Hyatt has announced a ‘thoughtful update to the program…’ or in non corporate marketing speak, huge devaluation.
5 Redemption Levels Per Category
Currently pricing split into 3 levels per tier (off peak, standard and peak). Under the new system it will be: Lowest, Low, Moderate, Upper and Top. They said that a limited number of hotels and a limited number of nights will move into the upper and top categories in 2026 with more to follow in later years. Some categories will have as much as 40,000 points per night difference between lowest and top pricing. The old and new charts can be seen below:
Award Changes Every April
Hyatt has committed to making changes to the category a property sits in every April. But some properties are changing category effective immediately: “five hotels will shift up one category (Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach, Hyatt Centric Malta, Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort, Hyatt Place San Antonio-Northwest/Medical Center and Grand Hyatt Incheon), one hotel with shift up two categories (Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Resort & Spa, opening in 2026) and one hotel will shift down one category (The Barnett, which is part of the JdV by Hyatt brand)”
F.A.Q’s
What will happen to free night certificates?
According to FM they will remain the same for now, for example you’ll still be able to use the category 1-4 certificates from the current credit card sign up bonus at all category 1-4 properties even if it falls under upper and top.
What will happen to upgrade certificates?
According to FM these will also remain the same
When do the changes go live?
Hyatt has said sometime in May, when pressed they said ‘sometime before the end of May’. I’d bank on May 1 and then it’s a happy accident if it happens later in the month.
Our Verdict
This is a huge devaluation with the standard pricing increasing by 20%-37.5% and a lot more room to move for properties without having to change category. Honestly this seems like they want to stick with their commitment to having award charts but also have the ability to still do dynamic pricing.
