Originally Posted by
TMKTakot
Background: I'll be traveling Phoenix, AZ - Newport, RI from May 13th - May 18th via car. I'm planning to push stays towards Hyatt during this period to complete a Diamond trial/challenge. I'll be staying on Government Rates for the duration of this trip. Willing to eat some costs, but would like to stay under $150 where possible & nab as many Diamond benefits as possible (clubs, pts, breakfasts, etc.)
Driving plan: It's my intention to drive direct to Oklahoma (Regency in Tulsa, $83) first day. Then direct to Indianapolis (Regency again, $95) second day. Here's where ya'll come in - I then have 3 days to go from Indy to Newport. There's a lot of different places I *could* go, which leads me to...
Question: Two parts to this -
1. I'm looking for ideas using government rack rates for 3 nights in 3 different cities roughly on the way to Newport. Limits are no further south than DC, no further north than Hartford, CT, & no further East than Newport. Please avoid downtown/congested areas of NYC & DC. Coastal/scenic is more towards my wheelhouse here, but open to suggestions based on your experiences with a property & location.
2. Looking for ideas to save out-of-pocket on Hyatt stays (i.e. gift card discounts). I do not have an AMEX OPEN eligible card. Will be leveraging a portal to book (Ebates is 1.5% i think, not sure if others are out there currently).
On this route, we are talking about mediocre Hyatt properties with standard lounges, high parking charges etc.
You also lose flexibility due to the fact that they serve food for a very limited amount of time.
May I recommend crashing at inexpensive motels by the freeway, food from local Deli's etc to save the money for stays at good Hyatt properties later on to complete the challenge.
Places like Indi are really nothing to write home about, we are talking about standard convention hotels with small rooms, high parking charges and food served in the lounge that can be replaced easily at a local Deli for $10. In the US, with the exception of a few high end Hyatt hotels and resorts, breakfast in the club lounge is downright pathetic.