How to Stay in Chicago Hotels on Points
A Hyatt stronghold
Hyatt is based in Chicago and runs an unusually deep lineup across the city and suburbs, from downtown high-rises to mid-category airport and neighborhood hotels. Because Hyatt still uses a fixed award chart, you know the points cost up front, and Chicago has enough lower-category Hyatts that points stretch a long way against downtown cash rates.
The cards and transfer partners to use
Only two currencies feed Hyatt, so they are the priority: Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt, both 1:1. A Chase Sapphire Preferred, a Freedom card paired with a Sapphire, or the Bilt card all build a Hyatt balance. Chicago also has plenty of Marriott, Hilton, and IHG, which Chase and Bilt reach too, with Amex adding Marriott and Hilton, so a Chase plus Bilt pairing covers nearly the whole city.
Add the Hyatt card for free nights
For a Hyatt-heavy city, the World of Hyatt card earns directly, includes a Category 1 to 4 free night each year that is easy to use in Chicago, and gives a path to Hyatt elite status. Pair it with a Chase or Bilt transferable balance and you can top up to any award. See which cards transfer to hotels.
Frequently asked questions
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