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One of my go-to frugal travel strategies is using my credit card points to book hotels, so I can skip paying cash for them.

As long as I am paying my credit card bills completely and on time, I am guaranteed to get the trips and hotel stays for free.

In this blog post, I will share the points I used to book six nights in Taipei for $0.


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Why Visit Taipei?


Taipei is one of my favorite cities in Asia.

It’s a lively mix of culture and modernity, with delicious street food and famous night markets like Raohe, perfect for budget foodie adventures.

You can check out peaceful temples, shop to your heart’s content, and take in stunning natural views, all just a quick MRT train ride away.

Also, the warm and friendly locals make every visit feel like coming home, making sure you have an unforgettable experience.


Summary of Taipei Hotels


Hotel / Number of NightsHow Much
1 Night at the Kimpton DaanIHG Free Night Certificate & $0
4 Nights at the Grand Hyatt Taipei12,000 Hyatt Points per night & $0
1 Night at Episode Daan12,000 Hyatt points per night & $0

Kimpton Daan Hotel


Kimpton Daan Hotel (Photo Credit: IHG)

Just a stone’s throw from Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT, this boutique hotel is located in a chic neighborhood in Taipei.

I had a great time staying here! They offered free pastries and soymilk for breakfast, plus a complimentary social hour with wine and appetizers.

I even got upgraded to a room with a balcony overlooking the neighborhood.


How We Stayed at the Kimpton Daan Taipei for $0
Stay Details: 1 night
Total Cost in Cash: $0
Strategy: I used the yearly free night certificate I received from the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card. You can also earn a free night certificate from the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card.
Kimpton Secret Password: Kimpton gives gifts when you mention their secret password at check in. You can google “Kimpton secret password” for the current code as it changes periodically. I received a toothbrush travel set after I mentioned the Summer Password “good for the sol” at check-in.

Grand Hyatt Taipei


Grand Hyatt Taipei (Photo Credit: Hyatt)

This sprawling hotel across from Taipei 101 is popular among families and business travelers.

As the largest international hotel in Taiwan, it’s busy and buzzing, but we still had a great time during our stay.

We were upgraded to a suite at this property by applying our World of Hyatt Suite Upgrade Award, which I earned as a milestone reward after staying 50 nights at Hyatt properties within a calendar year.

If you don’t have Hyatt status, you can still email the hotel to request an upgrade. This blog post has free upgrade email templates.


Pro-Tip for Hyatt Elites
This place also has a club lounge where you can enjoy breakfast, snacks, and afternoon appetizers. After staying 20 nights at Hyatt properties in a year, you can choose lounge access as an option for World of Hyatt Milestone Rewards. Plus, lounge access is free for Globalist Members.

If you’re a Globalist, though, I’d suggest having breakfast at the main restaurant for more food options as the offerings in the Regency Club are limited.
Grand Hyatt Breakfast


How We Stayed at Grand Hyatt Taipei for $0
The Grand Hyatt Taipei is currently a World of Hyatt Category 3 Property.
Cost: Hyatt Points & $0 Per Night

Off-Peak: 9,000 Hyatt Points (Steps on how to find these off-peak awards)
Standard Rate: 12,000 Hyatt Points
Peak: 15,000 Hyatt Points
Stay Details: 4 Nights at Standard Rate: 12,000 points X 4 nights = 48,000 World of Hyatt Points
Strategy: Book this property by transferring your Chase Ultimate Rewards Points from the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card to the World of Hyatt program.

Read More About the Current Welcome Offer of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Suite at the Grand Hyatt Taipei

Episode Daan Taipei – Jdv By Hyatt


Episode Daan

Located in the same neighborhood as the Kimpton, the Episode is a superb option for Hyatt fans who want a more modern and trendy hotel than the Grand Hyatt.

The only catch is that breakfast is at a Texas Roadhouse Restaurant downstairs. But they make up for it with free wine and appetizers for all guests during social hour.


How We Stayed at the Episode Daan for $0
Episode Daan is currently a World of Hyatt Category 3 Property.
Cost: Hyatt Points & $0 Per Night

Off-Peak: 9,000 Hyatt Points (Steps on how to find these off-peak awards)
Standard Rate: 12,000 Hyatt Points
Peak: 15,000 Hyatt Points
Stay Details: 1 Night at Standard Rate: 12,000 points

Strategy: Transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards Points from the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card to the World of Hyatt.

Read More About the Current Welcome Offer of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Standard Room at Episode Daan

Final Thoughts


Using credit card points and free night certificates is a great way for travelers to enjoy the vibrant city of Taipei while staying at fabulous hotels like the Grand Hyatt Taipei and Kimpton Da’an—without breaking the bank!

This smart travel strategy not only makes upscale experiences more accessible but also gives you the budget freedom to enjoy Taipei’s amazing culture and mouth-watering food!

When planning your next trip, think about how you can make the most of your credit card rewards to enhance your travel experience to this fantastic city.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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