Mr. O and I have visited the Hyatt Zilara in Cancun twice over the years. We love Hyatt all-inclusive properties because it’s one of the few vacations where we don’t have to leave the property. We booked our stay with Hyatt points and used our Southwest Companion pass for the flight. This vacation cost us ~$250 which included the flight taxes, food, hotel stay, and hotel tips. In this post, I’ll review the Hyatt Zilara Cancun and explain how you can book the same luxury vacation for cheap. All Hyatt Zilara properties are adults only. Their sister property, Hyatt Ziva caters to families.
Cost
A base-level room with a king bed or two double beds are 25,000 World of Hyatt points a night for two people. Each additional person, up to 2, adds an extra 12,500 points per night. If you would prefer a swim-up suite, you’ll pay 40,000 points per night.
You have a few options to stay here on points.
You can obtain Hyatt points by transferring from Chase Ultimate Reward points. World of Hyatt is a transfer partner of Chase. This means if you have Chase points from the below credit cards, you can transfer to increase your Hyatt balance for a free night.
Chase Sapphire Preferred- 60,000 Ultimate Reward points after $4,000 spend in 3 months
Chase Sapphire Reserve- 50,000 Ultimate Reward points after $4,000 spend in 3 months
Chase Ink Business Preferred- 80,000 Ultimate Reward points after $5,000 spend in 3 months
World of Hyatt Card- 60,000 World Hyatt Points after $6,000 spend in 6 months
Another easy way to earn Hyatt points is through the American Airline and Hyatt promotion. As a Hyatt member, you can earn one point per dollar spent at American Airlines with the AAdvantage – World of Hyatt promotion (link accounts here).
I checked the room rates for Valentine’s weekend and the rate was $450/night. This makes the redemption value for Hyatt points around 1.8 cents-per-point. The rate is very attractive, considering your food and drinks are included and using points, you won’t pay any resort fees or taxes.
So for an extended weekend stay, you’ll pay 75,000 Hyatt points versus $1,350 for lodging, food, and drinks for (2) people.
Check-in
Upon arrival at the Hyatt Zilara we were greeted by several of the hotel staff members to assist with our luggage and escort us to a check-in desk. Even if you are the lowest tier Discoverist Member, you’ll be escorted to their private check-in room. You’ll be offered refreshment towels and champagne as they discuss the property layout and services. During check-in, you’ll be asked to make reservations for their most popular restaurants.
Room
We were offered a free upgrade to an oceanfront suite. As we booked the basic king room. If you aren’t offered a free upgrade it’s fine. All of the rooms are suites and provide an open airy feel.
During our first stay, we had access to liquor in the room, but apparently, the hotel had too many issues and the in-room bars were removed before our second stay. This wasn’t a big deal with all the issues from certain all-inclusive in the Dominican Republic.
The suite includes a nice size bath and a Jacuzzi tub. There is a nice hammock on the balcony for nice views and breeze of the ocean. The best part of the room was the private cubby for 24-hour room service orders. It allowed the most privacy without having to open your door.
Dining
Speaking of dining, the hotel has 6 restaurants and 5 bars. Our favorite was Asiana where we had a live hibachi show. Another different experience was the Chef’s table. There was a 5-course set menu that forces you to try new and exotic food parings. The menu changed each day and required a reservation. There was also a tequila bar that allowed for tequila tasting from around the world.
Activities
Because this was an adults-only hotel, there were pool parties during the day and Cirque du Soleil style performances in the evening.
With Mr. O Diamond status, we had access to the spa Zen circuit for free. This included a hydrotherapy circuit that offered a polar pool, whirlpool bath, and herbal steam room. Basically, you jump in the hot tub and then take a dip in the icy cold pool right after to invigorate your blood.
Overall
Overall, the service at the hotel was first class. We would find ourselves coming down to the bar and the bartender would have our favorite drinks ready without asking. We always looked forward to the turn-down service after a long day of relaxing by the pool. Whether you are looking for a turn-up style vacation or relaxing, you can experience both at this resort. There is a reason we’ve come back multiple times.
Have you stayed at any of the all-inclusive Hyatt properties?
Comments