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.
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✈️ 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 Rewards → Hyatt
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:
Hyatt Centric South Beach – Best for location
Dreams South Beach – Best for points value
Andaz South Beach – Best for luxury
🏖️ 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.
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