Emily Hochberg Contributor June 23, 2026 • 11 min read Jump to section Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy URL Email The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. While new hotels often steal the spotlight (and trust us, we love a brand-new hotel!) renovated hotels are also deserving of our attention — hear us out:
Unlike newly-opened hotels with expected kinks to work out, renovated hotels have been running well-oiled operations for years. And after a major facelift, they look a lot better doing it. They might even be cheaper in a bid to lure guests back after a noisy construction phase.
The best refreshes also do more than just tear out dingy carpeting. They toss worn furnishings and dated decor in favor of bold, contemporary, and design-forward style that's visible everywhere from the lobby check-in desk to a guest room nightstand. Often, enticing amenities are added, whether a new dining concept, a modern fitness center, or a revamped pool deck.
In the past year, many hotels quietly but thoroughly revived their surroundings, putting forth a new guest experience that begs a second look. Whether you once liked it but wavered on a repeat visit, hesitated to book a stay in the first place, or checked out feeling underwhelmed, these points-friendly hotels feel shiny and new, even though technically they're not.
Previous slide Next slide 1 of 3 CARLY HELFAND/THE POINTS GUY 0 1 2 In the fall of 2025, the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal debuted a spectacular remodel to the 24-acre resort perched on the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula. All 112 rooms, suites, villas, and casitas were redesigned , trading dark, dated decor for light and bright design accents, curated Mexican art, and tech-forward features (don't worry, the private plunge pools and free daily in-room happy hour were left intact). Elsewhere across the resort, upgrades extend to common spaces including the spa, gym, and pools, and new dining concepts were also added.
Rates at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal start at $770 or 220,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Previous slide Next slide 1 of 3 RACHEL CRAFT/THE POINTS GUY 0 1 2 Far from cookie cutter, this playful hotel in downtown Denver has curated a unique guest experience for years with pop culture-themed rooms and spaces. But just this year, The Curtis Denver completed a multimillion-dollar refresh that revealed brand-new themes, fully redone guest rooms and suites, and renewed meeting and event spaces. The new themes include entire floors devoted to animals, summer camp nostalgia, grade-school recess, retro arcade games, and game shows. Pick from standard rooms that pay homage to each theme, or hyper-designed rooms that incorporate whimsy into every inch with immersive and interactive design elements.
Rates at The Curtis start at $115 or 39,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Previous slide Next slide 1 of 3 CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY 0 1 2 Just in time to mark its 125th birthday, Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort fronting a prized stretch of Honolulu's Waikiki Beach, debuted a major renovation . The 79…