't have elite status.

At the Topping Rose House, I was in for a real treat, since this meant a free meal at the on-site Jean-Georges restaurant from celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. I was allowed to order a drink, entree and side, which I thought was generous — but oddly, the tax wasn't included.

As expected, the food was absolutely delicious and included many locally sourced ingredients. Among the standout dishes I tried during my stay were the avocado toast with a poached egg (normally $25), and signature crispy salmon sushi ($25), roasted cauliflower ($28) and seared black bass ($45) when I came for dinner one evening. Food from Jean-Georges was also available via room service.

The Roundtree didn't have a full-service restaurant, just the complimentary breakfast that was served outside on the lawn or available via room service. Although tasty, it was very basic compared to the Topping Rose House. The selection consisted of fresh fruit, yogurt, cereal, pastries and bagels.

Final thoughts

I loved my stays at the Topping Rose House and The Roundtree and would stay at either of these hotels again. Both made for a perfect escape from hectic days in New York City, with idyllic grounds and fabulous service. However, if I had to pick just one, I'd give a slight edge to the Topping Rose House.

Even putting the amazing suite upgrade aside, I appreciated the Topping Rose House's additional amenities like the pool, gym and its destination restaurant. Small touches like the valet parking, the BMW house car and welcome bottle of wine gave it a more luxurious feel. Plus, with just 22 rooms total, the hotel still had an intimate bed-and-breakfast vibe.

Still, if time allows and you have the Hyatt points, I would recommend trying out both hotels. They each have a unique vibe so it'd really be like getting two vacations in one. Given the high cash rates, you're almost guaranteed to get outsized value from your World of Hyatt points at both of these unique hotels.

TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

TPG editor's rating

Pros + cons

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

More details

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 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 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

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 $8,000 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 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

Summer is here, and for many New Yorkers, that means Hamptons season.

So how do these hotels stack up against each other and which one should you stay at? Here's what I would suggest based on recent stays at each of the properties.

our beginner’s guide.

Cost

Both properties are Category 8 Hyatt hotels, requiring 35,000 points on off-peak nights, 40,000 points on standard nights or 45,000 points on peak nights. However, the cash rates vary between them.

Regardless of which property you book, you should get well above the TPG valuation of 1.7 cents per World of Hyatt point.

Location

Rooms

A perk of booking SLH properties through World of Hyatt is complimentary space-available, one-category room upgrades. This perk is available to all World of Hyatt members, regardless of status.

Despite the main house dating back to the 19th century, the room was equipped with all the modern necessities like easily accessible power outlets, a wireless phone charger, smart TVs and fast Wi-Fi.

Both hotels provided nightly turndown service, which included neatly placed slippers at the side of the bed and indulgent chocolates.

Activities and amenities

Parking is included at both hotels — valet at the Topping Rose House, self at The Roundtree.

Food and beverage

Another perk of booking SLH properties through World of Hyatt is daily complimentary continental breakfast, even if you don't have elite status.

Rewards rate
Rate	Category
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.
5X	Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X	Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X	Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X	Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Rewards rate
Rate	Category
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.
5X	Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X	Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X	Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X	Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Rewards rate
Rate	Category
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.
5X	Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X	Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X	Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X	Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Rewards rate
Rate	Category
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.
5X	Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X	Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X	Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X	Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Cost

Location

Rooms

Activities and amenities

Food and beverage

Final thoughts

Comments

Comments

Related stories

This iconic New York hotel has one of the city's best rooftop pools and a members-only club

How to use Hyatt points for a boutique hotel in South Africa's wine country

The Thompson Chicago: For those who want to shop and eat their way through Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood

A haute hideaway in the heart of London: A review of the Hotel Cafe Royal

TPG featured card

TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

Cost

Location

Rooms

Activities and amenities

Food and beverage

Final thoughts

Comments

TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

Rewards rate