You can now reserve Hyatt suites online with points and enjoy great savings
Numerous airlines and hotels are utilizing the downtime caused by the coronavirus pandemic to refine their loyalty programs and technology.
One of these programs is the World of Hyatt. While the hotel chain is postponing the introduction of peak and off-peak pricing and planned award category changes (with the exception of five properties), it is accelerating some back-end enhancements.
The World of Hyatt program now enables members to utilize points to book or upgrade to suites online. As first reported by US Credit Card Guide, this new functionality is accessible through Hyatt's website and mobile app, applicable for both standard and premium suites.
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Reserving Hyatt suites online using points
The ability to reserve Hyatt suites online with points is a significant enhancement for members. Although booking suites with points isn’t a novel feature, it previously required contacting World of Hyatt customer service or messaging the concierge on Twitter.
You can book both standard and premium suites using the following award chart with free night awards or Points + Cash awards (with award values based on TPG's valuations):
| hotel category | Standard suite points per night | Standard suite Points + Cash | Premium suite points per night | Premium suite Points + Cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8,000 ($136) | 4,000 ($68) + cash | 10,000 ($170) | 5,000 ($85) + cash |
| 2 | 13,000 ($221) | 6,500 ($111) + cash | 16,000 ($272) | 8,000 ($136) + cash |
| 3 | 20,000 ($340) | 10,000 ($170) + cash | 24,000 ($408) | 12,000 ($204) + cash |
| 4 | 24,000 ($408) | 12,000 ($204) + cash | 30,000 ($510) | 15,000 ($255) + cash |
| 5 | 32,000 ($544) | 16,000 ($272) + cash | 40,000 ($680) | 20,000 ($340) + cash |
| 6 | 40,000 ($680) | 20,000 ($340) + cash | 50,000 ($850) | 25,000 ($425) + cash |
| 7 | 48,000 ($816) | 24,000 ($408) + cash | 60,000 ($1,020) | 30,000 ($510) + cash |
If you discover a budget-friendly paid night and prefer to use points for a guaranteed room upgrade, you can do so at the following rates:
- Regency Club or Grand Club upgrade: 3,000 points per night
- Standard suite upgrade: 6,000 points per night
- Premium suite upgrade: 9,000 points per night
Depending on the hotel and availability, you might be able to use your points for a presidential suite, maximizing their value. In a sample search, I discovered a presidential suite at the Hyatt Regency Orlando available for 24,000 points for a night in February. The cash rate for members is an incredible $11,671 (including taxes and fees), translating to an impressive value of 48.63 cents per point, which is nearly 29 times TPG's latest valuations.
Keep in mind that booking these suites could be even more beneficial through October, as the World of Hyatt program is currently offering discounts of 15% or 25% on awards until Oct. 8, 2020. Registration is required, but if you carry the World of Hyatt Credit Card, you’ll receive even more favorable award rates for stays in the coming months.
And of course, keep in mind that just because you can book these awards doesn't guarantee their availability. If you’re hoping to secure a suite with your points and don’t see any options online, you can always reach out to World of Hyatt customer service at 1-800-544-9288 for assistance. However, our preliminary tests show that the inventory available over the phone aligns with what’s on the website and app.
Bottom line
It's exciting to see a new feature introduced in the booking process for the World of Hyatt program. This is particularly advantageous for booking stays at hotels where standard room awards are seldom available or for travelers seeking additional space for their next vacation. However, with a more efficient online suite booking process, it’s possible that availability and complimentary upgrades for Globalist elite members may become scarcer in the future.
Remember that nearly all new Hyatt reservations—including both paid and award stays—with arrival dates through July 31, 2021, can be modified or canceled without any fee up to 24 hours before arrival. Hyatt is also extending elite status and the expiration of rewards, including upgrade certificates and free night awards (including those from the World of Hyatt Credit Card).
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