Miami Travel with Points: Hyatt, Southwest & Hacks
How We Booked Our Miami Anniversary Trip on Points
Our anniversary falls in February, and we used to keep it simple with a nice dinner out. But ever since I started traveling on points and stacking travel hacks, we’ve made it a tradition to celebrate somewhere new each year. After our last cruise, our friends Jay and Lindy drove us through South Beach—and that drive sealed the deal. My husband, who’s famously not a beach guy, casually mentioned he’d be willing to come back to Miami for a long weekend. Big mistake. I took that as a green light and started planning immediately. I honestly didn’t think he’d go for it, but hey—anniversary magic and point-powered travel make a pretty convincing combo.
As soon as he agreed to the trip, I went into full planning mode. When I saw he qualified for the Southwest Companion Pass, I knew this anniversary getaway was officially happening. I’ve booked a lot of travel for next year, so some of our points balances are running low—but that doesn’t stop me. I’m a firm believer in earning and burning. You never know when a program will change or points will lose value, so I use them while they’re strong and make every redemption count.
Flights with Southwest Companion Pass
We flew from Nashville to Miami, booking one ticket with Southwest points and the other using the Companion Pass. The cash price for those same flights would’ve been $1,140—but thanks to points and perks, we paid just $11.20 each in taxes. That’s the kind of travel math I love.
Hyatt Centric South Beach Redemption
From the start, I knew I wanted to stay at a Hyatt property—especially since they offer some of the most generous reward redemptions out there. This is where having a card like the Chase Sapphire really pays off. With Ultimate Rewards, you can transfer points to several travel partners, and Hyatt is one of the best. I moved my Chase points directly to Hyatt to lock in a stay.
💡Learn more about these amazing credit cards. Check out my review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reseve cards.
Miami has no shortage of amazing hotels, but after a dreamy drive through South Beach last November, we knew that’s where we wanted to be. I initially booked the Hyatt Regency Miami for 15,000 points per night. But then—surprise!—20,000 bonus points hit my Chase Ink account. Since it was our anniversary, I decided to treat us to something special. I canceled the Regency and upgraded to the Hyatt Centric South Beach for 23,000 points per night.
If I had paid cash, that same room would’ve cost $1,403.34 for two nights. And here’s the kicker: when you book with points, Hyatt waives the resort fees. Total win.
My husband and I love traveling together. It’s one of our favorite pastimes. Without points and travel hacks, there is no way we would fly down to Miami for a quick getaway that would have cost $2500. However, for $22.40 this a total go!
Final Thoughts
Booking our Miami anniversary trip with points wasn’t just a budget win—it was a reminder of how powerful travel hacking can be when you know where to look. From Southwest flights with the Companion Pass to a beachfront upgrade at Hyatt Centric South Beach, every piece of this trip was stitched together with strategy, perks, and a little celebration.
Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a pre-cruise stay, or just want to dip your toes into points travel, Miami is a perfect place to start. With Chase Ultimate Rewards and Hyatt’s generous redemptions, luxury doesn’t have to mean expensive.
Ready to plan your own escape? Start with the cards you already have, explore transfer partners, and don’t be afraid to treat yourself when the points roll in. You’ve earned it.
