Best Cards For Resort Stays

The World of Hyatt card outshines the rest because Hyatt consistently delivers the most value from points redemptions, especially at all-inclusive resorts. While Hyatt’s footprint is smaller when it comes to standard hotels, the opposite is true for all-inclusives, where it offers the widest range of award options and some of the strongest value relative to cash rates. It’s common to get well above average value from Hyatt points at all-inclusive properties, where your award stay covers food and drinks as well. While the signup bonus on this card isn’t as large as we’d like, the low annual fee and annual Category 1–4 free night certificate make it an easy keeper. You can also top up redemptions by transferring points from Chase or Bilt. The card includes complimentary Discoverist status, which can result in preferred room upgrades when available.

With its Hyatt partnership, strong signup bonus, and Edit perks, the Chase Sapphire Reserve sits near the top of our list. Hyatt transfers are the biggest advantage of earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points, allowing you to use them in many of the same ways as the World of Hyatt card above. If you don’t want to transfer all of your points, the Sapphire Reserve also offers flexibility through its credits and paid booking options. The card includes $500 in annual credits for The Edit, split into two $250 credits on two-night stays. Edit bookings also come with benefits like free breakfast for two, a $100 property credit, and room upgrades, early check-in, and late checkout when available. Some Hyatt all-inclusive resorts participate in The Edit program, which creates an opportunity to book through Chase Travel instead of transferring points. In those cases, you can stack the $500 in Edit credits with the $300 annual travel credit and combine points and cash to significantly reduce the cost of a stay. While free breakfast isn’t relevant at all-inclusives, some properties offer enhanced property credits in its place, occasionally increasing the standard $100 credit to $200.

Ever dream of staying in an overwater villa in the Maldives? That’s Hilton. A ski-in, ski-out stay at Waldorf Astoria Park City? Hilton. Or a private suite on a remote island in French Polynesia? Also Hilton. These redemptions can require a large number of Hilton points, but with generous signup bonuses and the ability to pool points, they’re achievable for many travelers. The Hilton Aspire carries a high annual fee, but it delivers significant value in return, including a strong signup bonus, an annual free night certificate, complimentary Hilton Diamond status, and a fifth night free on award stays. Cardmembers also receive $400 in annual Hilton credits, issued as $200 twice per year, along with a $100 on-property credit when staying at Waldorf Astoria or Conrad hotels. When paying with the card instead of points, you’ll earn 14x points on Hilton purchases. Because this is an Amex card with once-per-lifetime bonus restrictions, it’s often worth waiting for an elevated welcome offer.

Not all resort stays are all-inclusive. Many resorts are simply upscale hotels designed to keep you on property with strong dining, spa, and activity options. For these types of stays, the Amex Platinum is one of the best cards you can carry, thanks to its Fine Hotels + Resorts program. This card is especially well suited for short, one- to three-night resort getaways where guaranteed perks and statement credits can meaningfully reduce out-of-pocket costs. Cardmembers receive two $300 annual credits that can be used on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings, with no minimum stay required. FHR bookings also include perks like a $100 property credit, free breakfast for two, guaranteed 4pm checkout, and early check-in and room upgrades when available. Amex also offers The Hotel Collection, which includes many attractive properties but requires a two-night minimum stay to unlock similar benefits. Finally, Amex’s partnership with Hilton adds flexibility, allowing you to use Membership Rewards points to top up balances for Hilton resort stays.

Marriott’s strength for resort stays lies in the depth and quality of its high-end properties. From beachfront escapes to remote mountain resorts, Marriott has positioned some of its most aspirational brands in destinations designed for longer, on-property stays. The Bonvoy Brilliant card enhances those stays with an annual free night certificate worth up to 85,000 points, with the ability to top up using an additional 15,000 points, along with complimentary Platinum Elite status. Platinum status provides benefits like 4pm late checkout, potential room upgrades, lounge access where available, and a welcome gift. When staying at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties, you’ll also receive a $100 on-property credit. Marriott also offers a growing number of all-inclusive resorts worldwide, with award pricing starting around 50,000 points per night.

With its expanded card lineup, the ability to earn points on housing payments, and its partnership with Hyatt, Bilt has become a real player for hotel and resort redemptions. Because Bilt points transfer to Hyatt, the same resort benefits apply here as with the World of Hyatt card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve. The Palladium is the only Bilt card that offers a traditional signup bonus, making it the clear recommendation within the lineup. Bilt isn’t ideal for those who rely heavily on signup bonuses to build points, but it can be a strong option for travelers willing to consolidate spend onto one card. With 2x points on all purchases and the ability to earn points on housing, it’s possible to build a sizable balance to transfer to Hyatt for resort stays.

IHG’s resort footprint leans more toward higher-end hotels than traditional all-inclusive properties, with brands like InterContinental, Kimpton, Regent, and Crowne Plaza anchoring its portfolio. IHG does have a small all-inclusive presence in Jamaica and Mexico, including properties in Montego Bay and Los Cabos, where two children ages 12 and under can stay free, making them appealing options for families. The IHG Premier card adds value through an annual free night certificate usable at select resort-style properties and a fourth night free on award stays, which is especially helpful for longer trips. IHG’s diverse brand lineup also means you can tailor your stay, from wellness-focused EVEN Hotels to upscale HUALUXE properties. Combined with a typically strong signup bonus, the card can quickly translate into free nights at resort destinations.