Using Chase Points for 6 Nights of Hotels in New Zealand

For our New Zealand couples trip, we leaned into simplicity and flexibility by booking our hotels through the Chase Travel Portal.

Instead of transferring points to a hotel program and locking ourselves into specific brands or award availability, we used 72,293 Chase Ultimate Rewards points to cover 6 nights of hotels across the trip.

The Breakdown

• Points used: 72,293 Chase points

• Cash value: $904

• Out-of-pocket cost: $0

• Value per point: 1.25 cents per point

Thanks to the built-in point boost when booking through the Chase Travel Portal with a Sapphire or Ink Preferred card, we received a consistent 1.25¢ per point—no guesswork required.

Why the Chase Travel Portal Made Sense for This Trip

For a couples trip, priorities shift. We wanted:

• Flexible locations near key stops in New Zealand

• The ability to choose smaller or boutique-style hotels

• Straightforward bookings without juggling multiple loyalty programs

Booking through the portal let us treat Chase points like cash while still getting elevated value.

The Takeaway

While we’ve scored some huge cents-per-point wins on flights, hotel bookings like this are all about ease and reliability. Six nights covered entirely with points meant:

• No hotel bill

• More cash available for excursions, food, and experiences

• A smooth, low-effort booking process

Sometimes the best redemption is the one that keeps planning simple—and lets you focus on the trip itself.