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Tag: world of hyatt

  • 2024 Hyatt Award Category Changes: What You Need to Know

    2024 Hyatt Award Category Changes: What You Need to Know

    Once a year, usually around late February, Hyatt announces a slew of hotel award category changes. So far, unlike their competitors which have all gone to fully-dynamic award pricing, Hyatt still maintains an award chart, and opts to make changes all at once, one time per year. This can lead to outsize value, particularly during peak times and large events.

    I predicted this would be the year Hyatt went fully dynamic, and luckily, Hyatt has disappointed me in the best of ways. Hyatt has released its annual list of category changes for 2024, and while undoubtedly, like most years, this represents a devaluation of the program, it’s not as bad as I think many of us were bracing for.

    At first glance, this sounds bad: 137 hotels are going up in category, and only 46 are coming down. However, the segments getting hardest hit aren’t the aspirational properties that are typically the target of these category changes. In fact, it seems to be the lower end of Hyatt’s portfolio getting impacted the hardest this time – which will be painful for me, as there will no longer be any Category 1 mattress run opportunities here in Tulsa. Hyatt Regency Tulsa and Hyatt Place Tulsa/Downtown both go up from Cat 1 to Cat 2, while that horrible old Hyatt Place in South Tulsa exited the system entirely to become a “Hyad” or a Homewood or something (a recent drive-by suggests it will be the “Hyde Park” and the cheap signage doesn’t exactly inspire confidence).

    These changes go into effect March 26, 2024 at 8am Central. Some key points to remember here:

    • Hotels moving from Category 4 to 5 will no longer be accessible using a Category 1-4 free night award – unlike Marriott, Hyatt does not allow “topping off” a free night certificate with points
    • Hotels moving down from 5 to 4 will become accessible using a Cat 1-4 certificate
    • Apply this same logic to Category 7 and 8 for the Cat 1-7 award certificates

    This means if you have any of these Cat 4 or Cat 7 properties on your radar that are going up a category, you should book now before the changes take effect and lock in the lower categories (and therefore the ability to use your FNCs). Just pay attention to any relevant cancellation policies.

    Some notable changes:

    • Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego from 4 to 5 (ouch)
    • Thompson Madrid from 5 to 6 (double ouch)
    • Grayson Hotel in Manhattan 5 to 6
    • GH Denver, HR Denver Convention Center, and HC Denver/Downtown all 3 to 4
    • Lost Pines & Gainey Ranch both go from 5 to 6
    • Thompson Chicago from 4 to 5
    • HR Lake Tahoe drops from 6 to 5

    I’m probably missing some but these are the ones that stick out to me at first glance. There are some that sting here, but am I the only one that was bracing for worse?

    First of all, I think Hyatt is still in damage control mode from losing SLH and MGM. That shrank their footprint… a lot. Mr. & Mrs. Smith should mitigate the loss of SLH a bit, but Hyatt needs to mitigate the perception that their program has been gutted. They’ve done about as decent of a job as I think any of us could have asked for on that front.

    The other thing is the economy, and broadly travel demand. The recent wave of layoffs and hiring freezes has sent a chilling effect through the travel world, causing demand to slow. As a result, there’s less need to artificially chill demand through devaluation.

    What do you think about these changes? Comment below.

  • Hyatt’s New Promo is Pretty Meh; Here’s How to Make the Most of It

    Hyatt’s New Promo is Pretty Meh; Here’s How to Make the Most of It

    Hyatt has announced its first global Bonus Journeys promotion of 2024, which runs from March 1st through April 30th. While Marriott’s promo offered 1,000 points and double elite credits per night, Hyatt’s new promo is pretty lukewarm by comparison. But there are still some ways to maximize your earnings and get some value out of it.

    The Details

    With Bonus Journeys, World of Hyatt members can earn 3,000 bonus points for every three qualifying nights (up to a total of 21,000 bonus points). This is valid at all Hyatt properties globally, including Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), which are still part of the program for now (though that’s changing).

    If you have either the World of Hyatt Credit Card or World of Hyatt Business Credit Card, you can earn an additional 1,000 bonus points for every three nights at properties in 18 international destinations. These include: Australia, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and Vietnam.

    Registration is required prior to your first eligible stay, and is open between February 22nd and April 15th. There is zero harm in registering, so even if your plans don’t include a Hyatt stay, we’d recommend everyone go ahead and register as soon as it opens so you don’t forget. The promotion is valid on your first stay. The good news is that nights are cumulative. You don’t need to stay three nights on one stay to earn the bonus points. Award stays count as well.

    Analysis

    If you max out this promotion over 21 nights in the selected international destinations and have a Hyatt credit card, you could potentially earn up to 28,000 bonus points. This is not enough to get excited about, but I value World of Hyatt points at approximately 2.0 cents per point, so if you are in a position to max out every requirement, you could potentially milk ~$560 in value out of this. I imagine most of us realistically won’t come close, if nothing else because the full value requires an extended international stay.

    This is a slower time of the year for travel. Hyatt knows this… that’s why these promotions tend to come at inconvenient times of the year. Sure, you’ll have the spring break crowd, but most of these people aren’t going to be spending 21 nights in Macau.

    We probably shouldn’t expect to ever see the Bonus Journeys promos of 2020 ever again. High inflation, high labor costs, and persistent demand for Hyatt’s quality product means there just isn’t an incentive for Hyatt to invest much in marketing anymore. I shudder to think about what this year’s category changes will look like, assuming they don’t go all-in on dynamic award pricing (which I think Hyatt very well might). We should know this relatively soon.

    Bottom Line

    Hyatt’s new promo is not very impressive, but it’s better than nothing. If you have some Hyatt stays planned in the next few months (or even if you don’t as there’s no penalty to register), you might as well register once it opens and earn some bonus points. But don’t go out of your way to chase this promo.

  • Hyatt Dumps SLH, Hilton Picks Up The Pieces?

    Hyatt Dumps SLH, Hilton Picks Up The Pieces?

    The past year has been rough for Hyatt on the partnership front. First MGM dumped Hyatt for Marriott. And the losses continue…

    Hyatt has just confirmed that it will end its partnership with Small Luxury Hotels (SLH) in the near future, while Hilton simultaneously announced a new partnership with the group of boutique and luxury properties. This is a huge loss for Hyatt loyalists, who could use their points and enjoy elite benefits at over 300 SLH hotels around the world. Some of these hotels were truly aspirational, such as the Grand Hotel Victoria in Lake Como, Italy, or the Calala Island resort on a private island in Nicaragua.

    At this time, World of Hyatt members can still book participating SLH Hotels on Hyatt’s booking channels, and nothing changes as of now for existing World of Hyatt member reservations. More information on the end of this relationship will be shared with guests and members in the coming months.

    Quote from Hyatt spokesperson (ht The Points Guy)

    The writing has been on the wall for some time that Hyatt and SLH would eventually break it off, especially with Hyatt’s acquisition of similar platform Mr & Mrs Smith (causing the company to cut ties with IHG), and now last month’s announcement of SLH’s new partnership with Capital One Travel. This alone seemed like an odd partnership, given SLH is undoubtedly a premium travel brand, and “premium” usually isn’t what comes to mind when we think about Capital One or their target audience (though admittedly they do seem to be trying with the Venture X?).

    But Hilton!?! I’ve written ad nauseam about the decline of what was once one of my favorite travel brands. Pre-COVID, I was all-in on Hilton, but the brand’s standards declined to the point where I switched to Hyatt and never looked back. The quality delta between Hilton and Hyatt, at least domestically, is tough to overstate. It really seems like Hilton has given up on competing with Marriott and Hyatt, and has instead decided to go duke it out with Wyndham, Choice, and Radisson, much like a struggling NCAA team moving to a lesser conference where they can easily beat the crap out of their new rivals.

    Hyatt says that it will focus on integrating more hotels from Mr & Mrs Smith, after announcing last year that the platform would be integrated into World of Hyatt in “early 2024.” However, the Mr & Mrs Smith portfolio is much smaller than SLH, and the integration has been very slow and limited so far. Hyatt also says that nothing changes for existing reservations at SLH hotels, but it’s unclear how long the partnership will last and when the last date to book will be. It’s worth noting that SLH has a standard set of on-property benefits for bookings through World of Hyatt, and Hyatt tier status is not otherwise honored; presumably, Mr & Mrs Smith will honor the full range of tier benefits.

    On the other hand, this is a great opportunity for Hilton to expand its luxury footprint, which currently consists of brands like Conrad, Waldorf Astoria, and LXR. Hilton says that it will add more than 200 SLH hotels to its portfolio, and that Hilton Honors members will be able to earn and redeem points, as well as enjoy elite benefits, at these hotels (unlike when they were partnered with Hyatt). This could make Hilton points much more valuable, especially if they price SLH hotels at reasonable rates and don’t exclude them from using free night certificates. Maybe I won’t need to cancel my Hilton Surpass Card after all?

    However, there are still many unknowns about the Hilton-SLH partnership, such as when it will start, how it will work, and what benefits will be offered. Hilton says that it will share more details soon, but I’m not holding my breath.

    What do you think of this news? Are you excited or disappointed by the changes?

  • From Guest of Honor to Milestone Rewards: Hyatt’s Loyalty Game-Changers

    From Guest of Honor to Milestone Rewards: Hyatt’s Loyalty Game-Changers

    Hyatt is ushering in changes to its World of Hyatt loyalty program in 2024, and the overall outlook appears positive for most of us. The alterations touch on various aspects, offering members increased flexibility and added benefits without significant devaluation. Here’s a breakdown of the key modifications:

    Guest Of Honor Becomes a Milestone Reward

    One notable change is the transformation of the Guest of Honor benefit. Formerly an unlimited Globalist perk, it will now function as a Milestone Reward. This means members can enjoy the privileges of extending their status to friends or family after accumulating a set number of nights. The initial milestone is reached at 40 nights, making the feature accessible even before achieving Globalist status at 60 nights.

    The Guest of Honor credits are applicable to both paid and award stays, broadening the scope of its utility. Additionally, when gifting this benefit to others, the giver earns an elite qualifying night upon the completion of the recipient’s stay. While the move introduces some limits on usage, the overall flexibility and transferability of the benefit have increased.

    Expanded Choices Every 10 Elite Nights

    Hyatt is enhancing its Milestone Rewards, extending benefits every 10 elite nights up to 150 nights. This change provides members with more options to tailor their rewards based on their preferences. Notably, this expansion presents a compelling incentive for elite members, giving them the flexibility to choose benefits that align with their travel patterns and priorities.

    More Suite Upgrades Available Earlier

    The suite upgrade landscape is also evolving, with more suite upgrades available starting at 40 nights and continuing up to 150 nights. This adjustment allows members staying 60 nights, for instance, to enjoy five confirmed suites instead of the previous four. Importantly, these suite upgrades become transferable, offering members greater flexibility in how they utilize this valuable benefit.

    Easily Gifted Awards

    A significant shift in Hyatt’s approach is the increased transferability of awards. Virtually all Hyatt awards, including free night awards, club access, suite upgrades, and Guest of Honor awards, can be easily gifted to others. This added flexibility enables members to share their rewards with friends or family, enhancing the overall value of the program.

    Meetings, Events, and Small Business Stays Earn Elite Nights

    Hyatt introduces changes to how elite nights are earned through meetings, events, and small business stays. The new program allows meeting planners, travel advisors, and small business program administrators to earn 2 qualifying nights for every $5,000 spent, up to 60 elite nights per year. This initiative provides additional opportunities for various stakeholders to accrue elite status credits.

    Hyatt’s Continued Evolution and Future Outlook

    The integration of Mr. and Mrs. Smith into the program adds a new dimension to Hyatt’s offerings. While specific details are yet to unfold, the move signifies a strategic expansion of Hyatt’s portfolio with carefully selected properties.

    The changes to the World of Hyatt loyalty program for 2024 bring a mix of positive enhancements. While some limits have been introduced, the overall trend is one of increased flexibility and additional choices for members. The program’s focus on maintaining a valuable and differentiated experience for members reflects Hyatt’s commitment to standing out in the competitive loyalty landscape. As Hyatt continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these changes will resonate with its diverse membership base.

    You can view the full press release here.

  • Are Hyatt Globalists Under 21 Entitled to Full Elite Benefits?

    Are Hyatt Globalists Under 21 Entitled to Full Elite Benefits?

    Hyatt Globalist status is the pinnacle of hotel elite status, offering a host of remarkable benefits that elevate your travel experience. If you’re like me, you treasure your Globalist status and all the perks that come with it, from those sought-after space-available suite upgrades to complimentary breakfast, 4 pm late checkouts, and even a dedicated My Hyatt Concierge once you’ve hit your 60th night. It’s a treasure trove of privileges, but what happens when a Globalist is under 21 years old? Do they still get to enjoy the full spectrum of Globalist benefits? A recent Reddit post in /r/Hyatt sheds light on this intriguing topic.

    Captain_nonsense3738 shared their experience during a stay at the Confidante Miami Beach, a property soon to become the Andaz Miami Beach. While the property has a minimum check-in age of 21, the front desk agent allowed this Globalist, who was under 21, to check in. However, things took an interesting turn as they were denied complimentary breakfast – a benefit they had rightfully earned as a Globalist. The agent also informed them that they couldn’t charge anything to their room, which meant they couldn’t utilize the $100 property credit from AmEx The Hotel Collection (THC).

    Update: Confidante Check-In Under 21
    byu/Captain_nonsense3738 inhyatt

    Now, let’s dive into some thoughts on this matter:

    Minimum Check-In Age: It’s reasonable for the hotel to waive the minimum check-in age for a Globalist. These travelers have displayed loyalty to Hyatt and have built a history with the chain that vouches for their trustworthiness.

    Breakfast Benefit: Refusing breakfast was a misstep. Breakfast is a well-earned benefit, and the excuse of being unable to charge it to the room isn’t sufficient. The hotel could have found an alternative way to provide breakfast, such as a voucher. It’s always puzzled me why domestic Hyatt hotels tend to require Globalists to charge to their folio and then manually remove the charge later; any foreign Hyatt property I’ve ever visited, the hotel restaurant usually receives a list of Globalists currently on property, and they simply don’t charge you. Maybe this has to do with American tipping culture, as a room charge gives you the opportunity to write down a specified gratuity amount on a receipt?

    Room Charges: The decision to restrict the guest from making room charges, assuming they provided a valid credit card with enough available credit for the deposit, seems unnecessary. While it’s unclear which card was used to pay, the post implies that it might have been an AmEx Platinum, which typically doesn’t come with a preset credit limit and is typically issued only to those with excellent credit.

    Age Restrictions: The only valid reason to modify or deny a Globalist benefit due to age might be in cases involving alcohol, especially in the United States, where the legal drinking age is among the highest in the world. For instance, a complimentary mimosa at breakfast could be legally problematic in some jurisdictions.

    It’s always surprising how, in the United States, one can make life-altering decisions and even enlist in the military at 18, but can’t enjoy certain privileges like drinking alcohol or checking into many hotels until 21. The age restrictions seem arbitrary in many cases.

    In the case of this Redditor, it appears that the hotel made some questionable decisions. Globalist benefits are earned and should be honored, irrespective of age. If the hotel is willing to check in a Globalist under 21, they should be prepared to extend the full array of benefits that come with the coveted Globalist status. It’s an interesting topic to consider, and it’s clear that there’s room for improvement in how these situations are handled, especially when it comes to ensuring that Globalists get the full experience they’ve earned.

    What do you think about this situation? Have you encountered similar issues when traveling as a Globalist? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

  • Should You Wait to Hit that 60th Elite Night with Hyatt?

    Should You Wait to Hit that 60th Elite Night with Hyatt?

    Hyatt Globalist status is, without a doubt, the crown jewel of hotel elite statuses, and possibly one of the most valuable elite statuses across the board. With a slew of perks that make your hotel stays leaps and bounds better, it’s a highly sought-after status. Space-available suite upgrades, club lounge access, complimentary breakfast at all hotels, 4 pm late checkout, no resort fees even on cash stays, free parking on award stays, and being assigned a dedicated My Hyatt Concierge (after your 60th night). It’s a traveler’s dream come true.

    But today, we’re here to discuss a lesser-discussed benefit that comes with hitting that magical 60-night threshold: the annual Category 1-7 free night certificate. This milestone award can be worth potentially thousands of dollars depending how it’s used, but its timing can make all the difference. And Hyatt has some room to do better here.

    Here’s the deal: the Category 1-7 certificate is issued when you reach 60 nights, coincidentally the same threshold for achieving or renewing your Globalist status. However, a key point to remember is that this certificate is technically considered a milestone award and not a direct benefit of Globalist status (just like the My Hyatt Concierge benefit). So, if you obtained your Globalist status through Bilt Rewards or a corporate challenge, you won’t receive it unless you later hit the full 60 nights.

    The Category 1-7 certificate isn’t your run-of-the-mill free night certificate, as it’s considerably rarer than the more common Category 1-4 certificates. You can only obtain one Category 1-7 certificate per year, and it’s issued soon after your 60th night posts in your account. The catch is, it’s only valid for six months, and the clock starts ticking the moment it’s issued. To make matters worse, it’s not enough to just book a stay before the expiration date; you must actually complete your stay by that date, just like all Hyatt free night certificates.

    Now, here’s where the timing aspect comes into play. If you’re already a Globalist and you don’t have immediate plans to use that certificate, it might be in your best interest to pace yourself and time your 60th night closer to December 31st, which is the deadline to earn elite nights for the Hyatt membership year. Just remember you have to check out before the ball drops on Times Square in order to avoid inadvertently crediting those nights towards next year.

    For example, if you hit your 60 nights today, you’ll have to complete your stay by mid-April. However, if you strategically time your 60th night for December, you could potentially use your Category 1-7 certificate as late as June.

    Hyatt has some serious room for improvement regarding this aspect of their program. By tying the certificate’s expiration date to when you achieve an elite night milestone, it could unintentionally create a situation where a loyal member is actually discouraged from staying at a Hyatt to avoid triggering the certificate’s premature issuance. Hyatt could consider making changes to address this issue.

    One way to do this would be to make the certificates valid until the end of the following calendar or membership year (December 31st or February 28th, respectively). Alternatively, extending the certificate’s validity to a full 12 months, similar to how several of the Hyatt free night certificates already are (such as those from the World of Hyatt Credit Card by Chase), could give Globalists greater flexibility in planning their stays.

    The Category 1-7 free night certificate is a valuable perk that comes with achieving 60 elite nights with Hyatt. However, the timing of when you earn this milestone can significantly impact its usefulness. Hyatt could make a few adjustments to their program to provide more flexibility and ensure that loyal members can fully enjoy the benefits of their milestone awards. So, if you’re on the path to 60 elite nights with Hyatt, it might be worth pondering whether to wait a little longer before hitting that milestone.

  • Last Call: World of Hyatt Elite Members, Secure Your AAdvantage Instant Status Pass

    Last Call: World of Hyatt Elite Members, Secure Your AAdvantage Instant Status Pass

    If you’re a World of Hyatt elite member and you haven’t heard about the American AAdvantage Instant Status Pass yet, you’re in for a treat. The clock is ticking, and there’s only one day left to take advantage of this fantastic offer. So, let’s get straight to the details.

    The AAdvantage Instant Status Pass

    If you’re a loyal member of both World of Hyatt and AAdvantage, you’re in luck. American Airlines is offering complimentary AAdvantage status to World of Hyatt Explorist and Globalist members. All you need to do is link your World of Hyatt and AAdvantage accounts and register for this promotion before October 12, 2023.

    Here’s what you can expect:

    1. Explorist Members: You’ll receive complimentary AAdvantage Platinum status.
    2. Globalist Members: You’ll be upgraded to AAdvantage Platinum Pro status.

    This elite status will be yours for four months after registration. And the best part? You can extend it for an additional four months through specific activity.

    Maintaining Your AAdvantage Status

    To keep enjoying your AAdvantage status, here’s what you need to do during the qualifying four-month period:

    • Explorist Members: Earn at least 25,000 Loyalty Points to maintain AAdvantage Platinum.
    • Globalist Members: Aim for at least 42,000 Loyalty Points to hold onto your AAdvantage Platinum Pro status.
    • If you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can even earn AAdvantage Executive Platinum status by reaching 67,000 Loyalty Points.

    The icing on the cake is the opportunity to extend your status for an entire membership year after completing three consecutive four-month “qualifying phases.”

    How to Register

    To get started, head over to the link provided on Hyatt’s official page to connect your Hyatt account to your AAdvantage account. If your accounts are already linked, check out the “Promotions” tab in your AAdvantage account for the registration details.

    Important Notes

    Before you jump in, take note of a couple of important points:

    • You can’t participate in an offer for the same or lower status during the same membership year. So, choose wisely.
    • If you’ve enrolled in the Instant Status Pass™ in the previous 24 months, you won’t be eligible for this promotion.

    A Growing Trend

    For those of you who’ve been in the loop, you might recall that AA and Hyatt ran a similar promotion last year, which gained significant popularity. It seems like more travelers have been targeted this year, so you won’t want to miss out. This joint promotion is an extension of a wider partnership between the airline and hotel group, allowing elite members in both programs double-dipping opportunities on revenue flights and hotel stays (the latter of which also counts towards Loyalty Points with AA).

    So there you have it, folks! The clock is ticking, and you’ve got just one day left to make the most of the AAdvantage Instant Status Pass. If you’re a World of Hyatt elite member, this is an offer that could elevate your travel game for months to come. Don’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers. Register now and enjoy the perks of elite status. Safe travels!

  • Is a Massive World of Hyatt Devaluation and Dynamic Pricing on the Horizon?

    Is a Massive World of Hyatt Devaluation and Dynamic Pricing on the Horizon?

    In the ever-evolving world of hotel and airline loyalty programs, one program has stood as a beacon of consistency: World of Hyatt. As other major hotel chains switched to fully dynamic award pricing, Hyatt remained the last stronghold with its steadfast award chart, and a consistent dedication to its members and good customer service. As a Hyatt Globalist member, their program has been the only one I’ve ever participated in where “loyalty” truly feels like a two-way street; it’s a relationship built on trust, and they’ve simply always done right by me. There’s a lot to be said for that. However, recent developments have raised questions about the future of Hyatt’s award program. Could a massive devaluation and a shift to dynamic pricing be imminent? Let’s take a closer look.

    Hyatt’s Mini-Dynamic Shift
    Last year, Hyatt introduced a “mini dynamic” element to its award pricing by adding peak and off-peak redemption rates. While this signaled a shift away from the traditional fixed-price award chart, Hyatt managed to keep the number of nights classified as peak to a relatively fair percentage. This was a commendable effort, especially when compared to competitors like Hilton, whose dynamic pricing turned Hilton Honors points into the SkyPesos (SkyRubles?) of the hotel industry. Even with Hyatt’s changes, there are still plenty of opportunities to get outsize value out of your Hyatt points; just maybe not as plentiful as in 2021.

    Hyatt’s Relative Stability
    Despite the rapidly changing travel landscape in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hyatt has remained relatively steadfast in its loyalty program structure, while airlines and other hotel chains have largely devalued their programs to varying degrees, possibly to get liabilities off the books in the wake of COVID-induced financial losses. In the world of loyalty programs, prolonged periods without significant changes often foreshadow impending upheavals on the horizon.

    Signs of a Transition
    Several signs suggest that Hyatt may be on the brink of fully embracing dynamic pricing:

    • The introduction of peak and off-peak pricing in 2022 marked the beginning of this shift, signaling that Hyatt isn’t fully opposed to the concept of dynamic pricing.
    • Hyatt’s once simple award chart has now evolved into three separate charts, each with its own quirks (and of course, separate columns for peak, standard, and off-peak dates).
      • The original hotel award chart with numeric categories 1-8, where some properties, like Park Hyatt Paris Vendome, have moved up to category 8 for the first time. While category 8 isn’t technically a new category, it has historically been reserved for partners like Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH); only recently has Hyatt elevated any of its own properties to this category.
      • An all-inclusive award chart using lettered categories A-F, which also specifies pricing for additional guests.
      • Yet another award chart for Miraval resorts, based entirely on room type rather than any form of category system.
    • The addition of “Homes and Hideaways,” a short-term home rental platform similar to Marriott Homes & Villas and Airbnb. While earning & redeeming Hyatt points for home rentals sounds intriguing, it raises questions about how these unique accommodations fit into a traditional award chart. My guess? They won’t, and Hyatt likely never planned on that.

    The complexity of managing these multiple award charts and the introduction of Homes and Hideaways might indicate a transition away from fixed award charts to fully dynamic pricing. The award charts are just getting too messy and complex, which to me begs the question of not if, but when Hyatt will give up on adding additional layers of complexity and go all-in on dynamic pricing.

    Hyatt’s New Reservations System
    Keen observers have noted that Hyatt’s pending shift to the SABRE Global Distribution System (GDS) could play a pivotal role in facilitating a transition to a fully dynamic pricing model. This move to a more sophisticated and adaptable GDS system could provide Hyatt with the technological infrastructure needed to efficiently manage and update award pricing in real-time, enhancing the feasibility of dynamic pricing implementation. As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, this technological upgrade may indeed be a key component in Hyatt’s potential shift toward a more punitive flexible award pricing structure.

    The Fate of Category 1-4 Free Night Certificates
    If Hyatt were to adopt fully dynamic pricing, it raises questions about the fate of Category 1-4 (and Category 1-7) free night certificates. A likely outcome could be fixed cap on the value (in points) of each certificate, similar to what Marriott Bonvoy does with certificates. Marriott’s certificates tend to be capped at 35,000 points; however, as Hyatt points are much more valuable, it’s likely the caps would look more similar to today’s categories 4 and 7, respectively (the question is: will they follow standard or peak?).

    When Can We Expect These Changes?
    Historically, Hyatt has made category changes and devaluations every March, rarely straying from this pattern. While dynamic pricing may not be the most welcome change, we can hope that Hyatt, known for its fair practices and consistency in treating its members well, will implement it in a more equitable manner than some of its competitors.

    While Hyatt has held its ground as the last major hotel chain with an award chart, recent developments suggest that change may be on the horizon. As we move forward, it’s essential for Hyatt loyalists to keep a close eye on developments – and perhaps a speculative booking or two wouldn’t hurt, either.

  • Super Original: Hyatt Launches Vacation Rental Platform

    Super Original: Hyatt Launches Vacation Rental Platform

    Hyatt is dipping its toes into the vacation rental market with the launch of “Homes & Hideaways by World of Hyatt.” It seems like everyone wants a piece of the short-term rental pie these days, and Hyatt is no exception. While I doubt many people are shocked by this move, it’s worth taking a closer look to see if it’s anything to get excited about.

    First things first, let’s break down what we know. The platform is set to launch soon, but Hyatt is keeping most of the details under wraps for now. What we do know is that World of Hyatt members will be able to use their points for stays at these vacation rentals and even earn elite nights. As for the specifics of the benefits and redemption rates, we’ll have to wait a bit longer for those details to emerge.

    Hyatt’s pitch here is all about flexibility. They want to cater to the diverse needs of their guests, particularly Millenial and Gen Z guests who tend to favor peer-to-peer home rentals over traditional hotels, by offering a range of premium vacation rentals. Initially, the focus will be on leisure destinations in the United States, including popular destinations like Hawaii and Colorado, but there are plans to expand globally down the road.

    Amy Weinberg, Hyatt’s SVP of Brand, Loyalty, and Data, talks a big game about this development, saying they’re committed to providing accommodations that go beyond their hotels. She mentions catering to large families and remote workers looking for extended stays. Sounds promising, but we’ll have to see if they can deliver on these promises.

    “We are committed to evolving access to the type of accommodations World of Hyatt members are seeking that go beyond our hotels – from a large family who travels together or guests looking to work from anywhere for an extended period of time. Homes & Hideaways by World of Hyatt brings a unique collection of curated homes which increases Hyatt’s home offerings and expands new ways and new places where we can extend care to members.”

    Amy Weinberg, SVP of Brand, Loyalty, and Data

    Now, let’s put this in perspective. Hyatt isn’t the first hotel group to venture into the vacation rental space. Marriott has its own “Homes & Villas by Marriott” platform, and it’s been around for a while. So, Hyatt is playing catch-up here, and they’re likely hoping to capture a piece of the pie.

    But let’s be real for a moment. Don’t expect this to be a game-changer or a haven of luxury. In all likelihood, many of these vacation rentals will just be properties you could find on Airbnb or Vrbo but listed in yet another place. And while earning and redeeming points is a nice touch, don’t expect this to be a groundbreaking deal. Additionally, with many popular locales beginning to adopt ordinances against short term rentals, one has to wonder if Hyatt is launching this platform just as the bubble is bursting on home rentals.

    It’s good to see Hyatt trying to adapt to changing travel trends, but we should approach this with a healthy dose of skepticism. We’ll keep an eye on how “Homes & Hideaways by Hyatt” unfolds and whether it can truly compete in the vacation rental market. In the meantime, if you’re looking for a vacation rental, you might want to stick with the tried-and-true options until Hyatt proves itself in this new arena. (h/t One Mile at a Time)

  • Hyatt’s Q4 Bonus Journeys Promo: A Mild Offer for a Busy Travel Season

    Hyatt’s Q4 Bonus Journeys Promo: A Mild Offer for a Busy Travel Season

    If you’re a loyal Hyatt enthusiast, you’ve probably got your sights set on their latest promotion, the Q4 Bonus Journeys. As the year winds down, Hyatt is offering a chance to score some extra points for your stays. Let’s dive into the details and see if this promo is worth your while.

    The Basics: Earn 3,000 Bonus Points for Every 3 Nights

    From October 6 to November 30, 2023, Hyatt is running the Q4 Bonus Journeys promotion. The concept is simple: for every three nights you stay at a participating Hyatt property, you’ll pocket an extra 3,000 bonus points. It’s a straightforward offer that can add some extra points to your World of Hyatt account.

    Extra Perks for Cardholders

    Now, if you’re a World of Hyatt cardmember, whether you have a personal or business card, there’s an added layer of icing on the cake. You can potentially snag an additional 1,000 bonus points for every three nights stayed at select properties. Crunch the numbers, and you could be looking at a grand total of 1,333 points per night if you max out the promo.

    Registration and Stay Details

    Before you rush off to book your Hyatt stays, remember that registration is mandatory. Make sure you sign up between September 12 and November 10, 2023. Bonus points will be earned on stays with checkout dates between October 6 and November 30, 2023. So, even if you don’t currently plan to take advantage of this offer, there’s no penalty for registering. We recommend everyone go ahead and register—you never know when your travel plans might align with the promotion.

    Where Can You Earn?

    Now, let’s talk about where you can cash in on this bonus bonanza. The main promotion covers stays at all Hyatt properties, including Small Luxury Hotels of the World locations and Lindblad Expeditions in Europe, when you book direct with Hyatt. However, the credit card promotion, with its extra 1,000 points, is only available at select properties. So, make sure to check the fine print.

    Pre-booked & Award Stays Count

    Good news for all Hyatt aficionados out there: every stay counts. Whether you booked directly with Hyatt, even before the promo started, or enjoyed an award stay, you’re in the game. The catch? Your check-out dates must fall between October 6 and November 30, 2023.

    Maximum Points and Room Limit

    Now, how much can you really rack up with this promotion? Well, the ceiling is set at 21,000 World of Hyatt bonus points on the base promotion, and 7,000 bonus points on the credit card promotion, for a maximum of 28,000 points. That’s good for a standard night at a Category 6 property, or up to 8 off-peak nights at Category 1 properties. To hit that milestone, you’d need to spend 21 nights at eligible hotels. Keep in mind, though, that only one room can qualify per stay. So, while you can earn points for multiple rooms, the bonus points are based on a single room.

    Final Thoughts

    In the grand scheme of things, the Q4 Bonus Journeys promo might not set the world on fire. It’s not the most dazzling offer we’ve seen from Hyatt, especially when compared to previous years. However, it’s essential to remember that the travel industry is on a rocket ship right now, with demand at all-time highs. So, maybe Hyatt doesn’t need to pull out all the stops to lure travelers.

    Nonetheless, in a world where every point counts, this promo is still a welcome addition for loyal Hyatt fans. It might not be the most extravagant offer, but it’s certainly better than nothing. So, if you’ve got some Hyatt stays planned for the Q4 period, be sure to register and make the most of those bonus points. Happy travels!