Sometimes, the best points redemptions aren’t flashy business-class flights or luxury resorts — they’re the practical ones that keep more money in your pocket.
Those are some of my favorite redemptions, and during a recent road trip through scenic South Dakota, I saved nearly $250 on a one-night hotel stay using just 8,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points earned with my Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees).
Here’s how I redeemed my points and how you can replicate this booking if you’re planning an upcoming trip to Rapid City, South Dakota, to visit Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park or other Black Hills highlights.
Related: Where to go in 2026: The 17 best places to travel
The booking details
After a full day of hiking and exploring Badlands National Park, I drove about an hour west to Rapid City, a small city situated alongside South Dakota’s Black Hills National Forest and a common home base for travelers visiting Mount Rushmore, which I planned to do the following day.
It was my first time visiting the area, and I arrived during the tail end of peak season in late September. With that in mind, I wasn’t sure what to expect when it came to hotel availability or pricing. To my surprise, I found a great option and an even better points redemption.
Here were my booking details:
- Hotel: Hyatt Place Rapid City / Downtown
- Date: Monday, Sept. 29, 2025
- Cash price: $241 (including taxes and fees)
- Points cost: 8,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points
I booked the stay by transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to World of Hyatt, where Hyatt Place properties often price between 4,000 and 15,000 points per night. At this property, 8,000 points covered the entire stay.
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Related: I didn’t expect to love World of Hyatt, but here’s why I do
The redemption value
Rapid City isn’t a destination where you’d necessarily expect hotel rates to climb above $200, but demand can spike depending on seasonality, events and the availability of hotels near major attractions.
However, because Hyatt operates using a fixed award chart, rates remain relatively stable. In my case, redeeming 8,000 points for a stay that would have cost $241 delivered just over 3 cents per point in value.
According to TPG’s January 2026 valuations, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth 2.05 cents apiece. That makes this redemption well above average. Put another way, 8,000 Chase points are valued at about $164, meaning I saved roughly $77 out of pocket, which is a solid win for a one-night stay.
Related: How (and why) to calculate award redemption values
Hyatt Place Rapid City / Downtown: A comfortable and convenient base
South Dakota is filled with natural wonders, from the dramatic landscapes of Badlands National Park to iconic attractions like Mount Rushmore. And after long days of driving and exploring, having a comfortable and well-situated hotel makes a big difference.
While I fully expected to enjoy the sites and attractions, the hotel ended up being an additional trip highlight. It has been recently remodeled, with clean, modern rooms and updated common areas that feel a step above what you might expect from a midrange brand in a smaller city.
Even better, the hotel is located right in downtown Rapid City within easy walking distance of restaurants, coffee shops and locally owned stores.
For travelers using Rapid City as a home base for greater adventuring, the location is especially ideal. You’re a short drive from Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park and other Black Hills attractions — while still being able to walk to dinner or grab coffee without getting back in the car.
Related: 20 best Hyatt hotels in the world to book with points
How you can book the same stay with points
To replicate this redemption, you’ll need World of Hyatt points either earned directly through Hyatt or by transferring points from a credit card rewards program. You can earn transferable points to use with Hyatt through cards such as:
Here’s how to book it:
- Log in to your Word of Hyatt account, then search for Hyatt Place Rapid City / Downtown.
- Use the award calendar to view pricing by month. (You’ll need to be logged in to view the award chart.)
- Once you find your preferred dates, transfer Chase points from your Chase account to World of Hyatt. (TPG found that transfers are typically instant.)
- Complete the booking directly with Hyatt.
Remember, always confirm award availability with the hotel before transferring your points.
Here’s a look at the May 2026 award calendar, with some nights available for as low as 6,500 points.
Bottom line
Using 8,000 Chase points to cover a $241 hotel stay is a reminder that you don’t need luxury redemptions to get outsize value. As I often tell friends and family: Points aren’t trophies; they’re tools that are meant to be used, not hoarded.
For outdoorsy destinations like Rapid City, where location and convenience matter more than over-the-top amenities, Hyatt Place properties can be a smart, comfortable and affordable choice. If you have points sitting in your account and places like Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore are on your bucket list, this kind of practical redemption can help stretch your travel budget further.
Related: Marriott is leaning into the great outdoors with new hotel collection and booking platform
