For Stella Shon, one hotel loyalty program made a lasting impact.
Stella Shon
Stella Shon always loved to travel.
But in August of 2022, Shons life as a healthy 26-year-old changed forever.
Stella Shon and BFF Taylor Hobgood posting at a scenic overview in Hawaii.Credit:Stella Shon
After battling flu-like symptoms for several days, her temperature spiked to 107 degrees.
When I was in the ICU, my world completely shattered all at once, Shon said.
Miraculously, Shon survived the ordeal, beating a mortality rate of 30-50%.
Stella and Taylor while hiking and enjoying their trip in Hawaii.Stella Shon
Eight months after her hospitalization, Shon took her first big tripan epicjourney to Hawaiiwith her best friend.
The trip felt like reclaiming a part of my identity.
Heres how she made the hotel stay happen on points, and what made it so meaningful.
Stella while relaxing on a Hawaiian beach.Stella Shon
Shon and Hobgood decided to visit Maui, with a stay at Hyatts Hana-Maui Resort.
Shon booked the three-night getaway usingWorld of Hyatt pointsexactly 30,000 of themper night.
Hyatt assigns each of its hotels a category, and they correspond to a set number of points.
For context, at the time, the Hana-Maui was charging over $800 per night.
The Hyatt chain has many aspirational hotels, and its loyalty program often has high-value redemptions.
For first-timers, youll also need to key in your World of Hyatt account information.
Before I got sick, I always loved beach vacations.
I could spend hours just floating in the ocean, completely mesmerized.
The hotel distinctly felt like it was a part of the community, Shon said.
Food trucks are at your doorstep, and theres a hidden red sand beach nearby.
Travel is no longer just a vacation for me; I see it as proof of survival.
A Points and Miles Tip for Travelers
Dont be afraid to use your points, Shon advised.
Her approach isnt to hoard and stock up over time, but instead to redeem whenever possible.
Points can unlock experiences worth far more than their cash value.
And unlike money, points dont appreciate over time.
Airline and hotel programs can devalue without warning.
