World of Hyatt just announced some changes coming in March 2020. Just like other major hotel brands, Hyatt will now have peak and off-peak pricing for points redemptions. Instead of a flat rate of 5000 points for Category 1 hotels, the price will range from 3500 to 6500 points. You can see all the details here.
If you have a reservation and the points price decreases in March, Hyatt will refund you the difference. If the points price goes up, your rate will be locked in if you book before March.
Edited to add more details from One Mile at a Time:
- Free night redemption rates will be identified as peak, standard, or off-peak as soon as nights are available for reservations and they won’t change once posted
- Peak and off-peak pricing is based on the geographic market, meaning that all properties within the same market will adhere to the same calendar
- There is no minimum or maximum number of nights that a property can designate as peak or off-peak. The majority of days will be set to standard redemption rates each year
- Free night certificates at Categories 1-4 will still be valid during peak times
I should have known this was coming. Hilton, Marriott and IHG all have dynamic award pricing. It makes sense that Hyatt would follow.
Unfortunately for my family, we are now traveling mostly during peak times. I have two reservations in Miami for spring break this year. Under the new chart, I’m sure those reservations would cost more.
If you were planning to book a Hyatt property during a peak time next year and you already have the points in your account, make your reservations before March 2020. I’m thankful that Hyatt at least gave us a decent heads up on this change.
Readers, are you bummed about this announcement from World of Hyatt?
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Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
I just added a few more details from One Mile at a Time.
I think I’m gonna cry!
@Stephanie Me, too. My upcoming nights in Costa Rica over spring break would for sure be peak pricing!
Interesting. On one hand, this is a devaluation for those who plan travel around major holidays (aka most families). On the other hand, I may benefit from off-peak pricing on Hyatt Regency Coconut Point. Since we live locally, we can just drive there any time of the year for the weekend. Going during slow season results in fewer crowds, and saving 6,000 points on two nights is a nice incentive. I do wonder how many weekend nights will be priced off-peak, my guess is not too many. I like new redemption values towards food, not bad at all.
I do wonder how free Hyatt card nights will work under this new arrangement.
@Leana Yes, this may work in your favor. I also wondered how or if this affects the free night certs, but I don’t see any mention of that yet. I’m not excited about the redemptions for food.