Myth: It’s too late to plan a getaway anywhere good this Labor Day weekend using points.
Fact: There are still some appealing vacation rental properties in places like Vail, Palm Springs and even Hawaii that are available for a Labor Day weekend stay— and you can book them with points.
Fanned by the pandemic, the boom in vacation rentals hasn’t shown any sign of relenting. We’ve taken deep dives into the various ways you can use points to book your next vacation rental, cashing in Chase Ultimate Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy points, Wyndham Rewards, World of Hyatt points and others in exchange for a stay that promises more room than your standard hotel (and a full kitchen).
If you’d like to sneak away affordably this Labor Day weekend and you have some points to burn, sites like Vacasa (where you can redeem Wyndham Rewards points), Homes & Villas by Marriott and Hyatt Homes & Hideaways still show inventory at locations across the country.
Looking for inspiration on where to start? We’ve rounded up 10 vacation rentals you can book with points this Labor Day weekend.
Note that availability and point cost are subject to change.
Related: Best hotel rewards programs in the world: Which one is right for you?
Beachfront home in Crystal Beach, Texas
Cost: 232,500 Marriott Bonvoy points for three nights
If you’ve been saving up Bonvoy points, you can redeem them through Marriott Homes & Villas for a Labor Day weekend stay along Texas’s Gulf Coast at Crystal Beach, about 1.5 hours from Houston.
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Yellow Daisy by the Sea is a charming two-bedroom home just a short stroll from the sand, complete with a balcony, an observation deck and plenty of panoramic views. Your group can spend the weekend sampling activities like surfing, snorkeling and paddleboarding — or simply lounge the day away in one of the home’s multiple hammocks. This rental only has two bedrooms and one bathroom, but it sleeps up to eight guests.
Related: The best Marriott Homes & Villas properties
Spacious family digs in City-by-the-Sea, Texas
Cost: 212,915 World of Hyatt points for three nights
If you’re planning a getaway with a bigger group, the four-bedroom, four-bath Estes Oasis has room for 10 people as well as pets. It’s part of Hyatt’s Homes and Hideaways collection, meaning you can earn and burn World of Hyatt points here. Besides fishing and other watery activities nearby, there are games like foosball and cornhole to play in the house.
Related: The ultimate guide to redeeming your World of Hyatt points
Cozy cabin in North Carolina’s Nantahala National Forest
Cost: 90,000 Wyndham Rewards points for three nights when booked through Vacasa
Roughly three hours from both Atlanta and Charlotte, this mountain escape is still available over Labor Day weekend — and since it’s listed on Vacasa, you can book it with Wyndham Rewards points. Big on cozy touches, the log cabin-style Eagle’s Nest has a wood-burning fireplace, an outdoor fire pit and a huge wraparound deck with mountain views. Downtown Franklin’s shopping and dining are only eight miles away.
Keep in mind that when it comes to award stays, Vacasa charges by the bedroom. If the average nightly price (inclusive of all taxes and fees) is $250 or less, you’ll need 15,000 points per bedroom per night; this increases to 30,000 if the average price is between $250 and $500. Properties that cost more than $500 aren’t bookable with points. And you won’t be able to book with points online; you’ll have to call Vacasa.
Related: Which Wyndham Rewards credit card is right for you?
Downtown cottage in Traverse City, Michigan
Cost: 353,571 Marriott Bonvoy points for three nights
Situated on the postcard-perfect waters of Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City is an ideal place to unwind at the end of summer. This charming downtown Traverse City home puts you in the center of the town’s shopping and dining scene and is only a short walk from the nearest beach. Don’t forget to sample some of the town’s famous cherries before you fly out of Cherry Capital Airport (TVC).
3-bedroom condo in Breckenridge, Colorado
Cost: 291,428 Marriott Bonvoy points for three nights
At 9,600 feet above sea level, Breckenridge makes for a chill Labor Day weekend escape — literally. Summer temperatures rarely spike over 70 degrees, making this a great destination for adventurous travelers to hike, bike, paddleboard, rock climb and more.
If you’re bringing a crowd, the modern Chimney Ridge 504 townhouse sleeps up to 10 people. Your group can easily walk to downtown Breckenridge or hop on the free shuttle that stops just down the street. And after a day of exploring, you can unwind in the complex’s shared pool and hot tub.
Related: Our favorite ski-friendly resort hotels you can book on points
Desert oasis in Greater Palm Springs, California
Cost: 270,000 Wyndham Rewards points for three nights when booked through Vacasa
In a quiet neighborhood in Greater Palm Springs (less than three hours from San Diego and Los Angeles), Casa Cinco sleeps eight people in three bedrooms and has a sweet little pool for cooling off from the blazing desert sun. There’s a hot tub too, but that might be a stretch, even after dark, considering how warm it is this time of year.
Nearby attractions include the five-mile Bear Creek Nature Trail, the walkable restaurants and boutiques of La Quinta Village and several golf courses.
Related: How to earn Wyndham points for your next redemption
Airy townhouse in the Florida Keys
Cost: 180,000 Wyndham Rewards points for three nights when booked through Vacasa
The Florida Keys get seriously packed during Labor Day weekend. But you can book your own quiet corner on the waterfront at Restful Retreat Villa 5067, located between Islamorada and Marathon and still showing availability for Labor Day weekend stays.
This two-story townhouse has a patio and upstairs terrace with views of Duck Key Marina, and there’s a plethora of outdoor activities nearby. You can choose from various sunset cruises and snorkeling charters, tour Curry Hammock State Park by kayak or swim with dolphins at Dolphin Connection. The location is also a good base for day trips to Key West (less than 1.5 hours south) or Key Largo, just an hour north.
Related: Our favorite points hotels in the Florida Keys
Mountain retreat in Vail, Colorado
Cost: 155,000 World of Hyatt points for a three-night stay
Spend your Labor Day weekend hiking, biking or kayaking around the Vail-Beaver Creek area when you stay in Vail Residences at Cascade Village, a Destination by Hyatt property. These condos have gas fireplaces, in-unit laundry and attached garages to make you feel at home — all just a short stroll from the complimentary shuttle that takes you around Vail Village.
A two-bedroom condo will set you back 155,000 points for three nights over Labor Day weekend. There are also one-bedroom and three-bedroom options for 125,000 and 250,000 points, respectively.
Related: Hyatt’s Mr & Mrs Smith partnership goes live with more than 700 boutique and luxury hotels
Colorful condo on the Big Island
Cost: 235,429 World of Hyatt points for three nights
Say aloha to Mauna Lani Point J102, a recently updated two-bedroom condo on Hawaii Island’s northwestern shore. Besides the home’s private lanai, soaking tub and walk-in rain shower, you’ll also have access to a shared entertainment pavilion complete with an outdoor kitchen, grills, pool and sauna. Mauna Lani Beach, a private strip of sand exclusive to guests, is a short walk away. Unlike many vacation rentals, this one features a concierge service to provide local guidance and help you book excursions.
Related: Top hotels on the Big Island, Hawaii, for your next vacation
6-bedroom cabin in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains
Cost: 285,180 World of Hyatt points for three nights
If you’re looking to escape with a group, the six-bedroom Scenic Vista Lodge sleeps up to 18 people — and pets are welcome, too. With multiple fireplaces, a hot tub, a pool table and old-school arcade games, there’s plenty to keep you occupied in the house. Or venture out to explore the nearby Titanic Museum, Dollywood or Soaky Mountain Waterpark. The location is surrounded by zip lining tour companies and only a half-hour’s drive from Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Related: Smoky Mountains to roller coasters: 10 family-friendly activities in Gatlinburg
Bottom line
There’s still time to plan a family trip this Labor Day, whether you’re looking for a relaxing retreat or an outdoor adventure. Vacation rentals are an appealing option for large groups or travelers hoping to save money by dining in — and there are several avenues to book them with points.