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Hyatt is revising its award chart for 136 properties, a move that will alter the points cost for free nights at hotels and resorts worldwide. The change takes effect on May 20 and will matter to anyone saving or redeeming World of Hyatt points.
What the May 20 update means for World of Hyatt members
The update will reassign 136 Hyatt hotels and resorts into new award categories. That affects how many points are needed for standard free-night redemptions. Members should review affected hotels to see if their favorite stays become more or less expensive in points.
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Key impacts to watch
- More points for some stays: A hotel moving up a category requires more points for the same night.
- Fewer points for others: Some properties will move down and cost fewer points.
- Redemption planning: Changes can affect free-night certificates and planned redemptions.
How to find which 136 hotels are changing
Hyatt typically publishes a list of properties and their new categories ahead of the change. Members can compare current and future award rates to estimate the difference in points for specific dates.
Steps to check affected hotels
- Log into your World of Hyatt account.
- Search the hotel you plan to use.
- Compare current points rates with the updated award chart or Hyatt’s announcement.
- Note dates where award inventory is available, since rates can vary by season.
Timing and booking strategies to avoid surprises
If a hotel you want is moving up in category, booking before May 20 can lock in the current points price for the reservation. Keep cancellation rules in mind when holding a points stay.
- Book now: Reserve a points night before the change if the new category will cost more points.
- Hold with caution: Confirm Hyatt’s cancellation policy for points reservations to avoid penalties.
- Use certificates wisely: Free night certificates have category limits. Check whether your certificate still applies after the change.
Alternatives if your preferred hotel rises in cost
There are options if a property becomes pricier in points.
- Search nearby Hyatt hotels that remain in a lower category.
- Consider paid nights and use points for upgrades instead.
- Split stays between hotels to reduce total points required.
- Look for promotional point offers or targeted bonuses from Hyatt.
How these adjustments affect elite members and benefits
Category shifts usually change only award pricing, not elite qualifications. But redemption patterns can affect availability and value for elite members who redeem frequently.
Preserve elite value
- Use suite upgrades and confirmed room benefits where possible.
- Book early to secure desirable room types on award nights.
- Track award charts to plan long-term redemptions.
Practical reminders before May 20
- Check Hyatt’s official announcement and the updated award chart.
- Audit your points balance and any free-night certificates.
- If you have a pending reservation, verify whether it is grandfathered at the old rate.
- Consider alternative dates or hotels if award space is limited.
