Mike FriedmanEarlier this month, we noted a new promotion from Hyatt, which is my hotel program of choice. It is vital to take note of several changes to the World Of Hyatt Loyalty Program in 2020. Normally, I get very nervous when I see that a program is being “enhanced,” since the changes are almost always negative. In this case, though, the changes are relatively minor and not overly burdensome. Here’s an early look.
Peak? Off-Peak? What’s Your Pleasure?
We knew that Hyatt was looking into setting peak and off-peak seasons for its awards, but we didn’t know when. We do now: It’s March 22. If you’re really into details, it’s at 8:00 pm CDT. There will, of course, also be standard awards available. If you book before that date, you’ll be booking at today’s rates.
Changes to the World Of Hyatt Loyalty Program
Hotel Award Category Changes
Since not every hotel in a chain is the same, the companies assign each hotel a category based on its level of luxury and price. The higher the category, the more points it will cost for a free night. This is usually where I start to worry, but Hyatt’s annual changes are relatively benign.
Each year, Hyatt makes changes to its categories, with some getting more expensive and others dropping. I always get nervous around this time of year, since there frequently seems to be a disproportionate number of properties moving up.
This year isn’t bad, however. Out of the 217 hotels that are moving, 117 are going up and 100 are moving down on March 22. Hyatt also isn’t adding any more categories, which is another way that they can jack up the price. Maxing out Category 8 hotels? Just put in Cat 9!
Be Sure To Also Read:
The Best Hotel Program To Focus On
If You Spend A Lot Of Time In Las Vegas
Speaking of Luxury, How About More SLH properties?
Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) are a network of, well, small luxury hotels. They’re generally not in the big chains, so they don’t get the publicity that a Ritz Carlton would.
Hyatt has had an affiliation with SLH for some time now, although the number of hotels that it partners with varies. The good news is that they are adding another 50 tomorrow. These properties are a great way to spend your points if you are saving up for something nice.
Learn How to apply!
Up to 50,000 bonus World of Hyatt Points
The World of Hyatt Credit Card
Points and Cash Changes
Changes to the World Of Hyatt Loyalty Program
Hyatt currently has a redemption option for those of you who can’t decide whether you want to redeem points or pay cash for a stay. The P&C option allows you to pay half of what the cash cost would be and half of what the hotel would cost in points.
Often, though, the value wasn’t great, so Hyatt is making some small adjustments to the cash part of the equation. Now, instead of getting a 50% discount on the standard rate, you’ll get anywhere from 50-70% off. It can make a big difference for the expensive hotels.
