If there is only one thing you need to know about me, it is this: I love to visit National Parks! In the last eight years, my husband and I slowly, but surely, crossed twelve National Parks off our bucket list. In that time, I noticed a severe lack of information on how to stay at National Parks on points and miles. One of my goals is to fill that gap!

The best place to begin a conversation about points and miles hotels is Hyatt. While Hyatt has the smallest footprint of the major hotel brands (i.e. Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott), it often offers oversized value. There is nothing better than spending a day exploring a National Park and then returning to an amazing Hyatt hotel for the night.

The Best Value Hyatt Redemptions Near National Parks

The Hyatt portfolio in the United States currently consists of over 750 properties across all 50 states. Despite the quantity, only a fraction of the properties are within 50 miles (80 km) of a National Park. However, almost every Hyatt property near a National Park offers a positive value point redemption opportunity. The five best redemption opportunities provide a mix of budget and luxury and urban and rural.

Hyatt Place Moab

The Hyatt Place Moab is not only the most valuable Hyatt redemption near a National Park, but the best overall hotel as well. As with almost all Hyatt Place hotels, the Hyatt Place Moab offers free breakfast and free parking. As for amenities, the property has an outdoor pool and hot tub, with stunning views of the red rocks of southern Utah. A welcome sight after a long day on the trails. However, the real value lies in the location. The Hyatt Place Moab is the only Hyatt hotel with easy access to not one, but two National Parks. As an added bonus, the hotel offers an amazing redemption opportunity for a Hyatt free night certificate.

Arches National Park is perfectly named. The park contains more than 2,000 stone arches. There are numerous ways to explore the park, which include canyoneering, horseback riding, bicycling, or backpacking. With that said, most people explore the National Park on foot. The National Park Services website has a great resource with trail information. Across highway 191 from Arches National Park is Canyonlands National Park. The most common area to explore is the Island In The Sky. Take a scenic drive along the rugged Shafer Trail or find a trail that fits your fitness level. Canyonlands offers both relatively flat and easy as well as strenuous canyon descents. My personal favorite trail is the extremely rewarding 2 mile (3.2 km) hike to Grand View Point Overlook.

Keswick Hall

Tucked away in rural Virginia is Keswick Hall; a beautiful hotel from Small Luxury Hotels (SLH). The grand hotel grounds include a large pool, full service spa, and 18-hole golf course. Inside, the rooms offer scenic mountain vistas, plush bedding and amenities, and a contemporary design. The Marigold restaurant, featuring nationally recognized Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, invites guests to sit down and relax by a stone fireplace before their incredible meal. The hotel also contains a cocktail bar with tapas-style plates and a small market. If you can tear yourself away from this amazing hotel, Shenandoah National Park is a relatively quick drive. Shenandoah has a little something for everyone: hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, etc.

As a Small Luxury Hotel property, all World of Hyatt member guests, regardless of status, get daily breakfast, early check in, late check out, and a complimentary room upgrade. All benefits are subject to availability.

Hyatt Place St. George / Convention Center

The Hyatt Place St. George / Convention Center is the perfect hotel to explore Zion National Park and the surrounding area. The hotel features a free breakfast, free parking, an on-site restaurant (rare for a Hyatt Place), and a pool with a hot tub. This hotel provides another amazing opportunity to use a Hyatt free night certificate. In addition to the main draw of Zion National Park, other nearby sites include the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site, Pioneer Park, and Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. In Pioneer Park, there are not only stunning red rocks to explore, but also a beautiful botanical garden.

Zion National Park is a true national treasure and one of the most scenic national parks in the country. To conserve the area, Zion does not allow personal cars. Park your car at the Visitor Center and hope on a shuttle. Some of the best trails are Emerald Pools, Angel’s Landing (new permits required), and The Narrows. The Pa’rus Trail is paved and handicap accessible. Drive the beautiful Zion – Mt Carmel highway and stop to hike the easy Canyon Overlook Trail (best at sunrise). If time permits, visit the underrated section of Zion National Park, Kolob Canyon. Take in the scenery at the Kolob Canyon Viewpoint or take a short, but beautiful, hike along the Timber Creek Overlook Trail.

Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort

The Andaz Maui Wailea is the definition of “bucket list” hotel. This luxury resort is set on 15 pristine acres of beachfront real estate along Mokapu Beach. The property truly embraces the “island spirit” and offers farm-to-table dining, an authentic Polynesian luau, and tropical views from almost every room. The hotel has four pools, with stunning views, and an on-site spa. The perfect spots to relax after a long day of exploring the island. Despite the extremely high redemption requirement, this property is worth every point!

One of the true island treasures is Haleakala National Park. Located on the southeast side of Maui, this National Park is an explorers dream. Hiking, stargazing, waterfalls, you will find it all here. Hike the natural trails amidst a preserved volcanic ecosystem. For the early risers, reserve a sunrise time to view the wonder of the park at daybreak.

Hyatt Place Columbia / Downtown / The Vista

Despite the urban location, the Hyatt Place Columbia / Downtown / The Vista is the perfect launching point to explore Congaree National Park. The hotel offers a free breakfast, but save some room for The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli! Inside the hotel, there is an indoor, saltwater pool. The downtown locations puts this hotel in the middle of the action; bars, restaurants, and entertainment all within walking distance. Like many other properties on this list, this property is eligible for a Hyatt free night certificate redemption.

A short drive away sits Congaree National Park, home to some of the largest trees on the East Coast of the United States. The boardwalks through the National Park add a sense of adventure, but also help to preserve the unique hardwood bottomland ecosystem. Despite the natural beauty, Congaree National Park is one of the least visited National Parks in the United States. A visit often provides a quiet solace. The trails vary from an easy 2 mile (3.2 km) loop to moderate hikes up to 15 miles (24 km). The Weston Lake trail and boardwalk trails offer some of the best views. One unique opportunity in Congaree National Park is a kayak trip (up to 50 miles – 80 km) along the Congaree River Blue Trail.

Final Thoughts 

A vacation to a National Park in the United States is a memory that will last a lifetime. With the right point strategy, it is possible to increase the number of those memories. Each property is designed to enhance not only your stay itself, but your National Park experience. Despite the distance from front door to visitor center, these Hyatt properties offer tremendous value. In addition, three-out-of-five properties offer an opportunity to use a Hyatt free night certificate. Enjoy your amazing National Park vacation!