Answers to Frequent Questions on Hyatt Redemptions at Miraval Resorts

Three months ago I wrote that Hyatt had started displaying the Miraval brand on their website, though no other integration had been done with regards to earning or redeem World of Hyatt points. That changed on June 27, 2017 when Hyatt officially announced that the Miraval Resort in Arizona had officially joined the program.

Earning Hyatt Points at Miraval

Earning Hyatt points at Miraval is simple and similar to other Hyatt-branded hotels. World of Hyatt members will earn the standard rate of five base points for every “eligible” dollar spent on stays and spa/activities at Miraval. It’s as simple as that for the earning side.

Redeeming Hyatt points and awards at Miraval is a lot more complicated than earning them. I figure an FAQ-style section is most appropriate to answer these questions.

1. How many Hyatt Points is a Free Night at Miraval?

• 45,000 Hyatt points/night for a standard room with single occupancy
• 65,000 Hyatt points/night for a standard room with double occupancy
• 75,000 Hyatt points/night for a suite with single occupancy
• 95,000 Hyatt points/night for a suite with double occupancy

That’s a ton of points for each redemption, and by far the highest cost of any Hyatt hotel. Softening the blow, however, is the fact that all guests will receive a $175 resort credit per person per day. Keep in mind that all guests already receive unlimited meals, snacks, and tons of activities that range from yoga to cooking classes to ziplining and more.

NOTE: There is a special promotion for award stays through September 15, 2017. Members that book award stays during this time will receive 50% of their points back, making the cost:

• 22,500 Hyatt points/night for a standard room with single occupancy
• 32,500 Hyatt points/night for a standard room with double occupancy
• 37,500 Hyatt points/night for a suite with single occupancy
• 47,500 Hyatt points/night for a suite with double occupancy

If you ask me, those are very reasonable costs, though it’s considered low-season at the hotel (i.e. scorching hot weather).

2. Can You Redeem Points + Cash for Stays at Miraval?

Yes, but it’s expensive in my opinion.

• 22,500 points plus $450/night for a standard room with single occupancy
• 32,500 points plus $550/night for a standard room with double occupancy

3. Can You Use Hyatt Suite Upgrade Certificates at Miraval?

Surprisingly to me, yes! Hyatt members that have Suite Upgrade certificates in their account can apply them to both cash AND award stays at Miraval. This is probably one of the better uses of these awards if you plan on spending time at this resort.

4. Do Hyatt Globalist Members have to Pay Resort Fees on Cash Stays?

No! Resort fees are annoying and at most hotels and resorts, you don’t get much for your money. Las Vegas is famous for charging upwards of $40/night for you to get access to wifi, the gym, a newspaper, and other items that are normally included in a hotel rate or most people wouldn’t bother using.

Miraval, however, is at least a bit better. They provide services like airport transfer from Tucson airport, and no tipping is expected or required (and in fact, I’ve heard is not allowed). But they also charge a massive 23% for their Resort Fees. At a hotel where nightly rates are regularly a minimum of $400/night, you’re looking at almost $100/night in resort fees alone.

Note: Anyone that books an award stay will have the resort fees waived (or rather, included in the points rate paid), regardless of their elite status.

5. Can You Use Your Two Free Nights Bonus from the Chase Hyatt Credit Card at Miraval?

Yes! And you can redeem them for double occupancy rooms, too. That’s quite a value in my opinion, especially if you travel in high-season. Your two nights will get all inclusive food, snacks, activities, AND $175 per person per day in activity credit.

Think about it…a two night stay using these bonus nights will get you $700 of resort credit if you book double occupancy. Add the value of the room and you’re looking at one of the better redemptions around in my opinion.

6. If Activities and Food are Included, What is the Resort Fee Good For?

If you look at Miraval’s activity schedule, you’ll notice that some activities require an extra fee. For example, if you check their activity schedule for August 12, 2017 (a randomly picked date) you’ll see that there are several activities that cost an extra fee, a few of which I’ve listed below with their fees:

1. Miraval Off-Property Hike: Intermediate – Oracle Ridge –  $55
2. Group Trail Ride – $105
3. Desert Sky Zipline Experience – $150
4. It’s Not About the Horse – $150
5. Miraval Equine Experience™ – $45
6. Anti-Inflammatory Kitchen – $75

That’s still not that bad, especially when you consider there are dozens of other activities that are actually free. You could also use your credit on spa services at the Life in Balance Spa, which isn’t cheap. You might get one good treatment a day from the $175 in credit.

7. Can Free Night Certificates that Globalists Were Gifted or Earned Through the Brand Explorer Bonus Be Used at Miraval?

To my surprise, no. I’m not sure why the credit card bonus nights can be used at Miraval but not these awards, and it’s especially surprising considering that Miraval is now one of the brands on the “Brand Explorer” tracking page.

Summary

Earning points is a piece of cake. Redeeming them is a bit more complicated, but while Hyatt charges more points for Miraval redemptions than for any of their other hotels, Globalist members in particular get some perks that can help add to the value.

Having resort fees waived and being able to use Suite Upgrades are big wins for Globalist members, while being able to use the Chase Hyatt Credit Card free nights at the resort is also a huge win. At the same time, the huge costs in points (and cash) to stay at the hotel could be prohibitive for most people.

Personally, I want to try this place. My wife just signed up for the Hyatt credit card, and I’m thinking of taking a 3 day weekend to stay here to try it out. We’ll see if I can make it work!