TPG Readers Reveal Their Favorite Points Hotels in the Caribbean
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
We recently asked our TPG Lounge members to share their all-time favorite points hotels in the Caribbean. Here’s a look at some of our favorite answers. (Some responses have been lightly edited for style and clarity. Note that we've included Cancun and Playa del Carmen since they're both located along the Caribbean Sea).
High Times at Hyatt
Whether they're scoring sweet hotel redemptions in Cancun or the Bahamas, our TPG Lounge readers definitely know what they're doing when it comes to cashing in their precious points at Hyatt properties throughout the Caribbean.
"Hyatt Ziva Cancun. The value is ridiculous. 25,000 Hyatt points a night for two at an all-inclusive resort with gorgeous rooms and good food. Call Hyatt directly, confirm that they have the dates you want, then transfer [the points] from Chase Ultimate Rewards. I've done it right on the phone with a Hyatt rep." — Denise R.
"I'm at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar right now and am loving it. The food is very pricey but if you get a room with access to the lounge — it's 27,000 Hyatt points per night instead of 20,000 — it becomes manageable with free breakfast and some hot food at night that can substitute dinner." — Ramy W.
"The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba; Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour; and Grand Hyatt Baha Mar." — James F.
"Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino and The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa." — Toshiba G.
"Hyatt Zilara Cancun." — Alex T.
"Hyatt Regency Aruba." — Laura W.
Making Memories With Marriott
Many TPG Lounge members shared the experiences they'd had at a number of Marriott resorts around the Caribbean, including Autograph Collection, Westin, Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis properties, all part of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program.
"French Leave Resort in Eleuthera, Bahamas, a tiny resort where each room is its own private bungalow. Incredible sunsets over the bay and a private beach that you have almost to yourself. A perfect escape. It’s [part of the] Marriott Autograph Collection. We paid 180,000 points for five nights." — Dustin C.
"The best is Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, Autograph Collection, a Marriott property." — Luis F
"I really enjoyed The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa in Cancun." — Marina M.
"Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino." — Jen N.
"The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. Amazing property. We have been there three times and can’t wait to return. We are trying The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba this summer and hoping for a similar experience." — Mindy S.
"The Ritz-Carlton or Marriott in Aruba. [There are] more shipwrecks than anywhere in the Caribbean [so it] makes for great diving and snorkeling, plus it's out of the hurricane belt so the weather is always great." — Melissa A.
"So far, either The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa or the The Ritz-Carlton, St Thomas. Looking forward to trying Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, Autograph Collection, ASAP!" — Ted D.
"The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico." — Russell F.
"The only hotel I’ve ever stayed at was the St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino, so, yeah." — Gary H.
Incredible Stays With IHG and Hilton
Grand Cayman's Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, a property under the IHG umbrella, was a big hit with some of our TPG Lounge members.
"Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa in Grand Cayman, part of IHG. All the Kimpton [hotels] are great properties and this one definitely stuck out. Didn’t even have to lift a finger for anything. Staff was amazing." — Joey B.
"It's certainly hard to beat the value you get using points at the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa in Grand Cayman. 70,000 points per night and the 4th night free with the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card. Cash prices average $950 per night, so that's $0.018 per point, 3x that of TPG's value!" — Julian R.
"I did this exact thing in February [staying at Kimpton Seafire]. The cash price for five nights would’ve been over $10,000 at the time because it was during the KAABOO Cayman festival. Great deal." — Joey B.
"Intercontental San Juan." — Mel R.
"Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa." — Andrew T.
Other Non-Points Hotels Worth Mentioning
Our TPG Lounge readers always remember to give credit where it's due, whether it's a great stay at a luxury resort you can book through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal or exceptional service at a Fairmont resort in Playa del Carmen.
"Cap Masion in St. Lucia. Incredible food, views and a secluded beach. Stayed there on Chase UR points in December. It can be booked through the Ultimate Rewards portal. Go through and search for St. Lucia resorts. Filter from there." — Heath S.
"Fairmont hotels anywhere will always have the best service. We love the one in Playa del Carmen, Fairmont Mayakoba. Good food, amazing service, a kid's pool with a bar for adults and an adults-only infinity pool. The only issue is the sargassum seaweed, which comes and goes but the staff clean the beach every day as is necessary — the service and lower price than other five-star resorts makes up for it. It’s just a gorgeous resort. You can also visit the restaurants at the nearby Rosewood Mayakoba and Banyan Tree Mayakoba and charge [the bill] to your Fairmont room." — Lara H.S.
Readers Helping Readers
We love it when our TPG Lounge members get so involved in a topic they end up sharing tips and tricks based on their own experience — especially when they use that knowledge to reassure other travelers that they’re making the right redemption choices. That’s what happened when TPG Lounge reader Belle K. asked for tips about an upcoming trip to French Leave Resort, Autograph Collection, in the Bahamas.
"I'm going there [to French Leave Resort] over Thanksgiving. Any recommendations?" — Belle K.
"Awesome! Be prepared to slow down and relax. It’s a much slower pace in Eleuthera. The restaurant on site is great but you may want to walk downtown to Da Perk Coffee Shop or Buccaneer Club to mix it up. If you get a chance, rent a 4x4 and drive down to Lighthouse Beach on the southern tip of the island. It’s a long, rough drive but it’s one of the best beaches I’ve ever been to." — Dustin C.
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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.