World of Hyatt announced an upcoming category changes of its hotels.
When will these changes come into effect?
The new categories will come into effect for bookings (not stays) made from 22 March 2022.
Here are a couple of examples:
- If you make a booking for a property that is going UP a category before 22 March, you will not be affected by this change.
- If you make a booking for a property that is going DOWN a category before 22 March, you will be refunded the difference in points required.
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Recap: Redeeming points at Hyatt hotels
You do not need to have an elite membership status to enjoy the amazing World of Hyatt sweet spots. Members can also purchase Hyatt points at good value all year round.
Hyatt recently added peak and off-peak rates to its award chart.
Hyatt properties have fixed calendars of peak and off-peak dates. This means that award rates will not be affected by events held in a particular city throughout the year.
Related: HUGE discount at Andaz Abu Dhabi during F1 weekend in 2022
Here’s a recap of how World of Hyatt’s award chart looks like:
| Category | Off Peak | Standard | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3,500 | 5,000 | 6,500 |
| 2 | 6,500 | 8,000 | 9,500 |
| 3 | 9,000 | 12,000 | 15,000 |
| 4 | 12,000 | 15,000 | 18,000 |
| 5 | 17,000 | 20,000 | 23,000 |
| 6 | 21,000 | 25,000 | 29,000 |
| 7 | 25,000 | 30,000 | 35,000 |
| 8 | 35,000 | 40,000 | 45,000 |
Which properties are affected?
In general, some ultra luxury properties are going to cost more points and some great “lower-end” properties are going to be ridiculously cheap.
Notable properties going UP a category
Let’s start with the bad news.
These are notable properties that will be going up a category and will be more “expensive” for points redemptions:
| Property | Before 22 March | From 22 March |
|---|---|---|
| Hyatt Regency Malta | Category 2 | Category 3 |
| The Wellem | Category 3 | Category 4 |
| Park Hyatt Istanbul | Category 4 | Category 5 |
| Alila Ventana Big Sur | Category 7 | Category 8 |
| Park Hyatt Paris | Category 7 | Category 8 |
| Park Hyatt Kyoto | Category 7 | Category 8 |
| Park Hyatt New York | Category 7 | Category 8 |
6 of the 7 properties above are in Suitesmile’s list World of Hyatt sweet spots.
Unfortunately, only Alila Ventana and Park Hyatt Kyoto will remain as sweet spots after this change.
The category change of Park Hyatt Istanbul feels painful too as World of Hyatt members could redeem a Category 4 free night cert at this property.
Alila Ubud and the low-quality Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights have been in the wrong category for years now. These properties will finally get downgraded to Category 2.
Notable properties going DOWN a category
Now for the good stuff!
These are notable properties that will be going down a category and will be “cheaper” for points redemptions:
| Property | Before 22 March | From 22 March |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Hyatt Bali | Category 2 | Category 1 |
| Hyatt Regency Bali | Category 2 | Category 1 |
| Hyatt House Kuala Lumpur | Category 2 | Category 1 |
| Hyatt Regency Dubai | Category 2 | Category 1 |
| Hyatt Place Frankfurt Airport | Category 2 | Category 1 |
| Hyatt Place Amsterdam Airport | Category 2 | Category 1 |
| Hyatt Place London Heathrow | Category 2 | Category 1 |
| Hyatt Place West London Hayes | Category 2 | Category 1 |
| Grand Hyatt Bangkok | Category 3 | Category 2 |
| Hyatt Regency Bangkok | Category 3 | Category 2 |
| Hyatt Regency Amsterdam | Category 5 | Category 4 |
Looking at the average nightly rates, it is shocking that some of these properties are going to be in Category 1.
Being in Category 1 means that you can stay a night in these properties for as little as 3,500 points (worth US$53) on off-peak nights! Some of them have Club Lounges for Globalist members to enjoy and even direct access to a huge, beautiful beach.
Hyatt Regency Amsterdam’s lowered category makes it a great option to use Category 4 free night awards, especially in summer months when rates are high.
Bottom line
It is becoming clear that Category 1 and 2 properties are where you would find most value for World of Hyatt award redemptions.
I will be updating Suitesmile’s list of World of Hyatt sweet spots soon. Stay tuned!