Our Top 5 Most Enjoyable Hotels Booked With Points
- Points and Places
- Jan 9
- 4 min read
Top 5 Most Enjoyable Hotels Booked With Points
One of the biggest advantages of travel rewards is the ability to stay at luxury hotels using points instead of cash. Over the years, traveling on points has allowed us to stay at hundreds of hotels worldwide, ranging from simple airport overnights to some of the most exclusive resorts on the planet.
When we look back at our travels, a handful of hotels stand out well above the rest. These are not necessarily the most expensive redemptions or the hardest to book, but each delivered an exceptional overall experience, combining location, service, and strong value for points.
Travel is deeply personal, so lists like this will vary from traveler to traveler. That said, if you have the opportunity to book any of the hotels below using points, they are absolutely worth considering. These properties are listed in no particular order, as each is memorable for very different reasons.
1. Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai
Best Marriott Bonvoy Luxury Redemption
Al Maha is widely considered one of the best Marriott Bonvoy redemptions available, and it’s easy to see why. Located within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, this all-suite resort offers a completely unique desert experience.
Every suite includes a private plunge pool overlooking the dunes, creating an atmosphere of total seclusion. Despite being less than an hour from downtown Dubai, the resort feels worlds away from the city.
We stayed at Al Maha during March Break with our kids. The stay included daily activities such as camel rides, dune bashing, and wildlife experiences, all of which are included in the nightly rate when booking with points.
We booked this stay entirely with Marriott Bonvoy points, making it one of the most memorable and valuable points redemptions we’ve ever made.
Full review here.
2. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Best Hilton Honors Resort Redemption
The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is one of the most iconic hotels in the Hilton Honors portfolio. Spread across two private islands in the Indian Ocean, the resort is known for its overwater villas, crystal-clear water, and world-class marine life.
We stayed here for five nights as part of an around-the-world trip, intentionally scheduling it in the middle of an otherwise intense travel itinerary. It turned out to be the perfect place to slow down and recharge.
The breakfast at the Conrad Maldives is next level, and still ranks as the best hotel breakfast we’ve ever had. Hilton Honors elite benefits add significant value here.
We used Hilton Honors points and took advantage of the fifth night free, making this an outstanding luxury redemption. At standard award pricing, you can book either a beach villa or an overwater villa, which is rare for resorts of this caliber.
Full review here.
3. Grand Universe Lucca, Autograph Collection
Best Value Marriott Bonvoy Redemption in Italy
Located inside the historic walls of Lucca, Tuscany, the Grand Universe Lucca offers a refined boutique hotel experience in the heart of one of Italy’s most charming cities.
The hotel is perfectly positioned, with everything within walking distance, including cafés, wine bars, and Lucca’s famous city walls. It also makes an excellent base for exploring the broader Tuscany region. During our stay, we spent five nights at the hotel, using Lucca as a hub for day trips to Cinque Terre, Florence, and Pisa, all of which were easily accessible.
Read our full article on why Lucca makes the perfect home base for exploring Tuscany.
This property consistently provides excellent value when redeemed with Marriott Bonvoy points, especially during peak travel seasons when cash rates can be high. It’s a great example of how points can deliver strong value outside of traditional resort destinations, while still offering a memorable and comfortable stay.
4. The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
Best Luxury City Hotel Redemption in Japan
The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto is widely regarded as one of the better luxury hotels in Japan, and it easily lived up to that reputation during our stay. Set along the peaceful Kamogawa River, the hotel offers a rare sense of calm while still being within walking distance of many of Kyoto’s main cultural attractions.
The design strikes a perfect balance between traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern luxury. What truly stood out was the attention to detail. From the materials used throughout the property to the consistently polished service, everything felt thoughtful and intentional. The hotel was in immaculate condition and genuinely felt as though it had just opened, which is impressive given how well-established the property is.
We redeemed Marriott Bonvoy points for this stay, which proved to be an excellent use of points given the high cash rates the hotel often commands. For anyone planning an extended stay in Kyoto, this property makes for an ideal luxury base while exploring temples, gardens, and historic neighborhoods.
Read our full review here.
5. Patria Palace Lecce, Italy
Best Boutique Hotel Booked With Bank Points
Not every great points stay comes from a major hotel chain. The Patria Palace Lecce is a boutique luxury hotel located in the heart of Lecce, often called the “Florence of Southern Italy.”
Because this property isn’t part of a traditional loyalty program, we booked it using TD Rewards points, redeeming through Expedia for TD. This highlights the flexibility of bank points when chain redemptions aren’t available.
From its historic setting to its rooftop views over Lecce’s Baroque architecture, this hotel delivered a standout experience that easily earns its place on this list.
Full review here.
Final Thoughts: Luxury Hotels Don’t Have to Cost Cash
Staying at luxury hotels doesn’t require paying luxury prices. By earning and redeeming hotel loyalty points and flexible credit card points, it’s possible to experience some of the world’s most impressive properties for a fraction of the cash cost.
These five hotels represent some of our most enjoyable and memorable stays over years of points-based travel. Whether you’re collecting Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, or flexible bank points, the right redemption can turn an ordinary trip into something unforgettable.
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