If you have a Category 1–4 Hyatt free night certificate and are wondering where to use it, this guide has you covered. We’ve rounded up the best Hyatt hotels to use your free night certificate in 2025, including family-friendly resorts, boutique city stays, and hidden gems, each falling within Hyatt’s Category 1–4 limit.
Whether you’re eyeing Lisbon, Hawaii, Mexico City, or a storybook castle in Scotland, these hotels deliver exceptional value and unforgettable experiences. From personal picks like Hyatt Regency Tamaya to European favorites like Hyatt Regency Lisbon and Schloss Roxburghe, these are the stays that make your certificate feel like a true reward.
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What is the Hyatt Category 1–4 Free Night Certificate
The Hyatt Free Night Certificate lets you enjoy a complimentary night in a standard room at any participating Category 1–4 hotel, as long as a standard room is available at the regular (non-discounted) rate.
It’s a great way to save on stays, with no extra taxes or fees required, and can be earned in several ways.
💡Good to know: Hyatt offers a few different types of free night awards, but this post specifically covers the Category 1–4 free night certificate, not the Category 1–7 award you might earn at 60 elite nights!
How to earn a Hyatt Category 1–4 Free Night Certificate
Open a World of Hyatt Credit Card to earn a Hyatt Free Night Certificate
One of the easiest ways to earn a Hyatt Free Night Certificate is by opening the World of Hyatt Credit Card. Every year on your cardmember anniversary, you’ll receive a Category 1–4 free night automatically. The certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Chase World of Hyatt
The Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card gives you an automatic Discoverist status with Hyatt, which has valuable benefits such as a 2 pm late checkout and a daily bottle of water. Right now, you can earn up to 60,000 points: earn 30,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening, earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent on all purchases for the first 6 months, up to $15,000 in spending (which equals 30,000 points).
REWARDS RATE
1x-4x
BONUS VALUE
$1,200
SIGN-UP bONUS
up to 60,000 points
ANNUAL FEE
$95
Spend $15,000 on the World of Hyatt Credit Card
Cardholders can unlock a second free night by spending $15,000 in purchases within a calendar year. This earns you an additional Category 1–4 Free Night Certificate, valid for one year. It’s a great way to maximize the value of your everyday spending while earning free hotel stays.
Hit 30 Nights with World of Hyatt (Milestone Reward)
Stay 30 qualifying nights in a calendar year at Hyatt hotels (or earn through base points or meetings) to receive a free night certificate. Valid for 180 days from the date it’s issued.
Complete the Hyatt Brand Explorer Challenge
Experience more of Hyatt’s portfolio by staying at five different Hyatt brands (like Park Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Andaz, or Thompson Hotels). Once you complete this Brand Explorer challenge, you’ll earn a Category 1–4 Free Night Certificate. There’s no time limit to complete the challenge, and the certificate is valid for 12 months after it’s issued.
Best Hyatt Category 1–4 Hotels in the U.S.
Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa – New Mexico
- Category: 4
- Why It’s Great: Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa is a hidden gem just outside Albuquerque, New Mexico, offering immersive Native American cultural programming, scenic horseback riding, and a tranquil desert setting. This unique family-friendly resort near Albuquerque is perfect for couples or families looking for an authentic and peaceful Southwest getaway.
Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach – Hawaii
- Category: 4
- Why It’s Great: Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach is one of the few Hawaii hotels you can book with a Hyatt Free Night Certificate, making it a top value for points travelers. Just steps from the beach, this Waikiki hotel includes free breakfast, and many rooms offer partial ocean views—a rare find for an award stay in Honolulu.
Hyatt Vacation Club at Pinon Pointe – Sedona, Arizona
- Category: 4
- Why It’s Great: Hyatt Vacation Club at Pinon Pointe in Sedona, Arizona is a top Category 4 Hyatt property offering stunning red rock views, full kitchens, and spacious suites—ideal for longer family stays. This Hyatt Vacation Club resort is perfect for travelers looking for a comfortable base to explore Sedona’s hiking trails, shops, and scenic beauty.
Hyatt Regency Chicago – Illinois
- Category: 4
- Why It’s Great: Located in the heart of downtown, Hyatt Regency Chicago is a Category 4 hotel with sweeping views of the Chicago River. This centrally located downtown Chicago hotel offers easy access to Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, and top attractions—perfect for business travelers and families visiting the city.
Best Hyatt Category 1–4 Hotels in Mexico
Hyatt Regency Mexico City – Mexico
- Category: 3
- Why It’s Great: Hyatt Regency Mexico City is a standout Category 3 Hyatt hotel located in the upscale Polanco neighborhood, one of the best areas to stay in Mexico City. Just steps from Chapultepec Park, world-class museums, and top restaurants, this full-service hotel offers executive-level service and excellent redemption value, making it one of the best Hyatt hotels in Mexico for both leisure and business travelers.
Best Hyatt Category 1–4 Hotels in Europe
Hyatt Regency Madrid – Spain
- Category: 4
- Why It’s Great: Hyatt Regency Madrid is a Category 4 Hyatt hotel in Spain, ideally located near El Retiro Park, the Prado Museum, and major city attractions. With sleek, modern design and outstanding service, this elegant Hyatt hotel in Madrid offers exceptional value for travelers looking to explore the Spanish capital using a Hyatt Free Night Certificate.
Schloss Roxburghe – Scotland
- Category: 4
- Why It’s Great: Experience a storybook castle stay in Scotland at Schloss Roxburghe, a Category 4 Hyatt property in the scenic Scottish Borders. With spacious rooms, a luxurious spa, golf, and outdoor country pursuits, this Hyatt hotel in the UK is one of the most unique ways to redeem a Hyatt Free Night Award in Europe.
Hyatt Regency Lisbon – Portugal
- Category: 4
- Why It’s Great: Hyatt Regency Lisbon is a sleek, Category 4 hotel in the stylish Belém district, offering easy access to Lisbon’s top attractions via public transport. With modern waterfront suites, upscale dining, and a relaxed vibe, it’s a top pick for travelers looking to stay in Lisbon on points at a high-end Hyatt property.
Grand Hyatt Athens – Greece
- Category: 4
- Why It’s Great: Grand Hyatt Athens is a Category 4 Hyatt hotel offering stylish modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and spectacular Acropolis views. Located near key landmarks, this Hyatt hotel in Athens is a fantastic points redemption, especially during summer travel season.
Story Hotel Riddargatan (Stockholm) – Sweden
- Category: 3
- Why It’s Great: Located in the heart of the city, Story Hotel Riddargatan is a Category 3 boutique Hyatt hotel in Stockholm. With an artsy atmosphere and a central location near top sights, it’s a smart pick for couples or families traveling through Scandinavia on points.
Hyatt Regency Amsterdam – Netherlands
- Category: 4
- Why It’s Great: Hyatt Regency Amsterdam is a contemporary Category 4 Hyatt hotel overlooking a peaceful canal and within walking distance of Amsterdam’s top museums and parks. Known for its spacious rooms and exceptional breakfast, this is one of the best Hyatt redemptions in the Netherlands.
Hôtel Reisen (Unbound Collection) – Sweden
- Category: 4
- Why It’s Great: Hôtel Reisen is a Category 4 historic Hyatt hotel in Stockholm’s Gamla Stan (Old Town). With individually styled rooms and a prime waterfront location, it’s an ideal base for exploring the city’s charming streets, culture, and cuisine using a Hyatt free night certificate.
Best Hyatt Category 1–4 Hotels in South America & Asia
Park Hyatt Mendoza – Argentina
- Category: 3
- Why It’s Great: Located in Argentina’s wine region, Park Hyatt Mendoza is a Category 3 luxury hotel featuring colonial architecture, a spa, casino, and views of the Andes Mountains. One of the best-value Hyatt redemptions in South America.
Grand Hyatt São Paulo – Brazil
- Category: 4
- Why It’s Great: Grand Hyatt São Paulo is a Category 4 Hyatt hotel offering panoramic city views, an indoor pool, spa, and acclaimed dining. It’s a luxurious base for business or leisure travelers seeking value in Brazil’s largest city.
Grand Hyatt Bali – Indonesia
- Category: 4
- Why It’s Great: A tropical paradise, Grand Hyatt Bali is a Category 4 beachfront resort featuring lush gardens, multiple pools, Balinese design, and family-friendly amenities. This is one of the best Hyatt hotels in Asia bookable with a free night certificate.
Be Aware: Hyatt Hotel Categories Change Every Year
Each year, Hyatt updates the award categories for many of its properties—meaning a hotel that was once Category 4 (and eligible for a free night certificate) may now be Category 5 or higher. For example, we previously booked unforgettable stays at Park Hyatt Istanbul and Thompson Chicago using free night certificates, but both properties are now above Category 4 and no longer qualify.
Before you redeem, always check the latest Hyatt award chart and confirm your hotel still falls within Categories 1–4. These annual Hyatt category changes typically happen around March, so plan ahead if you’re trying to lock in a high-value redemption before a potential bump.
Tips for maximizing your Hyatt Free Night Certificate
To maximize your Hyatt Free Night Certificate, especially at high-demand Category 1–4 properties, it’s essential to book as early as possible. Many of the best Hyatt redemptions, particularly in popular destinations or during peak times like holidays and summer, have limited availability for free night awards.
Now, if you’re combining points with a free night, use the certificate on the most expensive night to get the best value.
When booking with World of Hyatt points, always check for off-peak pricing, which can reduce the cost by 1,500 to 5,000 points per night. For hotels just above the Category 4 limit, consider topping off with Hyatt points so you can use your Hyatt free night award and stay longer without breaking the bank.
Bottom line
If you’re holding a Hyatt Category 1–4 free night certificate, make it count by booking one of these standout hotels across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and beyond. Whether it’s a castle stay in Scotland, a beach hotel in Hawaii, or a boutique gem in Lisbon, these properties offer exceptional value and memorable experiences, all within the certificate’s redemption limit.
Just remember to book early, keep an eye on Hyatt’s annual category changes, and use your certificate before it expires. These are the best Hyatt hotels for free night redemptions in 2025, don’t let them go to waste!
