9 Hotels Naturally Primed for Social Distancing – And How To Book Them On Points

Demand for vacation rentals is at all-time highs. In an era where personal space and social distancing are especially prudent, it's no wonder.

Unfortunately, many apartments and condos come at high costs. For travelers who are points-rich and cash-poor, that's a problem. Most points properties are generic extended-stay hotels in the suburbs intended for business travelers. Others are in popular resort destinations where you'll love the rooms but hate the crowds. No matter how many precautions you take, theme parks don't exactly thrive on wide-open spaces.

Thankfully, you're not entirely out of luck. We've rounded up some hotel options available for reward redemptions that balance extra space and amenities with locations you can actually enjoy. One might even be a brilliant spot for your next trip.

Hyatt Residence Club Bonita Springs, Coconut Plantation

Save Orlando and Miami for another year when you can enjoy everything they have to offer. For a socially distant vacation, the southwest coast of Florida is a better choice. Here, the Hyatt Residence Club in Bonita Springs offers an expansive space for an exceptional price. Choose between a studio with a kitchenette for 20,000 World of Hyatt points per night or a one-bedroom suite with a full kitchen for 32,000 points.

This is an ideal base to spend all day outside, whether that's swimming right at Bonita Beach or heading an hour away to go shelling on Sanibel Island. With five pools right on-site (including a 1,000-foot lazy river), there's also a chance you'll find a spot to call your own without ever leaving the hotel.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Jackson

In a town known for being expensive, points are especially valuable. At the Homewood Suites in Jackson, Wyoming, redemptions start at 36,000 Hilton Honors points per night: not bad considering you'll get a living room with fireplace, kitchenette and separate bedroom. Premier Hilton Honors members (which includes all Hilton credit cardholders) get the fifth night free on award bookings.

Although there's nothing glamorous about this particular property, you're paying for the location. The hotel is within walking distance of Jackson Town Square and the shops and restaurants that surround the park. You're also a quick drive away from Grand Teton National Park and the National Elk Refuge, both natural fits for social distancing.

Bluegreen Vacations Big Bear Village, Ascend Resort Collection

Just two hours from Los Angeles, Big Bear Lake is an entirely different world. You'll feel the temperature drop and the crowds diminish as you focus on outdoor activities. Try fishing, canoeing or old-fashioned hiking before retreating to your suite at Big Bear Village.

Families will love that they can book three-bedroom suites for 30,000 Choice Privileges points. That's more than enough space for most groups, especially considering you'll also have full kitchens, living room, private laundry facilities and luxury bathrooms. Guests also have access to shared outdoor spaces (like barbecue grills) for when it's too nice to stay inside. Choice is an American Express Membership Rewards transfer partner if you need to top up your stash.

Residence Inn Richmond Downtown

Richmond, Virginia manages to blend an urban setting with plenty of fresh air for social distancing. The Residence Inn Richmond Downtown offers studio suites for 25,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night (as a category 4 hotel, most Marriott free night certificates are also valid). Marriott offers the fifth night free on award bookings. Despite being a studio, you'll still have a kitchenette and sitting area for private use.

The hotel is an easy walk away from dozens of outdoor activities. There are over 100 murals in the city for street art lovers. History enthusiasts can pay their respects to Presidents James Madison and John Tyler at Hollywood Cemetery or learn about black history at the Manchester Slave Trail, all without stepping indoors. Adventurers may prefer hiking on Belle Isle or biking the 52-mile Virginia Capital Trail. Prefer a brewery with an outdoor patio? They've got that too.

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Galveston Seaside Resort

Just in case the Gulf Coast isn't enough to entice you, the Galveston Seaside Resort throws in two bedrooms instead of one when you redeem 35,000 IHG Rewards points per night. You'll also have two bathrooms, a full kitchen, living room, dining room and either a balcony or patio, so there's no excuse not to social distance here. Even better, with the IHG Premier or IHG Traveler card, you'll get the fourth night free on award bookings.

The beach is the obvious draw to Galveston and you'll be just steps away if you stay here. If strolling the shore isn't your thing, no problem. There are still plenty of socially-distant activities like visiting historic neighborhoods to admire the architecture, birding or walking the boardwalks in Galveston Island State Park.

Mr and Mrs Smith Journey East Hampton

Escaping New York City for space and quiet in the Hamptons might be just what you need. At Mr and Mrs Smith Journey, you'll find super-sized rooms with separate seating areas, starting at 40,000 IHG Rewards points per night with the fourth night free on award bookings for IHG cardholders.

Admittedly, there aren't kitchens here, but guests are encouraged to take their complimentary breakfast to the garden or picnic on the lawn. Rooms have mini-fridges to store leftovers or easy meals like fruit and cheese platters.

Come in the off-season to avoid summer crowds. Year-round, you can enjoy biking one mile to Egypt Beach at the quiet end of Long Island, exploring the wildlife refuge at Indian Wells Beach or settling in for a cocktail or s'mores by the fire pit. With only two dozen rooms at the hotel, you're likely to find plenty of space to call your own.

Club Wyndham Durango

What makes a view of the San Juan Mountains even better? A private balcony, of course. Every suite at the Club Wyndham Durango comes with an outdoor seating area in addition to your indoor bedroom, living room and full kitchen. At 15,000 Wyndham Rewards points per night, that's a steal.

Southwestern Colorado is far less visited than Denver or the ski resorts near I-70, so if you make your way to Durango you're likely to find fewer crowds. The Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is one of the most popular attractions in the area, but the scenic "Million Dollar Highway" can be driven in the privacy of your own car.

Marriott's Willow Ridge Lodge

At first glance, Branson might scream throngs of people to you–after all, it's known for theme parks and nightly entertainment–but there's also plenty of nature and solitude in the Ozarks. At Marriott's Willow Ridge Lodge, you'll be well-positioned for day trips to Table Rock State Park, Indian Point Park and Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, among others. Plus, you'll have a private villa to retire to.

Standard rooms here are basic guestrooms, but Marriott Bonvoy allows you to book villas for extra points. For a mere 25,000 points, you can get a one-bedroom villa with a kitchen, dining, laundry and a furnished patio. If that's not enough space, you can upgrade to two bedrooms for 30,000 points. Either way, it's a steal, especially with the fifth night free on award bookings.

Wailea Grand Champions Villas, A Destination by Hyatt Residence

If a trip to Maui without a crazy price tag sounds good to you, you'll want to look at the Wailea Grand Champions Villas. One-bedroom condos cost just 20,000 World of Hyatt points per night and come with kitchens and private lanais so you can socially distance in comfort (not to mention how much you'll save compared to dining at Hawaiian restaurants).

No trip to Hawaii would be complete without a trip to the beach and the property is situated right at Wailea Beach. Walk the beach path for sea views and stay for sunset at least once. When you're ready for a change of scenery compared to the oceanfront, both Iao Valley State Park and Haleakala National Park are great day trip options where you can still find some solitude.

Bottom Line

Hotels don't have to mean you're cramped in a small room or constantly trying to avoid other people. You'll find plenty of hotels and travel destinations that offer personal space and amenities that make it feel like home. Factoring in points to cover the cost of your stay is truly icing on the cake.