Best Midwest Weekend Trips You Can Book With Points
•February 27, 2026
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Why It Matters
Leveraging hotel points for Midwest escapes turns loyalty balances into cost‑free vacations, expanding travel options for budget‑conscious consumers and stimulating local economies.
Key Takeaways
- •Hyatt Regency Chicago offers category 4 points redemption
- •Chicago lounge closure removes complimentary breakfast, but location remains strong
- •Columbus hotels redeem 40‑70k Marriott points, near vibrant arts district
- •Dublin Marriott’s rooftop bar overlooks revitalized downtown, near top-rated zoo
- •St. Louis budget stays use Hyatt or Hilton points, near Arch attractions
Summary
The video outlines a curated list of Midwest weekend getaways that can be booked primarily with hotel loyalty points, highlighting Chicago, Columbus (and its suburb Dublin, Ohio), and St. Louis as affordable, short‑haul options for travelers.
In Chicago, the Hyatt Regency Chicago remains a category‑4 property redeemable with points, though its club lounge and complimentary breakfast have recently closed. Columbus offers the La Meridian and Joseph hotels at 40‑70 k Marriott points per night, while the AC Marriott in Dublin adds a rooftop bar and proximity to a nationally‑ranked zoo. St. Louis provides budget‑friendly Hyatt and Hilton properties near the Arch, ideal for using Hilton MX credits.
The host notes the disappointment of the Chicago lounge shutdown, praises Columbus’s burgeoning arts scene and the revitalized downtown Dublin area, and lists St. Louis attractions such as the Arch Paddle Boat, Botanical Gardens, Grants Farm Clydesdales, Anheuser‑Busch brewery tour, Science Center, and zoo.
By matching point balances to these specific properties, travelers can stretch loyalty currencies into multi‑day trips without cash outlay, driving regional tourism and enhancing the perceived value of hotel programs.
Original Description
The Midwest might not always get the spotlight, but it’s packed with incredible weekend destinations you can book using points and miles.
In this clip from the @upgradedpointspod, we highlight quick 2–3 day getaways in cities like Chicago, Columbus, Ohio, St. Louis, and more — all with strong hotel options you can book using Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, or IHG points.
We’ll share why these cities are perfect for short trips, what makes them easy to navigate in a weekend, and how to use points or free night certificates to keep costs low.
If you’re looking for affordable domestic travel ideas, underrated U.S. destinations, or smart ways to use hotel points close to home, this Midwest roundup is for you.
Hosts: @chrishassantravels and @katiegoesthere
Full episode: https://youtu.be/kLOjgwfiwRM?si=Fp-0Jq9OazcaIQi1
Hyatt Regency Chicago [In-Depth Hotel Review]: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/hyatt-regency-chicago-review/
Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph [In-Depth Hotel Review]: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/le-meridien-columbus-the-joseph-review/
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