New York City, The Big Apple, Gotham, Empire City…whatever name you call it, it’s one of those places that everyone should visit at least once in their life. It’s such an experience. From Time Square, to Central Park, to riding the subway, to visiting the Statue of Liberty; there is something there for everyone.
I’ve personally visited NYC five times, plus I lived in Brooklyn for 4 months. Even after multiple visits, there are still many parts I have not seen. I could go back again and again and find new corners to explore.
I’ve covered some of my favorite gluten free spots in NYC already so you can click HERE if you want to download my free guide.
Today I want to cover the two Hyatt hotels I’ve stayed at on previous trips. My last two trips to NYC are since getting into points and miles. Before that, I just paid out of pocket. Now, the hotels I stay at are MUCH nicer and in epic locations thanks to credit card points.
Grayson Hotel
30 West 39th St, New York, NY 10018
First up is the Grayson Hotel. This is part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt and is a Category 6 hotel. Hyatt categorizes their hotels from 1-8, so a category 6 is pretty nice. The Unbound Collection offers unique properties in their portfolio. It’s anything but cookie cutter. Each property has its own unique design, whether a restoration or inspired from the location, no two are alike. It feels more boutique style.
The Grayson is no exception. Designed with a mix of natural elements, industrial touches, exposed cement ceilings, yet totally luxurious. It feels streamlined with touches of flair here and there.
I’ve stayed here twice. Once in the summer by myself to attend a friend’s wedding and once during Christmas time with my sister. I booked it using Chase Ultimate reward points by transferring my points to Hyatt and then booking directly with Hyatt. It cost 20,000 points for the summer stay and 23,000 points for the winter stay. I enjoyed both stays. Each season gives it a different flavor.I think one of the things I like most is the central location. It’s right in the heart of Manhattan, just steps away from Bryant Park.
During the Christmas season, Bryant Park is setup for a Christmas market and ice skating rink so being so close to it is perfect for grabbing a hot chocolate or wandering through all the shopping booths.
As you can see on the map below, the Grayson is located within walking distance to many iconic sites.
As far as the actual hotel room goes, it was smaller than other standard single king rooms. There’s not lots of extra room around the bed, but if you’re in NYC, you’re not going to be in your room that much anyway. It had a desk area along the window and an armoire to put your clothes in. I like that it had a full length mirror complete with hooks to hang coats.
I really loved the design of the bathroom. More industrial style and textured tiles. Again, not huge, but totally fine for one or two people.
I think one of the features I wish my sister and I would have taken advantage of more was the Bar on the 29th floor. It’s called Bar Cima, and even though we don’t drink, the views alone are worth grabbing a seat and ordering a sparkling water. You have direct views of the Empire State building. It would be a great spot to unwind for the evening.
They also offer a couple other dining options:
Harta– which is located to the left as you enter the hotel. As their website states it’s a “new American brasserie featuring highly seasonal dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients”.
Tacalle– this is not directly in the hotel, but on the side of 38th street and it offers Mexican street tacos with a more laid back vibe.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to eat at the Grayson’s restaurants because NYC offers so many dining options, and my stomach can only fit so much in it. I had to pick and choose where to eat, and I had a list I was trying to get through while in the city. Maybe next time I come I’ll try out the hotel eateries.
Thompson Central Park New York
119 West 56th StreetNew York, NY 10019
The Thompson Central Park is also a Category 6 hotel with Hyatt. So needless to say, it’s very luxurious. I booked a king bed room for 25,000 points. Those points were transferred from my Chase Sapphire Preferred card to Hyatt and then I booked directly with Hyatt.
The Thompson Brand is all about culture. It’s for the savvy, culturally inspired guest. Each hotel is unique to the area/city it’s in.
The Thompson Central Park offers several dining options. First is a lounge reserved for those guests staying in the Upper Stories Tower. I, unfortunately, did not have access to the lounge. Maybe next time. According to the website, it offers continental breakfast and drinks.
Next up is Parker’s. It is a music lounge that’s situated right next to the lobby. It offers breakfast, and an all day menu, along with drinks and appetizers. It’s traditional American food. You can find the music schedule on their website here.
If you want a more laid back atmosphere or just a quick bite, then the Burger Joint is for you. It’s kind of like a secret restaurant inside the hotel. They say anyone is welcome to eat there, but they have to find it first.
Lastly, you can dine at Indian Accent. It’s a full service restaurant and if Indian food is your thing and your wallet is thick, then this might be just the right place for you!
As the Thompson Central Park name suggests, it’s a walkable distance to Central Park. An ideal location at the south end of Central Park.
As far as the actual room goes, it was bigger than the Grayson Hotel. The room was spacious, had a nespresso machine, a king bed, and a sitting area along the window. I would say the bathroom was a bit tight. I would have liked to see a little more room given to the bathroom, but overall it was very modern and well designed. I also liked the full length closet door mirrors.
Both of these hotels charge a resort fee ranging from $25-$40, but if you use points, those fees are waived. Score!
The Credit Cards I Used to Book These Hotels on Points
If you want to stay at Hyatt hotels, then it’s best to open Chase credit cards. Chase Ultimate Reward points transfer directly to Hyatt and Hyatt has the best value for your points over any other hotel chain in my opinion.
Here’s the Chase cards I have. I didn’t open all of these just for these trips to NYC. I’ve been accumulating Chase Ultimate Reward points for a few years and these are just the cards I’ve used to do that. There are many more available. I’m just speaking from experience.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
This one is a must have in the wallet for me. It’s a great beginner card, but also most seasoned points people keep it long term. It has a $95 annual fee. Typically, you’ll receive 60,000 points as the welcome offer. (unless they increase it for a limited time) You can read more about it here.
Chase Ink Business Preferred
Don’t let the word “Business” scare you off. Almost anyone can apply for a business card. You don’t have to have a physical business. Have you sold something on Facebook marketplace, Poshmark, or have any kind of side hustle? Then you qualify! You’ll just use your social security number to apply.
Business cards typically have a higher welcome offer and this card is no exception. The current offer is 90,000 points when you spend $8,000 in 3 months and the annual fee is $95. This card offers 3x the points on purchases like shipping, advertising, travel, and other business expenses. You can read the fine print here.
Chase Ink Business Cash Card
If you want a no annual fee business card, then you might like the Chase Ink Business Cash card. Although it offers cash back, you can actually get Chase Ultimate rewards instead. You’ll earn $350 in the first 3 months if you spend $3,000 or up to $750 if you spend $6,000 in the first 6 months. Instead of getting the cash back of $750, you can transfer it to Chase Ultimate rewards for 75,000 points.
The World of Hyatt Card
I would only get this card if you already have some Chase cards in your wallet. The Chase cards previously mentioned are much more flexible. You can transfer to other hotels and airlines, but with the Hyatt card, you are locked in to only using it for Hyatt stays. It’s a great card to get down the line, and worth mentioning, but it would not be a card I got right away.
With that being said, it has a $95 annual fee, and you can earn up to 60,000 points within the first 6 months. If you hold the card, then you automatically get Discoverist status which includes late checkout and room upgrades. You also receive a free night certificate each year which can be used on any Hyatt property that’s a category 1-4.
If you’re a Hyatt loyalist, then this card would be worth getting.
New York City is Possible on Points
So whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway, or want to see all the city lit up for Christmas, NYC is one of those places you can’t go wrong anytime of the year. There’s always more streets to explore, new places to eat , and even more Hyatt hotels to stay at!
So start planning your adventure now. You could be only one credit card welcome offer away from a dream trip!
Jump start your points journey?
Are you ready to dive in on points and miles? Then check out my step by step guide to earning points and miles. I’ll guide you through the first three cards I opened. (Yes, even a business card)
I’ll also show you how to book flights and hotels through the bank portals by transferring to airline and hotel partners.
Check out my “How to Travel For Nearly Free” guide here.
