World of Hyatt Overhauls Award Chart
World of Hyatt is making major changes to its loyalty program, and as you might expect, things are getting worse. Hyatt always announces category changes this time of year, but this years changes include five redemption levels for each category. With that change we’re also getting higher Standard and Peak pricing, although those tiers will have different names starting in May. There’s also a no-notice category change for seven properties, with more changes slated to be announced in April. Let’s go over all the details.
Five Tiers for Each Category
Starting in May, each hotel category will have Lowest, Low, Moderate, Upper and Top redemption levels. Hyatt says that “this update enables more precise alignment at the hotel level within clearly defined category caps, and the added levels allow the program to manage peak demand more precisely by reducing the need for broad increases or major category shifts in the future.”
World of Hyatt will says it will “implement the changes thoughtfully, with limited hotels moving a limited number of nights into the Upper and Top categories in 2026 and broader adoption in the years that follow.”
Standard Hotels
Currently, World of Hyatt has three different redemption levels for each Category, Off-Peak, Standard and Peak. Here’s the current pricing for each category:
Here’s how these categories will look starting in May:
It was already quite difficult to find Off-Peak pricing and I would assume that the same this will continue to happen once we switch to five redemption levels.
But Hyatt has not just increased the number of tiers for each category. Pricing has also jumped for comparable tiers. Standard rates in each category will be 20% to 38% more expensive. Peak rates will be up to 67% more expensive once we start calling them Top rates in May.
If you’re lucky to find those new Lowest rates, then you might be able to save a few points.
All-Inclusive Resorts
There are similar changes for all-inclusive properties. The most expensive all-inclusive now is 58,000 points per night. That will jump to 85,000 in May, a 47% increase.
Here’s the old chart:
And the new chart:
Miraval Resorts
And then Miraval Resorts. Here’s the old chart:
And the new chart:
You can see all the upcoming changes here.
Category Shift for Seven Hotels
As for hotels changing categories this year, Hyatt says that seven properties are shifting categories right away, with no prior notice. That includes:
- 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
- Grand Hyatt Incheon
- One hotels will shift up two categories:
- Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Resort & Spa, opening in 2026.
- One hotel will shift down one category:
- The Barnett, JdV by Hyatt.
World of Hyatt will also continue its established annual hotel category review process, with yearly category changes announced in April.
Other Changes
The press release also includes these upcoming changes:
- Hyatt says that later this year, members will be able to share points digitally, making it easier than ever to help a loved one begin their next adventure or turn a special occasion into a shared experience.
- Additionally, Explorists, Globalists, Lifetime Globalists and World of Hyatt Credit Cardmembers will enjoy early access to award night availability and more opportunity to plan ahead and turn points into memorable future getaways. More details coming soon.
Guru’s Wrap-up
This is a tough pill to swallow for Hyatt loyalists. By shifting from three redemption levels to five, Hyatt is effectively moving toward “dynamic-lite” pricing. While the addition of the “Lowest” tiers might offer minor savings for off-season travelers, the reality is that the new “Moderate,” “Upper,” and “Top” levels represent a significant devaluation for the dates most of us actually want to travel.
With Standard/Moderate rates jumping by up to 38% and Peak/Top rates skyrocketing by as much as 67%, the value of a Hyatt point is taking a serious hit. If you have a stay in mind, book it now.
Let me know what you think!
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