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The best credit card for hotels in New York.

Updated

Why this card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant for hotels in New York.

New York is a Marriott town. The St Regis, JW Essex House, Edition Times Square, and Ritz-Carlton New York Central Park are all award-bookable. Hyatt has the Park Hyatt and Andaz 5th Avenue. Hilton has the Conrad downtown.

Annual fee

$650

Best earn rate

6 points per dollar at Marriotts, Platinum status, 85,000-point free night certificate annually

Signup bonus

Up to 185,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months

The 85K free night cert covers a standard night at the Edition Times Square, the Westin Grand Central, or several Times Square Marriotts. All three sell at $500 to $700 cash on a Tuesday and $800 to $1,200 on a Friday or Saturday. Platinum status at the Ritz-Carlton Central Park gets you upgrades to room category, breakfast, and a 4 PM late checkout, which in Manhattan is meaningful because checkout is otherwise 11 AM.

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If the top pick is not right

Alternative: World of Hyatt Credit Card.

Park Hyatt New York is a top-tier Hyatt property at the high end of the chart (50,000 a night peak), but Andaz 5th Avenue runs in the mid-range and the card's free anniversary night sometimes covers an Andaz Wall Street stay. Better value pick for the $95 annual fee if you specifically want Hyatt.

ChaseAnnual fee $95

At a glance

Side by side.

SpecMarriott Bonvoy BrilliantWorld of Hyatt Credit Card
Annual fee$650$95
Best earn rate6 points per dollar at Marriotts, Platinum status, 85,000-point free night certificate annuallySee alternative section above
Signup bonusUp to 185,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 monthsVaries by month

Local tip

What to know before you book.

New York hotels add a city occupancy tax, state sales tax, and a per-night fee that together can add 18 to 20 percent to your bill. Points stays still owe the per-night fee (around $4 a night) but skip the occupancy tax, which is a real savings over cash.

Questions

Frequently asked.

What is the best credit card for hotels in New York?

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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant from American Express. The 85K free night cert covers a standard night at the Edition Times Square, the Westin Grand Central, or several Times Square Marriotts. Annual fee is $650.

How many points do you need for a free night in New York?

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Roughly 85,000 points per night at the recommended chain for New York. Cash rate is around $480 per night, so the points stay is a meaningful discount versus paying cash.

Is the World of Hyatt Credit Card a better choice for hotels in New York?

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Park Hyatt New York is a top-tier Hyatt property at the high end of the chart (50,000 a night peak), but Andaz 5th Avenue runs in the mid-range and the card's free anniversary night sometimes covers an Andaz Wall Street stay. Better value pick for the $95 annual fee if you specifically want Hyatt. Annual fee is $95.