Hyatt award category changes (devaluation) coming

Back in February, Hyatt announced changes to its award pricing structure. At the time, it was already hinted that hotel categories would also be adjusted, though no details were released. Now, the full list is finally out.

For the full details, refer to the official page. In total, 112 hotels are moving up in category, while only 24 are moving down. Going against the overall devaluation trend, every single property in Greater China is dropping in category:

HotelCurrent CategoryNew Category
Grand Hyatt Dalian43
Hyatt Regency Beijing Shiyuan21
Andaz Nanjing Hexi32
Commune by the Great Wall32
Hyatt Place Chongli21
Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort76
Grand Hyatt Shenzhou Peninsula43
Grand Hyatt Sanya Haitang Bay Resort & Spa43
Hyatt Regency Sanya Tianli Bay32
Andaz Macau54

… which tells you pretty clearly what’s happening elsewhere – properties in other countries are seeing significant increases. Here are a few notable changes:

CountryHotelCurrentNew
JapanHyatt Regency Tokyo Bay34
JapanCaption by Hyatt Namba Osaka23
SingaporeThe Standard, Singapore43
FranceHôtel du Louvre78
GreeceGrand Hyatt Athens34
SpainThe Standard, Ibiza67
United KingdomPark Hyatt London River Thames78
United KingdomHyatt Place London City East43
UAEHyatt Place Dubai Jumeirah12
MexicoHyatt Centric Playa del Carmen43
United StatesThe Time New York65
United StatesAndaz 5th Avenue78

One important caveat: the award chart itself is also changing, so a category drop doesn’t automatically mean cheaper redemptions. You’ll still need to look at peak/off-peak pricing. For example, the highest price of a Category 1 can actually exceed the two lower tiers of Category 2.

All changes will take effect on 20 May. If you book before that date:

  • Price increases will not be repriced
  • Price decreases will automatically refund the difference in points

Also note that even if a hotel’s category stays the same, pricing may still go up after 20 May due to the new chart, so it’s worth locking in bookings sooner rather than later.

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