How We Booked a $2,500 Miami Vacation for $22 Using Points, Miles & Smart Stacking
A Miami anniversary trip used to feel like a splurge — until we started using points, miles, and simple stacking strategies. What would have cost over $2,500 turned into a $22.40 getaway to South Beach, complete with ocean views, great food, and a Hyatt stay on points.
This guide breaks down exactly how we booked our Miami trip, the strategies we used, and how you can recreate it for your next anniversary, couples’ trip, or pre‑cruise stay.
Hyatt Centric Miami South Beach
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✈️ How We Flew to Miami for $22.40 (Southwest Companion Pass Strategy)
The biggest savings came from the Southwest Companion Pass, which lets one person fly free (just pay taxes) every time you fly — for up to two years.
Our Flight Breakdown
Ticket #1: Booked with Southwest points
Ticket #2: Free with Companion Pass
Taxes: $11.20 per person
Total paid: $22.40
Cash price of the same flights: $1,140
🏨 Hyatt Centric South Beach: 2 Nights for 46,000 Points
Hyatt remains one of the best hotel programs for points redemptions, and Miami is no exception.
How We Booked It
Transferred Chase Ultimate Rewards → Hyatt
Booked Hyatt Centric South Beach for 23,000 points/night
Resort fees waived because we booked with points
Cash price for our stay: $1,403.34
Points price: 46,000 points total
👉 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 :
These are the most popular Miami experiences — and perfect for couples or weekend trips.
🍽️ Where to Eat in Miami
Joe’s Stone Crab
Yardbird Southern Table
Time Out Market
La Sandwicherie
Havana 1957
💡 Travel Hacks That Saved Us Over $2,500
Used Southwest points + Companion Pass
Transferred Chase points to Hyatt
Avoided resort fees by booking with points
Traveled during shoulder season
Booked tours through Viator for flexible cancellation
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Miami anniversary trip reminded me why I love points travel so much. What could have been a $2,500 weekend turned into a $22.40 escape — all thanks to points, perks, and simple stacking.
Miami is the perfect destination for beginners because it’s easy to reach, easy to book with points, and full of great hotels and food. If you’re planning your first points redemption or your next couples’ getaway, Miami is a fantastic 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:
These are my personal referral links - I am not a financial advisor.
❓ Miami on Points: Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best hotel in Miami to book with points?
Hyatt Centric South Beach is one of the best values, especially at 23k points/night.
Can you really fly to Miami for $22?
Yes — with Southwest points + Companion Pass, you only pay taxes.
Is Miami a good beginner points destination?
Absolutely. Easy flights, lots of Hyatt options, and tons of tours.
What’s the best credit card for Miami travel?
Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve for Hyatt transfers + travel protections.
About the Author
Julie - No Point Left Behind in Sorrento Italy (yep! On points)
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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