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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

Currently around 150,000 points after tiered spend, see issuer for the current offer

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 (now up to 75,000 a night on top dates under the May 2026 dynamic chart), 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 bonusCurrently around 150,000 points after tiered spend, see issuer for the current offerVaries 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 (now up to 75,000 a night on top dates under the May 2026 dynamic chart), 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.