Bits: quick way to find Hyatt ‘cash and points’ awards, new Sheraton resort in Cascais
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News in brief:
How to quickly find Hyatt ‘cash and points’ availability
Via US blog Will Run For Miles comes an easy way to search for ‘cash and points’ nights using Hyatt Gold Passport points.
These have been bookable online for a few months now. You had to check hotel by hotel to find availability, however, which was slow in cities with a number of Hyatt properties.
It turns out that using corporate code 51440 at hyatt.com when searching for a particular night will clearly indicate, by virtue of the low price shown, which hotels have ‘cash and points’ available. This is a real benefit in US cities with many Hyatt properties.
New Sheraton resort opens in Portugal
With little fanfare, an interesting addition to the European Sheraton portfolio launched two weeks ago.
The former Vivamarinha Hotel & Suites is now the Sheraton Cascais Resort (photo above). The PR blurb says:
[It] boasts an enviable location on Portugal’s sweeping Atlantic coast just 30 minutes from Lisbon and 2 kilometres from the famous Guincho Beach, one of the finest surfing spots in Europe. Comprising of 138 rooms and suites, Sheraton Cascais will feature a signature restaurant and two bars, as well as a wide range of leisure facilities including a state-of-the-art fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool and an expansive spa with six treatment rooms and hydrotherapy suite. A perfect location for golfers, the resort is surrounded by seven of Portugal’s top golf courses, all within a 30-minute drive – one for each day of the week.
Rooms are priced from €140 in June, with suites (1,000+ square feet) from €300. SPG free nights cost 10,000 points.
Redemptions do not look great value at €140 but, at €200 in August, it would be a decent way to spend your Starwood Preferred Guest points. The hotel home page is here.
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How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and status from UK credit cards (April 2025)
There are various ways of earning Marriott Bonvoy points from UK credit cards. Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.
The official Marriott Bonvoy American Express card comes with 20,000 points for signing up, 2 points for every £1 you spend and 15 elite night credits per year.
You can apply here.
Marriott Bonvoy American Express
20,000 points for signing up and 15 elite night credits each year Read our full review
You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points by converting American Express Membership Rewards points at the rate of 2:3.
Do you know that holders of The Platinum Card from American Express receive FREE Marriott Bonvoy Gold status for as long as they hold the card? It also comes with Hilton Honors Gold, Radisson Rewards Premium and MeliaRewards Gold status.
We reviewed American Express Platinum in detail here and you can apply here.
SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.
The Platinum Card from American Express
80,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review
You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points indirectly:
- American Express Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
- American Express Rewards Credit Card (10,000 bonus Amex points)
and for small business owners:
- American Express Business Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
- American Express Business Platinum (50,000 bonus Amex points)
The conversion rate from American Express to Marriott Bonvoy points is 2:3.
Kathy (Will Run For Miles) 
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