The 9K Points Suite You Need to Know About

Welcome to San Antonio — Bargain Bougie Style

Some hotels surprise you in small ways. This one surprised us in every way.

The Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk is the definition of "quiet luxury meets unbelievable value." You step out the back of the hotel and — boom — you're right on the River Walk. 

Don't like stairs? Take the escalator straight down to the water. (My mom hates stairs — 10/10 accessibility win.)

Walking distance to:

  • The Alamo

  • Dozens of restaurants

  • Riverwalk activities: shops, bars, boat tours, everything

  • 9 minutes from the San Antonio Zoo

But the real magic? The things this hotel offers that nobody tells you about.

Let's get into the Bargain Bougie highlights.

The Bargain

This hotel is criminally underpriced in points.

A Queen/Queen standard room runs 9,000 points per night. Nine thousand. For a major-city, riverfront Grand Hyatt.

That's Hyatt Category 3 pricing for what feels like a Category 5 experience.

But wait. It gets better. So much better.

The Upgrade Flex: Suite Upgrade Award

With a Suite Upgrade Award, your reservation stays at 9K points per night… but you get upgraded into The Fiesta Suite — one of the biggest standard suites I've ever seen.

And yes, this is a standard suite, meaning it's fully eligible for upgrade awards.

Our Fiesta Suite included:

  • 750–1,055 sq ft (insane for a standard suite)

  • Three couches (choose your favorite)

  • Dining table for 6

  • Dry bar + microwave + full refrigerator

  • Separate double queen bedroom

  • Huge bathroom

  • Workspace

  • Windows everywhere — floor to ceiling

It felt less like a "suite in a hotel" and more like an apartment we suddenly lived in.

Still… 9K points. This is the definition of Bargain Bougie.

The Bougie

Two words: CLUB LOUNGE.

Another two words: HOLY WOW.

The lounge at this property might be the best domestic Hyatt lounge I've ever experienced. Here's why:

  1. The Staff = Actual Angels

    Not exaggerating. They were warm, kind, attentive, and so genuinely eager to help. Hospitality at its absolute finest.

  2. The Food

    Lots of options. Delicious. Rotating items. But the star?

  3. Happy Hour (5–7 p.m.)

    Beer, wine, cocktails… AND hearty food that can actually replace dinner. A huge win for families, budget travelers, and anyone who appreciates a good snack-hour strategy.

A Note About Celiac Disease (And Why This Hotel Shines)

My family, including myself, has celiac disease — which is federally recognized under the ADA.

That means:

  • It can require accommodations

  • But realistically, we often have to advocate HARD

  • Many places don't understand food safety

  • We usually email ahead (and this time… I forgot)

But the moment I explained our dietary restriction, the lounge staff immediately called the chef, prepared custom gluten-free food, and ensured everything was safe.

They went above and beyond. They brought us a gluten-free pizza and a separately prepared fruit and cheese plate to ensure it was safe from contamination.

That alone earns this property a permanent spot on my "return again and again" list.

Property Highlights

Beyond the deals and suites, this hotel has actual vacation vibes.

  • Outdoor deck with stylish fire pits — perfect for evening drinks

  • Heated pool (yes, heated and very warm — a luxury other riverwalk hotels absolutely do NOT have)

  • Game room — family-friendly and super cute

  • Direct River Walk access — unbeatable convenience

This is one of those rare hotels where the amenities feel intentional and thoughtful, not just "extra stuff they had space for."

Remember the Alamo? We will now.

Why You Need to Go

Because this property checks every Bargain Bougie box:

  • Jaw-dropping value for points

  • Massive suite upgrades

  • Amazing lounge with genuinely kind staff

  • Heated pool + great deck + game room

  • Walkable, accessible, stress-free location

  • A perfect blend of family-friendly + classy + comfortable

If you're a Hyatt loyalist, this is a no-brainer. If you're not a Hyatt loyalist yet… this hotel might convert you.

TL;DR: The Bargain Bougie Breakdown

Our Must-Stay: Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk

The Bargain: 9K points per night for a Queen–Queen room

The Bougie: Fiesta Suite + Club Lounge + heated pool + perfect location

Why Go: Incredible value, incredible staff, and the easiest River Walk experience imaginable

Plan Your Own Bargain Bougie Escape

Thinking about a San Antonio getaway? Or trying to learn how to book a 9K suite upgrade for your whole family?

Join a free workshop to learn the basics, or book a 1-1 strategy session if you want a game plan built around your goals. Let's get you traveling smarter — and bougier.

Mendy Black

Mendy discovered her passion for exceptional experiences through corporate event management, which led her to work with world-renowned festivals like SXSW and Fantastic Fest. Now she helps clients access luxury travel through credit card rewards strategy and full-service trip planning. Her philosophy: exceptional experiences require smart strategy, not unlimited budgets.

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