It’s that time of year again. World of Hyatt has announced upcoming category changes of its properties.
Have a look at the list of changes in 2022 and 2023.
When will these changes come into effect?
The new categories will come into effect for bookings (not stays) made from 26 March 2024.
Here are a couple of examples:
- If you have made a booking before 26 March 2024, for a property that is going UP a category, you will not be affected by this change.
- If you have made a booking before 26 March 2024, for a property that is going DOWN a category, you will be refunded the difference in points.
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Recap: Redeeming Hyatt points
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 properties have fixed calendars of peak and off-peak dates. This means that award rates will not be affected by last-minute events held in a particular city throughout the year. This sometimes gives you the fantastic opportunity to book cheap stays during a major event!
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 even more points and a few great “lower-end” properties are going to cost cheaper on points.
Click here for the full list.
Notable properties going UP a category
Let’s start with the bad news.
Unfortunately, 7 properties from Suitesmile’s list of World of Hyatt Sweet Spots are going to cost more in points, for award stays.
These are some notable properties that will be going up a category and will be more expensive for points redemptions:
| Property | Before 26 March | From 26 March |
|---|---|---|
| Hyatt Regency Sofia | Category 1 | Category 2 |
| Hyatt Place London Heathrow Airport | Category 1 | Category 2 |
| Hyatt House Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport | Category 1 | Category 2 |
| Hyatt Place Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport | Category 1 | Category 2 |
| Hyatt Regency Bangkok | Category 2 | Category 3 |
| Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh | Category 2 | Category 3 |
| Andaz Abu Dhabi | Category 2 | Category 3 |
| Alila Diwa Goa | Category 2 | Category 3 |
| Andaz Bali | Category 4 | Category 5 |
Notable properties going DOWN a category
Now, for some good news.
Here are some notable properties that will be going down a category and will be cheaper for points redemptions:
| Property | Before 26 March | From 26 March |
|---|---|---|
| Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu | Category 2 | Category 1 |
| Hyatt Regency Cape Town | Category 2 | Category 1 |
| Hyatt Place Kyoto | Category 3 | Category 2 |
| Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay | Category 4 | Category 3 |
Bottom line
Sadly, 7 properties from Suitesmile’s list of Hyatt sweet spots will be devalued from 26 March 2024. To be honest, they were (almost) too-good-to-be-true award redemptions.
The good news? You can still book the current award rates, for future stays (up till April 2025), by 25 March 2024.
Furthermore, you can take advantage of Hyatt’s upcoming offer to stay in some of these properties for as little as 2,500 points per night!
To reflect these award changes, I will be updating Suitesmile’s list of World of Hyatt sweet spots soon. Stay tuned!