Miami Travel on Points: How We Saved Over $2,500

Miami Travel on Points

Our anniversary falls in February, and for years we kept it simple with a nice dinner out. But once I discovered points, miles, and stacking travel hacks, everything changed. Now we celebrate somewhere new each year — without blowing our budget.

After a post‑cruise drive through South Beach with friends, my husband (who is not a beach guy) casually said he’d come back for a long weekend. That was all the permission I needed. Within hours, I was planning a points‑powered Miami escape.

Hyatt Centric Miami Travel On Points

Heads up: This post has affiliate links. If you use them, I earn a tiny commission — the kind that fuels coffee, not private jets. Thanks for supporting my travel‑obsessed corner of the internet.

✈️ Flights: How We Flew to Miami for $22.40 Total

Thanks to the Southwest Companion Pass, we only had to pay for one ticket with points and received the 2nd ticket for taxes and fees.

  • One ticket booked with Southwest points

  • Second ticket free with Companion Pass

  • Total taxes: $11.20 per person

  • Cash price of the same flights: $1,140

The Southwest Companion Pass is the ultimate 2‑for‑1 travel hack. Fly one person free (just pay taxes) for up to TWO years — perfect for families, couples, and anyone who loves cheap getaways.


🏨 Hotel: Hyatt Centric South Beach on Points

I knew I wanted a Hyatt stay — their award chart is one of the best values in the game.

How I Booked It

  • Transferred Chase Ultimate RewardsHyatt

  • Booked Hyatt Centric South Beach for 23k points/night

Cash Price vs. Points

  • Cash cost: $1,403.34 for two nights

  • Points cost: 46,000 points

  • Resort fees waived when booking with points


👉 Want to learn how to transfer Chase points to Hyatt? Read my [Chase Sapphire Reserve Review] to see why this card is my go‑to for Hyatt stays.

🌴 Why We Loved the Hyatt Centric South Beach

  • Steps from the beach

  • Modern rooms with great views

  • Walkable to restaurants, shops, and nightlife

  • Perfect for pre‑cruise stays, anniversaries, or girls’ trips

👉 Compare Miami Hyatt options:

🏖️ Things to Do in Miami :

🍽️ Where to Eat in Miami

  • Joe’s Stone Crab

  • Yardbird Southern Table

  • Time Out Market

  • La Sandwicherie

  • Havana 1957

💡 Travel Hacks We Used

  • Booked flights with points + Companion Pass

  • Transferred Chase points to Hyatt

  • Avoided resort fees by booking with points

  • Traveled during the shoulder season for lower prices

❤️ Final Thoughts

This Miami anniversary trip reminded me why I love points travel so much. Without points and perks, this getaway would’ve cost over $2,500. Instead, we paid $22.40.

Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a pre‑cruise stay, or your first points redemption, Miami is the perfect place to start.

👉 Ready to plan your own Miami trip? Start with the cards you already have — or explore the ones that made this trip possible:

About the Author

I’m Julie, a travel‑hacking expert and the founder of NO POINT LEFT BEHIND, where I help families turn everyday spending into unforgettable trips. I share practical guides, points strategies, and real‑life travel experiences designed to help you stretch every dollar and travel smarter.

Stay connected — follow me on Facebook for fresh travel tips, and join the Travel Hacking Moms Facebook Group to be part of a supportive community of travelers learning and winning together.

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