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Yesterday, Hyatt announced some hotel award category changes coming on March 22. Dang it! You can see all of the changes here. Some highlights include:
- 70 hotels are shifting to a higher category, while 76 are shifting to a lower category
- 14 properties are going from Category 4 to Category 5, making them ineligible for the credit card Category 1-4 free night. Fan favorites are:
- The Confidante Miami Beach
- Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina
- Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa
- Nine Hyatt properties are going up to 40,000 points per night, including:
- Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
- Park Hyatt New York
- Park Hyatt Sydney
- Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome
Overall, I’m not a fan of these category changes. Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport is going from Category 3 to Category 4. I’m also bummed about Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa in Texas increasing. My only consolation is that the nearby Hyatt Residence Club San Antonio Wild Oak Ranch is going from Category 5 to Category 4, making it eligible for the credit card free night. I’m pleasantly surprised that Andaz Papagayo in Costa Rica is not going up more.
Timing of Category Changes
These category changes go into effect on March 22, 2022. If you have plans to book a resort that is going up in category, you can book it before that date at the lower price. If you have already booked a hotel that is now going down in points, you will get those points refunded after March 22.
What do you think of these changes? Will you be locking in the lower price at any properties before March 22?
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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 am glad I was able to book Hyatt Place Farmington in SLC for 5k instead of 8k. Most travel bloggers are freaking out about the Park Hyatt, Andaz and Alila but as I mom poor on points I am focusing on the Hyatt Place and Hyatt House changes hahahaha. But I am sad to see Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay move from 4-5 so I can say good bye to my 1-4 certificate. And Hyatt Grand Cypress in Orlando moving to cat 4 is a bummer because 12k it was an amazing deal for a super fun family hotel.
@Tania I’m also more concerned about the number of Hyatt Place and Hyatt House changes! I love those 5000 points redemptions for a decent hotel. I’m glad you booked your SLC stay for 5k.
The Hill Country resort devaluation is a bummer. Love visiting there for a quick getaway from Dallas. May start a few speculative bookings there for the summer. Don’t know too much about the wild oak ranch, though it seems further from the lazy river.
@Edward The only thing I didn’t like about the Hill Country Resort were the full size beds (instead of queen). I’m also thinking about booking a night with a free night cert before the rates go up.
Hyatt always disappoints when they announce these changes. Seems like more US hotels going up than down, might check out the Hyatt in San Antonio now Cat 4 but I’d rather stay on the Riverwalk. Sad to see The Confidante in Miami Beach go up it was a great redemption. Stayed there last year and thought of going back.
Yes, a lot of folks are bummed about The Confidante. I recommend trying the Hyatt Residence Wild Oak Ranch. We visited their pool during our last trip to Hyatt Regency Hill Country and we liked what we saw.