I spent more than half of 2019 traveling. These were the 6 most beautiful hotels I stayed at using points.

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I spent more than half of 2019 traveling. These were the 6 most beautiful hotels I stayed at using points.
caroline lupini machu picchu

Courtesy of Caroline Lupini

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The author at Machu Picchu in August 2019. One of her favorite hotels was in nearby Cusco.

Throughout 2019, I was on the move a lot - I spent more than half of the year traveling and have had the chance to stay at some pretty spectacular places in Europe, South America, and beyond.

For me, though, the best part is that nights at all of these properties are redeemable with points - even if they don't have an outright points program. Here are some of my favorite hotels of 2019, and how you too can book a stay points.

Keep in mind that we're focusing on the rewards and perks that make these credit cards great options, not things like interest rates and late fees, which will far outweigh the value of any points or miles. It's important to practice financial discipline when using credit cards by paying your balances in full each month, making payments on time, and only spending what you can afford to pay back.

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Hotel Indigo San Diego

Hotel Indigo San Diego
Why I loved it

My favorite stateside hotel of 2019 was Hotel Indigo San Diego. This property is conveniently located right in the Gaslamp Quarter, close to dining and shopping centers as well as the San Diego Zoo and Petco Park.

However, I found that I didn't have to leave the property for an exciting night; the on-site Level 9 Rooftop Bar is a great place to chill while taking in the sparkling skyline. There's complimentary Wi-Fi and a 24-hour market, and Hotel Indigo is the only boutique hotel in San Diego that is eco-friendly and LEED-certified.

How to book a stay on points

Hotel Indigo is an IHG brand, and a night at the San Diego property costs 55,000 IHG points.

You can earn IHG points with the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card (with an $89 annual fee). It's currently offering a sign-up bonus of 80,000 IHG points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first three months.

You can also book IHG stays by transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to the IHG Rewards program. You can earn Chase points with the following cards:

Circulo Gran Via, Autograph Collection in Madrid

Circulo Gran Via, Autograph Collection in Madrid
Why I loved it

Circulo Gran Via, while making the list of one of my favorite hotels of 2019, is also one of my all-time favorite properties. Built within the former building of The Circle of Trade and Industrial Union of Madrid, this storied building tells tales of Madrid's industrial development.

Now, it's an adults-only hotel that grants easy access to Madrid favorites such as Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, and the Royal Palace. The historic design and commitment to simple symmetries make this a comfortable place to relax.

How to book a stay on points

Circulo Gran Via is a Category 7 Marriott property, which means that prices vary between 50,000 points during off-season nights, 60,000 points on standard nights, and 70,000 points during peak season nights.

You can earn Marriott points with a Marriott co-branded card, such as the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, which has a $95 annual fee and is offering a sign-up bonus of 75,000 Marriott points after you spend $3,000 in the first three months.

You can also transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points, from cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, to Marriott at a 1:1 ratio to book hotel stays.

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Ignacia Guest House in Mexico City

Ignacia Guest House in Mexico City
Why I loved it

I had the chance to stay at Ignacia Guest House while attending an intensive Spanish school in Mexico City, and I was completely sold. Built in 1913, this Colonia Roma estate is now named for Ignacia, the housekeeper for over 70 years.

There are only five suites at this property, making it an incredibly intimate and peaceful place to stay. Between Spanish class and several food tours of Mexico City, I took the opportunity to relax on my balcony, venture out to the garden, and explore the cozy common living spaces within the house.

How to book a stay on points

Even though this property doesn't have its own rewards program, you can redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points through the Chase portal to book this hotel with points.

If you have the Chase Sapphire Preferred card or Ink Business Preferred card, your Chase points are worth 1.25 cents apiece toward travel booked with Chase. If you have the more premium Chase Sapphire Reserve, you'll get 1.5 cents per point in value.

JW Marriott Cusco in Peru

JW Marriott Cusco in Peru
Why I loved it

You can travel to Peru to join a convent, or you can just stay in a restored one for a few nights. On my most recent trip to Peru, I chose the latter and booked a stay at the JW Marriott Cusco.

The location alone is reason enough to choose to stay there, as this property is just steps from Plaza de Armas and a few blocks from Mercado Central de San Pedro, a huge market with clothes, crafts, foods, and whatever you need to fight altitude sickness.

How to book a stay on points

As a Marriott Category 5 property, this hotel costs 30,000 points during off-season nights, 35,000 points during standard nights, and 40,000 points per peak night.

You can transfer Ultimate Rewards points to Marriott from a handful of Chase cards. If you frequently stay at Marriott hotels, you could also consider the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card, which has a $450 annual fee but offers benefits like up to $300 in statement credits each year for eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels (including room rates). The card's offering a welcome bonus of 75,000 Marriott points after you make $3,000 in purchases in the first three months.

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Sanctuary Cap Cana in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Sanctuary Cap Cana in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Why I loved it

If you're looking for exclusivity, privacy, and access to a quiet beach, Sanctuary Cap Cana is exactly the place for you. This is an all-inclusive, adults-only resort so it's generally popular with honeymooners and folks on romantic getaways, but I think it's just as nice to come by yourself.

Every inch within the fortress-like facade is brimming with relaxing vibes, swimming pools, and peaceful cabanas. Take advantage of daily activities including Spanish class, nightly cocktail parties, and optional spa and golf packages.

How to book a stay on points

Sanctuary Cap Cana does not have an outright points program, but it's part of the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) program available to cardholders of the Platinum Card® from American Express and the Business Platinum® Card from American Express. You can book prepaid FHR stays using Amex points.

Amex FHR properties to offer additional benefits for booking through the program, such as free daily breakfast for two, room upgrades, and on-property credits.

Hotel Punta Islita in Costa Rica

Hotel Punta Islita in Costa Rica
Why I loved it

To enjoy an immersive dive into tropical nature, I definitely recommend Hotel Punta Islita. When I'm traveling, I like to explore the local culture and environment as much as possible. At this property, guests are just feet from the beach and just around the corner from some of Costa Rica's lush tropical forests. Enjoy access to the Wild Scarlet Macaw Reserve and the Camaronal Sea Turtle Refuge, or simply unwind with a soak in the infinity pool.

How to book a stay on points

The Autograph Collection is a Marriott brand, and Hotel Punta Islita is a Category 5 property, meaning it costs 30,000 points on off-peak nights, 35,000 points on standard nights, and 40,000 points per peak night.

Points from the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card or the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex can help you score a free night, or you can transfer Ultimate Rewards points over to Marriott from a Chase card like the Sapphire Reserve.

Click here to learn more about the Chase Sapphire Reserve »
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