Hyatt's Andaz Brand Skis into New Territory

Hyatt's announcement of an Andaz resort in Heber Valley, Utah, marks a significant and somewhat unexpected expansion for the brand. Known for its upscale urban and resort destinations, Andaz is now venturing into the ski market, with a projected opening in 2029. This presents fantastic news for RewardSmart users eager to combine luxury travel with their passion for skiing.

Why This Matters for RewardSmart Users

Heber Valley, located near Park City, is a prime ski destination. The Andaz Heber Valley will offer access to world-class slopes and a luxurious base for your winter adventures. For RewardSmart users, this means another opportunity to maximize the value of their World of Hyatt points and credit card rewards.

Planning Your Ski Trip with Points and Miles

Here's how you can start planning your trip now to take advantage of this new resort when it opens:

  • Accumulate World of Hyatt Points: The World of Hyatt program is a favorite among travel enthusiasts due to its generous award chart and valuable redemption options. Consider applying for the World of Hyatt Credit Card from Chase. The current welcome bonus (check Chase's website for the latest offer) can significantly boost your points balance. Spending on everyday purchases with the card also earns points that can be used for free nights at the Andaz Heber Valley.
  • Leverage Transfer Partners: Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. If you have cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve, you can pool your Ultimate Rewards points and transfer them to Hyatt to book your stay.
  • Monitor Hyatt Promotions: Hyatt frequently offers promotions such as bonus points on stays, discounts on award nights, or opportunities to earn elite status faster. Keep an eye on these promotions to maximize your earning potential.
  • Consider Hyatt Prive: When booking paid stays (if you aren't using points), explore booking through Hyatt Prive travel advisors. These bookings often come with extra perks like complimentary upgrades, daily breakfast, and resort credits. These benefits can enhance your stay without costing extra.

Maximizing Your Credit Card Rewards

Beyond the World of Hyatt credit card, other credit cards can help you earn rewards for your ski trip:

  • Travel Rewards Cards: Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or American Express Platinum offer bonus points on travel purchases, including flights and hotels. Use these cards to book your flights and earn valuable points.
  • Everyday Spending Cards: Cards that offer bonus rewards on dining and groceries can help you accumulate points quickly. Use these cards for your everyday spending and transfer the points to Hyatt or use them for other travel expenses.

Preparing for 2029: Your Action Plan

While 2029 may seem far away, now is the perfect time to start planning. Here's a concrete plan:

  1. Assess your current World of Hyatt points balance.
  2. Determine how many points you'll need for your desired stay (estimate based on similar Andaz properties).
  3. Develop a strategy to earn the required points through credit card spending, welcome bonuses, and Hyatt promotions.
  4. Set up a RewardSmart alert to notify you when award availability opens at the Andaz Heber Valley.

Final Thoughts

The Andaz Heber Valley presents a fantastic opportunity for RewardSmart users to experience luxury ski travel using points and miles. By strategically accumulating World of Hyatt points and leveraging credit card rewards, you can create unforgettable memories on the slopes without breaking the bank. Start planning today to make your dream ski vacation a reality!