Key Points:

• World of Hyatt is expanding from 3 redemption tiers to 5 starting May 2026, with top-tier awards increasing up to 67% at Category 8 properties.
• Elite members (Explorist and above) and credit card holders will receive one month of early access to award night availability.
• Seven hotels are changing categories immediately, including Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman jumping two categories to Category 8.

World of Hyatt just announced the biggest changes to its award chart since peak and off-peak pricing launched in 2021. Starting this May, the program is expanding from three redemption tiers to five levels, significantly altering how you'll redeem points for free nights. While Hyatt insists this isn't full dynamic pricing, these changes will make many premium stays considerably more expensive.

If you've been eyeing award stays at top-tier Hyatt properties, the time to book is now before these changes take effect.

Understanding the New Five-Tier System

Currently, World of Hyatt uses a straightforward three-tier structure: off-peak, standard, and peak pricing. Starting in May 2026, you'll face five redemption levels across all eight hotel categories:

The New Redemption Tiers:

• Lowest
• Low
• Moderate
• Upper
• Top

This expansion creates a more nuanced pricing structure but also introduces significantly higher costs at the top end. Category 8 properties, which previously maxed out at 45,000 points during peak dates, will now cost up to 75,000 points in the Top tier—a staggering 67% increase.

Breaking Down the Price Changes by Category

The impact varies dramatically depending on which hotel category you typically book. Here's how the new structure compares to current pricing:

Category 1 Properties:

• Current range: 3,500-8,000 points
• New range: 3,000-10,000 points
• Best news: Lowest tier drops to 3,000 points (14% savings)
• Worst news: Top tier increases to 10,000 points (25% more expensive)

Category 4 Properties:

• Current range: 12,000-20,000 points
• New range: 12,000-25,000 points
• Moderate tier jumps from 15,000 to 20,000 points (33% increase)
• Top tier reaches 25,000 points (25% more than current peak)

Category 8 Properties:

• Current range: 35,000-45,000 points
• New range: 35,000-75,000 points
• Moderate tier increases from 40,000 to 55,000 points (37.5% jump)
• Top tier explodes to 75,000 points (67% increase from current peak)

Popular Category 8 properties like Park Hyatt Beaver Creek and Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo will become significantly more expensive during high-demand periods. If you've been planning a ski trip or beach vacation at these properties, booking before May could save you 30,000 points per night.

All-Inclusive Resorts Face Even Steeper Increases

The changes hit all-inclusive properties particularly hard. Category F resorts, which include stunning properties like Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets in Mexico, will jump from 58,000 points at peak to a whopping 85,000 points in the Top tier—a 47% increase.

All-Inclusive Category F (based on double occupancy):

• Current peak: 58,000 points
• New Top tier: 85,000 points
• Difference: 27,000 additional points per night

For a five-night all-inclusive vacation that currently costs 290,000 points at peak pricing, you could end up paying 425,000 points under the new structure—an additional 135,000 points total.

Miraval properties aren't spared either. A Moderate rate for a standard room with double occupancy will start at 70,000 points, up from 65,000 currently. Top tier rates will require 23,000 to 25,000 more points per night compared to current peak pricing.

Where You'll Find Savings (Yes, There Are Some)

Not everything gets more expensive. The new Lowest tier offers genuine savings at the bottom end:

Lower Redemption Costs:

• Category 1: Down to 3,000 points (from 3,500)
• Category 2: Down to 5,000 points (from 6,000)
• Category 5: Down to 15,000 points (from 17,000)
• Category 6: Down to 20,000 points (from 22,000)

If you're flexible with travel dates and can target these Lowest tier rates, you'll save 500 to 2,000 points per night at lower-category properties. That might not sound dramatic, but it adds up over multiple bookings.

The question is how often these Lowest rates will actually be available. Hyatt hasn't disclosed what percentage of nights will fall into each tier, which makes it difficult to assess whether these savings will offset the significant increases elsewhere.

The Big Unknown: How Often Will You Face Top-Tier Pricing?

Here's where things get murky. Hyatt confirmed that Upper and Top tier pricing will be based on "predictable demand patterns like seasonal travel periods, major events and sustained high occupancy." But there's no public cap on how many nights per property can be priced in these expensive tiers.

This creates uncertainty around your actual redemption costs. Will holiday weekends at popular properties automatically hit Top tier pricing? What about summer beach resorts or winter ski destinations during their peak seasons?

Hyatt's senior vice president of global marketing and loyalty, Laurie Blair, emphasized the program will "grow into this award chart over the next few years," with "limited adjustments" when the changes launch in May. She indicated broader changes will roll out gradually in subsequent years.

That suggests the most dramatic price increases might not hit immediately. But without firm commitments on tier distribution, it's hard to predict your redemption costs even six months from now.

Elite Members Get Early Award Access

The news isn't all bad. Starting in May, Explorist, Globalist, and credit card holders will receive one month of early access to award night availability. This gives you a significant advantage when booking popular properties during high-demand periods.

If you're currently sitting at Discoverist status, this change might motivate you to push for Explorist (30 qualifying nights). The early booking window could mean the difference between securing a Category 8 award at Moderate pricing versus watching it jump to Upper or Top tier by the time general members can book.

Credit card holders benefit without needing elite status, making the World of Hyatt Credit Card even more valuable. The $95 annual fee seems minimal compared to the potential savings from early access, especially if you regularly book premium properties.

Seven Hotels Change Categories Immediately

While most changes take effect in May, seven properties are shifting categories right now:

Moving Up:

• Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach (Thailand): Category 4 → 5
• Hyatt Centric Malta: Category 2 → 3
• Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort (Montenegro): Category 4 → 5
• Hyatt Place San Antonio-Northwest/Medical Center: Category 1 → 2
• Grand Hyatt Incheon (South Korea): Category 3 → 4
• Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Resort & Spa: Category 6 → 8 (jumping two categories)

Moving Down:

• The Barnett, JdV by Hyatt (New Orleans): Category 5 → 4

The Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman move is particularly dramatic. This property, opening in 2026, jumps from Category 6 to Category 8 before guests even check in. If you were planning to use a free night certificate there, that option just disappeared since certificates typically max out at Category 6 properties.

What This Means for Your Points Strategy

These changes demand immediate action if you have upcoming travel plans at Hyatt properties. Here's how to adjust your strategy:

Book Premium Properties Now:If you're planning stays at Category 7 or 8 properties, especially during traditionally high-demand periods (school holidays, major events, peak seasons), book those awards before May. You could save 15,000 to 30,000 points per night.

Accelerate to Explorist Status:The early award access becomes increasingly valuable as properties implement the five-tier structure. If you're sitting at 25 qualifying nights, consider mattress running or booking strategic stays to hit 30 nights before the changes take effect.

Consider the World of Hyatt Credit Card:At $95 annually, the World of Hyatt Credit Card delivers instant early award access plus automatic Discoverist status. The free night certificate alone typically covers the annual fee, and early booking access adds significant value. Learn more about maximizing this card's current welcome offer.

Target Lower Categories for Better Value:Category 1-3 properties will see more modest price increases and might offer better redemption value after May. If you're willing to sacrifice some luxury, these properties will stretch your points further.

Transfer Points Strategically:If you hold Chase Ultimate Rewards points, consider whether to transfer them to Hyatt before or after May. The answer depends on your specific redemption plans, but locking in current pricing for high-value redemptions makes sense.

Points Sharing Gets Easier Later in 2026

In better news, Hyatt will introduce digital points sharing later this year. Currently, you need to fill out a form, have both members sign it, and email it to Hyatt to share points. The new digital system eliminates this paperwork.

This change makes Milestone Rewards like Guest of Honor awards even more valuable. You'll be able to quickly share points with family members or friends without the administrative hassle.

No Credit Card Changes (For Now)

The World of Hyatt Credit Card and World of Hyatt Business Credit Card aren't changing their benefits at this time. However, Blair hinted at potential future changes, so don't be surprised if Hyatt adjusts credit card perks to align with the new award structure.

Current benefits remain:

• Free night certificate (Category 1-4 properties)
• Automatic Discoverist status
• 5 elite qualifying nights per year
• 4x points at Hyatt properties

If you've been considering these cards, the current benefits combined with early award access make them particularly compelling right now.

Why Hyatt Is Making These Changes

Hyatt positions this overhaul as strengthening "the long-term stability of the program." Translation: the current three-tier system wasn't generating enough revenue or controlling demand effectively at popular properties.

The five-tier structure gives Hyatt granular control over award pricing without moving to full dynamic pricing like Marriott. They can charge significantly more for high-demand dates while still claiming to maintain a published award chart.

Blair emphasized that Hyatt is "the only global hospitality loyalty program left that has a published award chart" and remains "very much committed to maintaining that fact." The new structure tests how far they can push pricing while technically keeping that promise.

How to Maximize Your World of Hyatt Points Before May

With these changes looming, now's the time to optimize your World of Hyatt earning strategy. Here are your best moves:

Stockpile Points Through Credit Cards:The World of Hyatt Credit Card currently offers 60,000 bonus points, while the business version provides similar value. These signup bonuses could cover multiple nights at premium properties before prices increase.

Book Speculatively:World of Hyatt allows free cancellation on most award bookings up to 48 hours before check-in. Consider booking high-value redemptions now even if your plans aren't finalized. You can always cancel and rebook if your dates change.

Use the Points Calendar:Hyatt's new points calendar feature makes finding award availability across entire months effortless. Use it to identify the best redemption opportunities before the five-tier structure launches.

Leverage Meetings and Events:If you're planning corporate events, weddings, or family reunions, the World of Hyatt meetings and events program offers a powerful path to elite status and bonus points that can offset these devaluations.

The Bottom Line on These Changes

Let's be honest: these changes make World of Hyatt awards more expensive overall, particularly at premium properties during peak periods. The potential 67% increase at Category 8 properties represents a fundamental shift in redemption value.

The silver lining is that Hyatt maintains some predictability through its award chart, unlike Marriott's fully dynamic pricing. You'll still be able to plan redemptions in advance and understand general pricing trends, even if the five tiers create more complexity.

Your best move right now is booking any planned stays at Category 6-8 properties before May. Even if you have to push your travel dates slightly or make somewhat speculative bookings, locking in current pricing could save tens of thousands of points.

For future bookings after May, focus on early access through elite status or credit card membership, target off-peak dates for Lowest tier pricing, and consider whether lower-category properties offer better value than paying Top tier rates at premium properties.

World of Hyatt remains a strong loyalty program despite these changes. The elite benefits, transfer partners, and property quality still deliver excellent value. But the days of relatively affordable premium awards are ending, and you'll need to be more strategic about when and where you redeem points.

Ready to lock in current award pricing before these changes hit? Learn how to maximize your World of Hyatt points and start earning free nights at today's rates.

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