I’m planning a girls’ weekend trip to Arizona—splitting time between Phoenix and Sedona—and I wanted to share how I’m using points and credit card perks to lower the cost… without pretending this is one of those “completely free” trips.
Because it’s not. And that’s okay.
Strategy: Save Where It Makes Sense
For this trip, I decided to:
- Pay cash for flights (saving my American Airlines points for a bigger future trip)
- I’ll be earning points on this flight
- Pay cash for a rental car through Costco Travel
- Use credit card rewards + perks for hotels
Could I have used points for everything? Yes.
Did I want to? Not really.
I’m learning to be more intentional with points—using them where they give the best value, not just to avoid paying altogether.
Phoenix Hotel Decision: Value vs. Vibe
I went back and forth between two options:
- Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU
- Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix
Both are great, just very different priorities. Both I would be using a $300 Citi credit = instant savings for the first 2 nights and then my Venture travel credit for last night
Omni Tempe (what we’re leaning toward):
- Free breakfast perk (huge for early activity mornings) from using Citi Card
- Newer, clean, easy stay
Kimpton Palomar:
- More boutique and trendy feel
- Right in downtown Phoenix
- Feels a little more like part of the experience
👉 In the end, I’m choosing convenience + built-in savings over aesthetics for this trip.
Venture Card Link we love this card. It is my husband’s daily spending card because get 2x points on every purchase. Currently get 75,000 points (always check what rewards are may have changed). Also love the flexibility we cover travel expenses. We covered our Airbnb in Europe with this card. I’m not using this card for this trip but will being using the one that is a step up from this.
Venture X Link, I will be using this card because of the 300.00 travel credit to help cover the hotel stay. Again, one of my favorite cards.
Sedona on Points (Where It Really Pays Off)
We’re planning one night in Sedona and this is where points really shine.
Options I looked at:
- Marriott properties (like Residence Inn by Marriott Sedona / Courtyard by Marriott Sedona)
- ~57,000 points
- Around $232 cash value
- Hyatt Vacation Club at Pinon Pointe
- 15,000 points (studio) ≈ $357 value
- 25,000 points (villa) ≈ $394 value
👉 The Hyatt option is a much better redemption value.
Plus:
- More space (especially with the villa)
- Amazing location
- Feels more like a “stay experience” vs. just a place to sleep
🚗 What I Paid Cash For (And Why)
- Flights (saving airline points for later)
- Rental car through Costco Travel
I could have used credit card rewards to offset the rental car, but I chose not to this time. I like having flexibility and saving certain rewards for bigger redemptions.
💡 The Real Takeaway
This trip isn’t free—but it is significantly cheaper.
Using points and credit card perks strategically:
- Lowers your total cost
- Gives you better hotels than you might normally book
- Still lets you save rewards for future travel
And honestly, that’s the sweet spot for me right now.
💳 Credit Cards I Used for This Trip
A few of the cards helping offset costs:
- Venture X
- Venture Card Link we love this card. It is my husband’s daily spending card because get 2x points on every purchase. Currently get 75,000 points (always check what rewards are may have changed). Also love the flexibility we cover travel expenses. We covered our Airbnb in Europe with this card. I’m not using this card for this trip but will being using the one that is a step up from this.
- Venture X Link, I will be using this card because of the 300.00 travel credit to help cover the hotel stay. Again, one of my favorite cards.
- Citi card (used for the $300 hotel credit)
- Chase Card for points transfer to Hyatt (for Sedona points redemption) (Link is my referral link, if you don’t want to use it just open and new tap and search for the card)
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to go “all in” on points travel to make it worth it.
Even covering just your hotels?
That’s hundreds of dollars saved—and a more comfortable stay while you’re at it.
And for a quick girls’ trip like this, that feels like the perfect balance.
Disclosure
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to apply through my links—at no additional cost to you. I only share credit cards and travel strategies that I personally use and find valuable.
All opinions are my own. Credit card offers and benefits are subject to change, so always check the official website for the most up-to-date information. Please make sure any credit card fits your financial situation and spending habits before applying.
