Where to Go in 2026: Hotel Picks for The 17 Hottest Destinations

Stop over-researching and start booking: the easiest way to turn points into unforgettable 2026 trips

Finding the best hotel for your dates, budget and travel style in 2026 is harder than ever — dynamic award pricing, changing loyalty perks and opaque cancellation rules make planning painful. If you’re juggling family needs, adventure itineraries or luxury expectations, this guide cuts through the noise. Below you’ll find a direct match of The Points Guy’s 17 destinations with hotel picks tailored to three traveler types — families, adventurers and luxury seekers — plus actionable, up-to-date points-and-miles strategies for booking each property in 2026.

What’s new in 2026 for hotel award bookings (quick summary)

• Dynamic award pricing is mainstream. After accelerated rollouts in late 2024–2025, major chains continue refining dynamic pricing models — expect more variability, but also more short-notice bargains.
• Transfer partnerships and portals have matured. Credit-card portal mechanics and transfer partners upgraded search tools in 2025; transfers from cards like Amex, Chase and Capital One remain the fastest path to high-value redemptions.
• AI tools and award-alert services surged. In late 2025 new AI-driven search tools flag award availability, cash+points sweet spots and peak/off-peak windows.
• Family-friendly packages and flexible cancellation are now standard at many luxury resorts. Post-pandemic consumer demand drove hotels to keep flexible policies and to bundle kids’ programming more consistently into rates.

“In 2026 you don’t win by hoarding points — you win by having the right tools, alerts and a flexible game plan.”

How to use this guide

Start at the destination that matches your trip window. For each entry below you’ll get:

1. Three hotel picks by traveler type (family, adventurer, luxury)
2. Practical points-and-miles booking tactics for that property
3. Neighborhood and transport tips to reduce hidden costs

Quick booking playbook (apply these across all 17 picks)

• Check award calendars weekly. Set alerts with AwardWallet, ExpertFlyer alternatives or bespoke AI award trackers — award availability changes fast in 2026.
• Know your transfer partners. Chase, Amex, Capital One and Citi still transfer to the best hotel programs (Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, IHG and select luxury collections).
• Use luxury booking portals strategically. Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts, Chase Luxury & Benefits and Capital One’s portal frequently include credits, breakfast and guaranteed late checkout.
• Stack perks by calling the hotel. After booking an award or FHR stay, call the hotel to confirm welcome amenities, kids’ credits and to request a room near services (pool, kitchen prep, adventure meeting points).
• Leverage certificates and free nights. Combine free night certificates (credit card or loyalty) with cash night(s) to stretch value and earn elite-qualifying nights where eligible.

Top 17 destinations & hotel picks for 2026

1. Lisbon, Portugal

Why go: Lisbon’s 2026 culinary and design scene keeps growing, and flight connectivity from North America and Europe improved in late 2025.

• Family: Martinhal Lisbon Chiado — family suites, kids’ club and family dining. Book with points via Marriott Bonvoy (transfer from Amex/Chase when promos appear).
• Adventurer: Memmo Alfama — city-base for walking, coastal day hikes and surf lessons. Use cash+points or boutique chain redemptions on specific dates.
• Luxury seeker: Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon — use Four Seasons Preferred Partner through Amex/Chase luxury portals for credits; consider paying cash and requesting a suite upgrade via status.

Points tip: Lisbon inventories often open close-in. Set a 60–90 day alert window and watch for transfer bonuses in early 2026.

2. Tokyo, Japan

Why go: Tokyo remains a perennial top pick, boosted by new cultural openings and expanded international rail passes in 2025.

• Family: Hilton Tokyo Bay — family rooms and proximity to Tokyo Disney; use Hilton Honors points or a Hilton free night certificate for cheaper family stays.
• Adventurer: Park Hotel Tokyo — great for city-based exploration and early bucket-list hikes to Mt. Takao. Use IHG or direct bookings for flexible cancellation.
• Luxury seeker: Aman Tokyo or The Peninsula Tokyo — book via Amex FHR or Chase Luxury for credits; transfer points for suite nights when award space appears.

Points tip: Japan award availability improved in late 2025 as chains adjusted inventory for inbound demand — aim to transfer points only after you see award space (avoid one-way transfers).

3. Mexico City, Mexico

Why go: Food, museums and family-friendly neighborhoods continue to attract visitors; new boutique resorts outside the city opened in 2025.

• Family: Hyatt Regency Mexico City — suites and family amenities; use World of Hyatt points or cash+points for stretches of stay.
• Adventurer: Downtown Mexico boutique hotels (Parque Mexico area) — perfect base for urban exploration and day trips to Teotihuacán.
• Luxury seeker: Four Seasons Mexico City — book via FHR for breakfast and credits, or redeem Marriott points where cross-chain options are scarce.

Points tip: Use cash rates and convert the savings into dining/outdoor experiences; Mexico City hotel taxes are sometimes excluded from award pricing — check the fine print.

4. Marrakech, Morocco

Why go: Exotic new riads and restored palaces opened in 2025, creating more luxury inventory than in previous seasons.

• Family: Riad with private family courtyard near Medina — book with cash and negotiate kids’ meals and transfers directly.
• Adventurer: Kasbah lodges in the Atlas foothills — small independent properties often reserve the best treks; use award charts for regional chains where applicable.
• Luxury seeker: Royal Mansour Marrakech — use luxury portals or direct contact for bespoke packages; very little in the way of direct points, so apply status perks and negotiated extras.

Points tip: For independent riads, use a credit card with strong travel protections and redeem flexible points toward your flights or transfers instead of the stay.

5. Reykjavik, Iceland

Why go: Renewed flight routes and increasing geo-tourism options made Iceland a 2026 hotspot for outdoor adventurers and luxury seekers alike.

• Family: Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina — family rooms and easy access to museums and tours.
• Adventurer: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon (base for south-coast hikes and glacier tours) — use chain redemptions or pay cash and book activities separately.
• Luxury seeker: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon — offers package credits; book via luxury portals when available or use direct cash for bundled geothermal experiences.

Points tip: Packages that include excursions often beat pure-room award redemptions for value in Iceland — compare cash + activity vs award-only stays.

6. Cape Town, South Africa

Why go: Cape Town’s food, wine and coastal adventures stayed at the top of traveler lists as post-2025 connectivity improved.

• Family: The Table Bay Hotel — family-friendly rooms and harbor access. Book with Marriott/Stellenbosch package nights where applicable.
• Adventurer: Boutique guesthouses near Hout Bay for hiking and ocean safaris; often better to pay cash and invest in local guides.
• Luxury seeker: One&Only Cape Town or Ellerman House — use luxury program bookings or direct for curated experiences and private excursions.

Points tip: South African properties can be volatile on award charts; if you have transferable points, wait for a transfer bonus or confirm award space first.

7. Cartagena, Colombia

Why go: Colonial charm, beaches and boutique resorts make Cartagena a top romantic and family destination for 2026.

• Family: Hyatt Regency Cartagena — family rooms, beachfront; use World of Hyatt or cash+points.
• Adventurer: Boutique hotels in Getsemaní — walkable to food tours and boat trips to Rosario Islands.
• Luxury seeker: Sofitel Santa Clara Cartagena or Casa San Agustín — book via Amex FHR or direct for exclusive packages.

Points tip: For Caribbean-style islands, look for seasonal award pricing — shoulder seasons (May, late Sept) often provide the best redemptions.

8. Amalfi Coast (Positano & Ravello), Italy

Why go: Post-2025 renovations across cliffside hotels and a renewed focus on family-friendly villas make Amalfi popular in 2026.

• Family: Family villas or hotels with connecting rooms in Praiano — cash rates are often the best value; use transferable points for flights.
• Adventurer: Mid-range cliffside hotels for hiking the Path of the Gods and coastal boat trips.
• Luxury seeker: Le Sirenuse or Belmond Caruso in Ravello — book via luxury portals for credits and guaranteed upgrades.

Points tip: Luxury Amalfi hotels often don’t have straightforward award pricing; your best leverage is Amex/Chase portal rates plus card benefits.

9. Queenstown, New Zealand

Why go: Adventure capital with expanded heli-access and new eco-lodges that launched in 2025.

• Family: Hilton Queenstown — family-friendly suites and shuttle service to activities.
• Adventurer: Adventure lodges and boutique cabins near Coronet Peak; book cash and bundle activities early.
• Luxury seeker: Matakauri Lodge — high-value when booked with luxury portal credits or as part of a package.

Points tip: Use points for flights to Auckland and Wellington, then decide if domestic cash or points for hotels makes more sense — hybrid bookings maximize value here. For planning gear and small comforts that improve long transfers and layovers, check a roundup of small travel gadgets that frequent travelers actually bring.

10. Patagonia (Chile/Argentina)

Why go: Limited-room eco-lodges and new sustainable operations make Patagonia a top experiential pick in 2026.

• Family: Large estancias with adventure programming for teens and kids; often cash-only but include meals and guided hikes.
• Adventurer: Base camps near Torres del Paine — prioritize transfers and guided treks when budgeting.
• Luxury seeker: Awasi Patagonia or Explora — these properties typically sell experiences in packages; book early and use cash or bespoke FAM packages via agencies.

Points tip: Remote luxury lodges rarely feature in major loyalty programs; convert flexible points to cover flights and transfers and pay cash for the lodge for simpler stacking of inclusives.

11. Galápagos Islands (Ecuador)

Why go: Conservation-led cruise and land-based stays expanded in 2025 — perfect for families and nature-focused luxury travel.

• Family: Land-based ecolodges offering kid-friendly naturalist programs; book early for school breaks.
• Adventurer: Expedition cruises with activity-focused itineraries; watch for last-minute award-like deals in shoulder season.
• Luxury seeker: Private yachts and boutique hotels offering fully inclusive packages — prioritize full-board comparisons.

Points tip: Use transferable points for flights to Ecuador (save cash) and invest in all-inclusive Galápagos packages; award nights rarely cover cruises.

12. Kyoto, Japan

Why go: A renewed calendar of cultural festivals and limited-run exhibitions in 2026 make Kyoto a high-demand pick.

• Family: Family ryokans with private onsen access — book early and confirm bedding configurations.
• Adventurer: Base at boutique machiya for early-morning hikes and cycling tours.
• Luxury seeker: Ritz-Carlton or Aman Kyoto — use loyalty points for nights or luxury portals to secure full benefits.

Points tip: Split stays — one award night in a luxury property and a few nights in a local ryokan — stretches points while preserving experiences.

13. Vancouver, Canada

Why go: Outdoor access plus refined urban hospitality keeps Vancouver a hit for family and adventure travel.

• Family: Pan Pacific Vancouver — easy access to Stanley Park and family rooms; redeem Hilton/Marriott options where available.
• Adventurer: Hotels in Coal Harbour for quick access to kayaks, mountain biking and day trips.
• Luxury seeker: Fairmont Pacific Rim — use qualities of Fairmont’s loyalty program or book FHR for added amenities.

Points tip: Coastal cities often have resort-like fees for activities; factor those into your points vs cash calculations. If you’re optimizing in-room tech and guest-facing upgrades, read a host-focused guide to room tech that guests actually notice before budgeting renovations or amenity asks.

14. Zanzibar, Tanzania

Why go: Sustainable beach resorts and family villas launched in 2025, along with improved marine conservation experiences.

• Family: Family villas with private pools and meal plans — book as all-inclusive packages if traveling with kids.
• Adventurer: Boutique beach camps for snorkeling and Pwani hiking days.
• Luxury seeker: Nungwi or Kendwa luxury resorts — use luxury portals or book packages directly for value-adds.

Points tip: Use transferable points to cover long-haul flights and pay cash for the resort experience — often more flexible and easier to combine with excursions. For packing and on-road comfort, consider a travel-ready sciatica recovery kit if you need pain-free mobility on long transfers.

15. New Orleans, USA

Why go: Culinary resurgence and cultural programming in 2026 make New Orleans a great short-trip pick for families and luxury seekers.

• Family: Omni Royal Orleans — family suites and walking access to major museums and parks.
• Adventurer: Boutique hotels in the Marigny for music-focused itineraries and riverboat day trips.
• Luxury seeker: The Roosevelt or Windsor Court — book via Chase or Amex portals for afternoon tea and breakfast credits.

Points tip: Use midweek award nights to maximize value; New Orleans shows strong weekend price premiums, so flexible dates help yield savings.

16. Maui, Hawaii

Why go: Resort renovations and increased family programming launched in late 2025, and resilient inter-island flight options make Maui accessible.

• Family: Grand Wailea — multiple pools and kids’ activities; use Hyatt/Hilton/Marriott awards strategically for peak-season travel.
• Adventurer: West Maui base for snorkeling, surf and Haleakalā sunrise treks.
• Luxury seeker: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea — best booked via Amex/Chase luxury portals for breakfast and resort credits.

Points tip: Resort fees and resort credits vary — always calculate net value after credit application to decide between points and portal bookings. If you want affordable field-tested travel gear for weekend trips, check curated budget gear lists that frequent travelers recommend.

17. Athens, Greece

Why go: Athens’ creative neighborhoods and increased flight connectivity in 2025 position it well for 2026 explorations and island-hopping extensions.

• Family: Electra Metropolis Athens — family suites and rooftop pool close to the Acropolis.
• Adventurer: Boutique hotels in Plaka for walking tours and easy ferry access to the islands.
• Luxury seeker: Hotel Grande Bretagne or King George — book via loyalty or FHR-style portals for breakfast and upgrades.

Points tip: Combine one or two award nights in Athens with paid nights on islands — award availability is stronger on the mainland.

Advanced points strategies for 2026 (how to get maximum value)

• Wait for transfer bonuses — but don’t wait too long. Many card programs still run 20–40% bonuses; if a property shows award space, transfer only the points you need.
• Mix cash and points for suite access. When suites aren’t available on awards, cash+points or buying an upgrade at check-in can be the best value.
• Use luxury portals to net extras. When FHR or a Chase/Amex portal includes breakfast and a $100–200 credit, the effective cash price can beat the award redemption value.
• Stack local benefits. Call hotels to confirm free breakfasts, kids’ meals and resort credits — many hotels quietly extend staff-led experiences to award guests in 2026 to maintain reviews.
• Plan for dynamic pricing. Create a short list of hotels you want and set award alerts across 60–120 days rather than a year out — dynamic pricing often offers last-minute bargains. If you need help finding last-minute fares, these cheap flight hacks and AI fare-finder tips will help you secure lower-cost routing for complicated itineraries.

Local transport & neighborhood tips to avoid surprises

• Always confirm if resort or city taxes are covered in awards — taxes are frequently payable separately.
• Factor in transfers: private transfers can be expensive; check shuttle or public transit options near the hotel before booking. For day-of-travel power and charging solutions, portable power guides can be useful for remote stays.
• Neighborhood matters more than brand. In many cities, a boutique property in a walkable neighborhood beats a chain property far from sights.
• Ask for family amenities when booking: cribs, adjoining rooms, kitchen microwaves and laundry access reduce incidental spending on the road.

Common booking pitfalls in 2026 and how to avoid them

• Pitfall: Transferring points before award space is confirmed. Fix: Confirm availability then transfer — most programs allow instant transfers, minimizing risk.
• Pitfall: Overlooking resort fees and taxes on award stays. Fix: Check the property’s award terms and call the hotel for a written confirmation of any fees due at check-in.
• Pitfall: Missing dynamic price drops. Fix: Set a price/award alert and be ready to move quickly — many 2026 savings are last-minute windows.

Final actionable checklist — 7 steps to book your 2026 hotel with points

1. Choose your destination and exact travel dates (flexible +/- 3 days).
2. Identify 2–3 hotel targets by traveler type from this guide.
3. Check award availability and the hotel’s cancellation policy.
4. Decide: points award, cash, or portal booking (compare total value including credits).
5. If transferring points, wait until you see confirmed award space; then transfer only the necessary amount.
6. Call the hotel to stack benefits (cribs, welcome amenities, activity credits).
7. Set a calendar reminder to recheck availability 30–60 days out — dynamic pricing windows often open then. For in-flight comfort and quick layover fixes, pack a couple of smart travel gadgets from tested lists to make long transits easier (budget smartphone picks can also help when you need a backup device).

Why these strategies matter in 2026

Travel in 2026 rewards nimble planners. With dynamic awards and improved portal perks, the smartest travelers convert flexible points into curated experiences, not just free nights. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, an expedition-focused trip or a once-in-a-lifetime luxury escape, the right hotel pick plus intentional points strategy dramatically increases value.

Next steps — book smarter this year

Use this guide to shortlist your destination and hotel type. Then apply the quick playbook: set award alerts, wait for a transfer signal, and stack perks with direct calls. If you’d like, we can tailor a points plan for your exact dates and traveler type — reply with your destination, travel window and how many travelers, and we’ll map the best award and portal options for you.

Ready to lock in your 2026 trip? Start by choosing one destination from the list above and set an award alert today — flexibility and speed are your biggest advantages.

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