In the shifting landscape of hotel loyalty, one program stands apart. The World of Hyatt remains the only major player with a published award chart. This transparency is a huge benefit for members planning their travel.
However, the program’s annual update for the coming year brings significant adjustments. More than 150 properties will see their categories change. The majority are moving up, increasing the per-night rate.
This means your points won’t stretch as far at many popular destinations starting March 25, 2026. The average cost per night is set to rise by thousands of points. But there’s a strategic silver lining for savvy travelers.
While many costs are rising, 33 hotels are being downgraded. This creates new opportunities for incredible value. By targeting these newly affordable properties and traveling during off-peak periods, you can still unlock luxury at a lower cost.
We’re here to guide you through these important changes. Understanding the shifts now is crucial for maximizing your point balance. Let’s dive into the details.
Key Takeaways
- Hyatt is updating its award pricing structure, affecting over 150 hotels globally.
- The vast majority of shifts are category increases, raising redemption costs.
- A small group of properties is downgraded, creating new value opportunities.
- You can lock in current, lower rates for future travel by booking before March 25, 2026.
- Strategic planning for off-peak travel and downgraded hotel stays is key to maximizing points.
World of Hyatt Award Chart Changes 2026: An Overview
The calendar year brings predictable shifts in hotel redemption costs. The latest announcement sets the stage for strategic planning.
Key Dates and Upcoming Changes
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, March 25, 2026. All adjustments take effect at 8:00 am CDT. This deadline serves as the cutoff for locking in current rates.
We’ve tracked these annual movements since 2022. The pattern reveals important trends for members. Understanding this history helps predict future value.
Implications for Hyatt Members
These category shifts represent real changes to your travel budget. Popular destinations saw the most significant increases. Some premium locations will require thousands more points per night.
The good news? Reservations made before March 25 will be honored at current pricing. Members also receive automatic refunds for bookings at hotels moving down.
| Year | Properties Moving Down | Properties Moving Up | Average Point Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 76 | 70 | N/A |
| 2023 | 152 | 214 | 5,000 |
| 2024 | 46 | 137 | N/A |
| 2025 | 33 | 118 | 2,444 |
Lower-tier properties are disproportionately affected. Over 34% of upward movements are from Category 1 to 2. This trend impacts budget-conscious travelers most significantly.
Detailed Analysis of Category Increases
Looking at the individual properties moving to higher categories highlights where your points will lose the most purchasing power. The redistribution creates new pricing tiers that disproportionately affect popular vacation destinations.
Properties Moving Up in Award Categories
We’ve identified 118 properties facing upward category adjustments. Luxury destinations bear the brunt of these changes. Iconic hotels like the Grand Hyatt Tokyo and Park Hyatt Tokyo are jumping to the top tier.
Premium resorts in Hawaii, Japan, and Costa Rica show the most significant increases. The points-per-night requirement jumps by 10,000 or more at these sought-after locations. All-inclusive properties in Mexico and the Dominican Republic also face substantial price hikes.
Impact on Points per Night
The effect on your point balance is substantial. A property moving from Category 7 to 8 represents a 33% increase in the standard redemption rate. This could mean the difference between affording a stay and not.
Even modest increases compound quickly over longer stays. A seven-night vacation now requires thousands more points. These adjustments reflect broader market trends but challenge members’ savings for specific redemptions.
Spotlight on Properties with Hidden Deals
While most properties face higher redemption costs, a select group offers surprising savings opportunities. We’ve identified genuine value in these downward-moving hotels where your points gain purchasing power.
Examples of Hidden Award Deals
The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa drops from Category 7 to 6, saving you 5,000 points per night. This creates exceptional value for Hawaii vacations.
Several Grand Hyatt properties in Asia have also moved down to Category 4. The points requirement drops to just 15,000 per night, making luxury more accessible.
Benefits of Booking Early
Securing reservations now provides maximum flexibility. If you book before March 25, you’ll receive automatic refunds for any downward price adjustments.
This policy creates a risk-free opportunity to lock in availability. Your points balance is protected against future increases, while you may realize potential savings.
| Property | Old Points | New Points | Savings Per Night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyatt Regency Maui | 30,000 | 25,000 | 5,000 |
| Park Hyatt Doha | 20,000 | 15,000 | 5,000 |
| Grand Hyatt Sanya | 20,000 | 15,000 | 5,000 |
| Hyatt Regency Sonoma | 15,000 | 12,000 | 3,000 |
Changes to Free Night Certificates
For many members, the most immediate impact of these adjustments will be felt on their valuable free night certificates. These awards, earned through credit cards and elite status, have specific category limits. The upcoming shifts will significantly alter where you can use them.
Properties Affected by Certificate Changes
Eleven hotels are moving from Category 4 to 5. This puts them beyond the reach of popular Category 1-4 certificates. We’re personally disappointed to lose favorites like the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile and the Hyatt Regency Hong Kong Tsim Sha Tsui.
Luxury escapes are also affected. Properties like the Grand Hyatt Kauai are jumping to Category 8. This means they can no longer be booked with top-tier Category 1-7 certificates.
New Redemption Options and Strategies
There is a silver lining. Six properties are becoming newly eligible for Category 1-4 certificates. This includes the Park Hyatt Doha, offering a rare chance for a luxury free night.
We strongly recommend auditing your certificate inventory now. Book any stays at affected properties before the March deadline. This is your last chance to use certificates at gems like the Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya.
Strategic travelers should pivot to the newly eligible hotels. Properties like the Grand Hyatt Jeju offer fantastic value. Your certificates can still unlock incredible experiences with smart planning.
Regional Impact: Domestic Versus International Shifts
Geography plays a crucial role in understanding how these pricing adjustments will affect your travel plans. We’ve analyzed the data to show you which destinations are becoming more expensive and where your points may offer greater value.
The patterns reveal a clear trend. Established luxury resorts and major international cities are seeing the most significant increases.
Key Changes in U.S. and Other Regions
In the United States, the picture is mixed. Gateway properties like the Grand Hyatt at SFO are seeing upward movement. Yet, gems like Hotel Figueroa in Los Angeles are becoming more affordable.
Internationally, the shifts are more pronounced. The Peninsula Papagayo Resort in Costa Rica exemplifies this, jumping to the top category. This resort spa destination has become significantly more points-intensive.
Hawaii offers a strategic contrast. The Hyatt Kauai Resort (& Spa) is increasing to Category 8. Meanwhile, the Regency Maui Resort is decreasing, making Maui a smarter choice for point redemption.
All-inclusive hotels in Mexico and the Caribbean are also facing hikes. Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres and Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa will require 10,000 more points per night. The Montego Bay Resort & Spa in Jamaica follows this trend.
Asia and Europe are not immune. Nine properties in Japan are moving up, including major city hotels. European capitals like Paris, London, and Amsterdam will also cost more points to visit.
These regional patterns help you prioritize. Focus on destinations with downward-moving properties to maximize your point balance for future travel.
Optimizing Your Hyatt Rewards in 2026
Your points have more purchasing power right now than they will after March 25. We’re providing actionable strategies to maximize your redemptions before the deadline.
Booking Strategies Before March 25
Make reservations now for any trips you’re considering throughout the next year. The booking window extends through April 2026 for most properties.
Speculative bookings carry virtually no risk since they’re fully refundable. You can secure multiple properties at current rates and cancel later if plans change.
Prioritize properties moving from Category 7 to 8. These represent the largest increases, at 10,000 points per night.
Leveraging Refunds and Points Adjustments
Time is your most valuable asset here. Every day you delay can cost you thousands of points on the same stays.
If you book now at properties moving down, you’ll automatically receive points back after March 25. This creates a risk-free rebate for booking early.
Don’t forget that points transfer from Chase Ultimate Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. If you’re short on points for key bookings, you can quickly transfer additional points to complete reservations at lower rates.
Conclusion
The upcoming adjustments to the loyalty program present a clear choice: act now or pay more later. While seeing 118 hotels require more points is disappointing, the program’s foundation remains strong.
World of Hyatt maintains a significant advantage with its published award chart. This transparency allows for predictable planning, unlike competitors’ dynamic pricing.
We view these changes as a call to action. Booking before March 25, 2026, locks in a discount of approximately 2,444 points per night.
Your points are a powerful tool. Their ultimate value depends on how you use them. By focusing on strategic redemptions and timely bookings, you can continue to unlock incredible travel experiences.
FAQ
Q: When do the Hyatt award chart changes take effect?
Q: What is the most significant impact of these category adjustments?
Q: Are there any properties that will require fewer points?
Q: How will my free night certificates be affected?
Q: What is the best strategy for using points before the changes?
Q: If I book a stay now for 2026, will my points cost be protected?
