Best Points Hotels to Book During Shoulder Season

After winter thaws but before summer heats up, traveling feels like a cheat code. Sure, spring weather can be a little humid or changeable in some places, but in others it can also be refreshingly sunny and comfortable, lending itself to both beach days and sightseeing. The same goes for fall, when warm summer temperatures and abundant sunshine can persist all day long giving way to warm weather at night.

The best part? Both spring and fall are typically when aspirational hotels can seem a little more attainable rate-wise: The summer crowds haven’t arrived yet or have already left, cash rates are lower, and you can embark on a getaway without demolishing your entire points balance in a single night.

Of course, the definition of Shoulder season will vary depending on destination.But there are plenty of hot spots, home to some of our favorite hotels, that offer dream spring vacations on a slightly more modest budget (and probably with fewer crowds). From Mediterranean gems to domestic getaways closer to home, these are some of the best hotels if you’re looking for a getaway during shoulder season.

Related: 8 European destinations that are better in spring than summer

Florence

Spring in Tuscany is as close to perfection as Europe is: warm but not hot, lively but not chaotic, and if you’re looking to immerse yourself in the Italian pinnacle of Renaissance grandeur, there’s nowhere better than Florence. He W Florence recently opened (featured in our list of the best new hotels of 2025) has given the city a modern, avant-garde and elegant touch.

Expect bold interiors, a classic W Living Room that vibrates from day to night, and a location steps from Florence’s top museums and landmarks, including the Duomo, Uffizi Galleries, and Ponte Vecchio. Don’t miss the partially covered patio, perfect for a small snack before dinner.

Rates in Florence Start at $507 or 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

The Wauwinet

Nantucket, both in spring and fall, seems like the island’s best-kept secret. Sure, there aren’t as many consistently hot and sticky beach days as there are in July and August, but during the shoulder seasons, the days are usually sunny and warm, the crowds are nonexistent, and the island’s flora and fauna are plentiful, like April’s signature daffodils. On the northeastern tip of the island, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, The Wauwinet seems like a private escape to those in the know. Picture it: morning coffee overlooking Nantucket Harbor, breezy bike rides, and long, indulgent lunches at the hotel’s popular restaurant, Topper’s (no arguing to make a reservation). And since the summer crowds haven’t taken up all the availability yet, you can expect rates to be less than half of what they will be in August.

Rates in The Wauwinet from $375 or can be booked through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts.

Under canvas Moab

Hiking enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts know: spring is the best time to visit Utah’s southern deserts, before the peak of summer brings oppressive heat. Under Canvas Moab offers a safari-style tether experience just outside of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. The comfortable, spacious tents are far from basic and feature adequate beds, wood stoves for those cold desert nights, and expansive views. Don’t miss the campfires with complimentary s’mores or the chance to see fantastic stars – this is a DarkSky certified venue.

Rates in Under canvas Moab Start at $169 or 16,750 World of Hyatt points per night.

Autocamp Sequoia

The melting snows in the Sierra Nevada mountains make spring in particular an exciting time to visit Sequoia National Park and nearby Kings Canyon National Park, where you’ll find roaring waterfalls, fresh vegetation, and a temperate climate. When fall arrives, the air becomes crisp, ideal for relaxing by a campfire after a long day of hiking. AutoCamp Sequoia offers a stylish base camp, with converted Airstream suites and modern cabins that balance a true camping experience with all the amenities, such as adequate bathrooms, comfortable beds with foam mattresses, and functional kitchenettes. There’s even a clubhouse where you can buy sunscreen, snacks, and other sundries. This is also a great option for those traveling with dogs or children.

Rates in Autocamp Sequoia Start at $260 or 131,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Andaz Miami Beach

While the Northeast is still experiencing a cold, wet spring or the cooler climates of fall, South Florida enjoys warm, sunny weather. Fresh off a $60 million renovation last year, Andaz Miami Beach is a fresh and contemporary option for those looking for a Miami Beach getaway.

The hotel has its own private beach, complete with cabanas with “popsicle finders” for on-demand ice cream delivery. This is a Miami Beach option for the modern traveler, less about nightlife and partying and more about rejuvenation and experiences: the fantastic Ondara Spa offers facials and massages, and the hotel’s bar and two restaurants are run by the acclaimed José André Group.

Rates in Andaz Miami Beach Start at $506 or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Waldorf Astoria New York

Has there been any hotel opening in recent memory that has generated as much buzz as the return of the Manhattan hotel? iconic Waldorf Astoria New York? After a year-long closure and a top-to-bottom reinvention, this Park Avenue icon welcomes guests again, this time with a crisper, more residential feel that trades in some of that old-world formality for something a little more current.

The essentials, of course, remain: think art deco details restored to their original brilliance, large public spaces worthy of New York, and an address that puts you in the middle of it all. The rooms are larger than most in Midtown and have a distinctly residential feel, making them feel more like glamorous apartments than traditional hotel rooms.

Spring is when New York likes to show off: the trees and flowers in Central Park and along Park Avenue are in bloom, the days are longer and the warm weather is ideal for long walks around the city, and rates can be a little more manageable than the peak holiday season and summer. The same goes for the fall months when, as we all know, there is nothing like fall in New York.

Rates in Waldorf Astoria New York Start at $1,407 or 150,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

Spring hits its peak on Kauai, after the peak demand of winter and before the family rush and high temperatures of summer. Visit during shoulder season and you’ll find better availability, lower prices, and a more relaxed pace throughout the island.

To the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & SpaThat means more room to relax at the resort’s sprawling pool complex (which features a lazy river and waterfalls) and on the beach. This is a solid Hawaii option for those who take their beach time with a side of adventure, too: The resort is adjacent to the Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course, a massive course and driving range considered one of the best in the state, as well as horse riding stables that offer guided trail rides along the ocean.

Rates in Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa Start at $843 or 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

The Cabo, a Thompson hotel

Cabo in spring is a different animal. The weather is reliably warm and dry, and the partying crowds of spring breakers and hordes of summer families have not completely taken over. And located just off the main street of Cabo San Lucas, The Cabo, a Thompson hotelIt is one of the most sophisticated and design-advanced accommodations in the area. Think raw concrete, clean lines, and unobstructed views of the ocean and The Arch from many of the rooms. There are two pools, one more social and one quieter, so you have options depending on your mood, and the hotel is well placed for day trips into the city for shopping and gallery visits. Don’t miss drinks at the rooftop bar, which offers a fun atmosphere at sunset.

Rates in The Cabo, a Thompson hotel Start at $550 or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Santa Monica Regent Beach

One of California’s favorite comebacks in recent years, Santa Monica Regent Beach is one of The most luxurious places in Los Angeles stay on the beach The property was previously a Loews-affiliated hotel with 340 rooms, but when it reopened as the Regent in late 2024, the renovation reduced the room count to 167, making even the entry-level rooms feel more like spacious suites.

Although technically a city hotel, this Regent offers a distinctly resort-like feel. There’s a Guerlain spa offering aromatherapy treatments, a Mediterranean restaurant, Orla, by celebrity chef Michael Mina, as well as a beautiful pool terrace overlooking the Pacific. The best of Santa Monica is right around the corner, whether it’s the Santa Monica Pier, Ocean Front Walk, or shopping on Third Street Promenade.

Rates in Santa Monica Regent Beach Start at $1,100 or 161,000 IHG ​​One Rewards points per night.

JW Marriott Creta Resort & Spa

Crete’s position on the Mediterranean means that summer starts a little earlier here than in other hotspots such as Italy’s Amalfi Coast and France’s Cote d’Azur, and lasts well into autumn. A visit in both fall and spring offers serene beach days and comfortable sightseeing while temperatures are not too high. Built into a hillside on the north side of the island, this stunning JW Marriott It offers fantastic views of the Cretan and Aegean mountains wherever you look.

The location is a selling point, offering proximity to both tourist attractions in nearby Chania and scenic hiking trails in Imbros and Samaria Gorges. Back at the resort, opportunities abound to relax, whether in the spa or in the privacy of your elegant room, many of which feature access to the pool or private pools. There are three main pools in the common areas, one of which is a children’s wading pool, and there are also free cabanas along the resort’s rocky beach.

Rates in the JW Marriott Creta Resort & Spa Start at $327 or 44,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.