Friends,

In my experience, the best parts of using points is not saving money: it is unlocking experiences that might otherwise feel out of reach. So today, I wanted to highlight a few hotels where I found genuine joy in the redemption—places that, in my opinion, were actually worth the points:

✨ Alila Ventana Big Sur (Hyatt)
This is one of the crown jewels of Hyatt's award chart. I used 45,000 World of Hyatt points per night for an all-inclusive stay that regularly costs over $2,000 per night (and then they upgraded us to a $4k/night suite). The location is spectacular. Set in the redwoods above the Pacific, it's both serene and luxurious—a near-perfect retreat. The food is excellent, the service feels thoughtful and human, and the sense of place is (bluntly) hard to describe. We went just before our second daughter was born, and it was one of the best redemptions I've ever made.

✨ Park Hyatt Sydney
This is one of those aspirational hotels that really lives up to the hype. Situated right on the harbor with views of the Sydney Opera House, it’s elegant without being stiff. Rooms are beautifully understated, and the breakfast alone is worth writing home about. At 35,000 points per night (Hyatt Category 8), it’s not a small spend—but it is a phenomenal place to stay, especially considering the cash rates can exceed $1,000 per night.

✨ London Marriott Hotel Park Lane (Bonvoy)
Not to be confused with the JW Marriott nearby, this hotel surprised me. Located in a historic building at the corner of Oxford Street and Park Lane, the rooms are well-appointed, the service is excellent, and the vibe is much more boutique than big-box. I redeemed around 60,000 Bonvoy points per night, and while that’s not a small number, the location and feel (plus a great club lounge) made it a huge win.

👍 Honorable Mention: American Colony Hotel, Jerusalem (Hilton)
Tucked away in East Jerusalem, this property is rich in history and feels more like a large home than a hotel. It books under the Hilton portfolio, and while it may not be a points powerhouse, it’s a truly special place.

Big Picture: Points are most fun when they unlock something you wouldn’t have otherwise booked. These are a few redemptions that absolutely did that for me. Let me know your favorite award hotel stay—I’m always looking for the next one.

Fly well.

Links

Turkish tail-strike during a go-around in Prague.

United’s flight attendant protestors have (evidently) been suspended.

Security threat on an AA flight to LGA caused a brief ground stop at DFW today.

This is really something: classic Southwest.

Remember, this life you are living has meaning. Thank you for reading. I am grateful you are here and would love to hear from you. If you'd like to write me a note, simply reply to this email. Otherwise I'll see you in the next one.

P.S. If I can ever help you plan your next travel adventure (slash help make your points go farther), I’d be delighted. You can schedule time together here.