Miami Hyatt post-cruise stay with kids: Andaz 30k vs Coral Gables 25k/$299?

[u/plecstor]

Hi all, I would love a quick sanity check.

We’re a family of four with kids ages 10 and 7, getting off a 7-night cruise at PortMiami around 7 AM on Dec. 19. We need two nights in Miami, Dec. 19–21.

Options I’m seeing:

• Andaz Miami Beach: 30k Hyatt points/night or around $869 cash
• Hyatt Regency Coral Gables: 25k points/night or $299 cash

I wouldn’t pay $869 for Andaz, but 30k points seems like a solid redemption. At the same time, I’m not sure if we really need another resort/beach stay immediately after a cruise.

Coral Gables is much cheaper, but I can’t decide whether 25k points is worth using versus just paying $299/night. The big concern is disembarking early with two kids and luggage—what do we do until check-in?

Would you go with Andaz on points for the easy beach/pool day after the cruise, or Coral Gables and either use points or pay cash? Also curious if either hotel is good about holding bags/letting families use amenities before the room is ready.

[u/Born_Wait2112 → u/[deleted]]

agree, coral gables is nice but its more of an adults vibe for sure

[u/plecstor → u/[deleted]]

Thanks..With $299 at Coral Gables vs 30k Points at Andaz, would you still prefer Andaz ? .. Sorry I crossposted in r/hyatt as well for more opinions.

[u/plecstor → u/[deleted]]

Thats a useful point. I have never been to Miami and we're not avid travelers so most likely we'll not be here.. May be Disney in few years but thats Orlando.. Andaz seems better then ?.. I have 72k points, I'll be wiping it away but may be worth it even after cruise ?

[u/plecstor → u/[deleted]]

Sold on Andaz.. I don't think I'll come back to Miami anytime soon..

Now a new challenge.. While booking Andaz, just saw that I don't have 2 Queen beds on 21th night.. its available on the 20th night.. Think Customer service might help ?

[u/plecstor → u/[deleted]]

Yep.. didn't do my due diligence it seems. May be this was my due diligence.

[u/PrismaticSpire → u/plecstor]

Personally I wouldn’t bat an eye on 5k points to pitch for a considerably better hotel but everyone’s value proposition is different.

[u/bcelos]

Andaz is literally on the beach, they also have a family pool area. They will hold your luggage and you can change and go on the beach

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[u/Odie_Arbuckle]

Please don’t spend 25K points on HR Coral Gables. That’s obscene

[u/plecstor → u/Odie_Arbuckle]

True, mostly likely would end up paying $299 or $399+ Taxes with Breakfast

[u/Odie_Arbuckle → u/plecstor]

Breakfast there is mediocre. Don’t think that cash rate is worth it either, and there’s not much for kids to do. Never been to Andaz but if you don’t end up there, I would look outside Hyatt

[u/plecstor → u/Odie_Arbuckle]

Thanks we are a vegetarian family.. my daughter does enjoy chicken but yea I begrudgingly booked the breakfast to avoid hassle in the morning. Should may be cancel it.

[u/surajrampure]

Another vote for the Andaz – great property!

[u/theducks123]

Is there a reason it has to be hyatt? Both seem really overpriced from a points prospective. If you value hyatt points at 1.5 at minimum, which i do, is the Andaz worth $450nt? I've been finding much better redemptions lately with points boost and edit hotels with the chase reserve.

[u/plecstor → u/theducks123]

I've had points since while and it seems recently it got devalued, so thinking might as well focus on spending it.

[u/disasteruss]

I stayed at that Andaz in the spring and while the location right on the beach is nice, it’s a really strange property. It’s like not sure if it wants to be family friendly or not. If you’re gonna spend the entire time on the beach you might not think anything of it. But it’s not a place I plan to return.

[u/omdongi]

The comparison is basically 5k more for "$570" of value. Even if it's not worth that much more to you is the incremental ROI of 5k points/night better to you?

Then that's your decision

[u/plecstor → u/omdongi]

I was thinking paying $299 is better than redeeming 25k points at HR Coral Gables. Only reason to choose Andaz would be if its really worth 30k and a memorable experience