Sometimes, the best points redemptions aren’t flashy business class flights or luxury resorts, but practical points that allow you to save even more money.
These are some of my favorite redemptions, and on a recent road trip through scenic South Dakota, I saved nearly $250 on a hotel night using just 8,000 of my Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (See Rates and Fees).
Here’s how I redeemed my points, and how you can duplicate this reservation if you’re planning an upcoming trip to Rapid City, SD to visit Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, or other Black Hills attractions.
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Booking details
After a long day of hiking and exploring Badlands National Park, I drove about an hour west to Rapid City, a small city located next to the Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota and a common home base for travelers visiting Mount Rushmore, which I planned to visit the next day.
This was my first visit to the area and I arrived at the end of the high season in late September. With that in mind, I’m not sure what to expect in terms of hotel availability or pricing. To my surprise, I found a great option with better points redemption.
Here are my booking details:
- hotel: Hyatt Place Hotel Rapid City/Downtown
- date: Monday, September 29, 2025
- spot price: USD 241 (taxes included)
- Points cost: 8,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points
I booked my stay by transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to World of Hyatt, where Hyatt Place hotels typically cost between 4,000 and 15,000 points per night. Earn 8,000 points for your entire stay at this hotel.
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redemption value
You don’t necessarily expect hotel prices in Rapid City to rise above $200, but demand can surge based on the season, events, and availability of hotels near major attractions.
However, because Hyatt operates on a fixed rewards schedule, rates remain relatively stable. In my case, redeeming 8,000 points for a stay came to $241, making each point worth a little over 3 cents.
According to TPG’s January 2026 valuation, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth 2.05 cents each. This makes this redemption well above average. In other words, 8,000 Chase points are worth about $164, which means I saved about $77 out of pocket, which is a big win for a one-night stay.
Related: How (and Why) Calculate Reward Redemption Value
Hyatt Place Rapid City/Downtown: A Comfortable and Convenient Base
South Dakota is filled with natural wonders, from the stunning vistas of Badlands National Park to iconic sites like Mount Rushmore. After a long day of driving and exploring, having a comfortable and well-located hotel can make a big difference.
While I fully expected to enjoy the sights and attractions, the hotel ended up being an added highlight of the trip. It’s been recently renovated, has clean, modern rooms and updated common areas and feels a step above what you’d expect from a mid-range brand in a small city.
Even better, the hotel is located in the heart of Rapid City, making it an easy walk to restaurants, coffee shops, and local shops.
This location is especially ideal for travelers who use Rapid City as their home base for larger adventures. You’re just a short drive away from Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, and other Black Hills attractions, while still being able to walk to dinner or coffee without having to get back to your car.
Related: The 20 Best Hyatt Hotels Around the World You Can Book With Points
How to use points to book the same accommodation
To replicate this redemption, you will need to earn World of Hyatt points directly through Hyatt or by transferring points through a credit card rewards program. You can earn transferable points to use at Hyatt hotels with the following cards:
Here’s how to book:
- Sign in to your Word of Hyatt account and search for Hyatt Place Rapid City/Downtown.
- Use the rewards calendar to view pricing on a monthly basis. (You need to be logged in to view the rewards chart.)
- Once you find your preferred dates, transfer Chase points from your Chase account to World of Hyatt. (TPG found that transfers are usually instant.)
- Make your reservation directly with Hyatt Hotels.
Remember, always confirm award availability with the hotel before transferring points.
Below is the rewards calendar for May 2026, with some stays available for as low as 6,500 points.
bottom line
Using 8,000 Chase points to pay for a $241 hotel stay reminds you that you don’t need to redeem a luxury ticket to get a great deal. As I always tell friends and family: points are not trophies; They are tools to be used, not to hoard.
For outdoor destinations like Rapid City, where location and convenience are more important than top-notch amenities, a Hyatt Place hotel can be a smart, comfortable, and affordable choice. If you have points in your account and places like Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore are on your wish list, this useful redemption can help you further stretch your travel budget.
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