Discover how World of Hyatt's Guest of Honor program lets you share elite benefits with friends and family. Learn the new 2025 earning requirements, how to gift awards online, and maximize value from this unique hotel loyalty perk that provides Globalist benefits starting at just 40 qualifying nights.
Last Updated: July 16, 2025
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Visit our Advertising Policy page for more details.
Imagine whisking your best friend away for a luxurious birthday weekend, treating them to complimentary breakfast buffets, swanky club lounge access, and even a surprise room upgrade overlooking the city lights. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, with World of Hyatt's exclusive Guest of Honor program, these VIP experiences become a reality – and you don't even need to be Hyatt's top-tier Globalist to share the love.
Unlocking a World of Possibilities
World of Hyatt offers a fantastic loyalty program with tiers ranging from Discoverist to Globalist. While the top tier, Globalist, unlocks a treasure trove of benefits, including priority check-in, guaranteed late check-out, and access to stunning club lounges, the Guest of Honor program has evolved to be more accessible than ever before.
Here's the game-changer: As of 2024, you don't need Globalist status to earn Guest of Honor awards. The program now operates on a milestone rewards system, meaning dedicated travelers can start sharing elite benefits much sooner in their Hyatt journey.
How to Earn Guest of Honor Awards
Gone are the days of unlimited Guest of Honor bookings for Globalists. The program now rewards consistent loyalty through specific milestones:
Milestone Thresholds:
- 40 qualifying nights or 65,000 base points: 1 Guest of Honor award
- 60 qualifying nights or 100,000 base points: 2 additional Guest of Honor awards
- 70, 80, 90 qualifying nights: 1 award each
- 110, 120, 130, 140 qualifying nights: 1 award each
Maximum potential: Up to 10 Guest of Honor awards per year for regular members, or 15 for lifetime Globalists who also receive 5 awards annually each March.
These awards are valid for the year you earn them plus an additional 14 months. So a Guest of Honor award earned in January 2025 remains valid through February 2027, giving you plenty of flexibility for future travel plans.
The Magic of Guest of Honor Benefits
Your guest will experience the full Globalist treatment during their stay of up to seven consecutive nights:
Premium Perks Include:
- Free breakfast for up to four registered guests (two adults and two children)
- Suite upgrades subject to availability
- Club lounge access with continental breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres
- Late checkout until 4 PM at most properties
- Waived resort fees on both paid and award stays
- Welcome amenities at select properties
- Priority service throughout their stay
A Feast for the Senses
Picture your guest's delight walking into a vibrant breakfast buffet brimming with fresh pastries, gourmet cheeses, and sparkling mimosas. Or imagine them unwinding in the club lounge, savoring exquisite hors d'oeuvres and refreshing cocktails as the sun dips below the horizon. These experiences await at properties like the luxurious Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun or the sophisticated Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach.
How Guest of Honor Works in 2025
Flexible Booking Options
Unlike the previous points-only system, Guest of Honor awards now work with:
- Cash bookings at eligible rates
- Points redemptions for standard rooms and suites
- Points + Cash combinations
The only restrictions? You can't use Guest of Honor awards with free night certificates or third-party bookings.
Simple Online Gifting Process
The 2024 updates made sharing awards incredibly easy:
- Log into your World of Hyatt account and click "My Awards"
- Select a Guest of Honor award and click "Gift"
- Enter the recipient's World of Hyatt number and last name
- Complete the transfer – they'll receive a confirmation email
Your recipient can then book their own stay and apply the award, whether they're using cash, points, or a combination.
Strategic Ways to Use Guest of Honor Awards
1. Treat Yourself to Globalist Status
If you've reached 40 nights but not yet achieved Globalist status, use a Guest of Honor award on your own booking to experience those premium perks firsthand. It's like a preview of what awaits when you reach top-tier status.
2. Create Unforgettable Memories
Guest of Honor isn't just about luxurious amenities – it's about creating lasting memories. Treat your parents to a romantic anniversary getaway, surprise your best friend with a birthday weekend in paradise, or thank a deserving colleague with a luxurious city escape in Seattle.
3. Maximize Your Elite Night Credits
Here's a insider tip: When someone uses your gifted Guest of Honor award, you receive one elite qualifying night creditregardless of how long their stay is. This means gifting these awards actually helps you maintain or achieve elite status faster.
Beyond the Hotel Room
The magic extends far beyond luxurious accommodations. Your guests gain access to hotel amenities like sparkling pools, rejuvenating spas, and state-of-the-art fitness centers. Some Hyatt properties even offer unique experiences like rooftop yoga classes, cooking demonstrations, or exclusive cultural events that you can book through Viator to enhance their stay.
Planning Your Guest of Honor Experience
Choose the Right Property
Not all Hyatt properties participate in Guest of Honor. The program works at most major Hyatt brands including Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Andaz, Hyatt Centric, and others, but excludes Hyatt Vacation Club properties and some partner hotels.
When selecting accommodations, consider browsing Hotels.com to compare Hyatt options with other luxury properties, then book directly with Hyatt to ensure Guest of Honor eligibility.
Timing Your Awards
With awards valid for 26 months from earning, you have flexibility to save them for special occasions or high-value redemptions. Consider using them during peak seasons when elite benefits provide maximum value.
Maximizing Your World of Hyatt Journey
Ready to unlock the magic of Guest of Honor? Start by understanding the complete World of Hyatt Awards Program to maximize your earning potential. Whether you're planning stays at urban gems like Hyatt Centric or seeking luxury on points, the Guest of Honor program adds incredible value to your Hyatt relationships.
The program transformation in 2024 democratized access to elite benefits, making it easier than ever to share the joy of premium hospitality. With strategic planning and consistent stays, you can create a cycle of memorable experiences that strengthen relationships while advancing your own elite status.
Getting Started with Guest of Honor
Visit the World of Hyatt website to track your progress toward milestone rewards and plan your next Guest of Honor experience. Whether you're gifting your first award or strategically using your tenth, remember that travel isn't just about seeing new places – it's about creating memories that last a lifetime.
Ready to elevate your stay and relationships? Start earning those milestone rewards and discover how Guest of Honor can transform ordinary getaways into extraordinary experiences for the people who matter most.
Bonus Tip: Check out the "Experiences" section on the World of Hyatt website to discover unique offerings at specific properties, like cooking classes in Tuscany or private boat tours in Thailand. These experiences can add an extra touch of magic to your Guest of Honor stays.
