The Great Pacific Trip: Saipan and the Hyatt Regency Saipan

The Hyatt is a wonderful hotel that is only a category two. It seems like a great place to use points instead of earn, as it costs 10,000 points or $250 a night. Really you can’t go wrong with this hotel and even my wife’s Platinum status got us upgraded to a regency club room.

The property is beautiful. All rooms face in towards the pool, gardens, ponds and beach, and each room has a balcony that extends out for a better view. The room was very nice (decor wasn’t too modern though) and the bathroom was huge. The beach is of white powdered sand and the water is crystal clear… for 20 feet and then it’s a field of sea grass. I suppose it’s attractive for those who want to do the nearby water sports but on it’s own beach, not much to see or do.

*WARNING* Do not jump face first into the bed when you arrive. Dear goodness that is the hardest bed I ever did lay in. Apparently Japanese people like hard beds and the island is pretty much thriving on Japanese tourist. Hard beds is what they want and what they deliver.

The Club Lounge was 10 times better than the hotels in Guam. It not only had a larger balcony but a small private pool. The food was better, the server was better, it looked much nicer (cleaner, newer, more modern) and it was right next to my room. When I opened my door to walk out of my room I walked right into the club lounge. No doors to this club lounge as Regency Club rooms are in a separate building. It was very beachy, even in the lounge. Beachy is less fancy than a typical Hyatt but still a great hotel.

Saipan is a much smaller version of Guam. It’s more laid back and has a more island feel. The diving is supposed to be better in Saipan but neither snorkeling blew me away. We had a great time but mostly because of the friends we made. It wouldn’t be first on my list of islands but might favor Saipan over Guam.

P.S. There are local taxi companies you can call to shuttle you around for cheap but the regular taxi I got from the airport, only 3 miles away, cost $25.75! I was shocked and sweating before we left the airport. “Can you possibley discount the price, I didn’t know it would be so expensive.” I asked. He thought in silence and then said “don’t worry, I will discount.” and then added, “you know, the Hyatt is expensive too.” “Not if you pay with points.” I quickly replied. He rounded down to $20. YMMV.