Planning a vacation to Salt Lake City, Utah offers an incredible mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation, and the Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City is an excellent hub for exploring everything the area has to offer. From breathtaking mountain views to world-famous racing at the Bonneville Salt Flats, Salt Lake City provides endless opportunities for families and adventure-seekers alike. Even better, you can use your credit card points to make this vacation more affordable—or even free!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll highlight the best ways to maximize your stay at the Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City by using your points, explore local attractions and activities, and offer practical tips to ensure you get the most out of your trip.
Why Visit Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City is a dynamic destination that offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, history, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re into skiing, hiking, racing, or simply relaxing, Salt Lake City has something for everyone.
Top Attractions in Salt Lake City
- Temple Square: The heart of Salt Lake City, this 35-acre site features historic Mormon buildings, including the Salt Lake Temple. It’s one of the most visited tourist destinations in Utah.
- Great Salt Lake: Known for its salty waters, this lake is a natural wonder and great for family picnics, hiking, and birdwatching.
- Bonneville Salt Flats: Just an hour and a half west of the city, the Bonneville Salt Flats are famous for hosting speed races, where world land-speed records are set. It’s a must-see for racing fans and those who enjoy unique landscapes.
- Antelope Island: Located in the Great Salt Lake, this island is perfect for hiking, wildlife watching (bison and antelope roam freely), and enjoying the stunning sunset views over the lake.
- Utah Olympic Park: A great spot for families, this park was built for the 2002 Winter Olympics and offers exciting attractions such as zip lines, bobsled rides, and tours of the Olympic facilities.
Overview of Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City
The Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City is a modern, upscale hotel located in the downtown area, making it the perfect base for exploring the city and its surroundings. Known for its excellent service and amenities, the hotel offers beautiful views of the Wasatch Mountains and easy access to local attractions.
Hotel Features:
- Rooms and suites with mountain views
- On-site dining options
- Outdoor pool and fitness center
- Pet-friendly rooms
- Family-friendly amenities like cribs and high chairs
Room Options for Families
For families, the Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City offers a variety of room types, but it’s important to note that standard rooms typically accommodate up to four people. If you’re a family of five, you may need to book an adjoining room or upgrade to a suite, which offers more space and can accommodate additional guests.
How to Make the Most of Your Credit Card Points at Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City
One of the best ways to stay at the Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City without breaking the bank is by using credit card points. Hyatt’s loyalty program, World of Hyatt, is one of the most rewarding hotel loyalty programs available, especially when paired with the World of Hyatt Credit Card.
How to Earn Points for Your Stay
- World of Hyatt Credit Card: This card offers 4x points on Hyatt purchases, making it a great option for racking up points quickly. You can also earn 2x points on dining, flights, and transit, which can help you accumulate points before your trip.
- Chase Ultimate Rewards Points: If you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve, you can transfer points to your World of Hyatt account at a 1:1 ratio, providing flexibility in earning points.
- Sign-Up Bonuses: The World of Hyatt Credit Card offers a sign-up bonus of up to 60,000 points (depending on how much you spend in the first six months), which could cover several free nights at Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City.
Redeeming Points for Free Nights
Hyatt uses a category-based system to determine how many points are required for a free night. The Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City is a Category 4 hotel, which means you’ll need 15,000 points for a standard room on a regular night. If you book during off-peak times, you might only need 12,000 points, while peak nights could cost up to 18,000 points.
Pro Tip: Try booking during the off-peak seasons (spring or fall) to save on points. Booking mid-week instead of weekends can also result in fewer points required for your stay.
Maximizing Points for Room Upgrades
If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, you can use your points to upgrade your room. For example:
- Suite Upgrades: You can use points to upgrade a standard room to a suite, which is perfect for families needing more space. Suite upgrades typically cost 6,000 points per night.
If you’re a World of Hyatt Credit Card holder, you automatically receive Discoverist status, which may help you score free room upgrades when available.
Best Time to Visit Salt Lake City
Spring (March-May)
Spring is a great time to visit Salt Lake City if you want to experience mild weather and fewer crowds. You can enjoy hiking and biking in the nearby mountains without the summer heat.
Summer (June-August)
Summer is peak tourist season, especially for families. While the weather can get hot, it’s the best time for outdoor activities like visiting the Great Salt Lake or hiking in Big Cottonwood Canyon. If you’re interested in racing, summer is also prime time for events at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Fall (September-November)
Fall is an excellent time to visit Salt Lake City, with cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage in the mountains. The city is less crowded, making it an ideal time to use points for free stays since off-peak point redemption rates apply.
Winter (December-February)
Winter is best for skiing and snowboarding. If you’re visiting Salt Lake City for its proximity to world-class ski resorts like Alta and Park City, winter is the season for you. Keep in mind that winter is also a busy season, so booking early with points is key to securing your stay.
Things to Do Near Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City
Temple Square
Located just a short walk from the Hyatt Regency, Temple Square is home to the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It’s a beautiful and peaceful place to visit, featuring historic buildings, gardens, and tours.
The Great Salt Lake
Only a 30-minute drive from downtown, the Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. It’s great for hiking, birdwatching, and even floating in the salty waters.
Bonneville Salt Flats
For racing fans, the Bonneville Salt Flats are a must-see. Just an hour and a half from Salt Lake City, the flats are famous for their use in land-speed races. Whether you’re a fan of motorsports or just want to experience a truly unique landscape, the Salt Flats offer a surreal experience.
Hiking and Skiing in the Wasatch Mountains
Whether you visit in summer or winter, the nearby Wasatch Mountains provide endless opportunities for outdoor activities. Summer brings hiking, biking, and rock climbing, while winter offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country.
Booking Tips for Families
- Room Restrictions: While the Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City is family-friendly, standard rooms typically accommodate up to four guests. If you’re a family of five, consider booking an adjoining room or using points to upgrade to a suite.
- Booking Early: If you’re using points, especially during peak times (summer or winter), be sure to book as early as possible. Hyatt’s free night availability can fill up quickly during high-demand periods, so plan ahead.
- Use Points for Dining and Experiences: Don’t forget that you can also use Hyatt points for dining, spa services, and other experiences at the hotel. This is a great way to enhance your stay without additional costs.
Conclusion: How to Make the Most of Your Salt Lake City Vacation
A stay at the Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City offers the perfect base for exploring everything that Salt Lake City has to offer, from the historic Temple Square to the awe-inspiring Bonneville Salt Flats. By leveraging your credit card points through the World of Hyatt program, you can enjoy free or nearly free stays, room upgrades, and additional perks that make your family vacation both affordable and memorable.
Whether you’re visiting for skiing, racing, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of Utah, Salt Lake City is a destination that offers something for everyone. By using the tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to planning a vacation that’s full of adventure and savings.
